I've been struggling this last week to cope - a combination of some family things and seven weeks into being on my own at work (where normally I have a team member) It got so bad I was waking in the early hours panicking and anxious. On Tuesday, exhausted, I ended up having a good cry at work. And I'm not used to doing that! But, God had arranged things and a lovely christian lady came and spent some time with me and prayed for me. Afterwards I felt better and was able to carry on with my work, where as before I just couldn't. We also meet a few of us at a church lunch club on a Tuesday and usually pray for a short time at the end. So I could share there and again someone prayed for me
On the train on the way home, I thought, 'I know I'll read a psalm, there's bound to be encouragement there!' The figure 81 popped into my head:
Psalm 81, v 6-7
6 "Now I will take the load from your shoulders;
I will free your hands from their heavy tasks.
7 You cried to me in trouble, and I saved you;
I answered out of the thundercloud
and tested your faith when there was no water at Meribah. Interlude
And I'm still holdng onto that verse! Funnily enough at the mens curry night and earlier in the week other people shared with me how sometimes they had this not sleeping thing. Or early waking with things on their mind. I had the picture of keeping spinning plates going. Letting go to God is letting go those plates. The fear is that they will all come crashing to the ground! In a way we almost have to say, 'OK God, I'm just going to let them crash', ie be prepared to let the worst happen. It's then that God steps in and handles things - and He often surprises us in the exact way He does handle things.
So, I am still struggling with that process above and feeling very run down. However, I have been praying more when waking and there has been peace in between. This morning I slept through till 6 after an early night, hallelujah!
I've wondered all week what the last line of verse 7 meant and maybe it's come to me this morning!
'no water at Meribah' = 'no strength of my own left'
'tested your faith' just that, ie there follows a natural test of your faith because you are forced to face relying on God more
So if you're feeling similar, I pray you are encouraged and comforted by my 'story', this week
Andy
Friday, 21 May 2010
Monday, 10 May 2010
Oasis
Hi
Had a great morning saturday at Oasis! It's amazing how resistant I felt to going, a bit like church sometimes! Though I've mostly learnt to use that feeling as a trigger to be determined to go, because there's good things from God waiting for me! Also, the first hour I just could not chill, I was like 'what time is it now, do I really have to be here till 12-30, three hours away?', and, 'ok, ok, c'mon, what's happening next then?' The next hour I did begin to feel the Holy Spirit's presence, though inevitably my mind wandered! It was as if the Lord was saying come on, come deeper, holding out His hand and wanting me to follow (deep calls out to deep)
I have been reading Psalm 46 this last week and that was one of the scriptures handed out to us during the morning along with Psalm 23, particulalry "He leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul' Other readings were:
Psalm 121, "3 He will not let you stumble; the one who watches over you will not slumber".
Psalm 138: 1, 7 & 8 "8 The Lord will work out his plans for my life - for your faithful love, O Lord , endures forever. Don't abandon me, for you made me",
Isaiah 54:10 10 For the mountains may move and the hills disappear, but even then my faithful love for you will remain. My covenant of blessing will never be broken," says the Lord , who has mercy on you
Psalm 139: 7-10
Footprints in the Sand was also read
And eventually I did get to still waters (about mid morning). I borrowed a cushion from the pile and lay down behind the pulpit at the front and just felt all the stress and strain gradually go out of my neck, back of head and shoulders - it was just so good! (and I didn't even know I had been carrying that around!)
At the end people shared:
A picture of stones being gradually washed smooth by the waves - God dealing gently with us and shaping us into what he created us for? Something beautifull and purposefull
A picture of a surfer relentlessly being knocked off their board, instead of riding the big waves all the way to the last little one then gliding in smoothly to the shore - our striving versus letting go and letting God bring us into the shore
Someone shared that they had really heard God's voice clearly and literally been in conversation with God, it's possible to learn how to do this, if you are interested I have a book and some notes from the first Oasis session when a visiting speaker explained something about this . .let me know
A birds eye view of someone in a round wooden structure with no roof. All the way round were doors with bad things written on them, eg shame, degradation, anger, fear, guilt. This person was looking anxiously at the doors and occasionally rushing to shut one. Then the picture changes to massive building blocks being built round the wooden structure, so the doors served no purpose any more and none of these bad things could threaten any more. A roof was put on the building, the roof was called Salvation. This was for me (and it may be for you in the same or a different way), I sometimes suffer from a disaster mentality, ie I imagine all sorts of horrible things, like the kids getting run over, or if something does happen I assume the very worst! The dish washer wasn't working yesterday and I immediatly thought 'oh no we cant afford a new one!' it was just the fuse of course! This disaster mentality, (when I'm feeling like this), can leave me on edge all the time, trying to manage things so there is no disaster! (there is no disaster, but the way I'm feeling there may as well be one!) - so I need to remember that song, 'The Lord is a strong tower' and run into it! OR The Lord has surrounded me with his strong protection, thanks Lord!
A picture of walking in the sand with solid rock underneath He is a sure foundation, totally dependable, Jesus never lets us down!
Had a great morning saturday at Oasis! It's amazing how resistant I felt to going, a bit like church sometimes! Though I've mostly learnt to use that feeling as a trigger to be determined to go, because there's good things from God waiting for me! Also, the first hour I just could not chill, I was like 'what time is it now, do I really have to be here till 12-30, three hours away?', and, 'ok, ok, c'mon, what's happening next then?' The next hour I did begin to feel the Holy Spirit's presence, though inevitably my mind wandered! It was as if the Lord was saying come on, come deeper, holding out His hand and wanting me to follow (deep calls out to deep)
I have been reading Psalm 46 this last week and that was one of the scriptures handed out to us during the morning along with Psalm 23, particulalry "He leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul' Other readings were:
Psalm 121, "3 He will not let you stumble; the one who watches over you will not slumber".
Psalm 138: 1, 7 & 8 "8 The Lord will work out his plans for my life - for your faithful love, O Lord , endures forever. Don't abandon me, for you made me",
Isaiah 54:10 10 For the mountains may move and the hills disappear, but even then my faithful love for you will remain. My covenant of blessing will never be broken," says the Lord , who has mercy on you
Psalm 139: 7-10
Footprints in the Sand was also read
And eventually I did get to still waters (about mid morning). I borrowed a cushion from the pile and lay down behind the pulpit at the front and just felt all the stress and strain gradually go out of my neck, back of head and shoulders - it was just so good! (and I didn't even know I had been carrying that around!)
At the end people shared:
A picture of stones being gradually washed smooth by the waves - God dealing gently with us and shaping us into what he created us for? Something beautifull and purposefull
A picture of a surfer relentlessly being knocked off their board, instead of riding the big waves all the way to the last little one then gliding in smoothly to the shore - our striving versus letting go and letting God bring us into the shore
Someone shared that they had really heard God's voice clearly and literally been in conversation with God, it's possible to learn how to do this, if you are interested I have a book and some notes from the first Oasis session when a visiting speaker explained something about this . .let me know
A birds eye view of someone in a round wooden structure with no roof. All the way round were doors with bad things written on them, eg shame, degradation, anger, fear, guilt. This person was looking anxiously at the doors and occasionally rushing to shut one. Then the picture changes to massive building blocks being built round the wooden structure, so the doors served no purpose any more and none of these bad things could threaten any more. A roof was put on the building, the roof was called Salvation. This was for me (and it may be for you in the same or a different way), I sometimes suffer from a disaster mentality, ie I imagine all sorts of horrible things, like the kids getting run over, or if something does happen I assume the very worst! The dish washer wasn't working yesterday and I immediatly thought 'oh no we cant afford a new one!' it was just the fuse of course! This disaster mentality, (when I'm feeling like this), can leave me on edge all the time, trying to manage things so there is no disaster! (there is no disaster, but the way I'm feeling there may as well be one!) - so I need to remember that song, 'The Lord is a strong tower' and run into it! OR The Lord has surrounded me with his strong protection, thanks Lord!
A picture of walking in the sand with solid rock underneath He is a sure foundation, totally dependable, Jesus never lets us down!
Friday, 7 May 2010
When Our River Runs Dry
In 95 or may be 96, I used to regularly go to a Sauna/Spa and often got to chatting with a few different people. Sat in the Jacuzzi one time I got chatting to a guy from Wigan who had had an accident, I think a car or motorbike had hit him from behind. He told me how, being in constant pain, he sought relief in a spiritualist church. He also told me, however, that he had tried to stop attending and that they were hounding him on the phone, really scaring him in an abusive way - I can't remember the exact details but it was spiritual attacks, possibly using anti Christian imagery, they obviously had some kind of hold over him. I had read a little at that time (but, didn't really know anything about delivery from such things) and asked him if he had been invited to accept a 'spiritual guide' in any of these services, he said no. A few weeks later I suggested to him that he allow me to organise some prayer for him. We managed to do this with a couple of people skilled in this area. I can't remember the exact sequence of events; however, after prayer one of the other’s interviewed him about his experience at the spiritualist church. It turned out he did accept a 'spiritual guide' and was told that this was a Chinese artist from the 19th century (a deceit). He was asked to repent of his involvement, which he did in prayer. Then one of us prayed, in the name of Jesus, for this spirit to leave him. During that prayer a vivid picture of a jester laughing and leering horribly suddenly popped into my mind and made me jump! I instinctively said, 'who are you laughing at, Jesus is laughing at you!', and it went immediately, which was a great relief! Afterward the guy appeared drunk/woozy and joyous, which I now take to be an infilling of the Holy Spirit, and/or some kind of release of inner joy, previously stopped up. It turned out he had once attended a church and we gave him information about attending church, contact details, etc, so hopefully he could continue with his healing journey. I have never met the guy again and I pray God continues to bless him whenever I remember what happened.
Psalm 46
1 God is our refuge and strength,
always ready to help in times of trouble.
2 So we will not fear when earthquakes come
and the mountains crumble into the sea.
3 Let the oceans roar and foam.
Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge! Interlude
4 A river brings joy to the city of our God,
the sacred home of the Most High.
5 God dwells in that city; it cannot be destroyed.
From the very break of day, God will protect it.
"This psalm encourages to hope and trust in God; in his power and providence, and his gracious presence with his church in the worst of times. We may apply it to spiritual enemies, and the encouragement we have that, through Christ, we shall be conquerors over them. He is a Help, a present Help, a Help found, one whom we have found to be so; a Help at hand, one that is always near; we cannot desire a better, nor shall we ever find the like in any creature. Let those be troubled at the troubling of the waters, who build their confidence on a floating foundation; but let not those be alarmed who are led to the Rock, and there find firm footing. Here is joy to the church, even in sorrowful times. The river alludes to the graces and consolations of the Holy Spirit, which flow through every part of the church, and through God's sacred ordinances, gladdening the heart of every believer. It is promised that the church shall not be moved. If God be in our hearts, by his word dwelling richly in us, we shall be established, we shall be helped; let us trust and not be afraid." Matthew Henry Bible Commentary - Matthew Henry 1662-1714
'spiritual enemies'
We may not face daily spiritual enemies as dramatically revealed as in the story above, however, the reality is we do each day have the choice as to whether we battle against instincts that would have us act dismissively, with a bad temper or with jealousy, for example. A number of us may be facing very trying circumstances, our health, the health of another, financial worries or family/friend worries. In all these circumstances we have choices. I guess we firstly have to recognise the bad choices, we can be angry with God but lets not stay with that, rather move on (flick through Psalms to see how David handled anger). Similarly we may be tempted to become bitter, morose or self pityfull. All may have their place for a while, we certainly need to move on though.
Perhaps we are praying for a breakthrough for someone else, or perhaps we have given up. So what do we do? How do we battle spiritual enemies?
'word dwelling richly in us'
Let the word (or message) of Christ dwell richly in you (Colossians 3:16). What is the message of Christ? Healing, forgiveness, reconciliation, redemption, restoration and provision, for example. What are the different ways we can move into these? Prayer, action(go say sorry to someone and or to God) bible study and worship on our own, in the car, on the train, whilst walking, when we first wake, during a quiet time, always have a Christian book on the go, play Christian music whenever you can. We can do all of these things with others – I find these things most intimately and effectively done in a prayer triplet and small/house group setting – join one if you are not in one!
We should take the opportunity of going to Oasis at church (a quiet morning where you get the chance for the Holy Spirit to minister to you and just to ‘rest’ in God’s presence, no pressure!) – Oasis 9-00 am Saturday the 8th of May/, St Peters, Church road Bolton.
'river of joy'
I really like, Matthew Henry’s, ‘Here is joy to the church, even in sorrowful times’ and from the bible, ‘A river brings joy to the city of our God’. It is possible to be in sad times and feel joy. Like a lot of prophecies this applies in a number of different ways. One way to look at this verse is to just say, ‘yep, that’s wonderful, that’s what it will be like in heaven’. In another sense though we are the spiritual city of God now and we are in a growing fulfilment of this picture. We can rightly seek a greater fulfilment both individually and together. So what is our spiritual reality and how do we come to experience what we read in this psalm. I mean I know we are saved and on our way to heaven but what about in the mean time? Maybe you are saying to yourself ‘I keep trying to do those things you mention Andy, but, it’s a massive effort, the words on the page are just words, I’m distracted when I start praying and it’s an effort to put some Christian music on and when I do, it’s just music and nothing more, so I give up’ How can we ‘prime our pumps’ ? Seek out someone, a friend, someone on the ministry team and get prayed for*, ask God to uncover your hunger. We all naturally have that spiritual hunger, just like we have physical hunger, it may need unblocking. Sometimes people have a problem with their appetite and they have to force feed themselves the first few mouthfuls before their appetite naturally returns, spiritually we sometimes have to do the same.
You may see fairly immediate results, if not keep seeking, persevere.
*We see in the bible instructions for the laying on of hands (and anointing with oil for healing) for consecration to a task, gifts/power (for example, Timothy, Stephen, in the bible) – seek it out, even for the smallest reason or even if you are not sure why – this is for every believer to do and receive
'every believer'
“12 The person who trusts me will not only do what I’m doing but even greater things, because I, on my way to the Father, am giving you the same work to do that I’ve been doing. You can count on it.13 From now on, whatever you request along the lines of who I am and what I am doing, I’ll do it. That’s how the Father will be seen for who he is in the Son. I mean it" John 14:12-13
“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds” 2 Corinthians 10:4
When you pray imagine in your mind ascending to God’s throne, now just slightly above you. Across from you is the person (or a visualisation of a problem eg pile of money) you are praying for, ask God to reveal to you the strongholds that are in the way of what is on your heart, then cast them down in the name of Jesus. Ask Jesus to bind them and send them to a place where they will remain till judgement day. Imagine them tied up, shrinking, falling away from you into a deep dark hole. Then look to Jesus on the throne and see his smiling/laughing/approving/affirming face.
By the way if you are really suffering I don’t mean to be simplistic or give hard words. I became depressed in 1999 and suffered a breakdown in 2000, from which it took me about four years to fully recover. Then, spiritually I was up and down a bit, largely asleep, if not spiritually dopey! This continued until two very significant things happened. My mum died in April 2008 and shortly after I went to Ansdell Baptist Church (Southport) and had a powerful experience of the Holy Spirit through laying on of hands (ask me if you want to know what a Holy Spirit/human 'fire tunnel' is!). With others from the parish I visited there on Friday nights and received continued blessings for my grief, a real invigoration, and a fantastic experience of joy (which still comes, and somehow I know how to get ‘there’, most of the time) I have seen a change in myself, as have others, in terms of my witness, blessing others, etc
Don't forget, the Lord is good to you all the time!
Amen? yes AMEN!
Andy
ps this is a good blog http://hiswill4me.blogspot.com/
Psalm 46
1 God is our refuge and strength,
always ready to help in times of trouble.
2 So we will not fear when earthquakes come
and the mountains crumble into the sea.
3 Let the oceans roar and foam.
Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge! Interlude
4 A river brings joy to the city of our God,
the sacred home of the Most High.
5 God dwells in that city; it cannot be destroyed.
From the very break of day, God will protect it.
"This psalm encourages to hope and trust in God; in his power and providence, and his gracious presence with his church in the worst of times. We may apply it to spiritual enemies, and the encouragement we have that, through Christ, we shall be conquerors over them. He is a Help, a present Help, a Help found, one whom we have found to be so; a Help at hand, one that is always near; we cannot desire a better, nor shall we ever find the like in any creature. Let those be troubled at the troubling of the waters, who build their confidence on a floating foundation; but let not those be alarmed who are led to the Rock, and there find firm footing. Here is joy to the church, even in sorrowful times. The river alludes to the graces and consolations of the Holy Spirit, which flow through every part of the church, and through God's sacred ordinances, gladdening the heart of every believer. It is promised that the church shall not be moved. If God be in our hearts, by his word dwelling richly in us, we shall be established, we shall be helped; let us trust and not be afraid." Matthew Henry Bible Commentary - Matthew Henry 1662-1714
'spiritual enemies'
We may not face daily spiritual enemies as dramatically revealed as in the story above, however, the reality is we do each day have the choice as to whether we battle against instincts that would have us act dismissively, with a bad temper or with jealousy, for example. A number of us may be facing very trying circumstances, our health, the health of another, financial worries or family/friend worries. In all these circumstances we have choices. I guess we firstly have to recognise the bad choices, we can be angry with God but lets not stay with that, rather move on (flick through Psalms to see how David handled anger). Similarly we may be tempted to become bitter, morose or self pityfull. All may have their place for a while, we certainly need to move on though.
Perhaps we are praying for a breakthrough for someone else, or perhaps we have given up. So what do we do? How do we battle spiritual enemies?
'word dwelling richly in us'
Let the word (or message) of Christ dwell richly in you (Colossians 3:16). What is the message of Christ? Healing, forgiveness, reconciliation, redemption, restoration and provision, for example. What are the different ways we can move into these? Prayer, action(go say sorry to someone and or to God) bible study and worship on our own, in the car, on the train, whilst walking, when we first wake, during a quiet time, always have a Christian book on the go, play Christian music whenever you can. We can do all of these things with others – I find these things most intimately and effectively done in a prayer triplet and small/house group setting – join one if you are not in one!
We should take the opportunity of going to Oasis at church (a quiet morning where you get the chance for the Holy Spirit to minister to you and just to ‘rest’ in God’s presence, no pressure!) – Oasis 9-00 am Saturday the 8th of May/, St Peters, Church road Bolton.
'river of joy'
I really like, Matthew Henry’s, ‘Here is joy to the church, even in sorrowful times’ and from the bible, ‘A river brings joy to the city of our God’. It is possible to be in sad times and feel joy. Like a lot of prophecies this applies in a number of different ways. One way to look at this verse is to just say, ‘yep, that’s wonderful, that’s what it will be like in heaven’. In another sense though we are the spiritual city of God now and we are in a growing fulfilment of this picture. We can rightly seek a greater fulfilment both individually and together. So what is our spiritual reality and how do we come to experience what we read in this psalm. I mean I know we are saved and on our way to heaven but what about in the mean time? Maybe you are saying to yourself ‘I keep trying to do those things you mention Andy, but, it’s a massive effort, the words on the page are just words, I’m distracted when I start praying and it’s an effort to put some Christian music on and when I do, it’s just music and nothing more, so I give up’ How can we ‘prime our pumps’ ? Seek out someone, a friend, someone on the ministry team and get prayed for*, ask God to uncover your hunger. We all naturally have that spiritual hunger, just like we have physical hunger, it may need unblocking. Sometimes people have a problem with their appetite and they have to force feed themselves the first few mouthfuls before their appetite naturally returns, spiritually we sometimes have to do the same.
You may see fairly immediate results, if not keep seeking, persevere.
*We see in the bible instructions for the laying on of hands (and anointing with oil for healing) for consecration to a task, gifts/power (for example, Timothy, Stephen, in the bible) – seek it out, even for the smallest reason or even if you are not sure why – this is for every believer to do and receive
'every believer'
“12 The person who trusts me will not only do what I’m doing but even greater things, because I, on my way to the Father, am giving you the same work to do that I’ve been doing. You can count on it.13 From now on, whatever you request along the lines of who I am and what I am doing, I’ll do it. That’s how the Father will be seen for who he is in the Son. I mean it" John 14:12-13
“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds” 2 Corinthians 10:4
When you pray imagine in your mind ascending to God’s throne, now just slightly above you. Across from you is the person (or a visualisation of a problem eg pile of money) you are praying for, ask God to reveal to you the strongholds that are in the way of what is on your heart, then cast them down in the name of Jesus. Ask Jesus to bind them and send them to a place where they will remain till judgement day. Imagine them tied up, shrinking, falling away from you into a deep dark hole. Then look to Jesus on the throne and see his smiling/laughing/approving/affirming face.
By the way if you are really suffering I don’t mean to be simplistic or give hard words. I became depressed in 1999 and suffered a breakdown in 2000, from which it took me about four years to fully recover. Then, spiritually I was up and down a bit, largely asleep, if not spiritually dopey! This continued until two very significant things happened. My mum died in April 2008 and shortly after I went to Ansdell Baptist Church (Southport) and had a powerful experience of the Holy Spirit through laying on of hands (ask me if you want to know what a Holy Spirit/human 'fire tunnel' is!). With others from the parish I visited there on Friday nights and received continued blessings for my grief, a real invigoration, and a fantastic experience of joy (which still comes, and somehow I know how to get ‘there’, most of the time) I have seen a change in myself, as have others, in terms of my witness, blessing others, etc
Don't forget, the Lord is good to you all the time!
Amen? yes AMEN!
Andy
ps this is a good blog http://hiswill4me.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, 28 April 2010
Wake up, Fill up and Get Going!
‘The Power of Possibility is within the Reach of Every Man’, Smith Wigglesworth
Ephesians 4:7-14 New Kings James Version
Ephesians 4:7-14 New Living Translation
7 However, he has given each one of us a special gifts through the generosity of Christ.8 That is why the Scriptures say,
"When he ascended to the heights,
he led a crowd of captives
and gave gifts to his people."
9 Notice that it says "he ascended." This clearly means that Christ also descended to our lowly world.10 And the same one who descended is the one who ascended higher than all the heavens, so that he might fill the entire universe with himself.
11 Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers.12 Their responsibility is to equip God's people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ.13 This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God's Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ.
14 Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won't be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth.15 Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.16 He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.
I know when I say to myself, ‘that’s not for me, that’s the job of an evangelist or someone with the gift of healing, of administration, of . . .’, hello excuses! We are all able to operate in most of the gifts (eg evangelism and healing) - there is a level of gifting and a growth into gifting . .
I find it hard if I am with a sick person to pray or, to even suggest it, even with close Christian friends! I was remembering yesterday about a picture I had a while ago. I thought at the time it was to do with strengthening me to cope. It was as if I was looking at myself and I was split top to bottom, peeled down to the left and right and a wooden statue was removed and an exact replica in stainless steel inserted – now I believe it was to do with courage, because since then I have been more courageous in offering to pray with people and lay on hands – though a way to go, for instance, just missed an opportunity to pray with a girl who may have had a stroke recently . .though she is further down the train, if only I had the courage – I should have gone and sat with her instead of writing this! Philipians 4:13 ‘I can do all things through Him who strengthens me’ and the all things is listed in Ephesians 4. (buy some baseball/basketball shoes with this verse on here)
We have a maker who is ready to do anything through us as we yield to Him, our potential is vast! ‘He who believes in me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do because I go to My Father’ John 14:12 And although Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, for example, ‘greater’ in this verse, in the Greek, refers to ‘quality’ not quantity . ..so what that could be, I don’t know!
In Wigglesworth’s time they tended to ‘tarry’, examine themselves for yieldedness, purity, unity, etc, whilst seeking the baptism of the Holy Spirit, these days, seeking the baptism or for more filling we tend to lay on hands – both together is probably good! Now what happens here is debated – is there an impartation through the person laying on the hands or else is something else going on – doesn’t really matter – we must seek it, we must get ourselves overflowing – what else are we living for? To hide in some corner of the church, getting comfortable and sleepy? Because, it’s no good you know, something will wake us up and better it’s the Lord with more of his gifts, more of His power! So come on Lord, shake us up, shake your church, ruin our plans, wreck our agenda’s, we want you and nothing else! We want to stand with you in the heavenlies, captives, getting clothed as apostles, pastors, teachers, healers, comforters, joy givers, world changers. Give us a warrior spirit, stop us pretending we are wounded, you are charging in from heaven with your warrior hordes, make us want to join, get mounted on a battle horse, swing our swords and defeat the enemy! Wake us Lord, open our spiritual eyes, I pray (Ephesians 5:14)
Ephesians 4:7-14 New Kings James Version
Ephesians 4:7-14 New Living Translation
7 However, he has given each one of us a special gifts through the generosity of Christ.8 That is why the Scriptures say,
"When he ascended to the heights,
he led a crowd of captives
and gave gifts to his people."
9 Notice that it says "he ascended." This clearly means that Christ also descended to our lowly world.10 And the same one who descended is the one who ascended higher than all the heavens, so that he might fill the entire universe with himself.
11 Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers.12 Their responsibility is to equip God's people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ.13 This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God's Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ.
14 Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won't be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth.15 Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.16 He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.
I know when I say to myself, ‘that’s not for me, that’s the job of an evangelist or someone with the gift of healing, of administration, of . . .’, hello excuses! We are all able to operate in most of the gifts (eg evangelism and healing) - there is a level of gifting and a growth into gifting . .
I find it hard if I am with a sick person to pray or, to even suggest it, even with close Christian friends! I was remembering yesterday about a picture I had a while ago. I thought at the time it was to do with strengthening me to cope. It was as if I was looking at myself and I was split top to bottom, peeled down to the left and right and a wooden statue was removed and an exact replica in stainless steel inserted – now I believe it was to do with courage, because since then I have been more courageous in offering to pray with people and lay on hands – though a way to go, for instance, just missed an opportunity to pray with a girl who may have had a stroke recently . .though she is further down the train, if only I had the courage – I should have gone and sat with her instead of writing this! Philipians 4:13 ‘I can do all things through Him who strengthens me’ and the all things is listed in Ephesians 4. (buy some baseball/basketball shoes with this verse on here)
We have a maker who is ready to do anything through us as we yield to Him, our potential is vast! ‘He who believes in me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do because I go to My Father’ John 14:12 And although Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, for example, ‘greater’ in this verse, in the Greek, refers to ‘quality’ not quantity . ..so what that could be, I don’t know!
In Wigglesworth’s time they tended to ‘tarry’, examine themselves for yieldedness, purity, unity, etc, whilst seeking the baptism of the Holy Spirit, these days, seeking the baptism or for more filling we tend to lay on hands – both together is probably good! Now what happens here is debated – is there an impartation through the person laying on the hands or else is something else going on – doesn’t really matter – we must seek it, we must get ourselves overflowing – what else are we living for? To hide in some corner of the church, getting comfortable and sleepy? Because, it’s no good you know, something will wake us up and better it’s the Lord with more of his gifts, more of His power! So come on Lord, shake us up, shake your church, ruin our plans, wreck our agenda’s, we want you and nothing else! We want to stand with you in the heavenlies, captives, getting clothed as apostles, pastors, teachers, healers, comforters, joy givers, world changers. Give us a warrior spirit, stop us pretending we are wounded, you are charging in from heaven with your warrior hordes, make us want to join, get mounted on a battle horse, swing our swords and defeat the enemy! Wake us Lord, open our spiritual eyes, I pray (Ephesians 5:14)
Friday, 23 April 2010
There is nothing more fruitfull than the promise of God. Isaiah 55:11 'It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit.
It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it.' http://www.youversion.com/bible/nlt/isa/55/11
In His hand is the thing we desire, in our hand is the thing we cannot let go of. If our hand already has something in it, God cannot easily put something new in it . .
Dear Lord,
Reveal to me the things I cannot let go of
. . .
. . . . have a quiet think under the Lord's direction
I pray that the power of _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ may be broken over me, loosed from me and bound in a place where it can never be loosed again, in Jesus name.
Thank you Lord that, unlike the things I find hard to let go of, your promises are not counterfeit and you truly satisfy my every need. Nor do your promises corrupt me or leave me bereft, you are my comforter
The good things you plant in me are mine forever, like a strong tree taking root. Thank you Lord that, though the ground has to be prepared in me, you are a gentle tiller, an easy hand on the plough.
Shake from me Lord, the dust of distraction, heal the wounds of those words that have hurt me, soothe my heart from the worries that take my eyes off you. Settle me so I can receive from you.
And give me a heart for all these kinds of things in other people, Lord. Let me be a worker of peace, a giver of encouragement, ready to pray with people for their healing and blessing, a breaker of despair and a bringer of salvation.
Just as your word to me produces fruit, may my words to others produce good fruit also
Amen
It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it.' http://www.youversion.com/bible/nlt/isa/55/11
In His hand is the thing we desire, in our hand is the thing we cannot let go of. If our hand already has something in it, God cannot easily put something new in it . .
Dear Lord,
Reveal to me the things I cannot let go of
. . .
. . . . have a quiet think under the Lord's direction
I pray that the power of _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ may be broken over me, loosed from me and bound in a place where it can never be loosed again, in Jesus name.
Thank you Lord that, unlike the things I find hard to let go of, your promises are not counterfeit and you truly satisfy my every need. Nor do your promises corrupt me or leave me bereft, you are my comforter
The good things you plant in me are mine forever, like a strong tree taking root. Thank you Lord that, though the ground has to be prepared in me, you are a gentle tiller, an easy hand on the plough.
Shake from me Lord, the dust of distraction, heal the wounds of those words that have hurt me, soothe my heart from the worries that take my eyes off you. Settle me so I can receive from you.
And give me a heart for all these kinds of things in other people, Lord. Let me be a worker of peace, a giver of encouragement, ready to pray with people for their healing and blessing, a breaker of despair and a bringer of salvation.
Just as your word to me produces fruit, may my words to others produce good fruit also
Amen
Wednesday, 14 April 2010
Rest assured, God IS doing a work in you
A friend was saying how recently she had been feeling vulnerable and less confident than normal. During prayer we realised that feeling like this can be a good reminder that we do rely on God for everything. Being weak we often forget this, especially when everything seems good. I have felt like this in the past, I remember feeling quite tearful every morning for a number of months, seemingly for no reason. What can we do when we feel like this?
Philipians 4:6-7 Lays out some steps for us and tells us what we can expect as a result! " 6 Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.7 Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus."
1. We can tell our Father how we're feeling or the particular thing that is worrying us. So, let worry be a prompt to pray, promise yourself that every time that thought comes into your head you're going to pray - your new reminder to pray!
2. Thank Him, as well as the 'counting our blessings' kind of thanking we can also thank Him for the particular bad circumstance or way we are feeling. Now this might sound strange at first, because we know that God does not bring bad things to us. However, when we thank God for something, we sanctify it and bring it into line with God's good purposes for us.
Not only do get to experience God's peace, he also guards our hearts from further worry!
Something else we can know in these circumstances is that God is doing a work in us. In my younger days instead of choosing to submit I would rebel. Later I tried wallowing in it, still rebellion, I just thought I had a good excuse! So we do have a choice, we can submit to God, whatever our circumstances, and at these times we are particularly 'melted' as it were and God can really change us! It's doesn't feel good at the time, but, it's exciting to know that, unlike people who aren't Christians, we are growing more like Jesus, we're on an exciting journey! If we are growing more like Him we can expect to do more of the things that He did when He was on earth, and that's exciting too!
Something else I noticed during bad times was that after pouring my heart out to God I was ready to listen to some worship music (for me this was in the car on the way to work). Emma and I have said to each other recently that if you don't fill you're heart with the good that space often gets filled by something else that might not be so good
So
Let it all out to God
Thank Him
Worship
Submit and let Him change you
And don't forget you're on an exciting journey where God wants to use you more and more - let Him get you ready for that!
Philipians 4:6-7 Lays out some steps for us and tells us what we can expect as a result! " 6 Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.7 Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus."
1. We can tell our Father how we're feeling or the particular thing that is worrying us. So, let worry be a prompt to pray, promise yourself that every time that thought comes into your head you're going to pray - your new reminder to pray!
2. Thank Him, as well as the 'counting our blessings' kind of thanking we can also thank Him for the particular bad circumstance or way we are feeling. Now this might sound strange at first, because we know that God does not bring bad things to us. However, when we thank God for something, we sanctify it and bring it into line with God's good purposes for us.
Not only do get to experience God's peace, he also guards our hearts from further worry!
Something else we can know in these circumstances is that God is doing a work in us. In my younger days instead of choosing to submit I would rebel. Later I tried wallowing in it, still rebellion, I just thought I had a good excuse! So we do have a choice, we can submit to God, whatever our circumstances, and at these times we are particularly 'melted' as it were and God can really change us! It's doesn't feel good at the time, but, it's exciting to know that, unlike people who aren't Christians, we are growing more like Jesus, we're on an exciting journey! If we are growing more like Him we can expect to do more of the things that He did when He was on earth, and that's exciting too!
Something else I noticed during bad times was that after pouring my heart out to God I was ready to listen to some worship music (for me this was in the car on the way to work). Emma and I have said to each other recently that if you don't fill you're heart with the good that space often gets filled by something else that might not be so good
So
Let it all out to God
Thank Him
Worship
Submit and let Him change you
And don't forget you're on an exciting journey where God wants to use you more and more - let Him get you ready for that!
Saturday, 10 April 2010
Don't hold onto those things that give fear
Psalm 14:5
There they shall be in great fear [literally--dreading a dread], for God is with the generation of the [uncompromisingly] righteous (those upright and in right standing with Him). Amplified Bible
There is something about this verse that is nudging my spirit, but I don't know what it is, some truth I can't quite get hold of . . I can see there is a comparison of people without God and people with God, but, there is also a link because of the word 'for' (almost a 'because') and I'm not sure what this means
Are people living in fear? Apparently we are in more fear than we were, we fear accidents, even though there are less than there used to be, we fear ill health even though medicine has taken great strides, we fear crime even though crime against people has decreased. People are less willing to just chat with strangers on the train or in the park, why? Are people 'dreading a dread'? What is it that people are keeping so busy to avoid? Perhaps the link is that just being without God causes this fear, this dread
But we, however, have a great confidence, we have peace instead of fear, for we are the 'generation of the righteous', through our repentance and acceptance of Christ and what he did for us. We are not orphans, we have a father, God himself. Imagine if as a child you had no parents, then of course, you would be fearful.
Thankfully we have a Father God who provides for us, forgives us and heals us.
Ephesians 1 from The Message, puts it like this: 4 Long before he laid down earth’s foundations, he had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of his love, to be made whole and holy by his love.5 Long, long ago he decided to adopt us into his family through Jesus Christ. (What pleasure he took in planning this!)
I just love the way my son Sam wants to be with me, it amazes me. Tonight he said 'I love going places with you Daddy' When we think of our father, our hearts say the same, 'We want to go where you're going Daddy' And where is God going? He's going after more orphans to get them into His family and He wants us to be part of it!
The Glory of our King, by Matt Redman
Sing it out, Sing an anthem to His name
A generation worshipping unashamed
We will run, we will run after your heart
We believe you are all that you say you are
There they shall be in great fear [literally--dreading a dread], for God is with the generation of the [uncompromisingly] righteous (those upright and in right standing with Him). Amplified Bible
There is something about this verse that is nudging my spirit, but I don't know what it is, some truth I can't quite get hold of . . I can see there is a comparison of people without God and people with God, but, there is also a link because of the word 'for' (almost a 'because') and I'm not sure what this means
Are people living in fear? Apparently we are in more fear than we were, we fear accidents, even though there are less than there used to be, we fear ill health even though medicine has taken great strides, we fear crime even though crime against people has decreased. People are less willing to just chat with strangers on the train or in the park, why? Are people 'dreading a dread'? What is it that people are keeping so busy to avoid? Perhaps the link is that just being without God causes this fear, this dread
But we, however, have a great confidence, we have peace instead of fear, for we are the 'generation of the righteous', through our repentance and acceptance of Christ and what he did for us. We are not orphans, we have a father, God himself. Imagine if as a child you had no parents, then of course, you would be fearful.
Thankfully we have a Father God who provides for us, forgives us and heals us.
Ephesians 1 from The Message, puts it like this: 4 Long before he laid down earth’s foundations, he had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of his love, to be made whole and holy by his love.5 Long, long ago he decided to adopt us into his family through Jesus Christ. (What pleasure he took in planning this!)
I just love the way my son Sam wants to be with me, it amazes me. Tonight he said 'I love going places with you Daddy' When we think of our father, our hearts say the same, 'We want to go where you're going Daddy' And where is God going? He's going after more orphans to get them into His family and He wants us to be part of it!
The Glory of our King, by Matt Redman
Sing it out, Sing an anthem to His name
A generation worshipping unashamed
We will run, we will run after your heart
We believe you are all that you say you are
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