Friday, January 29, 2010
My heart
It's being packed. And it's going to Thailand. And yet at the very same time, my heart is being unpacked. I can't explain it any better than that.
Monday, January 25, 2010
The Orphan Spirit
I've asked God to shine a light in my heart concerning these things in the past season. If you've never heard of this, it's worth looking into. You'll probably find more of yourself in here than you want.
Here's a link with an AMAZING teaching on The Orphan Heart.
http://www.saltlight.org/europe/resources/latest
Click on The Orphan Heart MP3 and have a listen. Mark Stibbe is the speaker. I think it's a great resource, especially for those who are looking to care for orphans.
The Strategic Shift From an Orphan Spirit to the Spirit of Adoption
Andrew Gross
What is the Orphan Spirit?
A sneaking suspicion that you are rejected
How does this apply to you?
Many of us go through life with the mentality of an orphan, believing that:
By definition I am rejected and reject-able
I inevitably will be rejected by others
I deserve rejection
Am I influenced by the “orphan spirit?”
Do you ever feel . . .
A gnawing sense of insecurity about relationships?
It is only a matter of time before I am rejected?
A need to protect yourself when getting closer?
A basic instinct to flee from relationships?
The need to make “exit plans”?
The need to day-dream about “Plan B”?
The need to fight because others don’t have your best interest in mind?
The need to preemptively reject others?
An automatic suspicion of those in power?
The need to respond out of all proportion to unintentional snubs?
That disagreements, corrections, or constructive criticisms from others are really masks for disrespect, dismissal, or rejection?
Imagine a community in which people believe . . .
I don’t belong here
I’m not wanted here
My contribution is under-appreciated here
People wouldn’t miss me if I disappeared today
I don’t feel valued here
I don’t feel safe in relationships here
I can’t really be myself here
If others saw the real me, they would reject me
The old-timers don’t accept me
The new-comers don’t accept me or the good things that God did
here in the past
But what is the “Spirit of Adoption?”
A certainty that you are accepted
I belong
I am included
I am known
I am desired
I am wanted
I am cherished
I am treasured
For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship (adoption). And by him we cry, "Abba, Father."
Romans 8:15
God sent his Son . . . that we might receive the full rights (adoption) of sons. Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba, Father." So you are no longer a slave, but a son.
Galatians 4:4-7
He predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in
accordance with his pleasure and will. Ephesians 1:5
With the Spirit of Adoption comes the certainty of
God’s goodness as your Daddy
Your security as His child
A wide, broad mindset of confidence
We need to make this shift, but HOW?
The Problem: You don’t believe that God is good
The Solution: Fix your eyes on the character of God
Check the adoption papers
Rivet your thoughts and your imagination onto the Truth
"The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and
abounding in loving-kindness and truth, who keeps loving-kindness for
thousands, and forgives iniquity, transgression, and sin." Exodus 34:6-7
How much more does your heavenly Father know how to give good gifts.
Matthew 7:11-12
Do not be afraid little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the Kingdom. Luke 12:32
God, who gives to all men generously and without finding fault . . . James 1:5
An “oath confirms what is said and puts an end to all argument. Because God
wanted to make the unchanging nature of His purpose very clear to the heirs
of what was promised, He confirmed it with an oath. God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul . . .” Hebrews 6:16-20
Here's a link with an AMAZING teaching on The Orphan Heart.
http://www.saltlight.org/europe/resources/latest
Click on The Orphan Heart MP3 and have a listen. Mark Stibbe is the speaker. I think it's a great resource, especially for those who are looking to care for orphans.
The Strategic Shift From an Orphan Spirit to the Spirit of Adoption
Andrew Gross
What is the Orphan Spirit?
A sneaking suspicion that you are rejected
How does this apply to you?
Many of us go through life with the mentality of an orphan, believing that:
By definition I am rejected and reject-able
I inevitably will be rejected by others
I deserve rejection
Am I influenced by the “orphan spirit?”
Do you ever feel . . .
A gnawing sense of insecurity about relationships?
It is only a matter of time before I am rejected?
A need to protect yourself when getting closer?
A basic instinct to flee from relationships?
The need to make “exit plans”?
The need to day-dream about “Plan B”?
The need to fight because others don’t have your best interest in mind?
The need to preemptively reject others?
An automatic suspicion of those in power?
The need to respond out of all proportion to unintentional snubs?
That disagreements, corrections, or constructive criticisms from others are really masks for disrespect, dismissal, or rejection?
Imagine a community in which people believe . . .
I don’t belong here
I’m not wanted here
My contribution is under-appreciated here
People wouldn’t miss me if I disappeared today
I don’t feel valued here
I don’t feel safe in relationships here
I can’t really be myself here
If others saw the real me, they would reject me
The old-timers don’t accept me
The new-comers don’t accept me or the good things that God did
here in the past
But what is the “Spirit of Adoption?”
A certainty that you are accepted
I belong
I am included
I am known
I am desired
I am wanted
I am cherished
I am treasured
For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship (adoption). And by him we cry, "Abba, Father."
Romans 8:15
God sent his Son . . . that we might receive the full rights (adoption) of sons. Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba, Father." So you are no longer a slave, but a son.
Galatians 4:4-7
He predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in
accordance with his pleasure and will. Ephesians 1:5
With the Spirit of Adoption comes the certainty of
God’s goodness as your Daddy
Your security as His child
A wide, broad mindset of confidence
We need to make this shift, but HOW?
The Problem: You don’t believe that God is good
The Solution: Fix your eyes on the character of God
Check the adoption papers
Rivet your thoughts and your imagination onto the Truth
"The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and
abounding in loving-kindness and truth, who keeps loving-kindness for
thousands, and forgives iniquity, transgression, and sin." Exodus 34:6-7
How much more does your heavenly Father know how to give good gifts.
Matthew 7:11-12
Do not be afraid little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the Kingdom. Luke 12:32
God, who gives to all men generously and without finding fault . . . James 1:5
An “oath confirms what is said and puts an end to all argument. Because God
wanted to make the unchanging nature of His purpose very clear to the heirs
of what was promised, He confirmed it with an oath. God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul . . .” Hebrews 6:16-20
Saturday, January 23, 2010
If repentance ='s revival, do you still want it?
I was cleaning out old folders and cabinets the other day and found this gem. It's actually a brochure I've had for years, going back about 10 years,to be certain. I recently put it on my fridge, hoping to go through the list and to enter into a season of deep repentance. I am so hungry for revival. If God grants me the grace, I will be able to posture my heart that I would be able to receive the newness of His spirit and of His life!
It's a convicting read, so...just be ready! But running in the way of repentance is always better than digging up an argument. God spoke to me a few months ago and he told me that broken/repentant people have no more arguments. They just submit. Oh how I want this in my life.
Heart Searching for Prayer Preparation and Personal Revival
Confession of sin is necessary for fellowship with Go and revival among God’s people. One of the problems we face as Christians is that many people do not look on sin as being very bad. Seeing it as high treason has revolutionized my thinking. Ezekiel 39:23 (NAS). In other words, when a Christian is Christ-controlled, Christ is on the throne of his life. Ego-self is dethroned. When the slightest sin is committed, a thought, word, deed or attitude, Christ is dethroned and ego-self is enthroned. That is treason! It is self usurping the throne from Christ. Because He is King of kings and Lord of lords, it is HIGH treason.
Perhaps this is one reason James could say, “For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.” (James 2:10) It is not so much the sin that is bad, but the very nature of sin itself. It is high treason.
Prayerfully, consider the following questions. Go through these questions one by one. Answer truthfully each question. Every “yes” answer will mean sin in your life.
In reading these questions, as you are convicted of sin, confess it at once to God. Be willing to make it right…then you can claim cleansing and forgiveness. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (I John 1:9)
Be sure to name your sins to God, as…”Lord, I have not put thee first in my plans.” Or “I have neglected Thy work in prayer.” Do not make the least excuse for sin of any kind in your life. “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper; but whosoever confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” (Proverbs 28:13).
No matter what others do, or not do. Christian, leave nothing undone on your part. God wants to work through you to bring about a great spiritual awakening. He can begin by your fulfilling every requirement shown by the Lord through the Holy Spirit and His Word. A revival from the presence of the Lord begins today, if you desire it. (read the scriptures first. Ask the questions. Give a truthful answer…”yes” or “no” Do not go to the next question until you have settled the one at hand. This is not just to be read but prayed through.
1.Matt. 6:12-14: Is there anyone against whom you hold a grudge? Anyone you have not forgiven? Anyone you hate? Anyone you do not love? Are there any misunderstandings that you are unwilling to forget? Is there any person against whom you are harboring bitterness, resentment, or jealousy? Anyone you dislike to hear praised or well spoken of? Do you allow anything to justify a wrong attitude toward another?
2.Matt. 6:33: Is there anything in which you have failed to put God first? Have your decisions been made after your own wisdom and desires, rather than by seeking and following God’s will? DO any of the following in any way interfere with your surrender and service to God; ambition, pleasures, loved ones, friendships, desire for recognition, money, your own plans?
3.Mark 16:15: Have you failed to seek the lost for Christ. Have you failed to witness consistently with your mouth for the Lord Jesus Christ? Has your life not shown to the lost the Lord Jesus?
4.John 13:35: Are you secretly pleased over the misfortunes of others? Are you secretly annoyed over the accomplishments or advancements of another? Are you guilty of any contention or strife? Do you quarrel, argue or engage in heated discussions? Are you a partaker in any division, or party spirit? Are there people whom you deliberately slight?
5.Acts 20:35: Have you robbed God by withholding His due of time, talents and money? Have you given less than a tenth of your income for god’s work? Have you failed to support mission work either in prayer or in offerings?
6.I Cor. 4:2: Are you undependable so that you cannot be trusted with responsibilities in the Lord’s work? Are you allowing your emotions to be stirred for the things of the Lord but doing nothing about it?
7.I Cor. 6:19-20: Are you in any way careless with your body? Do you fail to care for it as the temple of the Holy Spirit? Are you in any way careless with your body? Do you fail to care for it as the temple of the Holy Spirit? Are you guilt of intemperance in eating or drinking? Do you have any habits which are defiling to the body?
8.I Cor. 10:31: Do you take the slightest credit for anything good about you, rather than give all the glory to God? Do you talk of what you have done rather than of what Christ has done? Are your statements mostly about “I?” Are you feelings easily hurt? Have you made a pretense of being something that you are not?
9.Eph. 3:20: Are you self-conscience rather than Christ-conscious? Do you allow feeling of inferiority to keep you from attempting things you should in service for God?
10.Eph. 4:28: Do you underpay? Do you do very little in your work? Have you been careless in the payment of your debts? Have you sought to evade payment of your debts? Do you waste time? Do you waste time for others?
11.Eph. 4:31: Do you complain? Do you find fault? Do you have a critical attitude towards any person or anything? Are you irritable or cranky? Do you ever carry hidden anger? Do you get angry? Do you become impatient with others? Are you ever harsh or unkind?
12.Eph. 5:15-16: Do you listen to unedifying radio or television programs? Do you read unworthy magazines? Do you participate in worldly amusements? Do you find it necessary to seek satisfaction from any questionable source? Are you doing certain things that show that you are not satisfied in the Lord Jesus Christ?
13.Eph 5:20: Have you neglected to thank Him for all things, the seemingly bad as well as the good? Have you virtually called God a liar by doubting His word? Do you worry? Is your spiritual temperature based on your feelings instead of on the facts of God’s word?
14.Phil 1:21: Are you taken up with the cares of this life? Is your conversation or hear joyful over things rather than the Lord and His word? Does anything mean more to you than living for and pleasing God?
15.Phil 2:14: Do you ever by word or deed seek to hurt someone? Do you gossip? Do you speak unkindly concerning people when they are not present?
16.Phil 4:4: Have you neglected to seek to be pleasing to Him in all things? Do you carry any bitterness towards God? Have you complained against Him in any way? Have you been dissatisfied with His provision for you? Is there in your heart any unwillingness to obey God fully? Do you have any reservations as to what you would or would not do concerning anything that might be His will? Have you disobeyed some direct leading from Him?
17.Col. 3:9: Do you engage in empty and unprofitable conversation? Do you ever lie? Do you ever exaggerate? Cheat? Steal? Carefully consider…do you overcharge?
18.II Tim 2:22: Do you have any personal habits that are not pure? Do you allow impure thoughts about the opposite sex to stay in your mind? Do you read that which is impure or suggest unholy things? Do you indulge in any unclean entertainment? Are you guilty of the lustful look?
19.Heb. 10:25: Do you stay away from the meetings of preaching the gospel? Do you whisper or think about others things while God’s word is being read or preached? Are you irregular in attendance at services? Do you neglect to attend or participate in meetings for prayer? Have you neglected or slighted daily or private prayer? Have you neglected God’s Word? Do you find the Bible and prayer uninteresting? Have you neglected thanksgiving at meals? Have you neglected daily family devotions?
20.Heb. 13:17 Do you hesitate to submit to leaders in the church or elsewhere? Are you lazy? Do you rebel at requests given to you to help in the work of the gospel? Do you in any way have a stubborn or unreachable spirit?
21.James 1:27: Have you allowed yourself to become “spotted’ by the world? Is your manner of dress pleasing to God? Do you spend beyond what is pleasing to God on anything? Do you neglect to pray about things you buy?
22.James 3:5: Do you feel that you are doing quite well as a Christian? That you are not so bad? That you are good enough? Are you stubborn? Do you insist on having your own way? Do you insist on your right?
23.James 4:11: Have you dishonored Him and hindered His work by criticizing His servants? Have you failed to pray regularly for your pastor or other spiritual leaders? Do you find it hard to corrected? Are you more concerned about what people will think than what will be pleasing to God?
If you have been honest and true in the matter of admitting your sings, then you are ready for God’s cleanings. Sins that are admitted are sins that are confessed. Remember these three things:
1.If the sin is against God, confess it to God, and make things right with God
2.If the sin is against another person, confess it to God, and make the sin right with the other one.
3.If the sin is against a group, confess it to God, and make it right with the group.
If there is full confession, there will be full cleansing. Then the joy of the Lord will follow. There can be testimony and prayer in the power of the Holy Spirit. Revival will follow.
Psalm 19:12 – “Who can understand his errors? Cleanse thou me from secret faults.”
It's a convicting read, so...just be ready! But running in the way of repentance is always better than digging up an argument. God spoke to me a few months ago and he told me that broken/repentant people have no more arguments. They just submit. Oh how I want this in my life.
Heart Searching for Prayer Preparation and Personal Revival
Confession of sin is necessary for fellowship with Go and revival among God’s people. One of the problems we face as Christians is that many people do not look on sin as being very bad. Seeing it as high treason has revolutionized my thinking. Ezekiel 39:23 (NAS). In other words, when a Christian is Christ-controlled, Christ is on the throne of his life. Ego-self is dethroned. When the slightest sin is committed, a thought, word, deed or attitude, Christ is dethroned and ego-self is enthroned. That is treason! It is self usurping the throne from Christ. Because He is King of kings and Lord of lords, it is HIGH treason.
Perhaps this is one reason James could say, “For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.” (James 2:10) It is not so much the sin that is bad, but the very nature of sin itself. It is high treason.
Prayerfully, consider the following questions. Go through these questions one by one. Answer truthfully each question. Every “yes” answer will mean sin in your life.
In reading these questions, as you are convicted of sin, confess it at once to God. Be willing to make it right…then you can claim cleansing and forgiveness. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (I John 1:9)
Be sure to name your sins to God, as…”Lord, I have not put thee first in my plans.” Or “I have neglected Thy work in prayer.” Do not make the least excuse for sin of any kind in your life. “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper; but whosoever confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” (Proverbs 28:13).
No matter what others do, or not do. Christian, leave nothing undone on your part. God wants to work through you to bring about a great spiritual awakening. He can begin by your fulfilling every requirement shown by the Lord through the Holy Spirit and His Word. A revival from the presence of the Lord begins today, if you desire it. (read the scriptures first. Ask the questions. Give a truthful answer…”yes” or “no” Do not go to the next question until you have settled the one at hand. This is not just to be read but prayed through.
1.Matt. 6:12-14: Is there anyone against whom you hold a grudge? Anyone you have not forgiven? Anyone you hate? Anyone you do not love? Are there any misunderstandings that you are unwilling to forget? Is there any person against whom you are harboring bitterness, resentment, or jealousy? Anyone you dislike to hear praised or well spoken of? Do you allow anything to justify a wrong attitude toward another?
2.Matt. 6:33: Is there anything in which you have failed to put God first? Have your decisions been made after your own wisdom and desires, rather than by seeking and following God’s will? DO any of the following in any way interfere with your surrender and service to God; ambition, pleasures, loved ones, friendships, desire for recognition, money, your own plans?
3.Mark 16:15: Have you failed to seek the lost for Christ. Have you failed to witness consistently with your mouth for the Lord Jesus Christ? Has your life not shown to the lost the Lord Jesus?
4.John 13:35: Are you secretly pleased over the misfortunes of others? Are you secretly annoyed over the accomplishments or advancements of another? Are you guilty of any contention or strife? Do you quarrel, argue or engage in heated discussions? Are you a partaker in any division, or party spirit? Are there people whom you deliberately slight?
5.Acts 20:35: Have you robbed God by withholding His due of time, talents and money? Have you given less than a tenth of your income for god’s work? Have you failed to support mission work either in prayer or in offerings?
6.I Cor. 4:2: Are you undependable so that you cannot be trusted with responsibilities in the Lord’s work? Are you allowing your emotions to be stirred for the things of the Lord but doing nothing about it?
7.I Cor. 6:19-20: Are you in any way careless with your body? Do you fail to care for it as the temple of the Holy Spirit? Are you in any way careless with your body? Do you fail to care for it as the temple of the Holy Spirit? Are you guilt of intemperance in eating or drinking? Do you have any habits which are defiling to the body?
8.I Cor. 10:31: Do you take the slightest credit for anything good about you, rather than give all the glory to God? Do you talk of what you have done rather than of what Christ has done? Are your statements mostly about “I?” Are you feelings easily hurt? Have you made a pretense of being something that you are not?
9.Eph. 3:20: Are you self-conscience rather than Christ-conscious? Do you allow feeling of inferiority to keep you from attempting things you should in service for God?
10.Eph. 4:28: Do you underpay? Do you do very little in your work? Have you been careless in the payment of your debts? Have you sought to evade payment of your debts? Do you waste time? Do you waste time for others?
11.Eph. 4:31: Do you complain? Do you find fault? Do you have a critical attitude towards any person or anything? Are you irritable or cranky? Do you ever carry hidden anger? Do you get angry? Do you become impatient with others? Are you ever harsh or unkind?
12.Eph. 5:15-16: Do you listen to unedifying radio or television programs? Do you read unworthy magazines? Do you participate in worldly amusements? Do you find it necessary to seek satisfaction from any questionable source? Are you doing certain things that show that you are not satisfied in the Lord Jesus Christ?
13.Eph 5:20: Have you neglected to thank Him for all things, the seemingly bad as well as the good? Have you virtually called God a liar by doubting His word? Do you worry? Is your spiritual temperature based on your feelings instead of on the facts of God’s word?
14.Phil 1:21: Are you taken up with the cares of this life? Is your conversation or hear joyful over things rather than the Lord and His word? Does anything mean more to you than living for and pleasing God?
15.Phil 2:14: Do you ever by word or deed seek to hurt someone? Do you gossip? Do you speak unkindly concerning people when they are not present?
16.Phil 4:4: Have you neglected to seek to be pleasing to Him in all things? Do you carry any bitterness towards God? Have you complained against Him in any way? Have you been dissatisfied with His provision for you? Is there in your heart any unwillingness to obey God fully? Do you have any reservations as to what you would or would not do concerning anything that might be His will? Have you disobeyed some direct leading from Him?
17.Col. 3:9: Do you engage in empty and unprofitable conversation? Do you ever lie? Do you ever exaggerate? Cheat? Steal? Carefully consider…do you overcharge?
18.II Tim 2:22: Do you have any personal habits that are not pure? Do you allow impure thoughts about the opposite sex to stay in your mind? Do you read that which is impure or suggest unholy things? Do you indulge in any unclean entertainment? Are you guilty of the lustful look?
19.Heb. 10:25: Do you stay away from the meetings of preaching the gospel? Do you whisper or think about others things while God’s word is being read or preached? Are you irregular in attendance at services? Do you neglect to attend or participate in meetings for prayer? Have you neglected or slighted daily or private prayer? Have you neglected God’s Word? Do you find the Bible and prayer uninteresting? Have you neglected thanksgiving at meals? Have you neglected daily family devotions?
20.Heb. 13:17 Do you hesitate to submit to leaders in the church or elsewhere? Are you lazy? Do you rebel at requests given to you to help in the work of the gospel? Do you in any way have a stubborn or unreachable spirit?
21.James 1:27: Have you allowed yourself to become “spotted’ by the world? Is your manner of dress pleasing to God? Do you spend beyond what is pleasing to God on anything? Do you neglect to pray about things you buy?
22.James 3:5: Do you feel that you are doing quite well as a Christian? That you are not so bad? That you are good enough? Are you stubborn? Do you insist on having your own way? Do you insist on your right?
23.James 4:11: Have you dishonored Him and hindered His work by criticizing His servants? Have you failed to pray regularly for your pastor or other spiritual leaders? Do you find it hard to corrected? Are you more concerned about what people will think than what will be pleasing to God?
If you have been honest and true in the matter of admitting your sings, then you are ready for God’s cleanings. Sins that are admitted are sins that are confessed. Remember these three things:
1.If the sin is against God, confess it to God, and make things right with God
2.If the sin is against another person, confess it to God, and make the sin right with the other one.
3.If the sin is against a group, confess it to God, and make it right with the group.
If there is full confession, there will be full cleansing. Then the joy of the Lord will follow. There can be testimony and prayer in the power of the Holy Spirit. Revival will follow.
Psalm 19:12 – “Who can understand his errors? Cleanse thou me from secret faults.”
Saturday, January 16, 2010
This is an Hour of Invitation
Lord, would you give us the grace and strength to say yes to whatever it is you are asking us?
http://randybohlender.wordpress.com/2010/01/16/welcome-to-the-luke-18-school-of-politics/
http://randybohlender.wordpress.com/2010/01/16/welcome-to-the-luke-18-school-of-politics/
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