You are a gentleman. You knock at the door. You don't barge in and kidnap anyone. You're a lover, a romancer. You are looking for marriage. One of your commandments is, "Thou shall not steal." When we teach that You alone choose people and we have no decision in the relationship, we portray You as some kind of Needy Thief. Not true. Jesus says, "Come to me. Follow me."
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Inheritance and Labor
"And they captured fortified cities and a rich land, and took possession of houses full of all good things, cisterns already hewn, vineyards, olive orchards and trees in abundance. So they ate and were filled and became fat and delighted themselves in your great goodness." (Nehemiah 9:25)
Those who enter the Kingdom of God enter immediately into a feast and a Promised Land flowing with milk and honey. All is present. All belongs to God. No matter who labored, it belongs to Him. By His strength, He makes all of Creation grow. He is righteous to distribute it to whoever He pleases.
"I have sent you to reap that for which you did not labor. Others have labored, and you have entered into their labor:" (John 4:38)
Other times we step into somebody's started work.
"You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands; you shall be blessed, and it shall be well with you." (Psalm 128:2)
Other times, we will have to begin and finish a labor. God's children are always blessed to enjoy the fruit of that labor.
In all cases, the child of God needs the guidance of the Holy Spirit to judge the seasons. We must know if we are stepping into already worked, rich land; into tilled and planted soil that needs watering; or into a wild, untamed plot of land. One should not attempt to sow where one should rather reap, and vice-versa.
American culture offers a dangerous pitfall for the children of God because we are prone to believe that we must make a name for ourselves before we step into glory (concerning a ministry), that we must labor where we have never labored before. However, we are all laboring under the same Name. In reality, it all belongs to the Father. We must learn how to inherit, as well as labor. Know the seasons.
Those who enter the Kingdom of God enter immediately into a feast and a Promised Land flowing with milk and honey. All is present. All belongs to God. No matter who labored, it belongs to Him. By His strength, He makes all of Creation grow. He is righteous to distribute it to whoever He pleases.
"I have sent you to reap that for which you did not labor. Others have labored, and you have entered into their labor:" (John 4:38)
Other times we step into somebody's started work.
"You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands; you shall be blessed, and it shall be well with you." (Psalm 128:2)
Other times, we will have to begin and finish a labor. God's children are always blessed to enjoy the fruit of that labor.
In all cases, the child of God needs the guidance of the Holy Spirit to judge the seasons. We must know if we are stepping into already worked, rich land; into tilled and planted soil that needs watering; or into a wild, untamed plot of land. One should not attempt to sow where one should rather reap, and vice-versa.
American culture offers a dangerous pitfall for the children of God because we are prone to believe that we must make a name for ourselves before we step into glory (concerning a ministry), that we must labor where we have never labored before. However, we are all laboring under the same Name. In reality, it all belongs to the Father. We must learn how to inherit, as well as labor. Know the seasons.
Baptism
John the Baptist's water baptism was for the forgiveness of sins. It was to prepare the way for Christ who declared that He would baptize with water and fire. The water is a representation of the Flood. The Flood was destructive. It removed all wickedness from the earth during the days of Noah. We are to have the Flood wash all our sin and wickedness into the watery grave and be resurrected with Christ. It is also to wash our consciences clean from the corruptive effects of sin.
Baptism with fire is supposed to follow. The Holy Spirit is fire. At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit indwelled each believer in the Upper Room by touching them with tongues of fire. If water baptism was an engagement ring, this is the wedding ceremony. This is also a foreshadowing of Christ's return, when he will judge the earth in fire. The Holy Spirit will be poured out and all will be consumed that is not by nature, fire. Believers have a nature of fire since the Holy Spirit is indwelling. Reunion with Christ after everyting else is burnt up will be the Consummation. And we will be united with Christ forever.
There are several baptisms, as suggested by the 6 elementary doctrines of Christ found in Hebrews 6. This is a dense subject.
Baptism with fire is supposed to follow. The Holy Spirit is fire. At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit indwelled each believer in the Upper Room by touching them with tongues of fire. If water baptism was an engagement ring, this is the wedding ceremony. This is also a foreshadowing of Christ's return, when he will judge the earth in fire. The Holy Spirit will be poured out and all will be consumed that is not by nature, fire. Believers have a nature of fire since the Holy Spirit is indwelling. Reunion with Christ after everyting else is burnt up will be the Consummation. And we will be united with Christ forever.
There are several baptisms, as suggested by the 6 elementary doctrines of Christ found in Hebrews 6. This is a dense subject.
Functioning in Totality
The person is designed to function in totality just as the body is designed to work in totality. All parts must be functional, connected and unhindered. The spirit must direct the soul. The mind and heart must agree and the will of each must conform. The flesh must obey and create change in the physical world. It must fire words like arrows to soften hearts and work diligently to express a belief in Christ.
Love Functioning
Love binds all things together. God is Love. The Holy Spirit is Love. Love has a quality of unity. It brings incomplete truths to light and pieces them together to make a whole. It is not enough that every piece of a broken cup be present to piece the cup back together, to restore it. Love must bind it. God is Love. Anything else is just an idol. It has no power, no correct funciton with which to bind brokenness.
Love bears all things. It endures forever. It overpowers pain and deceit and hatred. These will pass away in the lake of fire with their administers. But love will only intensify in power. It is what miraculously removes the power of pain and suffering in a mother who has just given birth. When we are birthed forth into life beyond, all that has transpired here on earth will grow dim and dull in light of the indescribable glory to be further unveiled in and by love.
Love bears all things. It endures forever. It overpowers pain and deceit and hatred. These will pass away in the lake of fire with their administers. But love will only intensify in power. It is what miraculously removes the power of pain and suffering in a mother who has just given birth. When we are birthed forth into life beyond, all that has transpired here on earth will grow dim and dull in light of the indescribable glory to be further unveiled in and by love.
Cup Prayer
I am an empty cup. Only when I am empty am I fit for use, fit to be filled by You the Living Water. And when I am overflowing, I am thrilled. But what completes me is that I am in Your Hand. Your grasp is much greater than my spirit to fall away. I will trust in You. Mold me and make me fit for use and fit in Your hand.
Spiritual Healing
Spiritual healing is a lot like physical healing. It is meticulous and step-wise. And often it takes time. When God performs spiritual healing on one of His children, he does it perfectly. He wastes nothing and does not overdo anything. God alone sees hearts. He has a clear view on what needs to be done. If God ever invites you along to participate in the healing process of another, you must obey. You could cut out too much with your words or harden one's heart if operating outside of the Holy Spirit. God does not need us to accomplish His purposes. However, he does want us to join in on His work. It is His ideal will to involve His children. Always walk in the Spirit.
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