The Purpose for the Present Pain

The seasons of brokenheartedness we experience, as worshippers, come to break our will power of the stubbornness that has led us astray from the heart of Yahweh. By disregarding Father's wishes to instead do that which we have deemed to be right in our own eyes, we ultimately set ourselves up to experience the sort of painful spiritual reckoning that is meant to crush the soul as well as the ego. 

As spirit beings having a human experience, we must undergo a maturing process that makes it unmistakably clear to us when even our best intentions conflict with Heaven's agenda. Consequently, the only way Father can most effectively get our attention is by ALLOWING us to presently experience the pain of our humanity contending with the plans He both ordained and set in motion before the foundation of the world. 

Pain creates brokenness. And yes, there are times in our life journeys when it takes us experiencing brokenness to produce our willingness to embrace the culture of righteousness. In other words, sometimes our way has got to hurt more than we ever thought it would in order for us to see why Yahweh never wanted us to go that route. But it is often through brokenness that we are steered back into the right direction.

In Pursuit of Happiness - Part Seven | 08.10.12

Considering all that's been said til now, let me ask you this...  Do you REALLY want to be blessed? Do you REALLY want to live free of the bondage of sin?  Do you, for the first time in your life, REALLY want to be happy?  Then let me tell you something...  You can't name it and claim it, neither can you blab it and grab it.  You can't turn around three times or just praise your way into it.  You can't even give your way into it because this right here is the result of something much greater: you need to BE TRANSFORMED by the renewing of your mind.

It takes cutting off your ties to the world system and immersing yourself in the culture of Heaven to experience a life-altering metamorphosis of being.  It requires fasting and spending time in prayer to hear the voice of GOD and clearly discern the spiritual activity happening all around you.  You need to eat the Word of GOD daily and make it a top priority to understand and apply what you're reading, if you plan on walking in the wisdom it declares.  And you need to be filled with the Holy Ghost to walk in the power and demonstration of Heaven's influence over the Earth realm.

You Can't Turn Back | The Worshipper's Thought of the Day

While reviewing my journal this week, I ran across some notes taken during a message heard in church one Sunday in July:

"GOD has a path that will lead you into every promise He's given you (according to Jeremiah 29:11).  Your uncomfortable places are not your final destination.  When you get in an uncomfortable place, your temptation is ALWAYS to turn back.  But if you turn back you'll never get to your destiny."

At this time, the Holy Spirit was really ministering to me because I had become discouraged on my path.  I had contemplated turning back more than once because it appeared things weren't working out as I had expected, and I was growing weary of the struggle.  From time to time, as I'm sitting in a church service, I break away from what the minister is saying to clearly hear the Holy Spirit when He starts speaking to me.  During this particular occurence, I heard the Holy Spirit say the following, which I quickly scribbled into my journal:

"You can't turn back because you have no place to turn back to.  The comfort you remembered can't be found there anymore because that season is over.  Going back there searching for what was there before is a waste of time, and you'll only be miserable there."

I remember being greatly encouraged by what the Holy Spirit spoke to me that day because those words dispelled my desperation.  It was exactly what I needed to hear when I needed to hear it.  I'm not sure if someone reading this TODAY needs to hear what I heard back in July, as well; but I do know that I felt compelled to share this when I ran across those words in my journal again. GOD has a destiny for each person's life.  But you can't turn back: walking into destiny requires forward movement.  You have to stay on the path GOD has laid before you.  So stay on the path to your promise, and watch how it will lead you right into destiny.

Four Imaginary Imprisonments (Part 9) | The Worshipper's Thought of the Day

Imaginary Imprisonment #4 | REBELLION

We really think we're such big Christians; but, in all honesty, we fall short in complying with the small, simple things.  We DON'T DO what the Bible says to DO, and we DO what the Bible says NOT to do.  So you see, none of us are perfect; but it looks TERRIBLE when we single out certain sins to be more egregious than others.  Sin is sin: there are no big ones or little ones.  All sin, regardless of its nature, is rebellion.  And until we really understand this, we're going to continue to create division within the Body of Christ as well as run off unbelievers who don't want to be hurt anymore than they've already been.

It's time we grow up and stop rebelling against our Father like insecure teenagers and follow in His footsteps like mature, adult children.  A major part of this process involves us understanding the difference between agreement and submission.  Simply put, we don't have to submit when we're in agreement.  Being in agreement says, "Hey, I'm onboard; let's do this!"  Submission comes into play when we're not totally in agreement or just may be unsure of what's being required of us; but we choose to comply anyway.  But if we're neither in agreement nor submission, then that means we're in rebellion.  This hits all of us!  Even though everyone may not be struggling with rebellion, as I always remind myself, the struggle isn't necessarily with good and bad--it's often between good and BETTER.  Some of us are settling for submission in areas of our lives where we should be operating in total agreement.  It's like choosing to "make do" in the wilderness when we should be relaxing in an oasis.

Four Imaginary Imprisonments (Part 8) | The Worshipper's Thought of the Day

We've finally made it to the last of the four imprisonments: REBELLION.  The journey has been mind-blowing, to say the least.  Each imaginary imprisonment has been more intense and less private than the one before.  And as we'll see with REBELLION, it's definitely the coup de grace when it comes to hindering growth and our ability to live freely as GOD desires.

Imaginary Imprisonment #4 | REBELLION

If nothing else won't make life hard, rebellion will.  Rebellion ties us down and keeps us from enjoying GOD's greater blessings.  And no matter how much we do to conceal our feelings, there's nothing hidden about rebellion.  It's open. Rebellion is simply defined as organized, armed resistance to one's government or ruler.  It doesn't get much more open than that.  One could better describe the people who resist as the "I ain'ts" because they have already made up their minds as to what they're NOT going to do.  Although they may know what's right to do, they refuse to do right.  They know what's wrong, too; and STILL do it.  Sadly, rebellious people are under this impression that they're creating difficulty for those with whom they refuse to comply.  However, the truth is that they're really just making life difficult for themselves.

It Costs What It Costs | The Worshipper's Thought of the Day

Many times, we make declarations of faith without understanding the cost associated with them.  In my own life, I vividly remember the intense amount of prayer, fasting and consecration I underwent between my twenty-ninth and thirtieth birthdays in preparation for what GOD was going to do in the next phase of my life.  Turning thirty held great meaning for me because it was at this age that Jewish men who had committed their lives to the study of the holy books would be eligible to become master teachers.  It was also the age during which Jesus stepped out into public ministry.  I knew things would be different for me from this point onward, and I did not want to take this pivotal time of my life so lightly that its significance would get overlooked.  So all throughout that year, it was my prayer that GOD prepare me as I began to transition from the no more to the not yet.  However, I had no idea then what I was asking for.

As crazy as it sounds, sometimes it's just better that we don't know the cost of our faith declarations.  GOD does all things well, and I really believe His way of keeping us informed on a need to know basis works to our benefit.  In all honesty, if we really knew the costs associated with what we've declared by faith for our lives, then our hearts would be so gripped with fear that we would probably never pursue the path towards fulfilling that which we've spoken.  Had I known on my twenty-ninth birthday what would happen to me between then and the thirty-first birthday I celebrated this past Monday, the human side of me most certainly would not have made such bold faith declarations.  All I can say is that I know what a miracle looks like because I see one everytime I look into a mirror.

Of all that my eyes have seen these past two years, I would say moving to Dallas was probably the gutsiest.  Drawn to this metroplex without any concrete reason why, this leap of faith represents a major cost associated with my own declaration of faith in 2009.  It's not been easy leaving behind all that is familiar to move to a place larger than any other community I've ever before lived.  But GOD continues to show Himself strong on my behalf.  He sends prophetic Words through strangers to reassure me that, despite my feelings of uncertainty, all is going as planned.  When I've wanted to pack up and go back to where I came from, the Holy Spirit reminds me of the calling that's been on my life from eternity.  It's been during these times over the past year that I have come into a greater awareness of GOD's care for me...and it humbles me in the most heartwrenching way.

While recently visiting a friend of mine's church, it became clear that I've been well-planted, well-nourished and well-tended to, but the pot I've been in has become too small.  As great as the place in which I was planted has been for me, this move was timed by GOD because it would take leaving that place of comfort to follow GOD's leading.  This experience has taught me that it takes leaving everything you know to REALLY find out what it means to rely on GOD.  In order to ensure I'm prepared for the next phase, I've had to make a conscience decision to submit to this uncomfortable season.  GOD has to make sure that my trust is in Him and that He has my total allegiance.  No more "my way" but "His way" because I cannot expect to fulfill the purpose for which GOD gave me life by making decisions based upon my own understanding.  For this is where, in the walk of faith, where the rubber meets the road and it's time to get moving.

Results-Oriented Warfare | The Worshipper's Thought of the Day

Out of no where, my mind fell upon the phrase "every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God" (2 Corinthians 10:5) during this morning's worship service. So, I made myself a mental note to take a deeper look at this scripture when I got home, which resulted in me examining the below passage:

"For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;"
(2 Cor. 10:3-5)

Verse three declares that we don't contend with carnal inclinations. Since it ends with a colon, verses 4-6 that follow provide an explanation of verse 3 that can not be considered apart from that third verse. Therefore, verse five--my initial point of interest--tells me that warring after the flesh will not produce the desirable results outlined therein. We can't expect to tear down reasonings and all barriers that have been lifted up against the act of knowing GOD by contending with the flesh. Furthermore, the carnal approach will not make captive every perception to the submission of Christ.

In other words, as we interact with the unsaved, it's imperative that we war against the spirit of unbelief that's blocking them from the act of knowing GOD, as opposed to their lifestyle choices, addictions, foul speech, etc (which are frequently targeted by Christians). Additionally, as we interact with other members of the Body of Christ, it's a waste of time to war against any behaviors our brothers and sisters may manifest that oppose the laws of the Kingdom. We must wage war against the demonic spirits that are influencing their behavior. And since we're waging war against the unseen (and not the manifested symptoms of the unseen), our warring need not be seen of men either. There's no need to create a spectacle or publicly embarrass anyone: such unseemly behavior only creates visible reasons for others to hesitate in deciding to become reconciled to the Kingdom of GOD. We have been endowed with the power of the Holy Spirit to both remain composed as well as think clearly at all times (Matthew 10:16). Therefore, let us operate in the realm of the spirit, wherein Christ has already obtained victory, that Christ may also cause us to triumph over Satan openly in the physical realm.

GOD Equips The Called

"If you really want to know who GOD is with, check out the finish line."

It's truly a word to the wise to not hastily talk against someone else's work. We're so quick to say what GOD is in and not in, but He validates the work of His servants Himself by giving them longevity. You know, it's one thing to start; but it's another to start AND finish. What we must realize is that GOD is just as concerned about our finish as He is our start.

Bible admonishes us to endure and to finish. It doesn't matter how swift or strong one may be (Ecc. 9:11) because GOD doesn't call the equipped, but rather equips the called (Exodus 4:1-5). Therefore, if you really want to know who GOD is with, check out the finish line. That's right: GOD is with those who finish because He's prepared them to endure (2 Timothy 4:7-8,17). And who better to prepare us than the One who best knows the race's course and its challenging conditions.

The quitters are the self-equipped ones who decide to enter the race based on their own probability of success and misguided assessment of the needed preparation (Luke 14:28-30). However, when the race presents conditions they can't handle, then all of a sudden their "season is up" and they quit. NEWS FLASH: it wasn't their season and GOD wasn't with them. THAT race was given to the one whom GOD prepared to endure it until the end.

When you've been equipped to accomplish a work for GOD (not yourself), quitting is not an option (Acts 20:24). Even when rough situations cross your path, you press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of GOD in Christ because you've got the equipment (Philippians 3:14). Your body may get weary; but because you are waiting upon (ie serving) GOD, He is renewing your strength so that you may mount up with wings as an eagle, run and not be weary, walk and not faint (Isaiah 40:31).

When you're in YOUR GOD-given race, it's not easy to just give up and leave the course. You would rather die pursuing the finish than quitting. You could care less about living to fight another day because you know that all you have is today--tomorrow is not promised. This is the fierce tenacity that gets people talking, especially the critics on the sidelines: they haven't done anything, won't do anything and won't let you do anything (if you let them). But there's no need to answer them yourself because GOD will validate you AND your work at the finish line.

How Are You Hearing? - Part Two

"Obedience to GOD indicates that we're listening to Him and that His words aren't falling on deaf ears."

As I was preparing to teach a Sunday School lesson last quarter, the text contained a scripture that taught me something very valuable. As I studied it out, I soon realized that it would be one of those never-to-be-forgotten moments in scripture. You know, those "ah-ha" moments, if you will, that radically shift your thinking about a word because NOW your understanding of it has been cemented by the Holy Spirit.

In Paul's epistle to the church at Philippi, he encouraged them to remain just as obedient in his absence as they were in his presence (Philippians 2:12). Below is that verse from The Message Remix Bible:

"What I'm getting at, friends, is that you should simply keep on doing what you've done from the beginning. When I was living among you, you lived in responsive obedience. Now that I'm separated from you, keep it up. Better yet, redouble your efforts. Be energetic in your life of salvation, reverent and sensitive before GOD."

The King James translates the Greek word "hupakouo" (hoop-ak-oo'-o) as "obeyed" in this verse of scripture. Hupakouo means "to hear under" as a subordinate; by implication, to heed or conform to a command or authority. Therefore, it is safe to say that obedience is submissive hearing, in which the listener's response is totally predicated upon recognizing oneself as being under authority.

This totally revolutionized my understanding of obedience. It finally became clear to me why obedience to GOD is so important. Firstly, it indicates that we're listening to Him and that His words aren't falling on deaf ears. Secondly, it's evidence that we recognize GOD as our authority figure, not as our equal or subordinate. Thirdly, it shows GOD that we love Him indeed (according to John 14:23 and John 15:10), not just with words from our lips.

The same principle applies with our earthly relationships. Whether it be the parent-child relationship or the employer-employee relationship, obedience is about respecting the position of the authority figure. Where there's disobedience, there's clearly a misunderstanding of who's in charge. The disobedient party clearly sees him/herself as either the authority figure's equal or superior. If that weren't the case, then there would be no rebellion taking place.

Therefore, I encourage us all to look at the manifestations of rebellion in our lives in a different light. We must look beyond the actions and see the spirit at work behind the scenes motivating these actions. The power to attack the spirit of rebellion that's wrecking havoc in our relationship with GOD as well as our relationships with other people is already in our possession. We can not be afraid to have the tough conversations and ask ourselves and others, "Is there a problem here? Is there a misunderstanding of our respective roles and how we interact with each other?" It's taking these proactive steps under the guidance of the Holy Spirit that we're able to maintain control of our situations and exercise dominion in our environments as Kingdom citizens.

Let's pray:
Father, we Your children humbly come before You in complete and total submission to You. We're grateful to be called the children of the Most High GOD, and we appreciate Your hand of mercy upon each of us. Thank you for loving us beyond our faults, O GOD. Thank You for not dealing with us according to our sins and iniquities, but according to Your tender mercy and loving kindness shown ever so generously toward us.

Father, we ask now in the name of Jesus that You would open our ears that we may hear You clearly. Saturate our hearts, O GOD, with Your love that we might obey You instantly and without hesitation. For we believe wholeheartedly by faith and decree with our own mouths that it is so! Even now, we declare that our feet are bound to Your path of righteousness that we might walk blamelessly in Your way as never before. It is Your decree, O GOD, that our love for You be manifested in our obedience to You; and we submit ourselves wholly to the work of accomplishing that which pleases You.

Forgive us, Father, for our acts of disobedience, for we boldly come against the spirit of rebellion that arises in our hearts and causes us to sin against You. Our adversary, the devil, has no authority in our lives because we have been made free from the grip of sin and have been given the power to resist him, thereby causing him to flee from us. By the power of the Holy Ghost, we command every principality and power that opposes the Kingdom of Light to be cast out of the minds of GOD's people now into outermost darkness and dry places. For the precious, powerful shed blood of Jesus is against each and every one you cohorts of Satan!

And to the Most High King; the matchless, eternal magistrate of heaven, whose Kingdom is from everlasting to everlasting; to Him be all glory, honor, majesty, dominion and power. May Your name, great and sovereign GOD, be praised, exalted and extolled forever and ever. AMEN!

In GOD's Presence - Part Five

If we're not being exposed to the ideal conditions God has already established for us, then we can't expect the ideal results He's promised in His Word.

Functioning anywhere other than in God's presence positions us, as Kingdom citizens, to function beneath our potential. No matter how hard we may try, we can't ever beat God's system. God is eternal and He created the universe, particularly the earth, its inhabitants and the earth's resources. Before anything was created, God purposed His creation to ideally function in His presence. (This was established "in beginning", not in "the" beginning. Remember, God is "eternal"; so, definite articles can't be used to limit Him to the concept of "time").

What we must understand is that as long as we choose to function in a less than ideal atmosphere, we can never realize our full potential. If we're not being exposed to the ideal conditions God has already established for us, then we can't expect the ideal results He's promised in His Word. As I said before, we can't beat the system. No matter how successful we become when functioning in the less than ideal environment, it's just a fraction of the prosperity God desires to give us. We must be clear in our understanding that the atmosphere determines the quality of our product.

As I continue to grow and mature in the faith, it's become even more clear to me that I can't blame anyone else but myself for my life's shortcomings. If we'd all be completely honest with ourselves, we're our own worst enemies and we give the enemy way too much credit. We feel like we know what's best for us and repeatedly rebel against God's will for our lives. I know for a fact that each time I've rebelled (sinned), it's led to some degree of disappointment.

Furthermore, like in any other form of government, rebellion leads to a loss of privileges enjoyed by citizens in good standing. As long as a citizen ascribes to the accepted code of conduct, he/she has complete, unrestricted access to the rights and privileges citizenship affords. That means, as citizens of the Kingdom, when we seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness (His way of doing things), we're guaranteed that all these things (after which the Gentiles seek) will be added - that is, freely given - to us. In other words, when we die to our wills (present our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable unto God) and submit ourselves to daily living in the established atmosphere in which we've been designed to function (which is our reasonable service), then we're guaranteed the bare minimum privileges of the Kingdom (provision without worry by our sovereign ruler).

In God's presence we are assured the very best that this life has to offer. As citizens of God's Kingdom, we are a reflection of our King. We should, therefore, strive to stay in line with the Constitution of the Kingdom (the Bible), thereby positioning us to receive God's best for our spirits, souls and bodies.

Take some time to reflect on your civic responsibilities to God's Kingdom and determine where you're quite possibly falling short. Pray for increased sensitivity to these areas as well as better discernment of the enemy's tactics concerning them. It's my prayer that the Holy Spirit illuminates the dark places and exposes any areas of weakness that are a hindrance to our daily living in God's presence.

Until next time, be blessed beyond measure!