Blessed New Year! Okay, mentees it’s application time. We have been going strong for the past four months.
Now, I want you to go back re-read what we’ve covered with new spiritual eyes. Ask Holy Spirit (Ruach HaKodesh) what areas He needs to sharpen and perfect within you. Is it manifesting glory in marriage, in what you eat, or in your conversations? So I’m challenging you to yield to God for the next two months (February and March 2010) in those area(s).
Keep me posted on your progress by coming back here and posting a response. I’ll check in on you from time to time and as always, you know I’m praying for all of you.
Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. – Romans 7:20
And he that was healed wist not who it was: for Jesus had conveyed himself away, a multitude being in that place. Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee. The man departed, and told the Jews that it was Jesus, which had made him whole. – John 5:13-15
Jesus touched many lives. At the same time, not everyone received His touch, words, healing, miracles, and salvation. As we close out this year, He comes to you through me to ask, “Will you leave this year the same?” Will you enter 2010 unchanged by His power, untouched by His glory, and a non-recipient of His grace and salvation? My prayer is that the answer will be no. If you’d like to become a recipient of His salvation, grace, and receive a fresh touch of His glory, I encourage you to reach out to me.
Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: – Exodus 19:5
Yesterday, we exposed that there are many leaders in the body who are simply peculiar in the eyes of men and are not a peculiar treasure in the eyes of God. The qualifications of being a peculiar treasure are: obeying God’s voice, keeping His covenant, and thus allowing Him to make you. Yehovah Makkeh is the God who molds us. Are you intimate with this aspect of God?
A peculiar vessel has allowed God to smite them in order to discipline them, slay them (yes, kill areas that are still alive in their flesh), and knock them off their horse like Saul in order for them to be made into His expressed image. A peculiar treasure has been conformed to the image of Yahushua HaMashiach (Jesus Christ).
Strong’s H5459 defines the Hebrew word treasure as valued property, special, jewel, a wealthy possession, private property. When you are valued private property, there is no one who can pass through and get to you without going through Me (the gate)! A peculiar treasure is fit for the Master’s noble and royal purposes, not a common ordinary pot with a pretty glaze overlaying it. You are the apple of His eye; His choice and chosen vessel who has allowed Him to perfect those things which concern you. He has reserved you as a special stock to be pulled off the shelf when it’s time to serve the finest wine, and everyone knows you are a peculiar treasure. They know it’s something different about you when you stand to minister. The proof of the ministry and the work He has done is clear, evident. For it is not you who stands to minister, but the Christ in you.
Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: – Exodus 19:5
We have all seen those spooky, flaky, deep-looking, bucking, falling out, crying, shouting, rolling around, speaking in tongues with no change Christians and ministers of the gospel. I’m not against any of the above things. Those who know me well know I’ve had my share of falling out, and I’ve done my “floor time.” I am against doing any of these things and remaining the same. Many of us still don’t know why the power of God comes. Many still don’t know what to do with His presence. He shows up to transform us into the image of Yahushua (Jesus).
As a ministry leader, you teach and preach such profound truths, but they transform no one, including you. You have the outer trappings of being peculiar, deep, and walking in a heavy anointing or in the kabode (the weight of the glory). I want to point out something here about those we have identified as peculiar. The key is that all of these actions and manifestations are what man sees and thinks of you. It may even be what you think of you, but God sees you as having a form of godliness, but in your own life and ministry you deny His right to manifest His power, nature, and character . . . His glory through you. You are peculiar in the eyes of men, but does God call you a peculiar treasure?
And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. – Matthew 26:40-42
This entire past week we have been focusing on pushing past all that vies for our time and attention and learning to protect the glorious times we have to simply BE with our God. If you didn’t heed the call on Friday, now is the time to just be.
Here are the scriptures God choose for you to mediate on:
And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. – Matthew 26:40-42
You know when I hear Jesus say, “Do this in remembrance of me” it’s about more than communion. It’s a call to remember Him in these times we live in where there is so much hustle and bustle. I know it’s Christmas, you’ve prepared some food, purchased some presents, and perhaps you are looking forward to receiving some presents and fellowshipping with family, friends, and loved ones. I want to challenge you today to WAKE UP to slip away and find some time to be with Jesus. I know you’ve got tons of stuff to do, but in the midst of it all, Jesus is saying to you, “Be With Me on My Birthday.” I know you want to, but are you willing to push past all that’s going on and answer the call to remember Him this day.
If so, here are some scriptures to mediate on. Don’t ask God for anything, don’t talk about your problems, what went right/wrong on this day, just BE with Him via His word.
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this. – Isaiah 9:6-7
Are you getting excited about Christmas? Do you remember when you were little and used to stay up until after midnight just to unwrap one present (or all of them depending on your parents’ consent)? We never forget the excitement of the traditions established in our family. Well, I still have that excitement at 40 something. Yes, I do, but it’s a more mature Christ-like version. Let me share my newfound tradition with you. I still stay up late. Truth be told, I can’t wait until midnight, but here’s the thing. I stay up so I can be the first one to enter my prayer closet to say, “Happy Birthday Yahushua!” What I love about this God inspired tradition is that He always awaits me with the best spiritual gifts I could ever imagine. He lavishes me with wisdom, revelation, love, and a fresh blast of Holy Spirit power. What old tradition do you need to infuse His glory into that it might become a newfound Spirit breathed mature Christ-like tradition?
But he said, “Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.”And when the people were gathered thick together, he began to say, “This is an evil generation: they seek a sign; and there shall no sign be given it, but the sign of Jonas the prophet.” – Luke 11:28-30
There is no way to explore the glory of Elohim (God) without focusing on Jesus, who is the very revelation of God’s glory to us. I hear so many people talk about miracles and forget that Yahushua’s (Jesus’) birth alone is a miracle. I see so many run here and there seeking miracles, signs, and wonders. How about just seeking Yahushua (Jesus), the miracle Himself? Yahushua (Jesus) didn’t just perform miracles as some like to teach and preach. He is a miracle.
So I encourage you if you want to walk in miracles and see the miracle working power released in your life, just praise the miracle Himself. Praise Yahushua (Jesus) now and tap into the very miracles you need and desire. Don’t be selfish in this. When you are praising Him for these miracles, be sure it’s for the needs that are on God’s heart, not yours (Isaiah 58:1-8, Luke 4:18).
This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. – Ephesians 5:22
I’ve been mentoring you in how to reflect God’s glory in your marriage on a day-to-day basis. How did it go on the last assignment . . . did you post what you discovered? It’s not too late. You can post your response now, mentee.
I want to take a time out and speak to those who are single who may be reading this and wondering, “How do I apply what you are teaching?” I’m so glad you asked. You can apply what I’ve been illustrating here in any relationship. All you need to do is pick a relationship that God established (e.g, spiritual parents, mother, father, sister, just to name a few) and live out what I’ve been teaching. I’d love to hear about it. So, come on back to the blog and post what you discover. You are being mentored, right?
Now back to the couples, God isn’t finished with your marriage yet. Amen?! We wrap up this segment of mentoring with another exercise. Truly, you have read enough scriptures on how to be a Godly husband or wife. It’s time to DO something about it. Your ministry will be the better because of it, and if the truth be told, deeper ministry awaits you!
Here is the perfect exercise for you:
Take a look at one thing Christ’s love does for you (e.g., forgives, accepts you). Do you have it in mind? Great! Now, look to how you relate in your marriage and see if you demonstrate this characteristic with your spouse. For example, if forgiveness comes up for you, when is the last time you really forgave your spouse for something s/he did or did not do?
I want to expand on this exercise. I sharedthe 12 attributes of glorious living with you a while back. I’m going to pull from some of those attributes to see if your marriage contains the attributes of Jesus’ glory.
Okay, here we go:
Do you humbly serve your spouse?
When is the last time you praised or prayed for your spouse?
Are you willing to follow your spouse’s leadership without question because you respect and honor them?
Are you willing to go against your “momma’s” or “daddy’s” marriage traditions and follow God’s way? This is also a part of leaving and cleaving.
Do you act like and respond to your spouse based on a deep knowing of who they are (e.g., an intimate revelation of who/what God says about your spouse)?
When is the last time your opinions or the opinions of man swayed how you relate to your spouse?
Your spouse may not be the most popular in or out of the body of Christ, how does this affect your love walk towards him or her?
Do you only speak what Father God says to your spouse?
What does generously meeting the needs of your spouse look like?
So, come on back to the blog and post what you discover. You are being mentored, right?
Six days before the Passover, Jesus arrived at Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. Then Mary took about a pint[a] of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected,” Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.” He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it. “Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial.” – John 12:1-7
John 12 (Complete Jewish Bible)
1 Six days before Pesach, Yeshua came to Beit-Anyah, where El`azar lived, the man Yeshua had raised from the dead; 2 so they gave a dinner there in his honor. Marta served the meal, and El`azar was among those at the table with him. 3 Miryam took a whole pint of pure oil of spikenard, which is very expensive, poured it on Yeshua’s feet and wiped his feet with her hair, so that the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. 4 But one of the talmidim, Y’hudah from K’riot, the one who was about to betray him, said, 5 “This perfume is worth a year’s wages! Why wasn’t it sold and the money given to the poor?” 6 Now he said this not out of concern for the poor, but because he was a thief — he was in charge of the common purse and used to steal from it. 7 Yeshua said, “Leave her alone! She kept this for the day of my burial.”
Yahushua (Jesus) was anointed to die on the cross! Anoint me Hashem (Father) to die, bear, and carry my cross. Anoint me to pick up my cross, deny myself, and follow you. Anoint me!
I know you are the Anointed One, but you were especially anointed for that momentous cross experience. You were anointed to die. This is what I need in my life. We seek the anointing for all kind of reasons. We pray, “Anoint me to sing, dance, prophesy, write, and even cook.” How about asking for the anointing to die? How many ministers do you know that can pray this type of anointing prayer?
There is a preparation process that goes into dying. Can’t you see Mary preparing Jesus to go to the cross (e.g. his death and burial). The first step in the process is cleansing. So ask Holy Spirit to search you, reveal sin, and then ask for forgiveness. Now you are ready to be taken to the cross. So the next step is to ask Holy Spirit to reveal areas that still need to be crucified within you. The third step is to go to the garden . . . alone. Here is where you get the strength to do His will and bear your cross, bear the ridicule, beatings, name calling, rejection, and mockery of your office with your mouth completely shut.
Lead me to the cross, God. I’ll follow . . . lead me.
