I don't know about you but sometimes I find it hard to remember that the Bible is history, not fiction; that people mentioned in the bible such as Daniel and Luke were in fact just people (like you and me!) and not mere fictional characters. Sometimes I think that we can all have a tendency to ready the bible with glassy eyes, having a subconscious mentality that the things that are recorded in the Word are from a different world or some kind of parallel universe! A friend once usefully told me that when reading the bible he 'entered into a passage', visualizing that he was actually in the actual biblical account, at the location, observing what was happening. This is why movies such as the Passion of the Christ are so shocking - suddenly it becomes visible and 'real'.
The God of the Bible and His miracles are for the people of today, and some of the happenings we read in the Bible are but a foretaste of what God has planned for our generation. People are being raised from the dead, food is multiplying, and souls are being saved at unprecedented rates! The following is a clip of a gathering of over 1 million people gathering in a SINGLE SERVICE in the name of Christ, I wonder if this was listed in Scripture if it would seem less 'real' or believable?'
In His joy, Paul
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Saturday, July 14, 2007
No Limitations in Christ
I was in a prayer meeting the other day, and God gave me this word for someone, "There is no limitations in Christ". After i gave this word to the person, I was mulling over this phrase for a while, and I realised that this wasn't just a specific word for one person- it has huge connotations for all of us, and for us as an Army if we really think about it.
There are no Limitations in Christ. There is nothing GOd cannot do. He will be Lord even over the imposssible. There is nothing we have done that can limit God. Who are we to have obstacle that God can't cross, that God can't deal with- thats ridiculous- God CAN DO ALL THINGS! WE CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHO GIVES US STRENGTH! (Phil 3:14. There is nothing our God cannot do! :)
There is nothing that you have done, or anything in your past that will limit what God can do in you and through you. Nothing you have done is so bad that God has dismissed you. Christ died for you- he loved you so much that he died for you while you were still sinners. Christ died for all of us- no matter how good or how bad we may seem. God loves us- God can take the most messed up dirty person and turn that life around and do something amazing with it. There are no limitations as to what God can do in you! God can still do things you never thought possible through you!
Never limit or dismiss the the dreams that God has placed in your heart. They may seem far fetched or crazy, but if God has given them to you, then they are more than possible. They may not be being played out right now, but don't lose hope. Whereever you are at, God is working in you to make you ready for it- whatever happens, happens for a reason,. Eph 3:20 says that God can do immeasurably more than we could ever hope or imagine- our dreams are God's starting point. So dream big!
Forgive me if I'm about to say something controversial, but The Salvation Army can tend to put alot of limitations on ourselves. I get so frustrated because we have structured into the Army so much red tape that we think restricts us from doing anything. Yet we still believe that there are no limitations in Christ- so what can this mean for us when we think about it?
Our buildings do not have to limit what we can do- The size of a building is not the reason for the size of the Church. The building isn't the church, the church is the people. Just because the building only holds a certain amount, that doesn't have to be the limit of people. Cell groups can explode the size of the church. That can be church, and it is so intimate and powerful, that God can do incredible things there.
Our buildings or 'Occ Health & Safety' do not have to limit us reaching out to the poor and winning them to Christ. Jesus has commanded us to go out into all the world to win the world, not to stay where we are and have the world come to us. Just because official 'welfare' has to be done in a certain way etc etc, doesn't mean we can't reach out to the people where they are at. Like our founder William Booth, we need to go out the last, the lost and the least of our community, we need to love them and help them, and show Christ to them. Find out what the greatest needs and issues of your community are and just do it! Don't let anything limit you- it doesn't have to!
This have been a bunch of random thoughts, but God really wants you to know and apply into your lives that there are no limitations in Christ! None! Nothing you have done, there is no red tape, that can stop you fulfilling God's plan for your lives. No matter what your history, the devil can't take away your God-given destiny!
God bless,
Phoebe
There are no Limitations in Christ. There is nothing GOd cannot do. He will be Lord even over the imposssible. There is nothing we have done that can limit God. Who are we to have obstacle that God can't cross, that God can't deal with- thats ridiculous- God CAN DO ALL THINGS! WE CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHO GIVES US STRENGTH! (Phil 3:14. There is nothing our God cannot do! :)
There is nothing that you have done, or anything in your past that will limit what God can do in you and through you. Nothing you have done is so bad that God has dismissed you. Christ died for you- he loved you so much that he died for you while you were still sinners. Christ died for all of us- no matter how good or how bad we may seem. God loves us- God can take the most messed up dirty person and turn that life around and do something amazing with it. There are no limitations as to what God can do in you! God can still do things you never thought possible through you!
Never limit or dismiss the the dreams that God has placed in your heart. They may seem far fetched or crazy, but if God has given them to you, then they are more than possible. They may not be being played out right now, but don't lose hope. Whereever you are at, God is working in you to make you ready for it- whatever happens, happens for a reason,. Eph 3:20 says that God can do immeasurably more than we could ever hope or imagine- our dreams are God's starting point. So dream big!
Forgive me if I'm about to say something controversial, but The Salvation Army can tend to put alot of limitations on ourselves. I get so frustrated because we have structured into the Army so much red tape that we think restricts us from doing anything. Yet we still believe that there are no limitations in Christ- so what can this mean for us when we think about it?
Our buildings do not have to limit what we can do- The size of a building is not the reason for the size of the Church. The building isn't the church, the church is the people. Just because the building only holds a certain amount, that doesn't have to be the limit of people. Cell groups can explode the size of the church. That can be church, and it is so intimate and powerful, that God can do incredible things there.
Our buildings or 'Occ Health & Safety' do not have to limit us reaching out to the poor and winning them to Christ. Jesus has commanded us to go out into all the world to win the world, not to stay where we are and have the world come to us. Just because official 'welfare' has to be done in a certain way etc etc, doesn't mean we can't reach out to the people where they are at. Like our founder William Booth, we need to go out the last, the lost and the least of our community, we need to love them and help them, and show Christ to them. Find out what the greatest needs and issues of your community are and just do it! Don't let anything limit you- it doesn't have to!
This have been a bunch of random thoughts, but God really wants you to know and apply into your lives that there are no limitations in Christ! None! Nothing you have done, there is no red tape, that can stop you fulfilling God's plan for your lives. No matter what your history, the devil can't take away your God-given destiny!
God bless,
Phoebe
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Prophetic Training 2
Following on from the previous post, I feel that God wants to start a restoration process of the office of the prophet in the Body for believers and practical ministry. Remember, we may all prophesy (even if it is not our primary spiritual gift) and are to eagerly desire it (1 Corinthians 12). All things must also be tested against the Word.
For prophetic exercises, I would recommend a cell or bible group to begin with. In your group, try and get rid of distraction and enter into the anointing by prayer, worship, thanksgiving and praise: Don't be ritualistic but enter into the freedom of Christ.
When your group feels ready, get each individual to choose another individual whom they will prophesy over. Blank your mind, open your heart, and you will find He will speak through MANY methods, some of which may be vision, mental pictures, 'simply knowing things', hearing an internal audible voice and many others!
Remember, some revelation received may be wrong, it takes time to learn His voice from self or the enemy, so test all words as a Body and with discernment but above all trust in Him. Go around in a circle and speak out what you receive, it may seem really silly some of the things you receive, but can be very powerful to the receiver even if it does not make a whole lot of sense to you.
Here are some good practical exercises:
1. Ask the Lord how much He loves the other person.
2. Ask Him for some things he admires about the other person (caution, He often will not limit Himself to just 'some' things!)
3. Ask the Lord for a bible passage.
4. Visualize (meet with) the Lord and see what He is doing/saying.
5. Have one person sit in the middle of your group and prophesy over them as a group (patience may be required, don't 'over speak' each other; have a designated scribe or a tape recorder for future remembrance).
How great is our God who longs to speak to us, let's commune with Him and be intimate with Him!
“Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water (Hebrews 10:19-22).
Grace, Paul
For prophetic exercises, I would recommend a cell or bible group to begin with. In your group, try and get rid of distraction and enter into the anointing by prayer, worship, thanksgiving and praise: Don't be ritualistic but enter into the freedom of Christ.
When your group feels ready, get each individual to choose another individual whom they will prophesy over. Blank your mind, open your heart, and you will find He will speak through MANY methods, some of which may be vision, mental pictures, 'simply knowing things', hearing an internal audible voice and many others!
Remember, some revelation received may be wrong, it takes time to learn His voice from self or the enemy, so test all words as a Body and with discernment but above all trust in Him. Go around in a circle and speak out what you receive, it may seem really silly some of the things you receive, but can be very powerful to the receiver even if it does not make a whole lot of sense to you.
Here are some good practical exercises:
1. Ask the Lord how much He loves the other person.
2. Ask Him for some things he admires about the other person (caution, He often will not limit Himself to just 'some' things!)
3. Ask the Lord for a bible passage.
4. Visualize (meet with) the Lord and see what He is doing/saying.
5. Have one person sit in the middle of your group and prophesy over them as a group (patience may be required, don't 'over speak' each other; have a designated scribe or a tape recorder for future remembrance).
How great is our God who longs to speak to us, let's commune with Him and be intimate with Him!
“Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water (Hebrews 10:19-22).
Grace, Paul
Monday, June 18, 2007
Prophetic Training
God has been speaking to me and a few friends a lot lately about the prophetic and its power to comfort, edify, heal, transform lives, change destinies and save souls. God is so eager to speak, to communicate to us personally and to use us as vessels to speak into each others lives that it is simply not funny! God often does speak to us through people subversively, however He is also raising up a generation that has the boldness to live a life of invocation, calling upon Him and then proclaiming what He is speaking.
Prophesy is hearing what the Father is saying and then speaking it out, it is a Supernatural God inviting a natural source (us) to participate with Him, allowing Him to say what is on His heart. Its never ceases to amaze me how just two spirit filled words direct from Gods heart can have greater affect then a 1 hour sermon or years of 'preaching' at someone, God knows what another person needs to hear. These words penetrate any sin, melt any hardened heart, displace any lie, resonate with the receivers being, and is a avenue God has chose for His Spirit to touch another persons spirit. Prophesy is powerful and it’s hell draining truth can change the world. Prophesy is to be eagerly desired (not for self – glory) but for the glory of the One whom is really speaking.
Like any gift, the prophetic needs to be humbly asked for, practiced, applied, and developed. Strangly, it has been ‘practicing’ this gift and practically applying it that God has been encouraging us to do with great conviction, and I guess this makes sense: it is a gift for the edification of belivers and the salvation of souls and should not be neglected.
There are three parts to prophesy: 1.Revelation, 2.Interpretation, and 3.Application. We must be very careful to determine the source of the revelation, seek and pray for the correct interpretation, and apply it in the manner, heart, and time that He desires.
In the following post I will share some creative and innovative ways that God has taught us where believers can practice the prophetic with each other, such as in cell groups - its safer amongst friends for beginners ;)
Every Blessing, Paul.
Thursday, June 7, 2007
'Let us name it for what it is...'
'School of Prophets' (http://schoolofprophets-australia.blogspot.com/) has made a brazen yet timely post concerning 'social club salvos' which I encourage everyone in the blogging community to check out; it is this type of Salvationism that seems to have William Booth crying out from his grave and stirs the spirits of many revolutionaries to a boil!
In the same context, why are so many spiritually anointed leaders being neglected in Corp leadership whilst those whom 'look the part' on external appearance hold these critical positions? Where are the prophets on the Corp Council table? Where are those who have a mantle to lead but are over looked by the office of man? Something to think about, AND PRAY about!
In the same context, why are so many spiritually anointed leaders being neglected in Corp leadership whilst those whom 'look the part' on external appearance hold these critical positions? Where are the prophets on the Corp Council table? Where are those who have a mantle to lead but are over looked by the office of man? Something to think about, AND PRAY about!
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
Sin and Repentance
Sin is the refusal to let God be God.
Repentence is letting God be God in our lives.
In true repentance a person feels drawn to God.
In false repentance a person feels driven by God.
Are you in agreement with God in your life (Obediance)?
Are you in disagreement with God in your life (Disobediance)?
Are your motives connected to the very heart of God?
Are your motives motivated by self, law, or others?
Repentence is letting God be God in our lives.
In true repentance a person feels drawn to God.
In false repentance a person feels driven by God.
Are you in agreement with God in your life (Obediance)?
Are you in disagreement with God in your life (Disobediance)?
Are your motives connected to the very heart of God?
Are your motives motivated by self, law, or others?
Monday, May 28, 2007
God is speaking this Sunday
'But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong', 1 Corinthians 1:27.
It never ceases to amaze me that God chooses people, everyday people like you and me to share His Word. In the bible He called upon fisherman, tax collectors, and in the case of the Apostle Paul, even tyrants to preach His Word...and this method has not changed today! One of the primary ways God has chosen to speak to people is through people; this can take place over a coffee with a friend, a remark from a stranger, and most notably, through preaching.
When it comes to preaching we must note that some the very best public speakers can be the worst preachers, and the best preachers are sometimes very bad public speakers. What does this mean? It means that He isn’t always speaking just because a person who has alot of personal charisma is being entertaining, and it doesn’t mean that He is not speaking just becasue a person has a monotone voice!
In the next meeting this Sunday God will be speaking though the preacher, that is to say, if sanctioned by the Lord the preacher will be His instrument, His mouth piece to say what He wants to say. God is speaking to us through the preacher directly each Sunday, so is this out expectancy? I have noticed (and this is true of most churches) that in many Salvo meetings, the moment that God is going to speak through the preacher something happens...people switch off! It is almost as if as soon as the speaker has been announced people have an internal 'snooze' button and dis-engage. If you don't believe me, next Sun meeting have a look for yourself! This is the opposite to expectancy...are we expecting God to speak to us, assured that He Himself is speaking to us from Heaven through the speaker?
Sometimes sermons can be boring, but let’s not expect them to be boring, and expect to hear what He is speaking to us through His people!
Holy is He, Paul
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
The unforgiving servant
"Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him.Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt.
"The servant fell on his knees before him. 'Be patient with me,' he begged, 'and I will pay back everything.'
The servant's master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go.
"But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii. He grabbed him and began to choke him. 'Pay back what you owe me!' he demanded.
"His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, 'Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.'
"But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt.
When the other servants saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed and went and told their master everything that had happened.
"Then the master called the servant in. 'You wicked servant,' he said, 'I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to.
Shouldn't you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?'
In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed.
"This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart."
(Matthew 18:23-25).
"And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins."
(Mark 11:35)
"The servant fell on his knees before him. 'Be patient with me,' he begged, 'and I will pay back everything.'
The servant's master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go.
"But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii. He grabbed him and began to choke him. 'Pay back what you owe me!' he demanded.
"His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, 'Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.'
"But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt.
When the other servants saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed and went and told their master everything that had happened.
"Then the master called the servant in. 'You wicked servant,' he said, 'I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to.
Shouldn't you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?'
In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed.
"This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart."
(Matthew 18:23-25).
"And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins."
(Mark 11:35)
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Glory Conference (Part 2)
*We still have to deal with the spirit of the Pharisees, systems of reason and logic; Faith needs to rest on the power of God and need not be something that is separated from experience.
*You can begin in the Spirit but then try and perfect or finish in the flesh; It is not only the foundation but every level that needs to be built by His Spirit; When you rely on your own strength in something God gives you you will end up miserable.
*When you ask Him something believe your going to get an answer.
*Do not evaluate the Spirits move by the criteria of the program you came out of.
*The Disciples were successful at proclaiming the Good News and performing demonstrations – even when they were rejected.
*To some you smell like heaven, to others death – your success cannot be measured by people’s evaluation but doing what God has told you to do.
*You don’t need permission to preach and lay hands, God says ‘go’; He is our Father not our Mother!
*The Spirit of revival is contagious – take it and use it – it is all by One Spirit.
*Common thread of revivals: When the Spirit came, they said ‘yes’. Welcome Him and let Him have His way.
*He stays where He is celebrated, not just tolerated or dissected.
*Church should be the happiest place on Earth.
*You feeling often display your relationship with God, your facial expression often shows your theology; you can tell almost anything by just looking at someone’s face.
*God’s presence and truth brings release from trauma – the days of counseling are numbered.
*Process healing? Nahman washed 7 times (2 Kings).
*For His glory we must be dependent upon and trust in Him.
*When a manifestation touches our heart we still need Jesus to carry it through to change our heart.
*The Holy Spirit supersedes all others (drugs/alcohol); people don’t want to see the menu but to be fed, they wan't to experience Him, ‘taste and see that the Lord is good’
*The devil will keep coming back to make you doubt, but He is the same God.
*He/She that perseveres inherits the promise.
*You can begin in the Spirit but then try and perfect or finish in the flesh; It is not only the foundation but every level that needs to be built by His Spirit; When you rely on your own strength in something God gives you you will end up miserable.
*When you ask Him something believe your going to get an answer.
*Do not evaluate the Spirits move by the criteria of the program you came out of.
*The Disciples were successful at proclaiming the Good News and performing demonstrations – even when they were rejected.
*To some you smell like heaven, to others death – your success cannot be measured by people’s evaluation but doing what God has told you to do.
*You don’t need permission to preach and lay hands, God says ‘go’; He is our Father not our Mother!
*The Spirit of revival is contagious – take it and use it – it is all by One Spirit.
*Common thread of revivals: When the Spirit came, they said ‘yes’. Welcome Him and let Him have His way.
*He stays where He is celebrated, not just tolerated or dissected.
*Church should be the happiest place on Earth.
*You feeling often display your relationship with God, your facial expression often shows your theology; you can tell almost anything by just looking at someone’s face.
*God’s presence and truth brings release from trauma – the days of counseling are numbered.
*Process healing? Nahman washed 7 times (2 Kings).
*For His glory we must be dependent upon and trust in Him.
*When a manifestation touches our heart we still need Jesus to carry it through to change our heart.
*The Holy Spirit supersedes all others (drugs/alcohol); people don’t want to see the menu but to be fed, they wan't to experience Him, ‘taste and see that the Lord is good’
*The devil will keep coming back to make you doubt, but He is the same God.
*He/She that perseveres inherits the promise.
Friday, May 11, 2007
Glory Conference (Part 1)
The following are some random notes from a 2007 'Show Me Your Glory Conference', feauturing Larry Taylor and Heidi and Roland Baker - some of which really captures what God is speaking to His church right now...
*Glory is God revealing Himself to us; it is Him showing up and bringing everything He has got with Him.
*His glory is not only being revealed but at this time He is revealing a knowledge of it.
*What is 'holy laughter'? It is the reality of laughter and joy in the Kingdom.
*Presentation of the Gospel: Good News/Holy Spirit/ Smile.
*'Emotionalism'? God created our emotions – what started the emotional experience? A spiritual experience with Him will touch your emotions.
*We need people that come from the throne room.
*A genuine encounter with Gods glory leaves you talking with Jesus – it is He who is with you when you are alone on Monday morning.
*It is the goodness of God that leads man into repentance.
*Let God have His way, let Him run the church.
*Let yearning rise up to Jesus – not anger or bitterness; praise Him, seek Him, go to Him, this desire is placed deep within us by God.
*Revival is the church being normal.
*The purpose of the law was to show people that they couldn’t keep the law.
*God is not comfortable in an atmosphere where there is no joy.
*When you see glory revealed you see Gods goodness revealed.
*We need to partner and link together.
*The church needs to lose control as He directs.
*Our starving are just as starving as those in Africa – the difference is they know they’re starving.
*Have a banquet and invite the poor, a feast for the lonely and outcasts.
*People in Australia sit home and drink because they don’t know there is Someone who loves them – our crippled are just as crippled as those in Africa but our crippled are emotionally so. Don’t be fooled by the disguises in the West – people are dying.
*If you desire healings, glory, manifestations - have a Holy Ghost party!
*Lack of spiritual hunger makes God furious.
*Healing from sickness is not always instant, sometimes it’s contending.
*Keep believing and loving, do not grow weak, PRESS ON.
*Emotions/sickness/sin all try and destroy Gods temple. Do not give up or stop short from what God wants to do.
*Evil has no right to inflict you who are holy – the apple of His eye.
*God likes to hang around people who are fun and child-like.
*The most enjoyable thing in life is relationship.
*Being a vessel and letting lose the anointing of revival releases revival – carry the Spirit and spread it around!
-Paul
*Glory is God revealing Himself to us; it is Him showing up and bringing everything He has got with Him.
*His glory is not only being revealed but at this time He is revealing a knowledge of it.
*What is 'holy laughter'? It is the reality of laughter and joy in the Kingdom.
*Presentation of the Gospel: Good News/Holy Spirit/ Smile.
*'Emotionalism'? God created our emotions – what started the emotional experience? A spiritual experience with Him will touch your emotions.
*We need people that come from the throne room.
*A genuine encounter with Gods glory leaves you talking with Jesus – it is He who is with you when you are alone on Monday morning.
*It is the goodness of God that leads man into repentance.
*Let God have His way, let Him run the church.
*Let yearning rise up to Jesus – not anger or bitterness; praise Him, seek Him, go to Him, this desire is placed deep within us by God.
*Revival is the church being normal.
*The purpose of the law was to show people that they couldn’t keep the law.
*God is not comfortable in an atmosphere where there is no joy.
*When you see glory revealed you see Gods goodness revealed.
*We need to partner and link together.
*The church needs to lose control as He directs.
*Our starving are just as starving as those in Africa – the difference is they know they’re starving.
*Have a banquet and invite the poor, a feast for the lonely and outcasts.
*People in Australia sit home and drink because they don’t know there is Someone who loves them – our crippled are just as crippled as those in Africa but our crippled are emotionally so. Don’t be fooled by the disguises in the West – people are dying.
*If you desire healings, glory, manifestations - have a Holy Ghost party!
*Lack of spiritual hunger makes God furious.
*Healing from sickness is not always instant, sometimes it’s contending.
*Keep believing and loving, do not grow weak, PRESS ON.
*Emotions/sickness/sin all try and destroy Gods temple. Do not give up or stop short from what God wants to do.
*Evil has no right to inflict you who are holy – the apple of His eye.
*God likes to hang around people who are fun and child-like.
*The most enjoyable thing in life is relationship.
*Being a vessel and letting lose the anointing of revival releases revival – carry the Spirit and spread it around!
-Paul
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