Not everything is as our society defines it. Not everything that exists can be seen. Just because we have yet to experience something does not mean it isn't real. If these things are true statements then we should not allow our society to define our reality but instead understand that our reality is defined by the Creator of heaven and earth.
We are warriors. Not warriors as our society defines them. We do not walk around with guns. We do not have mad martial art skills. We are not muscle bound freaks. Most of us aren't even much to look at. Our skills are limited. Our education is limited. Our finances are limited. Our circle of friends is limited. But we serve a King who is unlimited and he has called us into his service. We are his warriors. And our weapons are the most powerful weapons in all of creation, if only we would learn to use them:
Although we live in the world, we don’t fight our battles with human methods. Our weapons that we fight with aren’t human, but instead they are powered by God for the destruction of fortresses. They destroy arguments, and every defense that is raised up to oppose the knowledge of God. They capture every thought to make it obedient to Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:3-5)
Our problem is that we have been raised and educated in the system of this world. It feels familiar and comfortable to us. So when Jesus teaches us that there is a better way there is a lot of resistance on our part.
When Paul describes the Church as a body and explains that each of us are a part of it, as assigned by the Spirit and we are to work together for our common goal, we know that the only way this is possible is supernaturally because we don't get along very well. Then he tells us that there is one way that makes this possible. The enemy has tried to mimic this in the world but self-centeredness always exposes the truth of the matter. Paul describes this one way with great poetry:
Love is patient, love is kind, it isn’t jealous, it doesn’t brag, it isn’t arrogant, it isn’t rude, it doesn’t seek its own advantage, it isn’t irritable, it doesn’t keep a record of complaints, it isn’t happy with injustice, but it is happy with the truth. Love puts up with all things, trusts in all things, hopes for all things, endures all things. (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)
That is the supernatural love of Jesus worked out through us. The world can't live this because you need the Holy Spirit to do it. Your flesh will rise up against it and it is only in submission to Jesus that the Spirit is able to win over the flesh.
We are warriors of love, setting aside hate, fear, prejudice, revenge, rights, self. We are warriors who love those who hate us and pray for those who persecute us. We are warriors who pray in love against the dark fortresses that imprison the lost, the blind, the poor, the spiritual destitute. In love we are friends with the enemies of our Saviour for the sake of their salvation. We stand in the cesspools of our society, holding out the only hope that exists. We are warriors who fight against the dark principalities, praying for those who don't know enough to pray for themselves, be they friend or foe.
Perhaps we have been confused by the system of this world to think we are fighting for our rights. We are mistaken to defend ourselves in fear and hatred, with bitter and angry words, using insults and slurs. We have all the rights of the Kingdom of which we are citizens, something of much greater worth than rights on this earth. We aren't here to defend ourselves but to fight for those who would silence us, behead us, make us less than themselves, who perceive us as their enemy. We are hear to fight with a love that desires everyone to be saved from the judgement close at hand. Let us fight with the methods of our Lord.
Showing posts with label warriors. Show all posts
Showing posts with label warriors. Show all posts
Monday, July 6, 2015
Saturday, April 12, 2014
Real Warriors Of The Kingdom
It seems that life is composed of a great many hills and valleys. One day you seem to be on top of the world and the next you are lost in a valley, your vision obscured by the hills. One day you seem to understand plainly and the next your thoughts are all muddled. One day you are overwhelmed by the presence of the Lord and the next he seems to be nowhere in sight. From all of our experience and from the Holy Scriptures we should have a clear understanding that our spiritual walk is a daily experience. We build upon yesterday's experience but today is unique all on its own.
You cannot rest on yesterday's victories. It is great that yesterday was a day of mercy and grace, and that you overcame many difficulties in the day. It is great that you faced testing and passed. It is great that yesterday was one to go down in your personal history books. But what about today? What about the challenges you face today? What about the battles, the testing, the intercessions of today? Have you allowed yesterday's victories to lower your guard? Have you considered yesterday's triumphs an excuse to rest a bit?
We make the mistake of picturing the spiritual like the physical. After every great physical battle there is always a reprieve, a time of rest. However, the spiritual battles take place on our knees and the enemy's tactic is to prevent us from ever getting there. Each day is almost a physical and mental battle just to drop to our knees, to engage in prayer. Everything is set against us to prevent it. But we must see it as a daily duty as warriors in the battle for souls in this darkening world; also to find new energy and strength for the day.
Every day we have to set our heart to seeking Yahweh's face. Every day we need to desire after his will. Every day we must long for that sweet fellowship with Jesus through the Spirit. It should be the first thing on our mind when we awake and the last thing as we fall asleep. I like to consider Daniel in this matter. He was a giant of a warrior when it came to this fight. His understanding was limited compared to ours as we live on this side of the cross and yet the man held true to the knowledge he had.
Despite what the enemy contrived to stop him from praying, Daniel persisted. It even cost him the experience of the lion's den, but Daniel would not back down. Because of his forced habit of prayer, much was given to Daniel, much was revealed and he had an incredible relationship with Yahweh. It was because of his fasting, prayer and fervent desire to be as close to Yahweh as possible that Daniel was used by Yahweh and he was also given great vision and understanding. On one occasion the angel addressed him like this:
O Daniel, man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak to you, and stand upright, for I have now been sent to you. (Daniel 10:11)
Who of us would not desire to be addressed by Jesus as "greatly beloved"? And consider the results of Daniels life of prayer and devotion to the will of Yahweh:
Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words. (v.12)
This wasn't because Daniel prayed on occasion or was a "good" man. This was because Daniel made it his life purpose to understand Yahweh, to humble himself before Yahweh and because he prayed. This was not an occasional thing but a daily habit. Daniel was thrown to the lions because he refused to change his discipline of praying in his room three times a day. He refused to back down from what he started: seeking the face of his God.
Daniel did not know Jesus. He did not experience the knowledge of the cross, the empty grave or the Holy Spirit. He did not know what we know now and yet he knew enough to desire with all his heart to seek the face of Yahweh. We are without excuse. We are lazy and our love is not genuine. If it was genuine then all our energy would go into doing what Jesus instructed us to do and following the example that he set. If Jesus found it necessary to get up early in the morning and stay up late at night to talk with his Father, should that not tell us something. Yet here we are trying to live a godly life with no power because we do not pray.
Yes, we say our quick little prayers throughout the day, which is important, but it is not the relationship developing, battle fighting prayers of our closets. The fact you spent an hour in prayer yesterday is fantastic according to yesterday's relationship and battles. But what about today? What about the people who need your intercession today? What about the instruction the Spirit wants to give you today? What about seeking Yahweh's face today?
We are without excuse. We know our place and the importance of the relationship. We know all the scripture that teach the importance of prayer. We know relationship develops in prayer. We know revival happens in prayer. We know that situations and hearts change because of prayer. We know that daily instruction is given in prayer. We know it is a daily walk. We know all this, so why are we so lazy, distracted and disobedient?
You cannot rest on yesterday's victories. It is great that yesterday was a day of mercy and grace, and that you overcame many difficulties in the day. It is great that you faced testing and passed. It is great that yesterday was one to go down in your personal history books. But what about today? What about the challenges you face today? What about the battles, the testing, the intercessions of today? Have you allowed yesterday's victories to lower your guard? Have you considered yesterday's triumphs an excuse to rest a bit?
We make the mistake of picturing the spiritual like the physical. After every great physical battle there is always a reprieve, a time of rest. However, the spiritual battles take place on our knees and the enemy's tactic is to prevent us from ever getting there. Each day is almost a physical and mental battle just to drop to our knees, to engage in prayer. Everything is set against us to prevent it. But we must see it as a daily duty as warriors in the battle for souls in this darkening world; also to find new energy and strength for the day.
Every day we have to set our heart to seeking Yahweh's face. Every day we need to desire after his will. Every day we must long for that sweet fellowship with Jesus through the Spirit. It should be the first thing on our mind when we awake and the last thing as we fall asleep. I like to consider Daniel in this matter. He was a giant of a warrior when it came to this fight. His understanding was limited compared to ours as we live on this side of the cross and yet the man held true to the knowledge he had.
Despite what the enemy contrived to stop him from praying, Daniel persisted. It even cost him the experience of the lion's den, but Daniel would not back down. Because of his forced habit of prayer, much was given to Daniel, much was revealed and he had an incredible relationship with Yahweh. It was because of his fasting, prayer and fervent desire to be as close to Yahweh as possible that Daniel was used by Yahweh and he was also given great vision and understanding. On one occasion the angel addressed him like this:
O Daniel, man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak to you, and stand upright, for I have now been sent to you. (Daniel 10:11)
Who of us would not desire to be addressed by Jesus as "greatly beloved"? And consider the results of Daniels life of prayer and devotion to the will of Yahweh:
Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words. (v.12)
This wasn't because Daniel prayed on occasion or was a "good" man. This was because Daniel made it his life purpose to understand Yahweh, to humble himself before Yahweh and because he prayed. This was not an occasional thing but a daily habit. Daniel was thrown to the lions because he refused to change his discipline of praying in his room three times a day. He refused to back down from what he started: seeking the face of his God.
Daniel did not know Jesus. He did not experience the knowledge of the cross, the empty grave or the Holy Spirit. He did not know what we know now and yet he knew enough to desire with all his heart to seek the face of Yahweh. We are without excuse. We are lazy and our love is not genuine. If it was genuine then all our energy would go into doing what Jesus instructed us to do and following the example that he set. If Jesus found it necessary to get up early in the morning and stay up late at night to talk with his Father, should that not tell us something. Yet here we are trying to live a godly life with no power because we do not pray.
Yes, we say our quick little prayers throughout the day, which is important, but it is not the relationship developing, battle fighting prayers of our closets. The fact you spent an hour in prayer yesterday is fantastic according to yesterday's relationship and battles. But what about today? What about the people who need your intercession today? What about the instruction the Spirit wants to give you today? What about seeking Yahweh's face today?
We are without excuse. We know our place and the importance of the relationship. We know all the scripture that teach the importance of prayer. We know relationship develops in prayer. We know revival happens in prayer. We know that situations and hearts change because of prayer. We know that daily instruction is given in prayer. We know it is a daily walk. We know all this, so why are we so lazy, distracted and disobedient?
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Wake Up Warriors, It's Not About Us!
There is no doubt that you are going to face some difficult times in your life. You can't live in a fallen world without running into some hardships. Some people seem to face more than their fair share, but then again, who are we to define fair. The question is, how are you going to deal with these things when they happen? Will you panic, fall apart and generally not handle it well? Will you run to someone you trust for the answers, taking whatever advice they have to hand out? Will you just ignore it and hope it goes away? There are plenty of ways of handling or not handling the difficulties of living in this world.
The question is not if these things will happen but what you will do when you come upon them. May I suggest that you change your perspective. Part of our problem is that we measure everything by the standards of this world, but we no longer belong to those standards. We have new standards and a new method of measurement. We have a new measurement of success and failure; a new measurement of riches; a new measurement of values; a new measurement of purpose; a new measurement of what is important.
Face it, this world and the various societies belonging to it are pretty messed up and getting worse by the day. They pursue logical argument and what seems right. They are absolutely convinced in themselves that their logic and the arguments behind the logic are solid because they seem right to them. But since the Fall we have not been able to trust our own thinking and judgment on matters. We needed a higher standard, something outside of the depraved thinking that resulted from the Fall.
As you face some of the difficulties of living here do not trust your logic or emotions. Do not trust the wisdom of this world. Do not look around this place for a lifeline or an example to follow. Do not model yourself after the perceived success of this place. You, child of God, have only one source for all things, and his name is Jesus. In troubled times we are not troubled. Instead we find strength in truths and standards that cannot be changed or re-shaped by the storms of this place:
"If we died with him,
we will also live with him;
if we endure,
we will also reign with him.
If we disown him,
he will also disown us;
if we are faithless,
he will remain faithful,
for he cannot disown himself." (2 Timothy 2:11-13)
These are a few truths that are stones in the foundation of our faith. These truths are unchangeable, regardless of our circumstances. From these things we draw strength and are able to continue with joy. They are not just words but truths that strengthen our mind, heart, spirit and body, to stay the course, to stand our ground.
If the warriors of the Kingdom could be stopped by mere circumstances and hardships of this world, the Church would have died long ago. But we can't be stopped because our worth, value, standards and measurements are not from this place but from the Kingdom of which we are citizens. We are strengthened in this place beyond our own sake but so that we may be of use to our King in bringing salvation to the lost. Wake up warriors, it's not about us! Stop panicking, get back in the ranks, trust the King and stand your ground. Now sing with the joy that comes from the assurance of our salvation!
The question is not if these things will happen but what you will do when you come upon them. May I suggest that you change your perspective. Part of our problem is that we measure everything by the standards of this world, but we no longer belong to those standards. We have new standards and a new method of measurement. We have a new measurement of success and failure; a new measurement of riches; a new measurement of values; a new measurement of purpose; a new measurement of what is important.
Face it, this world and the various societies belonging to it are pretty messed up and getting worse by the day. They pursue logical argument and what seems right. They are absolutely convinced in themselves that their logic and the arguments behind the logic are solid because they seem right to them. But since the Fall we have not been able to trust our own thinking and judgment on matters. We needed a higher standard, something outside of the depraved thinking that resulted from the Fall.
As you face some of the difficulties of living here do not trust your logic or emotions. Do not trust the wisdom of this world. Do not look around this place for a lifeline or an example to follow. Do not model yourself after the perceived success of this place. You, child of God, have only one source for all things, and his name is Jesus. In troubled times we are not troubled. Instead we find strength in truths and standards that cannot be changed or re-shaped by the storms of this place:
"If we died with him,
we will also live with him;
if we endure,
we will also reign with him.
If we disown him,
he will also disown us;
if we are faithless,
he will remain faithful,
for he cannot disown himself." (2 Timothy 2:11-13)
These are a few truths that are stones in the foundation of our faith. These truths are unchangeable, regardless of our circumstances. From these things we draw strength and are able to continue with joy. They are not just words but truths that strengthen our mind, heart, spirit and body, to stay the course, to stand our ground.
If the warriors of the Kingdom could be stopped by mere circumstances and hardships of this world, the Church would have died long ago. But we can't be stopped because our worth, value, standards and measurements are not from this place but from the Kingdom of which we are citizens. We are strengthened in this place beyond our own sake but so that we may be of use to our King in bringing salvation to the lost. Wake up warriors, it's not about us! Stop panicking, get back in the ranks, trust the King and stand your ground. Now sing with the joy that comes from the assurance of our salvation!
Monday, March 11, 2013
It's Time To Get Our Hands Dirty
If God needed a prophet in Iraq would you go? If he needed a martyr in China would you do it? If he needed a preacher in Nigeria would you volunteer? A lot of people would throw up their hands to volunteer without hesitation whereas others would take time to consider the cost. But what if Jesus simply asked you to represent him in your school or work place? What if he simply wanted to use you as his agent right where you are? Would you be willing to face the consequences, to carry the cost no matter the price?
To be sold out for Jesus is more than just being willing to enter into a relationship with him. To get on board with Jesus is to also get on board with his mission. Too many of us miss that point. Jesus wants much more than worshipers; he wants disciples. He wants people who will do what he did, obey what he has commanded, who are willing to do more than just live a moral life and are willing to live by the power of the Holy Spirit.
We do not get to choose when and how we will be used. Our responsibility is simply to be available and obedient. There may be hardships involved but our perspective is such that nothing we go through here is comparable to what has been prepared for us. Our reward is not here. The blessings we receive are for the purpose of the work. We are not here for a long time or a good time but for serving time. That is not to say it is joyless because serving the Lord has a joy that goes beyond any pleasure on this earth. That joy is to sustain, strengthen and encourage us: "The joy of the Lord is my strength".
Jesus will use us exactly where we are but sometimes he has to arrange to get us to certain places because he needs someone there. It may mean he has to remove things from us or add to us. He may need to have one job end so another can begin. Sometimes it may be as extreme as what Paul experienced:
"This is my gospel, for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal." (2 Timothy 2:8-9)
Unfortunately too many of us put the emphasis on how circumstances affect us instead of seeing what God is doing. There is a very self-centered gospel being preached these days and people are eagerly eating it up so that when they begin suffering for the gospel the become very confused and start acting like a victim. We are not victims in this place but through Jesus we are victorious. No matter what we face and what we experience we are not victims but ministers of the gospel. Paul knew that even in his circumstances of being "chained" God's Word was not:
"But God's word is not chained. Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect." (vv. 9-10)
I don't know what else to do to help people other than come against the false self-centered gospel that puts our comfort above the salvation of this world. We have to realize that as warriors of the Kingdom we have a responsibility to join in this battle for the lost. Our comfort here is of no importance and we must be willing and available for whatever the King calls upon us to do, no matter where he places us.
No matter our circumstances, nothing can "chain" the Word of God. Nothing can prevent the Spirit from convicting the hearts of the lost. Nothing can stop Jesus from using whoever he wants, for whatever he wants, wherever he wants. Are you willing to be used? Are you available? Enough of this false gospel. It's time to get our hands dirty according to the will and direction of our God. It's time to set aside the distractions and start concentrating on the commands of the King.
To be sold out for Jesus is more than just being willing to enter into a relationship with him. To get on board with Jesus is to also get on board with his mission. Too many of us miss that point. Jesus wants much more than worshipers; he wants disciples. He wants people who will do what he did, obey what he has commanded, who are willing to do more than just live a moral life and are willing to live by the power of the Holy Spirit.
We do not get to choose when and how we will be used. Our responsibility is simply to be available and obedient. There may be hardships involved but our perspective is such that nothing we go through here is comparable to what has been prepared for us. Our reward is not here. The blessings we receive are for the purpose of the work. We are not here for a long time or a good time but for serving time. That is not to say it is joyless because serving the Lord has a joy that goes beyond any pleasure on this earth. That joy is to sustain, strengthen and encourage us: "The joy of the Lord is my strength".
Jesus will use us exactly where we are but sometimes he has to arrange to get us to certain places because he needs someone there. It may mean he has to remove things from us or add to us. He may need to have one job end so another can begin. Sometimes it may be as extreme as what Paul experienced:
"This is my gospel, for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal." (2 Timothy 2:8-9)
Unfortunately too many of us put the emphasis on how circumstances affect us instead of seeing what God is doing. There is a very self-centered gospel being preached these days and people are eagerly eating it up so that when they begin suffering for the gospel the become very confused and start acting like a victim. We are not victims in this place but through Jesus we are victorious. No matter what we face and what we experience we are not victims but ministers of the gospel. Paul knew that even in his circumstances of being "chained" God's Word was not:
"But God's word is not chained. Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect." (vv. 9-10)
I don't know what else to do to help people other than come against the false self-centered gospel that puts our comfort above the salvation of this world. We have to realize that as warriors of the Kingdom we have a responsibility to join in this battle for the lost. Our comfort here is of no importance and we must be willing and available for whatever the King calls upon us to do, no matter where he places us.
No matter our circumstances, nothing can "chain" the Word of God. Nothing can prevent the Spirit from convicting the hearts of the lost. Nothing can stop Jesus from using whoever he wants, for whatever he wants, wherever he wants. Are you willing to be used? Are you available? Enough of this false gospel. It's time to get our hands dirty according to the will and direction of our God. It's time to set aside the distractions and start concentrating on the commands of the King.
Monday, March 4, 2013
Let's Get Serious
Enough playing around. Let's get serious. We are not here for a long time and there is a lot to do. Perhaps not in the same sense that some would value work but it is work nonetheless. Our work is to tell as many people about Jesus as we can and to teach those who decide to become followers of Jesus. It is not a joyless work but one that gives us the sense of completion as we work in the Spirit in the will of God. But just because it is a labour of love does not mean it is not the most serious labour there is on the planet because it is a labour that has an eternal outcome.
Now we are not rogue agents. We don't get to do whatever we feel like. We get to do according to the direction of the Spirit. We are not the General calling the shots but the soldiers who carry out the orders. There are rules and principles at play in this fight for the souls of this world and we need to learn them if we are to be effective warriors in service to the King. The mighty warrior Paul wrote to his fellow warrior and friend Timothy:
Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules. (2 Timothy 2:5)
Do you know, understand, live by and operate in the rules of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ? All citizens, especially all warriors, must know and live by the rules of the Kingdom. The first rule is a simple one: love God with your entire being, so much so that nothing else even comes as a remote second. It is not a whimsical love, up one day and down another, but it is a love so strong that it dictates obedience to our flesh. It is a love that gives birth to obedience, faithfulness and a desire for God's righteousness. It is a love that spurns sin and pledges allegiance, not matter the cost, to the King of kings.
This love is such that rules like "love your neighbour", forgiveness, mercy, compassion, become our nature. These are not things we must think about but what we are. Just as the knights of old lived by the code of chivalry, we modern day knights live by the code of God's righteousness. But there is more to the principles of the Kingdom than just these; there are actual spiritual laws that are in place.
There are simple things to understand but we fail to operate in. There is the law of authority.The authority of Jesus Christ lives in you. When you speak to the things you are coming against you do it in Jesus'authority. Demons must flee from you, they have no choice because of the authority of Jesus. Disease must obey. Spiritual principles must come into play. You are an incredible spiritual powerhouse, a mighty warrior in service to the King, in the authority of the King. And as such a warrior you have the responsibility to fight against the dark realm according to the rules; you have the responsibility to defend the weak according to the governing spiritual principles.
Yes, the battle belongs to the Lord and the victory is ours but we have been left here to fight in service to the King. We are not here to be pampered but to seek the things of the Kingdom. We are doers of the Word. We are agents, warriors, knights, soldiers and we are here to fight. We fight on our knees. We fight with the equipment we have been given. We fight in the full authority of Jesus Christ. We are not weak. We are not defeated. We are not sick. We are not complainers. We are not fearful. We are not doubters. We are not worriers. We are not gossips. We are not destroyers of people. We are not haters. We are not list keepers.
We are warriors!
We are warrior servants, and Jesus is our King. Now walk as Jesus has called you to walk. Walk like Jesus did when he walked in the fullness of the Spirit in obedience to his Father. We are to walk in the fullness of the Spirit, in obedience to our King.
Now we are not rogue agents. We don't get to do whatever we feel like. We get to do according to the direction of the Spirit. We are not the General calling the shots but the soldiers who carry out the orders. There are rules and principles at play in this fight for the souls of this world and we need to learn them if we are to be effective warriors in service to the King. The mighty warrior Paul wrote to his fellow warrior and friend Timothy:
Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules. (2 Timothy 2:5)
Do you know, understand, live by and operate in the rules of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ? All citizens, especially all warriors, must know and live by the rules of the Kingdom. The first rule is a simple one: love God with your entire being, so much so that nothing else even comes as a remote second. It is not a whimsical love, up one day and down another, but it is a love so strong that it dictates obedience to our flesh. It is a love that gives birth to obedience, faithfulness and a desire for God's righteousness. It is a love that spurns sin and pledges allegiance, not matter the cost, to the King of kings.
This love is such that rules like "love your neighbour", forgiveness, mercy, compassion, become our nature. These are not things we must think about but what we are. Just as the knights of old lived by the code of chivalry, we modern day knights live by the code of God's righteousness. But there is more to the principles of the Kingdom than just these; there are actual spiritual laws that are in place.
There are simple things to understand but we fail to operate in. There is the law of authority.The authority of Jesus Christ lives in you. When you speak to the things you are coming against you do it in Jesus'authority. Demons must flee from you, they have no choice because of the authority of Jesus. Disease must obey. Spiritual principles must come into play. You are an incredible spiritual powerhouse, a mighty warrior in service to the King, in the authority of the King. And as such a warrior you have the responsibility to fight against the dark realm according to the rules; you have the responsibility to defend the weak according to the governing spiritual principles.
Yes, the battle belongs to the Lord and the victory is ours but we have been left here to fight in service to the King. We are not here to be pampered but to seek the things of the Kingdom. We are doers of the Word. We are agents, warriors, knights, soldiers and we are here to fight. We fight on our knees. We fight with the equipment we have been given. We fight in the full authority of Jesus Christ. We are not weak. We are not defeated. We are not sick. We are not complainers. We are not fearful. We are not doubters. We are not worriers. We are not gossips. We are not destroyers of people. We are not haters. We are not list keepers.
We are warriors!
We are warrior servants, and Jesus is our King. Now walk as Jesus has called you to walk. Walk like Jesus did when he walked in the fullness of the Spirit in obedience to his Father. We are to walk in the fullness of the Spirit, in obedience to our King.
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Fitting In Prayer
Five minute prayers. That's all most of us can afford. We fit it in between the alarm clock and shower. Or perhaps it is in the shower as we try to think through our day. Maybe it's in the bus on the way to school or work. Perhaps it is while we sit in the doctor's waiting room or just before we slip into sleep. Usually a few words: "God help me", "Lord give me strength", "Jesus bless them". There is nothing wrong with this but do we really think these are relationship building or powerful moments of petition?
Let's be honest, many of us have lost the understanding of what it is to pray with purpose. Many of us do not know that these are the greatest moments of our lives, well worth getting up early or delaying going to bed. These are moments when God releases his power through us, to see great things happen in this world and in the lives of others. It is in prayer that we become the true warriors of God. Apostle Paul gave this charge:
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. (Colossians 4)
Being watchful so we know what to pray for in other people's lives and in this world. Being thankful that we are always praying in a right heart condition. Devoted to prayer. When you are devoted to something you give it priority or you soon lose your devotion. A husband who is not devoted to his wife, not making her the priority in his life, will soon lose her. When we are devoted to something we give ourselves to it. Does that describe our attitude or approach to prayer? Are we devoted prayer warriors?
Being devoted to prayer is not a "fitting it in" but having a plan and purpose. It is having a time when you shut out everything else and allow yourself to be overwhelmed by the presence of God, presenting the needs of others to him. It is when we join with him in battling for the souls of those we have encountered. It is praying strength for a brother or sister who is involved something where they need the strength of the Lord to make it through. It is in these moments that we are overwhelmed by the love and compassion of our God, where we often receive instruction and when we are empowered to do his will.
It is also out of these moments that we emerge as empowered prayer warriors who continue to pray without ceasing. We become so sensitive to the Spirit that we hear his prompting to pray for the hidden needs of the people we encounter. We are given words of knowledge to speak into their lives. We become his presence in their lives as he empowers us to act in their lives without needing to ask questions. It is when he reveals to them that he not only knows their situation but he cares as well. That doesn't happen when we are "fitting in" moments of prayer.
We are a people of purpose and power. We carry the Light of God to this world and it all ignites in us in prayer. We have to give it priority. We have to approach it with purpose. We have to give it time in our day. We have to realize what is happening in this time. We have to realize that after Paul told us to put our spiritual armour on every day he gave this charge:
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. (Ephesians 6:18)
Prayer defies description. It is a time of intimacy with our King. It is a time of power releasing and a time of empowerment. It is like a battering ram against the enemy's forces. Without it nothing will be accomplished; with it all things are possible because of the One who strengthens us. We need to be devoted to prayer, watchful and thankful. Come on mighty warriors, let's get in the battle.
Let's be honest, many of us have lost the understanding of what it is to pray with purpose. Many of us do not know that these are the greatest moments of our lives, well worth getting up early or delaying going to bed. These are moments when God releases his power through us, to see great things happen in this world and in the lives of others. It is in prayer that we become the true warriors of God. Apostle Paul gave this charge:
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. (Colossians 4)
Being watchful so we know what to pray for in other people's lives and in this world. Being thankful that we are always praying in a right heart condition. Devoted to prayer. When you are devoted to something you give it priority or you soon lose your devotion. A husband who is not devoted to his wife, not making her the priority in his life, will soon lose her. When we are devoted to something we give ourselves to it. Does that describe our attitude or approach to prayer? Are we devoted prayer warriors?
Being devoted to prayer is not a "fitting it in" but having a plan and purpose. It is having a time when you shut out everything else and allow yourself to be overwhelmed by the presence of God, presenting the needs of others to him. It is when we join with him in battling for the souls of those we have encountered. It is praying strength for a brother or sister who is involved something where they need the strength of the Lord to make it through. It is in these moments that we are overwhelmed by the love and compassion of our God, where we often receive instruction and when we are empowered to do his will.
It is also out of these moments that we emerge as empowered prayer warriors who continue to pray without ceasing. We become so sensitive to the Spirit that we hear his prompting to pray for the hidden needs of the people we encounter. We are given words of knowledge to speak into their lives. We become his presence in their lives as he empowers us to act in their lives without needing to ask questions. It is when he reveals to them that he not only knows their situation but he cares as well. That doesn't happen when we are "fitting in" moments of prayer.
We are a people of purpose and power. We carry the Light of God to this world and it all ignites in us in prayer. We have to give it priority. We have to approach it with purpose. We have to give it time in our day. We have to realize what is happening in this time. We have to realize that after Paul told us to put our spiritual armour on every day he gave this charge:
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. (Ephesians 6:18)
Prayer defies description. It is a time of intimacy with our King. It is a time of power releasing and a time of empowerment. It is like a battering ram against the enemy's forces. Without it nothing will be accomplished; with it all things are possible because of the One who strengthens us. We need to be devoted to prayer, watchful and thankful. Come on mighty warriors, let's get in the battle.
Thursday, January 3, 2013
No Ordinary Day; No Ordinary Person; No Ordinary God
This is no ordinary day. You are no ordinary person. Jesus is no ordinary God. Do you believe that? If you do then you are part way to an extraordinary life. Only part way because knowing it and acting upon it are two different things. But let us at least start at this point: You are no ordinary person.
What makes you extraordinary? In a word: Jesus.
For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority. (Colossians 2:9-10)
Don't read it too quickly. Savour the words on your spiritual palate for a moment. The fullness of God is found in bodily form in Jesus. Sounds obvious, right? Jesus is exactly who he said he is, no surprises there. But consider the implications of this. The fullness of God is in Jesus "and you have been given fullness in Christ". You are in Jesus and Jesus in you which means the fullness of God lives in you. Pretty amazing stuff.
Now, just in case you missed this point, it means Jesus is the head over every power and authority. You are so much more than you can possibly understand at this moment. You are the most beautiful and powerful creature on this planet because of the fullness of God in you. But this is the sad point: We don't know it and we don't act on it.
We somehow got this notion in our head that we have to ask God to do everything. We pray about everything and then wait. We fail to understand that we are prayer in action; we are God's authority in action; we are to act on this fullness of God in us. Jesus has sent us out in his authority. We can't do anything through our own strength and ability that will be of any eternal worth but we can do all things through him who gives us strength. Jesus didn't tell us to pray to have the mountain moved; he told us to speak to that mountain and it will leap into the sea. You are a mountain mover. You are a demon caster outer. You are a powerful preacher/teacher. You are a mighty healer. You are an abundant giver. You are an affectionate friend, to your enemy. You are all these and so much more because of Jesus in you.
Of course, with great power comes great responsibility. You are accountable. You are accountable to walk closely with Jesus and follow his directions. You are not a solitary soldier doing his own thing. You are a warrior among warriors, a member of a mighty army that has been set upon this earth in a great rescue effort, to know and do the will of Jesus. You are under constant attack by subtle agents of the enemy who's desire is nothing less than the wanton destruction of all of God's creation. You are the warrior who stands his ground, takes watch over the blind and speaks truth to a dying world, fighting for the lives of the enemy of God, who he loves.
And nothing can stop you!
Now imagine if we all woke up today realizing that this is no ordinary day, that we are no ordinary people and Jesus is no ordinary God. Imagine what this day would look like around this planet. Although we respect the authorities in this world, we answer to the one who is over them. Although the natural and spiritual worlds have authorities, we are the agents, the warriors of the one who is over all powers and authorities. That is the point with which most people struggle. We speak to the mountain and it must leap according to the authority of Jesus. His authority is in us and we speak in that authority. Understand what that means. Read Jesus' words carefully. Accept who you are in him. And act on it!
What makes you extraordinary? In a word: Jesus.
For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority. (Colossians 2:9-10)
Don't read it too quickly. Savour the words on your spiritual palate for a moment. The fullness of God is found in bodily form in Jesus. Sounds obvious, right? Jesus is exactly who he said he is, no surprises there. But consider the implications of this. The fullness of God is in Jesus "and you have been given fullness in Christ". You are in Jesus and Jesus in you which means the fullness of God lives in you. Pretty amazing stuff.
Now, just in case you missed this point, it means Jesus is the head over every power and authority. You are so much more than you can possibly understand at this moment. You are the most beautiful and powerful creature on this planet because of the fullness of God in you. But this is the sad point: We don't know it and we don't act on it.
We somehow got this notion in our head that we have to ask God to do everything. We pray about everything and then wait. We fail to understand that we are prayer in action; we are God's authority in action; we are to act on this fullness of God in us. Jesus has sent us out in his authority. We can't do anything through our own strength and ability that will be of any eternal worth but we can do all things through him who gives us strength. Jesus didn't tell us to pray to have the mountain moved; he told us to speak to that mountain and it will leap into the sea. You are a mountain mover. You are a demon caster outer. You are a powerful preacher/teacher. You are a mighty healer. You are an abundant giver. You are an affectionate friend, to your enemy. You are all these and so much more because of Jesus in you.
Of course, with great power comes great responsibility. You are accountable. You are accountable to walk closely with Jesus and follow his directions. You are not a solitary soldier doing his own thing. You are a warrior among warriors, a member of a mighty army that has been set upon this earth in a great rescue effort, to know and do the will of Jesus. You are under constant attack by subtle agents of the enemy who's desire is nothing less than the wanton destruction of all of God's creation. You are the warrior who stands his ground, takes watch over the blind and speaks truth to a dying world, fighting for the lives of the enemy of God, who he loves.
And nothing can stop you!
Now imagine if we all woke up today realizing that this is no ordinary day, that we are no ordinary people and Jesus is no ordinary God. Imagine what this day would look like around this planet. Although we respect the authorities in this world, we answer to the one who is over them. Although the natural and spiritual worlds have authorities, we are the agents, the warriors of the one who is over all powers and authorities. That is the point with which most people struggle. We speak to the mountain and it must leap according to the authority of Jesus. His authority is in us and we speak in that authority. Understand what that means. Read Jesus' words carefully. Accept who you are in him. And act on it!
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Men, Called By God To Be Warriors
This is for all the men and the boys becoming men. The enemy and this world, along with your flesh, are trying to mess with your mind. You are under tremendous attack and you don't even know it. The enemy wants you to sink to the lowest level, to live according to your flesh, and we fall for it all the time. But we are more than our flesh. We are more than our urges. We are more than our dark desires. We are leaders, champions, heroes, warriors called by God. Doesn't matter if you don't feel like it or think you don't deserve it or even if you know you don't qualify. You have been called and anointed, and God never revokes his calling.
I will speak candidly with you. The way you treat women, your mother, sister, friends, tells everyone how you will treat the most important person you will ever have in your life; your wife. If you lose yourself in pornography then this most precious partner will be nothing more than an object to you and you will always treat her as a possession, a thing to do with as you want. Those images you are looking at are not innocent activity; they are someone's mother, daughter, sister, friend, and most do not want to do what they are doing. You are contributing to an industry that feeds off the desperation of some women and the sick mind of men.
You call yourself a man? Then be a real man. Be what God called you to be. Start with your wife or girlfriend:
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. (Ephesians 5:25-27)
Every Christian husband should be sitting on the edge of their seats when they read these words. Can you imagine how you are suppose to be seeing your wife? How you are suppose to be treating her? Is she precious to you? Is she the great jewel in your life? You are to sacrifice for her, cover her, sing over her, wrap your arms around her, defend her and see her as perfection.
Do you think the Church is perfect? She isn't. We can all see her blemishes. We all point out her short comings. But Jesus doesn't see any of that. He has made her holy. He has washed everything away. She is radiant, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish in his eyes. She is holy and blameless because he has declared her holy and blameless. It doesn't mean she is perfect but Jesus sees her as perfect. Your wife makes mistakes. She says things and does things that could offend you, but you are a man in love. You cover those offences Forgiveness is quick for you. You do not see blemishes. You have declared her blameless because she is your wife and you are her husband. To say you are her husband should be enough. You are the warrior and defender in her life.
Some men don't understand this whole warrior thing. Your wife is a warrior too. You fight for, not against, each other. But as a warrior you must sometimes defend her against herself. When she does stupid things (because we all do) you cover her. You don't hold things against her. You don't make a list. You thickly spread forgiveness over your relationship and you never, ever, ever bring up those things again. You treat them as if they never happened. You are defending her against herself. You remind her of your love but more importantly of God's glory. You speak the Word into her life. You pray with her and for her. You make her feel like she is worth a million bucks to you, your best friend, the most important person in your life, because she is. If doesn't matter what she says and does, you made a decision to love her as Jesus made a decision to love his Bride; cover her.
You never cheat on her, in action or in thought. This is where the enemy will want to destroy you. This is where he will cause us to sink to the lowest level of our flesh. He will try to move us from the spirit realm to the flesh place. He will use images that provoke flesh desires. Things will become easily available to you on the internet. A quick peek. What does it hurt? It hurts who you are to your wife. It hurts who you are to Jesus. It hurts a whole lot of people. Don't go there. Jesus has equipped you to be more, to rise as a hero, to be that champion, to be more than a conqueror, to fight as a warrior. Sometimes you will have to fight against your flesh to be that warrior. After Jesus your first thought must be to your wife and you would never do anything to offend the most important person to you, the one who lays herself wide open to you, the one who has placed her heart in your hands.
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the Church and gave himself up for her. Jesus has you covered. If you fail her Jesus covers it. He will intercede for you. Trust him. Do what is right. Confess what you need to confess. It is not about you. It is not about your needs, wants or desires. Be the man Jesus called you to be. Be a man and set yourself aside, sacrifice yourself for your wife. Don't worry about her response, the Spirit is at work in her too. She will respond to the Jesus in you, to the love you pour out into her life. Her reaction is not your responsibility, but your actions, words, attitudes are your responsibility. She is the most important person in your life, the only one who you have opened your heart to, the only one who looks to you as her champion. Rise up!
I will speak candidly with you. The way you treat women, your mother, sister, friends, tells everyone how you will treat the most important person you will ever have in your life; your wife. If you lose yourself in pornography then this most precious partner will be nothing more than an object to you and you will always treat her as a possession, a thing to do with as you want. Those images you are looking at are not innocent activity; they are someone's mother, daughter, sister, friend, and most do not want to do what they are doing. You are contributing to an industry that feeds off the desperation of some women and the sick mind of men.
You call yourself a man? Then be a real man. Be what God called you to be. Start with your wife or girlfriend:
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. (Ephesians 5:25-27)
Every Christian husband should be sitting on the edge of their seats when they read these words. Can you imagine how you are suppose to be seeing your wife? How you are suppose to be treating her? Is she precious to you? Is she the great jewel in your life? You are to sacrifice for her, cover her, sing over her, wrap your arms around her, defend her and see her as perfection.
Do you think the Church is perfect? She isn't. We can all see her blemishes. We all point out her short comings. But Jesus doesn't see any of that. He has made her holy. He has washed everything away. She is radiant, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish in his eyes. She is holy and blameless because he has declared her holy and blameless. It doesn't mean she is perfect but Jesus sees her as perfect. Your wife makes mistakes. She says things and does things that could offend you, but you are a man in love. You cover those offences Forgiveness is quick for you. You do not see blemishes. You have declared her blameless because she is your wife and you are her husband. To say you are her husband should be enough. You are the warrior and defender in her life.
Some men don't understand this whole warrior thing. Your wife is a warrior too. You fight for, not against, each other. But as a warrior you must sometimes defend her against herself. When she does stupid things (because we all do) you cover her. You don't hold things against her. You don't make a list. You thickly spread forgiveness over your relationship and you never, ever, ever bring up those things again. You treat them as if they never happened. You are defending her against herself. You remind her of your love but more importantly of God's glory. You speak the Word into her life. You pray with her and for her. You make her feel like she is worth a million bucks to you, your best friend, the most important person in your life, because she is. If doesn't matter what she says and does, you made a decision to love her as Jesus made a decision to love his Bride; cover her.
You never cheat on her, in action or in thought. This is where the enemy will want to destroy you. This is where he will cause us to sink to the lowest level of our flesh. He will try to move us from the spirit realm to the flesh place. He will use images that provoke flesh desires. Things will become easily available to you on the internet. A quick peek. What does it hurt? It hurts who you are to your wife. It hurts who you are to Jesus. It hurts a whole lot of people. Don't go there. Jesus has equipped you to be more, to rise as a hero, to be that champion, to be more than a conqueror, to fight as a warrior. Sometimes you will have to fight against your flesh to be that warrior. After Jesus your first thought must be to your wife and you would never do anything to offend the most important person to you, the one who lays herself wide open to you, the one who has placed her heart in your hands.
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the Church and gave himself up for her. Jesus has you covered. If you fail her Jesus covers it. He will intercede for you. Trust him. Do what is right. Confess what you need to confess. It is not about you. It is not about your needs, wants or desires. Be the man Jesus called you to be. Be a man and set yourself aside, sacrifice yourself for your wife. Don't worry about her response, the Spirit is at work in her too. She will respond to the Jesus in you, to the love you pour out into her life. Her reaction is not your responsibility, but your actions, words, attitudes are your responsibility. She is the most important person in your life, the only one who you have opened your heart to, the only one who looks to you as her champion. Rise up!
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Live In The "more" Of Your Life
If there is a common theme that runs through my blogs it is : We are so much more than this! There is so much more to you than what is staring back at you from the mirror. You are more than your job, your school marks, your looks, your fashion, your family, your friends, your mistakes. You are more because of Jesus and because of the Holy Spirit in you. You are more and you need to start operating in the "more" to be an effective warrior for Jesus.
When you pray things happen. You may not feel any different; you may feel nothing at all. But being Jesus' warrior is not about feelings; it's about faith. It's a knowing. When I pray I know things are happening. When I pray I know the Spirit of God has gone into action. When I pray I know things are changing in people's lives. I don't feel it; I know it.
It's called faith and it is part of the "more" of our living. It is the faith that Jesus constantly spoke about and pondered if he would find any in the world on his return. It is the faith that takes Jesus at his word and doesn't allow anyone to water down our expectations of things happening when we pray. You don't have to work yourself up to it; it just is. We pray in the authority of Jesus. We believe in his authority. We live by faith in that same authority.
This is what it is to step out from the crowd and walk by faith. It is what it is to do works of service. Works of service go beyond the cup of cold water and delves into the supernatural. You won't feel supernatural. You will feel like you but when you pray things will begin to happen. Situations will change. Circumstances will change. Lives will change. You will change.
It is as we operate in the "more" that the Church is built up. It is not built up by our wonderful daycare programs and school lunch programs. It is built up as we allow the Spirit to change this world through us, as lives are mended, health restored, strength is lent, marriages repaired, the blind see and hearts are stirred in the "more" of our living. We are agents of change, power, hope, love, miracles; of "more".
Whatever circumstances and heartaches you find yourself in, there is more to your life. Whatever loneliness and depression wage ware against your mind and heart, there is more to your life. However this world has beaten and misshapened you, there is more to your life. Those things do not belong to you and are not part of you. You are so much higher than all those things, so much greater than the sum of them. You were intended for the attaining of the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Not a portion but the whole thing. You are a powerful agent of change because of the Jesus in you and it is time to throw aside anything that says different.
So get up my friend, step out, be what God has rebirthed you to be. You may not feel it but Jesus is moving through you. You may not feel it but the power of God is moving out from you and effecting change all around you. You may not feel it but your prayers cause the enemy to tremble in his place. Demons flee because of you, when you decide to live in the "more" of your life; when you live by the faith that has been given to you; when you are willing to be the supernatural creature that you are; when you are willing to attain to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Live by faith my friend, not by sight!
When you pray things happen. You may not feel any different; you may feel nothing at all. But being Jesus' warrior is not about feelings; it's about faith. It's a knowing. When I pray I know things are happening. When I pray I know the Spirit of God has gone into action. When I pray I know things are changing in people's lives. I don't feel it; I know it.
It's called faith and it is part of the "more" of our living. It is the faith that Jesus constantly spoke about and pondered if he would find any in the world on his return. It is the faith that takes Jesus at his word and doesn't allow anyone to water down our expectations of things happening when we pray. You don't have to work yourself up to it; it just is. We pray in the authority of Jesus. We believe in his authority. We live by faith in that same authority.
This is what it is to step out from the crowd and walk by faith. It is what it is to do works of service. Works of service go beyond the cup of cold water and delves into the supernatural. You won't feel supernatural. You will feel like you but when you pray things will begin to happen. Situations will change. Circumstances will change. Lives will change. You will change.
It is as we operate in the "more" that the Church is built up. It is not built up by our wonderful daycare programs and school lunch programs. It is built up as we allow the Spirit to change this world through us, as lives are mended, health restored, strength is lent, marriages repaired, the blind see and hearts are stirred in the "more" of our living. We are agents of change, power, hope, love, miracles; of "more".
Whatever circumstances and heartaches you find yourself in, there is more to your life. Whatever loneliness and depression wage ware against your mind and heart, there is more to your life. However this world has beaten and misshapened you, there is more to your life. Those things do not belong to you and are not part of you. You are so much higher than all those things, so much greater than the sum of them. You were intended for the attaining of the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Not a portion but the whole thing. You are a powerful agent of change because of the Jesus in you and it is time to throw aside anything that says different.
So get up my friend, step out, be what God has rebirthed you to be. You may not feel it but Jesus is moving through you. You may not feel it but the power of God is moving out from you and effecting change all around you. You may not feel it but your prayers cause the enemy to tremble in his place. Demons flee because of you, when you decide to live in the "more" of your life; when you live by the faith that has been given to you; when you are willing to be the supernatural creature that you are; when you are willing to attain to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Live by faith my friend, not by sight!
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