we had fun at Elevate this week.
We were combined with a weekend conference here at the church. The team of ministers from Redding California were led by the main speakers Steve and his wife Wendy Bekleand.
they had many excellent things to say but let me briefly reviews some of the main concepts.
Re: Hope/hopelessness.
To be filled with hope means we are believing something that is true. When we have hopelessness we are believing a lie.
This is sourced in God's character. There is no situation in which God is hopeless, so there is no situation we are in where there is no hope. If God is true to his character than any time we have a circumstance or situation where we think all hope is lost we are believing a lie about God's character.
The enemy loves to do less with lies about God's character. He loves the steel hope and replace it with hopelessness.
There are no hopeless situations only hopeless people. So the circumstances are not the problem it's the conclusions that we put on it. When we look at our circumstances and conclude that there is no hope we have the problem.
This takes us to the idea that the highest form of spiritual warfare is in our thought processes. What we believe is more important than our behavior. Our conduct flows from our beliefs. If we believe situations can be hopeless we will behave as though they are hopeless. We need to change our belief system to mirror God's character, and we will begin to act as though all of life is filled with hope.
Regarding our mind and our spirit.
Our mind creates opportunities to diminish the importance of the Spirit. We were created to be more spirit than flash. We need to bring our flash into alignment and allow it to be trained by the Spirit. Our spirits should not be in balance with our minds, but rather our spirits should be in balance with God. When our minds are trained by our spirit our minds believe all things are possible, and we can do anything God wants done.
How we see something is more important than what we see. When we allow our eyes/mind to be trained by the Spirit we see things as God sees them. So it doesn't really matter what we are looking at, it matters how we look at it, our perspective.
We can sabotage the very blessings of God by viewing them through a negative stronghold in our mind. Any relationship, circumstance, or possession that God has blessed us with can be viewed negatively and even sabotaged into a curse because our minds filter it through a negative stronghold that God is not good, or good things cannot happen to us.
Regarding our imaginations.
If our imagination is at odds with our will be imagination will always win. If we use our willpower to lose weight, but we always imagine ourselves as being fat we will be fat. If we really want peace and kindness to rule our homes, but we can never imagined everyone getting along, then there'll always be arguments.
The examples go on and on. It is important to understand that the imagination does a win right away. Over time if our will and imagination argue with each other ultimately imagination wins.
In our imagination we understand, if God has done it at any time he can do it now. If God is done it anywhere he can do it here. If God has done it through any one he can do it through me.
So many things in our lives can be traced back to an improper alignment of our minds we Gods spirit.we must relentlessly pursue the renewing of our mind. We must look to God's Spirit to cleanse our mind of negative strongholds, and human rationale. As the Spirit of God reveals streams of thought that need to be changed, repentance needs to be a pattern in the renewing of our mind.
Even though our official elevates service will not be meeting every week, I will continue to try and blog each week.
We will see you a second and last Saturday in June, July, and August.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Monday, May 17, 2010
elevate may 15
this week we looked at some opportunities to get sidetracked when participating in God's work.
If we are not constantly developing the character of God, that is going through the process that God has is walking through we can get sidetracked and cause negative ramifications.
The first one we will call "speed without skill" it really has to do with the concept of maturity. Having one really good gift and being very singularly focused about that gift may get things started but without more training could get you killed.
We drew an example from 2 Samuel 2:18-23 .
There we saw a soldier with incredible speed. The soldier was able to spot the opposing general, and began to chase him down. The opposing general while running away made it clear that if the runner insisted on chasing him he (the General) would kill him. The runner remained singular and focus and with great speed close the gap on the much more experienced general. The general as promised killed the runner.
Many times people take off with a gift that God has given them. And they take on far more than they should. They decide to attack, or try to overtake a much larger aspect of the enemies territory than their experience in training would warrant. They even refused to listen to warnings that people throw their way. Ultimately the ministry is killed off by the opposition, and sometimes their gifting is lost forever.
The second one we will call "messy messenger" and he really has to do with not rushing into an assignment in which you are not fully informed.
We drew an example from 2 Samuel 18:19-33.
After a very long and strategic battle and message needed to get back to the king regarding all that it happened. The first messenger who wanted to go desperately wanted to be the first one to share the victory.
The second messenger was someone who had observed all that had occurred throughout the day was fully informed.
The general sent the fully informed messenger. The general knew that just reporting the victory was not enough. The messenger needed to be able to recount a full day's battle to the advisers that would be sitting in the room with the king.
He knew though the message might get their a little slower it needed to be complete.
The first messenger continued to push and beg the General to send him.a general finally relents, first runner is faster and those shortcut, and arrives to the King before the other runner. He informs the king of the victory, but cannot answer any of the Kings questions. As the other runner arrives the king pushes aside the first runner.
It is vital that our desire to be noticed, or to bring our message doesn't override the wisdom of those in authority over us. We must be willing to wait for God's timing so that we can be a trustworthy messenger. If we arrive first, we may be noticed but if we cannot answer questions and our message is incomplete we will not be considered a trustworthy messenger. We may be pushed aside by the king.
A third warning we looked at as the idea of being sensational with no substance" here we drew from the book of Judges chapter 16. It's the story of the capture of Samson. Although Samson's story seems complicated the common thread through all of it is pride. Samson did sensational things when the Spirit of God came upon him. Samson never had the substance of God's character to recognize God's Spirit, and took credit for what he thought he controlled.
So wrapped up in pride Samson believed God needed him to accomplish God's will on this earth. When God lifted the gifts of strength from Samson, Samson didn't even notice. Without the spirit of God upon him he was blinded, bound up, and imprisoned by the enemy. If Samson had had the substance of God's character within him, he would've recognized God's Spirit when it was upon him is what gave him the strength, and he definitely would've noticed when God's Spirit was lifted.
In essence we said this
when you put gifting over character, or position over processed you are in danger of,
being blinded, being bound up, being imprisoned, being killed, or being pushed aside.
When you put character over gifting, and process over position you receive,
God's heart, victory over your enemy, freedom to be successful in God's call, you are seen as a trusted messenger.
If we are not constantly developing the character of God, that is going through the process that God has is walking through we can get sidetracked and cause negative ramifications.
The first one we will call "speed without skill" it really has to do with the concept of maturity. Having one really good gift and being very singularly focused about that gift may get things started but without more training could get you killed.
We drew an example from 2 Samuel 2:18-23 .
There we saw a soldier with incredible speed. The soldier was able to spot the opposing general, and began to chase him down. The opposing general while running away made it clear that if the runner insisted on chasing him he (the General) would kill him. The runner remained singular and focus and with great speed close the gap on the much more experienced general. The general as promised killed the runner.
Many times people take off with a gift that God has given them. And they take on far more than they should. They decide to attack, or try to overtake a much larger aspect of the enemies territory than their experience in training would warrant. They even refused to listen to warnings that people throw their way. Ultimately the ministry is killed off by the opposition, and sometimes their gifting is lost forever.
The second one we will call "messy messenger" and he really has to do with not rushing into an assignment in which you are not fully informed.
We drew an example from 2 Samuel 18:19-33.
After a very long and strategic battle and message needed to get back to the king regarding all that it happened. The first messenger who wanted to go desperately wanted to be the first one to share the victory.
The second messenger was someone who had observed all that had occurred throughout the day was fully informed.
The general sent the fully informed messenger. The general knew that just reporting the victory was not enough. The messenger needed to be able to recount a full day's battle to the advisers that would be sitting in the room with the king.
He knew though the message might get their a little slower it needed to be complete.
The first messenger continued to push and beg the General to send him.a general finally relents, first runner is faster and those shortcut, and arrives to the King before the other runner. He informs the king of the victory, but cannot answer any of the Kings questions. As the other runner arrives the king pushes aside the first runner.
It is vital that our desire to be noticed, or to bring our message doesn't override the wisdom of those in authority over us. We must be willing to wait for God's timing so that we can be a trustworthy messenger. If we arrive first, we may be noticed but if we cannot answer questions and our message is incomplete we will not be considered a trustworthy messenger. We may be pushed aside by the king.
A third warning we looked at as the idea of being sensational with no substance" here we drew from the book of Judges chapter 16. It's the story of the capture of Samson. Although Samson's story seems complicated the common thread through all of it is pride. Samson did sensational things when the Spirit of God came upon him. Samson never had the substance of God's character to recognize God's Spirit, and took credit for what he thought he controlled.
So wrapped up in pride Samson believed God needed him to accomplish God's will on this earth. When God lifted the gifts of strength from Samson, Samson didn't even notice. Without the spirit of God upon him he was blinded, bound up, and imprisoned by the enemy. If Samson had had the substance of God's character within him, he would've recognized God's Spirit when it was upon him is what gave him the strength, and he definitely would've noticed when God's Spirit was lifted.
In essence we said this
when you put gifting over character, or position over processed you are in danger of,
being blinded, being bound up, being imprisoned, being killed, or being pushed aside.
When you put character over gifting, and process over position you receive,
God's heart, victory over your enemy, freedom to be successful in God's call, you are seen as a trusted messenger.
Monday, May 10, 2010
elevate may 8
At elevate this week, we continued our study on the concept of revival.
One of the words that often gets used in the context of revival is the word "repentance". The concept of repentance is one that I believe has suffered from the modern approach to Bible study. In the modern era everything was boiled down to its lowest common denominator. By simplifying the definitions there was a hope that everyone would be a will to agree on foundational truths. This did not occur and actually resulted in multiple divisions amongst believers as well as a lot of ugly fighting. This is not what this blog is about but I'm pretty sure I covered it in an earlier one.
We took the word repentance and expanded or some would say complicate its definition by looking at the book of Acts Chapter 2.
The key idea of repentance was broken up into three concepts. The first one is the idea of Revelation, the second repentance, and the third turning. We also want to make clear that repentance is not something only the unsaved person can do. Repentance is something all of us should participate in regardless of our relationship with God
Revelation is sourced in God. It's the idea that God starts the process of repentance through the prompting of his spirit. Now revelation can occur directly to the person from God's Spirit. Or it could be brought to him through some other source like a person, a miracle, some form of the arts, an aspect of God's creation, all of these things can be used to start the conversation between the individual and God.
Repentance is more than "pain of the mind" it is really a change of mind. When you repent because of some pain that you are in , humiliation, embarrassment, or just plain feeling bad, it's not a bad place to start but true repentance doesn't end there. Repentance allows you to see things from God's perspective. Repentance when done as God intended allows you to see what you've done from his viewpoint. God does not use guilt, manipulation, humiliation to make you do what he wants done. The self inflicted repentance uses those things.
So if we have responded to Godly revelation in a Godly way, the end result will be true repentance where we see ourselves or our sin the way God does.
Which leads us to the third part the turning, The turning is just that it is a new direction. The old direction is the direction of self, pride, intellect, reason, but God’s way he does not use those things. God's Way the way that we turn to when we repent produces godly characteristics and our lives. We seek God's will/plan on earth.
When the first two aspects are in repentance the last thing we do, "the turning" is something that becomes very natural. Doing God's will is so easily stepped into that people may think we are under some sort of chemical influence because of how uninhibited we are in the way we present God in everything we do.
One of the words that often gets used in the context of revival is the word "repentance". The concept of repentance is one that I believe has suffered from the modern approach to Bible study. In the modern era everything was boiled down to its lowest common denominator. By simplifying the definitions there was a hope that everyone would be a will to agree on foundational truths. This did not occur and actually resulted in multiple divisions amongst believers as well as a lot of ugly fighting. This is not what this blog is about but I'm pretty sure I covered it in an earlier one.
We took the word repentance and expanded or some would say complicate its definition by looking at the book of Acts Chapter 2.
The key idea of repentance was broken up into three concepts. The first one is the idea of Revelation, the second repentance, and the third turning. We also want to make clear that repentance is not something only the unsaved person can do. Repentance is something all of us should participate in regardless of our relationship with God
Revelation is sourced in God. It's the idea that God starts the process of repentance through the prompting of his spirit. Now revelation can occur directly to the person from God's Spirit. Or it could be brought to him through some other source like a person, a miracle, some form of the arts, an aspect of God's creation, all of these things can be used to start the conversation between the individual and God.
Repentance is more than "pain of the mind" it is really a change of mind. When you repent because of some pain that you are in , humiliation, embarrassment, or just plain feeling bad, it's not a bad place to start but true repentance doesn't end there. Repentance allows you to see things from God's perspective. Repentance when done as God intended allows you to see what you've done from his viewpoint. God does not use guilt, manipulation, humiliation to make you do what he wants done. The self inflicted repentance uses those things.
So if we have responded to Godly revelation in a Godly way, the end result will be true repentance where we see ourselves or our sin the way God does.
Which leads us to the third part the turning, The turning is just that it is a new direction. The old direction is the direction of self, pride, intellect, reason, but God’s way he does not use those things. God's Way the way that we turn to when we repent produces godly characteristics and our lives. We seek God's will/plan on earth.
When the first two aspects are in repentance the last thing we do, "the turning" is something that becomes very natural. Doing God's will is so easily stepped into that people may think we are under some sort of chemical influence because of how uninhibited we are in the way we present God in everything we do.
Monday, May 3, 2010
elevate may 1
we were blessed this week with a visit from Brian Lahoue, and his team from Cambridge Mass..Bryant heads up the ministry called "The Awakening". It involves a consistent outreach into the Harvard Square area of Cambridge. And the desire for the awakening of spiritually dead but academically brilliant people at Harvard University.
You can find them on Facebook at "The Awakening, Harvard Square".
Brian brought a good message reminding us of the authority, of God's kingdom that Jesus left with us when he commissioned us to go forth and make disciples of the world. We are in a position of authority to take back what the enemy has stolen. We have the opportunity to not only represent our King, but to recapture his original intent for his creation.
It was a good reminder to be on the offensive for our King. Not on the defensive ,just trying to survive in a world filled with the enemy's philosophies and practices.
The ministry time was a time of sweet revival. As the worship team lead us through songs and praises, Brian and his team used their anointing to bring an a cute awareness of God's presence in our meeting.
One particular call for healing cock my attention, and I will share with you why.
Brian called up someone who is having problems with their jaw, particularly pain.
This made me almost jumped from my seat, actually my hand shot up first and then I jumped up from my seat.
About three months ago I was hit with an acute case of TMJ. I was in tremendous pain and went immediately to the emergency room where I was given muscle relaxer, and painkiller. These both helped slightly, but there seem to be something more going on. As a number people interceded over what was happening, and the events leading up to when it started it was pretty clear to most people including myself that this was a spiritual thing not a physical thing.
I sought God regarding its effects and why it was occurring. He revealed it to me through a prayer team consisting teenagers from our student ministries Department. As they prayed over me one of them spoke clearly that this had to do with verbal judgments that I had spoken against other people in Ministry. Those judgments had given the enemy and opportunity to throw a dagger at my jaw and cause this physical manifestation. When that student said those words I knew it was true. I had spent many hours over my years of Ministry speaking judgments over those I did not agree with, or thought they should be doing a better job.
As I started to confess in general right there the pain dissipated, and I no longer needed any sort of pain medication. I had far more to confess than just the first few minutes in a prayer circle.Over the next few weeks God faithfully brought to mind people that I had judged verbally. I sought repentance from God and from those I could get a hold of I asked for forgiveness from them as well. It was a wonderful journey, but my jaw still did not work.
I went to doctors, and chiropractors and they would tell me the same thing. You jaw muscle is swollen, you should be happy you're not in pain, eat soft things everything should be fine in a few weeks.
My heart told me I needed to wait for complete healing. I needed to wait because God wanted to remind me how powerful my jaw can be.The words I speak and especially the judgments that I had spoken can cause a lot of pain. The words I speak in teaching and encouragement also cause a lot of joy. So each day that my jaw did not work each time I would attempt to bite down on something that I can no longer eat because my muscle wouldn't let me, I took as a reminder to be careful what I say.
And I waited.
I could have sought out people who I know have healed other people. I believed God wanted me to wait until He called me out. Until He revealed to somebody that I needed healing.
That occurred on Saturday night.
After I jumped out of my seat and went forward and received prayer, my jaw completely closed. I enjoyed a large family gathering on Sunday afternoon, without any hesitation to eat whatever I wanted.
I thank God for the healing. I thank God for the opportunity to learn a lesson. I pray I will never forget either.
You can find them on Facebook at "The Awakening, Harvard Square".
Brian brought a good message reminding us of the authority, of God's kingdom that Jesus left with us when he commissioned us to go forth and make disciples of the world. We are in a position of authority to take back what the enemy has stolen. We have the opportunity to not only represent our King, but to recapture his original intent for his creation.
It was a good reminder to be on the offensive for our King. Not on the defensive ,just trying to survive in a world filled with the enemy's philosophies and practices.
The ministry time was a time of sweet revival. As the worship team lead us through songs and praises, Brian and his team used their anointing to bring an a cute awareness of God's presence in our meeting.
One particular call for healing cock my attention, and I will share with you why.
Brian called up someone who is having problems with their jaw, particularly pain.
This made me almost jumped from my seat, actually my hand shot up first and then I jumped up from my seat.
About three months ago I was hit with an acute case of TMJ. I was in tremendous pain and went immediately to the emergency room where I was given muscle relaxer, and painkiller. These both helped slightly, but there seem to be something more going on. As a number people interceded over what was happening, and the events leading up to when it started it was pretty clear to most people including myself that this was a spiritual thing not a physical thing.
I sought God regarding its effects and why it was occurring. He revealed it to me through a prayer team consisting teenagers from our student ministries Department. As they prayed over me one of them spoke clearly that this had to do with verbal judgments that I had spoken against other people in Ministry. Those judgments had given the enemy and opportunity to throw a dagger at my jaw and cause this physical manifestation. When that student said those words I knew it was true. I had spent many hours over my years of Ministry speaking judgments over those I did not agree with, or thought they should be doing a better job.
As I started to confess in general right there the pain dissipated, and I no longer needed any sort of pain medication. I had far more to confess than just the first few minutes in a prayer circle.Over the next few weeks God faithfully brought to mind people that I had judged verbally. I sought repentance from God and from those I could get a hold of I asked for forgiveness from them as well. It was a wonderful journey, but my jaw still did not work.
I went to doctors, and chiropractors and they would tell me the same thing. You jaw muscle is swollen, you should be happy you're not in pain, eat soft things everything should be fine in a few weeks.
My heart told me I needed to wait for complete healing. I needed to wait because God wanted to remind me how powerful my jaw can be.The words I speak and especially the judgments that I had spoken can cause a lot of pain. The words I speak in teaching and encouragement also cause a lot of joy. So each day that my jaw did not work each time I would attempt to bite down on something that I can no longer eat because my muscle wouldn't let me, I took as a reminder to be careful what I say.
And I waited.
I could have sought out people who I know have healed other people. I believed God wanted me to wait until He called me out. Until He revealed to somebody that I needed healing.
That occurred on Saturday night.
After I jumped out of my seat and went forward and received prayer, my jaw completely closed. I enjoyed a large family gathering on Sunday afternoon, without any hesitation to eat whatever I wanted.
I thank God for the healing. I thank God for the opportunity to learn a lesson. I pray I will never forget either.
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