Encouragement and encounters

^“that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship (friendship/discipleship, unity and relationship) is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. ⁴And these things we write to you that your joy may be full.” - John the Apostle, 1 John 1:3-4

The trademark of God’s work and Holy Spirit in our lives is the loving fellowship mentioned above. Such a fellowship comes out of His desire for us, which he enjoys. He is the loving wonderful Father (ISAIAH 11) Our brother John is telling us that there is such a lovely and sweet fellowship with Christ. This is the fuel for prayer and worship/Bible reading- knowing God desires and enjoys to be with You.

²² Through the Lord’S mercies we are not consumed,

Because His compassions fail not.

²³ They are new every morning;

Great is Your faithfulness. - Lamentations 3:22

I want to preface by saying there are some who “blame a devil or demon” for everything.  These are the type who see a demon behind every bush or obstacle.   I am not one of these types, and this is the first time I have every written publicly on the subject.  Yet, they really do exist as we see in Scripture- and we need to distinguish them from mere depression or physical/clinical ailments.  In Africa, our teams can quickly recognize witchcraft and curses that come against us to confuse, blind or discourage our mission.   Not everything is ‘a demonic assault’- but we certainly want to recognize the assault when it comes.

The enemies (demons) against our souls and callings are very real- they don’t fight fair. Instead they play dirty- there is nothing fair about satan and his demons. Beloved friend of God, they are not just going to sit peacefully waiting for you to get close to Jesus Christ and filled with revelation and the power of God. Thats simply not in their job description as crooks, thieves, accusers and murderers. There is nothing nice or merciful about them. Basically their goal is to strip us of our confidence in God’s love and desire for us (proved by Jesus Christ’s sacrifice) and instead fills our minds with ‘our performance’ and our ‘goodness’ - so that our approach depends upon our works rather than Christ. Again the disposition of a devil is not to just idly sit by, watching you encourage people, share the Gospel of Christ, the love of God or fulfill your destiny which affects 1000’s of people in the future. Whenever you stumble in word, thought or deed, the demonic realm will be ready to fill you heart with thoughts like:

“whats the use of praying, I don’t feel holy right now”

“how can you consider speaking to Jesus and the Father, they are so holy and pure? Look at you and your thoughts 2 minutes ago, 2 weeks ago or what you did 2years ago-“

The goal of the demonic realm is to make us believe that God is a spiritual taskmaster perpetually unhappy with our performance. Unfortunately many believe it to be the truth about God our Father. This has been his trademark since the beginning of his deceptions in the Garden with Adam and Eve (see Genesis 2-3).

His Yoke is easy and His burden is light (Matt 11:28) and His commands are not burdensome (1 John 5)

They attempt to get us ‘looking’ backwards which is a self fulfilling prophecy- as we look at what we hate about ourselves, a repeating cycle happens– they try rob the fellowship of prayer and enjoyment of God, which is our only means of transformation and enduring purity. Freedom from sin comes from experiencing a better enjoyment which is the fellowship with God. Saint Augustine’s Confessions attest to this 1600 years ago. He speaks candidly about being a captive to lust, drinking and many other destructive things that most of us have struggled with at one time or another. Augustine found the higher road of grace and enjoyment of God through persistence (getting up when he fell down or stuggled). There is an accurate saying you can use

“When the devil reminds you of your past, remind him of his future.” It seems like a cliche, but it’s really the truth. No doubt Barnabas was sent by the Holy Spirit to Paul the Apostle, in the Book of Acts as an encouragement and help. Barnabas means ’son of encouragement’. There is a strong Biblical argument that without Barnabas there would be no ‘Paul’ in the sense we know him- awesome Apostle and writer of the New Testament. My point is this: your level of spiritual encouragement (which means seeing God accurately/without distortion) is the key for numerous other people around your life. No man can do it (ministry, walk with God, and overcome the world) alone. Mavericks and lone rangers cannot make it for long- we all need those God sends as ’sons of encouragement’ who challenge and confess God’s beauty and plan over our life. Are you one of these? You may be! Without Barnabas, I hardly doubt Paul would be the magnanimous influential author/writer we know- thats my ’story and I am sticking too it.’ All of us are sent to someone to call them into God’s destiny, the precious place of relationship with Jesus. We need to fight for our brothers- in the world there are 1000’s of voices to tear down, condemn and strip our confidence in Christ. We are called to be the voice of His Gospel and covenant, blessing our brothers/even unbelievers- in dark and gloomy times.

The interesting thing about the spirits of fear and condemnation is that they lurk around you when you are doing well, walking pure- they will find something’ wrong’ even if it is a total lie (they are all liars)– they are there to attack your confidence when you are doing well, and decimate/destroy you when you sin or stumble. They are professionals at taking grace/ the ways of God that are loving and making rigid , inflexible laws that we can never achieve. Especially ministry and spiritual discipline (prayer and Bible reading).

You open your Bible and read ‘his mercies are new,” and yet feel even worse. This is a sign of a demon assigned against you to destroy your calling and make you give up. The demon’s job description is to pervert the straight ways of God, making his graces (prayer, fellowship, Bible reading) feel like a useless heavy weight. Beloved friend of God you have authority over this little lying devil. In Africa the witch doctor sends them out with curses and animal/ human sacrifices to destroy/bring a cloud of heaviness and condemnation over a person. (Like Balaam and Balak, a person pays the witchdoctor to ‘curse’ someone- don’t be naive thinking that this doesn’t happen today- it happens in every country of the world Beloved of God)

He shall speak pompous words against the Most High, and

Shall persecute (‘wear out‘) the saints of the Most High,- Daniel 7:25 (NIV)

בְּלָא

b^elâ’

bel-aw’

(Chaldee); to persecute or afflict:—“wear out”.

This verse is in the context of specific End Times prophecies, and I am taking liberty to show you the devils calculated strategy, boring and monotonous yet effective for thousands of years. He want to wear you out. By this simple strategy, the devil complicates our spiritual life making it about our performance, hard work, ministry and even ‘good things’– as long as he can pervert loving worship and enjoyment of Jesus Christ in prayer and worship/heart connect with the Holy Spirit, than ‘the plan has worked.’- he aims to interrupt the joy, intimacy and sweet fellowship Blood bought by the Son of God. (Read 2 Corinthians 11:2)- demons pervert the simplicity in Christ- it really is the source of ‘another gospel’.

if he can fill our minds, hearts with 100’s of good spiritual things, he will do it, knowing we will eventually even ‘wear ourselves’ out – then he sends his minions looking for other good -intentioned believers, exploiting any weakness to gain entry. We can shut him down in one moment– that why recognizing the pattern is so important.– Their goal is to make our relationship with God so unreachable, that we feel condemned just to even try to pray or seek His will (a total utter lie, because God likes us, loves us and desires our company so much!)

Interesting that a few verses before this one, the prophecy in Daniel says ‘the times for the saints to posess the Kingdom’- that is what this is about Beloved- its time for the church to walk in the deep intimacy and revelations of Jesus Christ. The usurper will not/cannot allow this without a serious fight, for since Adam he has been stealing, killing and destroying spiritually and physically wherever men allow it.

Eight signs the demonic realm is oppressing your life:

1)Nagging guilt and shame- doesn’t seem to let up and increasing when you think of seeking/praying or worshiping God.

2)a heavy, sinking feeling that goes from bad to worse- you wake up with it day after day

3)a feeling like God is at the top of Mount Everest and you are at the bottom, and will never reach Him

4)You begin to enumerate your weaknesses in the theatre of your mind, in calculating and regular way. The demonic world speaks through people (look at the Book of Acts and the Gospels)- now they speak on the internet via many supposed Christian sites that only faultfind, condemn and hate people. There are many of them- when you see the absense of the Spirit of Life (Christ) and love of God, and the cold, calculated enumeration/lists of weaknesses- that Romans 1:30-31 “heartless and ruthless” or “love grown cold” which Jesus warned us of in Matthew 24.

5) Your prayer and worship life shuts down because of thoughts like “whats the use…. Really whats the use- my prayer life sucks, my bible reading is inconsistent, I am struggling with thoughts of lust, pride…. Whats the use..”

6) Comparisons between you with others continually flash in your mind- more than mere insecurity you begin to catch yourself saying ‘if I was like that worship leaders, businessman, or in that marriage or position,… then I would be happy’ These demons sow fear, insecurity and comparison and we need to recognize them for more than just our own ‘carnal problems and insecurities’ which exist also.

7)Don’t expect encouragement from these voices- they drive a person’s soul to the darkness of introspection ‘self examination’ which is a continuous cycle until we identify it.

8)The attitude of self-hatred = you don’t see anything good about yourself. You can be doing ‘great’ in life’s circumstances and still despise yourself (look at all the celebrities recently committing suicide)- or you can be doing aweful/stumbling- it matters NOT to HELL- they will take ground to kill and steal your vital prayer /love life with God any time/ anyway they can get it. They are jealous and hateful, continually accusing (read Zechariah 3 and Revelation 12) THEY WILL TAKE GROUND WHEN THEY CAN GET IT- THEY ARE SPITEFUL, HATEFUL, PROUD ARROGANT AND MURDEROUS–

They come only who to kill, steal and destroy (John the 10th chapter)– He seeks to isolate you from others, get you alone, in your own mind and under a continual heaviness/depression because its how he feels about his upcoming imprisonment and divine judgements- Beloved, angels of the highest order (fallen) are going to be condemned to hell forever and they are not happy that we are entering/inheritors of the earth and God’s power, presence and glory. Is it beginning to make sense why they assault your mind, heart and calling?

Yet against the Blood of Jesus Christ they are powerless and quiver in fear- He exposed their pride and foolish ambition- “The Light shines in the darkness and the darkness cannot overcome it…” John chapter 1

WHAT TO DO/How to break oppression and demonic assault:

1)Repent for any sins/sinful habits. Ask God to help you daily for grace to overcome. Confess the goodness and love of God which is greater than all your sins and problems. Remind yourself of the weakness and sins of Paul, David , Moses and others like Peter who had major flaws, yet overcame day to day. Look at Nehemiah’s life, a righteous man who experienced continual demonic resistance against his vision and purpose- Sanballot and Tobiah knew if they could shake/upset Nehemiah, they could affect the destiny and future of 100’s of thousands in Israel. Nehemiah overcame by encouraging himself in the Lord and so must we. Sometimes the demonic realm speaks through people- identify it and shut in down in Jesus’ name. Speak and rebuke the accuser, even if you don’t feel like it (I have done this many times with amazing results) ‘I expose you and rebuke you in Jesus name- you lying spirit.’

(I am not saying that there is a devil or a demon behind every problem or situation- that is not true at all. I am only trying to help us identify in a Biblical way when demonic oppression shows up to discourage the calling of God in your life)

2)Call someone up, encourage someone, help someone—this ‘breaks’ something of self focus which is the strategy of hell- simply encouraging someone is a spiritual power that is ‘depressing’ to demons.

3)Sort out and examine the voices of demons from the Holy Spirit—the devil comes to kill God’s seed, plan and relationship. The Spirit is full of life, hope, loving rebuke and correction- Beloved He simply adores you and who you are, even in our struggle and weakness! Determine in your heart that no matter what you will ‘get closer to God’- no matter how much you fail or struggle. This is what made David ‘extra-ordinary’ to God- no matter how severe his failure/immorality, he repented and continually and fully returned to God.

4)Revel and glory in your calling to be a child of our Heavenly Father. The demons never have this opportunity and are full of jealousy and hatred. Many a Christian has come under their hateful cloud of confusion and depression, somehow thinking God himself felt that way about the Christian. Nothing could be more of a lie against God’s goodness

Pray with me:

“In Jesus name i agree with God’s mighty plan for your /my life- I break every demonic assignment and curse coming against your mind and heart in Jesus name. I speak life- you are mighty in Christ and the darkness hates the light. He is trying to shut you down- in Jesus name rise up man/woman of God, mighty warrior. You trusted and continue to trust in Him- now get up and expose the accusers of our brothers in Jesus name. Tender hearted warriors go and encourage those around you struggling- to the lonely, the discouraged– go and love those who think they are ‘worthless’ or ‘fallen’. You have overcome by His Blood because He built the whole relationship on His ability and desire for us, not our strengths!”

We can stumble and even fall- we need to get up immediately and return to this wonderful fellowship with Him. The different between God’s voice and the accuser’s/demons is: when God points out sin (he requires repentance) but gives assurance of divine grace to overcome. As we see Jesus speaking in Revelation 1 through 3 we see him requiring repentance and promising grace/hope/rewards to those who follow Him. The accuser has nothing but a voice of nagging faulfinding with no solutions. His ministers in the church (2 Corinthians 11) are the same.

“and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things we write to you that your joy may be full”

“God has not given you a spirit (demon) of fear, but the Spirit of Power, Love and a Sound Mind.” Paul speaking to Timothy about the difference between demonic influence/voices and the Holy Spirit.

“This modern age is interested in medals, but not in scars” - Billy Graham

Its a scary thing to me that someone can have a ministry or be a clergy member and not be a ‘disciple’ of Jesus Christ. What do I mean? I mean this- instead of knowing and becoming like Jesus Christ, our ministries look like businesses and corporations (motivated by money and a ‘building/grow at any cost’ mentality). I am not saying this about all ministries and churches for there are spectacular and wonderful exceptions. I am only trying to point out the trend, which come out of our Western Civilization culture. Our culture has more comforts for the average man, than kings had in luxury one hundred years ago. There is no better time to be alive- yet, there are excesses and snares that material abundance brings with it, and the disciple of Christ must discern them. Jesus tells us something I think is shocking here in Matthew 7:20-23:

²⁰Therefore by their fruits you will know them.

²¹“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. ²²Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ ²³And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’

Its safe to conclude- none of us want to be in the group of people who ‘owned and operated a ministry’ but Jesus says ‘I never knew you!’. I don’t know about you, but such an encounter terrifies me. The thought that I could get to heaven and have regrets is another idea here- Paul mentions this in how people can lose their rewards, though make it to heaven (1 Corinthians 3).

μαθητής

mathētēs

“Matheteuo (discipleship) means not only to learn, but to become attached to one’s teacher and to become his follower in doctrine and conduct of life.” The Complete Wordstudy Dictionary- Zodhiates

First, discipleship means to follow Jesus’ life closely. It doesn’t mean merely ‘following a teaching’ but means an adjustment in lifestyle to that of our teacher (Jesus Christ). You can have the best sermons and one or two hour teachings and yet have lost the basics of discipleship. (If you are reading this as a minister, come back quickly to your first love– make the necessary changes in your time and activities- its never too late to change). My point is not to condemn, but to say discipleship is a lifestyle not merely a teaching. In our faith, we must make our goals clear so that we do not drift into meaningless forms and activities that flourish in the every day culture around our life. (Read Hebrews 2 verse one). In many ways, discipleship is like parenting: the child becomes like its parents in due time, even in physical appearance. So it is with discipleship- the disciple becomes like his/her master and mentor in due time.

Our modern culture revels and celebrates sucess, technological breakthrough and pyramidal business structures. While there is nothing wrong for this in business philosophy, increasing in size and money has also been the normal goals for a church also. Humility and seeking first the kingdom of Heaven wasn’t anywhere in the top 10 priorities of ministry in for most churches that I know of.

As a Bible College graduate I gained alot from my sincere teachers who loved God (many truly loved Jesus). Yet there was implicit in the structure ‘grow your church, manage your people and the money and govern how it increases…’ Let me not lie to you, for this is how it is ‘normally’ though there are extraordinary exceptions. Mike Bickle at IHOP is running a multi-million dollar ministry that sows into foreign missions, inner-city ministry, youth ministry- yet Mike himself lives a very disciplined life in a modest house. Instead of running to every conference trying to gain every honorarium, Mike is focused on mentoring young people via his example. He stands out with others like John Stott of the UK.

My friend in Nigeria (E.N. Kure) turned away a Land Rover of money from one of the previous presidents of Nigeria- 2 weeks later the dictator had passed away, under mysterious circumstances. I wonder how many modern ministries would turn away a Jeep full of money (especially when the church is teaching that Jesus was rich and other perversions of the Gospel). They must have forgotten 2 Cor 8:9 “For your sakes He became poor…”

Where are the disciples who can not be ‘bought or sold’? Where are the voices like David, John and Paul and Peter. Of course we are not saying money is evil (though the love/lust for money certainly is)- The disciples received money, and Jesus had a money purse. Yet the life they pursued was not one of ‘getting money’ but rather they controlled the money in the fear and honor of God. In other words ‘they posessed money’ like a tool for a purpose, rather than ‘the money possessed them’. Its easy to get this backwards, thats why we are highlighting it– no one can serve God and money. I have seen people in the foreign missions field spend more money on trinkets and souvenirs than sowing into people’s lives who were busy loving and serving Jesus. Without any arrogance I say its sad but common- but in truth our checkbooks (and our time) tell us alot about what we love and worship. (Even I said “ouch” after that one)

Another sober thought is how ministries ‘lose’ the spirit of service and instead insist on the same kind of heirarchical/pyramidal forms of leadership and government that dominate most nations and corporations. Some think they can point to their ‘ministry’ as proof that they are disciples of Christ or discipling others. But in fact, discipleship is the daily lifestyle of drawing near to Christ and submitting all other ambitions and agendas to Him. This is what Paul was alluding to in Romans 8 imploring the Romans to be sons of God, ‘led by the Holy Spirit’.

Matthew 20:24:

²⁴And when the ten heard it, they were greatly displeased with the two brothers. ²⁵But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. ²⁶Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. ²⁷And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave—²⁸just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

Many are obsessed with the magnitude of their influence , not realizing they are subverting their very foundation of relationship with God. “Discipleship’ is literal following Jesus, and being changed into His image. He doesn’t need us to prove how good we are or show Him the great missions stuff we can do for Him. How many times have we heard “We are doing this …. for God” Here is a shocking thing- God doesn’t need or get impressed with anything we have to offer. Period.

Yet being full of love and the author of relationship, He shares His work with people (ministry). This sharing should never be twisted into ‘I am doing something for Jesus.’ Nothing could be more of a lie- Think of the God testing Abraham in Genesis 22. “The Lord will provide for Himself….” was a key lesson in the life of Abraham.

Discipleship is a cross and a crown- it has its suffering yet is full of glory. This is what we see in the Life of Christ who has called us to follow Him and be changed in His likeness. He never promised us money, recognition and the adulation of society- in fact the Kingdom Constitution (Matthew 5-7) declares precisely the opposite. Let Him be the King and may we humbly follow in love and service. As long as we followed and loved Him with all our hearts, minds and strength we will have no regrets when we stand before Him. No matter what people said on earth about the size, marketability and approval of our ministry. Consider this fact-John the Baptist and others had no website, 501c3, board of directors and budget. But they had the Holy Spirit and approval of Heaven, and they were welcomed into Heaven with great joy when they passed on. If they can walk as true disciples than so can we.

“Who is truly rich? He who is happy in his portion.”

- the Talmud, Aboth 4,1

“Truly I say to you, even when you did it to one of the least of these My brothers you did it to me’

-Matthew 25:40

I have been thinking about this verse simplified by our Lord Jesus. It became personalized to me via our daughter. As a father, you ‘take it personal’ the treatment of your child. In other words when someone does something for your child that is a mark ‘for ‘that person or if they ever criticize or harm your child that becomes a mark ‘against‘ that person. Usually as a parent you never forget deeds done for or against your child. I believe the same can be said for our Father in Heaven, in the context of serving his forgotten children.

I believe the context is similar here in Matthew 25:31-46. Allow me to offer a modern paraphrase:

“Whenever you fed a homeless person- you fed Me. When you helped someone in rural Africa, I watched, and you did it to Me. When you bought someone medicine or fed or clothed the hungry, I took it personal. When you helped the prostitute or crack addict in downtown Kansas City, you did it to Me, for I love every addict. When you called up the lonely person next door, bought them a Coca Cola, you did it for Me. Whenever you hugged the the person least noticed, you hugged Me. When you called someone suffering from depression on the phone to tell them you loved them and encouraged them, you encouraged Me. Whenever you noticed the forgotten, the weak and downtrodden- you remembered Me and My sufferings.”

All of us have a unique calling to help someone ‘no one notices.’ If we don’t fulfill this calling (which is comparable to not ‘raising’ our own children) people will suffer. Worse than that, the neglect/lovelessness seems to expand into the future generations. Look at families whose parents are absentee for one reason or another. Yes, the realities of generational blessings and generational curses are real indeed. Just look at drug use, alcohol use and hatred that spreads from generation to generation. Racism in Western Civilization (hatred handed down from one generation to the next) and tribalism in Africa- they are taught by their forefathers to love ‘their own’ and hate those from a tribe less than 50 miles down the road.

Each of us has a ‘mission field’- it is the specific love for people we see. Specifically, its the ministry/cause for justice that no one else notices- except one that is- you notice. Its the love that never goes away, what we would even do for ‘free,unpaid’ even when no one else sees or when we get criticized. Its the love that burns bright when we worship Christ- and as we feel His burning love for us, we desire to share it freely with others, in acts of service, words of hope, and deeds of humility. That’s our mission field, whether in the innercity USA, in the country, in Alaska, Bangkok, the construction site, at Microsoft, in Congress, amongst kings and dignitaries…. or wherever God has placed you. Follow the Love of God, the deep passion of the King who Serves and you will never get off course. Jesus Christ was criticized for doing good works and for being loyal to His Father and we his disciples should not expect it different for us as we follow Him. Take it as a sign that you are on the right track!

I challenge you to study the biographies of your brothers and sisters in Scripture- saints like David, Moses and Daniel. Here is a provocation- not many of them were Bible College graduates who pastor a church (thank God for pastors!)- Not many of them were ‘full time ministers’ in the clergical sense- most of them were farmers (Amos), fisherman (Peter, James and John) and faithful to worship and encounter God in their secular calling. Surely this must be God ordained.

The Dusty Road to Lake Victoria, Musoma -Tanzania

There is a worship chorus “There is no one like you”- we could easily personalize it for ourselves– if you don’t fulfill your divinely unique call to reach a certain person or fulfill a certain responsibility, then frankly it won’t ‘get done’. In reality, there is no one like you- only you can do your calling, serve those you notice, and encourage those who are hopeless and addicted. Enough said. Also we are ‘human beings’ and not ‘human doings.’ I don’t want anyone to get feel like I am putting them on a performance trip, thats not the point of Matthew 25. Rather, let’s continually be motivated by love, instead of the business-like achievement and performance orientation which always leads to disillusionment and burnout (many ministries carry themselves more like businesses with their networks and philosophies of ministry). Lets not be petty and be ‘against’ big ministries either, I am not saying that. All I am asserting is that Jesus will reward us ‘not on the size, number or notoriety of our ministry’ but by faithfulness to Him and dilligence to love/forgive those He entrusted to us. All ministry is a gift from God, there is really no room for boasting. Paul reiterates this in 1 Corinthians when He speaks about Paul, Apollos and Peter- there should be no boasting and comparison between men. The Early Apostles were gripped by the true grace of Christ. Far from boasting of positions, achievements and revelations they said things like “I am…. your brother and companion in this Kingdom and suffering that are ours.” (Revelation 1:9). Yes, this is what a real servant and apostle of Christ should sounds like. John the Apostle’s ministry impact was massive (as recorded in the New Testament- He has his name written on the foundation stones of the New Jerusalem. Yet he doesn’t reference himself to these but only says “I am … your brother and companion.” How humble and gentle is this mighty Apostle who wrote 5 of the books in the New Testament!

We can truly love others (including ourselves) because ‘He first loved us’ as John says. Your eternal rewards are not based on how big your calling became, what other ministries said about you or how large your ‘network’ became. Your reward will come from the Man who inspired Matthew 25, Jesus Christ. You will be rewarded for eternity for every deed done for people in His name, no matter how unnoticed those deeds go on earth. It will be awesome, so ‘go for it’, fully giving yourself to Love Jesus Christ and see that love manifest to help and encourage others that need to know Christ. Literally, you are a sucess to Jesus Christ if you love that one child in the inner city, the one orphan, or the one elder in the nursing home. Nothing brings more joy to Christ than seeing that qualitative love He has for you suddenly flowing freely to someone else. Literally.

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Just an update:

We finished our event at Johnson County College here in Overland Park Missouri (Kaleidoscope 2008). Some of the most memorable parts was the different music from all over the world- the Netherlands, Autralia, New Zealand and West Africa. We had a chance to meet Karen Lafferty (songwriter of Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God) and the controversial Walid Shoebat. Walid’s oratory of conversion from radical Islam will be unforgettable. He is truly interesting and well worth listening to. We played 5 swahili songs (2 from our CD last year), with David Gross joining from Fire in the Night (all night prayer/worship) here at IHOP. It was a great time.

Check out Walid’s website www.shoebat.com. He is nothing short of controversial and interesting. Also check out the “Listen to our Songs” link on the right side of this blog if you desire to hear some Swahili worship songs.

1)Playing at Kaleidoscope 2008 2) Sharon and Karen Lafferty

“Angels can fly because they take themselves lightly.” - G.K. Chesterton, Orthodoxy

Recently I have been studying the appearances and interactions of angels throughout Scripture. I came upon some very important facts and observations that I decided to publish. I hope it provokes all my readers to study the subject for themselves, going well beyond my brief study here. These words appear over 100 times throughout Scripture.

מַלְאָך

mal’âk

mal-awk’

From an unused root meaning to despatch as a deputy; a messenger; specifically of God, that is, an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher):—ambassador, angel, king, messenger.

ἄγγελος

aggelos

ang’-el-os

From ἀγγέλλω aggellō -to bring tidings; a messenger; especially an “angel”; by implication a pastor:—angel, messenger.

ἰσάγγελος

isaggelos

ee-sang’-el-los

-like an angel, that is, angelic:—equal unto the angels. (From Strong’s Concordance of the Bible)

Once again, these words are used numerous of times throughout the Bible. From Genesis to Revelation we see a consistent record of angelic appearances, and in the next few weeks I want to post some of my observations. My opinion is that there are many extremes on this subject, but probably the worst is having ‘no’ teaching about angels. Those who have not investigated angels and demons in Scriptures are usually the first to improperly apply Scriptures like:

Colossians 2:18

¹⁸Let no one cheat you of your reward, taking delight in false humility and worship of angels, intruding into those things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,”

Some take this verse to the extreme, asserting that mentioning angels is the same as ‘worship’- No beloved, worship means idolatry of other things like false gods, Baal, Molech or worshiping men/ inanimate idols and following men (Joseph Smith) exclusively. Some in their fear of the false, completely throw out ‘the baby’- the real, authentic and true encounters of God. The Bible is full of angelic encounters that point to the Lord of Hosts (Lord of the Armies of Heaven)- Jesus Christ.

I have heard many good intentioned people use this Scripture—Almost all of them use it to protest encounters/ the claims of other people, and the fact is that they never did a sufficient study on amount of times angels appear, interact and even ministered to Jesus Christ in Scripture. We owe it to them to rightly understand them, and also be able to thoroughly discern both angels and their dark counterparts. The common knee jerk ‘reaction’ to supernatural encounters is harmful to ourselves and frankly ‘not scholarly’. This is also a definition of prooftexting- which means taking a verse outside of context and using it to prove/disprove the plain meaning of Scripture against 10’s or 100’s of other verses. This happens alot mainly because of fear and other agendas- people don’t like to be challenged by the supernatural aspects of the Bible which are clearly seen, therefore they gravitate to the humanistic/ man’s efforts and ‘do-able’ passages. They then assault every supernatural claim experience as demonic or New Age, which would be like taking half the Bible and ripping its pages out because something makes you uncomfortable. Its very easy to first criticize that which we don’t understand.

I have a better suggestion- lets be good disciples, have humility and do our best to honor the Spirit of the Word with discernment, prayer and the admission “I don’t know as much as I thought about the Bible’- Holy Spirit, help me I pray!” To reduce the Bible into a comfortable/manageable compartment in your mind is to make an idol, meaning, to make God and HIs Word into ‘your image’ or comfort zone whatever that may be. Thats idolatry of the highest order, and its the most common in Western Civilization.

The Bible is full of God ordained supernatural encounters, and we need to study them thoroughly in order to compare and contrast them to false encounters and the demonic realm. I am saying this because I meet so many people who are more driven by a ‘fear’ of deception and that fear colors nearly every subject on the supernatural. Beloved friend of God, be driven by the love of truth (2 Thessalonians 2:10) and moved by His Words rather than a paranoia of deception which seems pandemic in many Bible toting churches. I mean that in the nicest possible way. One is continually reactionary and renders itself irrelevant as well as elite towards society- the other (the Love of Christ) discerns all things via illumination of the Holy Spirit and His Word- eventually comprehending truth and error with all humility and patience. (read the Root of Discernment: Phillipians 1:8-11) This is also a what James spoke about on ‘wisdom’ in James 3:13-18.

Genesis 18

¹And the LORD appeared unto him in the plains of Mamre: and he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day; ²And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground, ³And said, My Lord, if now I have found favour in thy sight, pass not away, I pray thee, from thy servant: ⁴Let a little water, I pray you, be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree: ⁵And I will fetch a morsel of bread, and comfort ye your hearts; after that ye shall pass on: for therefore are ye come to your servant. And they said, So do, as thou hast said. ⁶And Abraham hastened into the tent unto Sarah, and said, Make ready quickly three measures of fine meal, knead it, and make cakes upon the hearth. ⁷And Abraham ran unto the herd, and fetched a calf tender and good, and gave it unto a young man; and he hasted to dress it. ⁸And he took butter, and milk, and the calf which he had dressed, and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree, and they did eat.

Three indisputable points in this account:

1) Abraham initiated the conversation (vs 2-4)

2) They looked like men (vs 2)

3) There were 3 of them together- they came into Abraham’s house to fellowship with him.

^{Genesis 19:4}

⁴But before they lay down, the men of the city, even the men of Sodom, compassed the house round, both old and young, all the people from every quarter: ⁵And they called unto Lot, and said unto him, Where are the men which came in to thee this night? bring them out unto us, that we may know them. ⁶And Lot went out at the door unto them, and shut the door after him, ⁷And said, I pray you, brethren, do not so wickedly. ⁸Behold now, I have two daughters which have not known man; let me, I pray you, bring them out unto you, and do ye to them as is good in your eyes: only unto these men do nothing; for therefore came they under the shadow of my roof. ⁹And they said, Stand back. And they said again, This one fellow came in to sojourn, and he will needs be a judge: now will we deal worse with thee, than with them. And they pressed sore upon the man, even Lot, and came near to break the door. ¹⁰But the men put forth their hand, and pulled Lot into the house to them, and shut to the door. ¹¹And they smote the men that were at the door of the house with blindness, both small and great: so that they wearied themselves to find the door.

1) These angels looked like men (vs 5) – yet had supernatural power

2)They (the angels) put forth their hand- again these beings looked like men but possessed supernatural powers. They were speaking with Lot through the entire judgement encounter of Sodom and Gomorrah.

2 Kings 6:12

¹²And one of his servants said, “None, my lord, O king; but Elisha, the prophet who is in Israel, tells the king of Israel the words that you speak in your bedroom.”

¹³So he said, “Go and see where he is, that I may send and get him.”

And it was told him, saying, “Surely he is in Dothan.”

¹⁴Therefore he sent horses and chariots and a great army there, and they came by night and surrounded the city. ¹⁵And when the servant of the man of God arose early and went out, there was an army, surrounding the city with horses and chariots. And his servant said to him, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?”

¹⁶So he answered, “Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” ¹⁷And Elisha prayed, and said, “Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. ¹⁸So when the Syrians came down to him, Elisha prayed to the Lord, and said, “Strike this people, I pray, with blindness.” And He struck them with blindness according to the word of Elisha.

¹⁹Now Elisha said to them, “This is not the way, nor is this the city. Follow me, and I will bring you to the man whom you seek.” But he led them to Samaria.

We owe it to ourself to understand the function and place of angels- that way we can recognize the difference between those evil and good, and even rightly interact with them be it God’s will. In no way should angels ever be compared or ‘worshipped’ like Jesus Christ- here are some more Scriptures, but there are many more than these:

Hebrews 12:22-25

²²But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels, ²³to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect, ²⁴to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel.

²⁵See that you do not refuse Him who speaks.

Hebrews 13:1

²Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.

MATT 18:10

¹⁰“Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven. ¹¹For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost.

^{1 Peter 1: 12}

¹²To them it was revealed that, not to themselves, but to us they were ministering the things which now have been reported to you through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things which angels desire to look into.

^{Hebrews 1:!4}

¹⁴Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?

Revelation 22:8-9

⁸Now I, John, saw and heard these things. And when I heard and saw, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel who showed me these things.

⁹Then he said to me, “See that you do not do that. For I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren the prophets, and of those who keep the words of this book. Worship God.”

ACTS 12:14-15

¹⁴When she recognized Peter’s voice, because of her gladness she did not open the gate, but ran in and announced that Peter stood before the gate. ¹⁵But they said to her, “You are beside yourself!” Yet she kept insisting that it was so. So they said, “It is his angel.”

1 Timothy 5:21 “I charge you before God and the Lord Jesus Christ and the elect angels that you observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing with partiality.”

“You have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance, persecutions, afflictions… what I endured- and out them all the Lord delivered me.” 2 Timothy 3:10-11

The greatest compliment would be for Jesus to look at any of us in our moments after death and say “Well done- you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance” That would be the highest compliment and blessing I could ever want to deposit to my own children/spiritual children. I would rather settle for ‘no notable ministry’ recognition than fail my own children in the example of faith, hope and love.

Get a ministry that helps others- feeds the poor, gives to orphans and widows. Yes yes, do not neglect mercy missions, evangelism and pastoral care. Yet, whom will you transfer all your experience, love, time, wisdom and ministry secrets to? Your ‘manner of life, purpose, faith… love and perseverance?.’

Lets look at these examples:

“Abraham, Isaac and Jacob”- there is a continuity, a passing of the torch. The very phrase implies continuity of faith and multiplied blessings.

“The genuine faith which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois, and then onto your mother Eunice and I am persuaded also lives in you.” 2 Timothy 1:5

“Lois, Eunice and Timothy“- A multiplied power, a generational blessing that rings true on into the 3^rd generation. It lived inside Lois (grandma), was transferred to Eunice (mother) and was imparted to Timothy(son). I believe there is Scriptural support that this can occur for all natural and spiritual children.

I ask myself, ‘Will I complete the blessing? Will I multiply it, pass it on and make sure it waxes bold and bright- worthy of my forefathers/mentors in Christ?”

This is the “period” I want at the end of my life. I don’t want people to count buildings, money invested, countries traveled to, churches built, prophecies given, conferences done, people hosted from overseas, on and on. Those things are all very important. But I think legacy is the dividing line between teachers and fathers- Paul said that in his day, there were an abundance of teachers but a scarcity of spiritual fathers (1Corinthians 4:15).

Fathers do everything they can to see their children surpass them- no sacrifice is too great. We cannot count sucess for a father in merely just the teachings he teaches, or the projects he completes. Rather, the true fruit is must be seen after years of patient cultivation on the part of the father (or spiritual father) and begins to appear many years later or even a generation or two later. In our impatience riddled society, this is a ‘bore’ to even begin to contemplate. But is it true?

Abraham was commended for guiding his children(Psalm 78:4/ Genesis 17:9) Identifying Abraham’s basic sucess as a spiritual and natural father is helpful. Lets be clear, Abraham was not perfect and had some terrible struggles and mistakes. Jesus metaphorically and literally mentions Abraham as a pattern of faith in Himself, generations after Abraham was buried. Abraham’s lifestyle spoke, even after he was dead and buried.

Here are some other examples of generational faith and blessing:

Jesus passing his mission and vision onto Peter, James and John. The Apostle John imparted to Polycarp who transferred to Ignatius.

Early on in 2000 in Kenya, I lived and worked for some extra ordinary missionaries from Bozeman Montana- they displayed an unusual love and simplicity in their ministry in Kenya- It stood out for the first months I lived with them, and I havent’ forgotten it since—they simply did things out of ‘love’. I don’t want to overstate it- but to sum it up their passion put a mark on me for rural missions, and I haven’t been the same since. I saw people doing things from Jesus Christ within themselves, one person at a time. This qualitative concern for a person is a definition for divine love on display- which is a key feature of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. These missionaries also ‘passed on’ their service and responsibilites to some local leaders who were being trained in 2004. I believe this is a mark of sucess in God’s eyes, to transfer your love for Christ by investing in people - through taking time (living with others), acts of service and perseverance.

The saddest moment in life would be a life wasted, with no transference of passion and faith. All the true fathers of faith I have ever known (including my own spiritual father John A. Senin) were concerned about faith, morality and lifestyle – and that it would not terminate with him but continue on as a burning and continual flame.

“The genuine faith which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois, and then onto your mother Eunice and I am persuaded also lives in you.” 2 Timothy 1:5

Will what you do matter 2000 years from now? Like Paul to Timothy, we are still reading his immortal words, lifestyle and faith after thousands of years. Paul’s life still speaks even today. Will my lifestyle and purpose speak to others, years after my death? Peer into your generations after you- what will you offer your (spiritual) children? Multiplied love, virtue, and power- or skepticism, fear, criticism, pessimism and suspicion. I believe the choice is ours every day. I am convinced its not just about good teachings although they are essential- its about loving and encouraging/teaching and mentoring those God has given us. The teaching lasts for minutes or an hour at most. The lifestyle is what they see when you are not ‘teaching.’ Beyond question, our lifestyle is a ‘teachin’ more than all other words.

“You have carefully followed my…. manner of life” 2 Timothy 3:10

You may be the most incredible motivational speaker/ have insight into the deepest mysteries, and have a global ministry and yet not give your children and theirs a lasting legacy. This frightens me is a good way, causing me to think about my priorities and if what I am building ‘will last’ (1 Corinthians 3). Spending time with God (1st) and with men (2nd) is likely to be 99 percent of sucess- that is manifest love.

Mike Bickle has a saying “I don’t want to be blowing kisses to Jesus, running after my ministry and so utterly busy that I ’schedule Jesus and devotion out’. In fact its very easy for this to happen to anyone- and pretty soon instead of being moved by love and the Holy Spirit, we are moved by opportunities, busyness and a myriad of other things.  We need to prioritize our life according to the 1st and 2nd commandments of God, which Jesus reiterated.  John the Apostle said “His commands are not burdensome”, while Jesus said “My Yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Our burdens, worries and agendas are killingly heavy and unbearable.  We arent going to fool Jesus into thinking that we love him- thats why we are so busy running around with hurried and unfruitful activity and have ‘no time’ to speak and listen to Him.

Anything less than this (a pure and simple devotion to Christ) will not produce enduring results- generational blessing and anointing. Imagine strongholds of faith, purity, blessing, holiness, knowledge of the Scriptures and the power of the Holy Spirit multiplying on and on without end. Consider what it would take to pass on such a wonderful legacy and vision to your children/church or people you are leading.

“… and though being dead Abel still speaks…” Hebrews 11:4

“Blessed are the dead who die.. Yes says the Spirit… that they may rest from their labors and their works follow them.” Revelation 14:13

“By faith Jacob, when he was dying blessed each of the sons of Joseph…” Hebrews 11:21

King David discovered the power of music, this is why he financed musical worship as a centerpeice of his kingdom. Thats right, David paid 4,000 worshipers to keep a continual flame of instrumental and vocal worship to the Lord. (1 Chronicles 23:5,1 Chronicles 25:1-3)

We have seen the power of music and worship to move hearts and minds throughout the world. In Africa we have witnessed people from nearly all tribes , able to relate and ‘pick up’ a song, even though it was written in English. When Dave and Steve accompanied us in 2006 to Central Province, we saw a man run to the altar and give his life to Christ, while we were playing worship- no one begged him or asked him.

The chords, harmony and tempo do something mystical- shall I call it multilingual? It has the ability to touch someone’s soul, even crossing the barriers of language and culture. Can we agree that music has a certain ‘power’ about it- just compare the spectrum of music from Eminem, Marilyn Manson to Switchfoot, and 3rd Day to Matt Redmond. My point is, that music wields tremendous spiritual power for good or for evil.

This is another one of our favorite worship bands that will be coming to Kansas City in the next month:

The Glorious Unseen

This is their Myspace site:

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=80510836

We enjoyed music at a local Kansas City cafe last night. This is one of the outstanding bands that played:

Homer Hilcom and the Rocketboys

This is their Myspace site:

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=8140063

The Main Street Cafe is a downtown Kansas City hangout- a place where many talented bands come through, teenagers hang out and drink coffee and a positive message and environment is heralded. We plan on spending regular time at this place. Great bands like Homer Hilcom, the Glorious Unseen, Cool Hand Luke play here. Main Street Cafe has already figured out that music is a power that reaches people of all ages.

This is the Main Street Cafe’s Myspace site:

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=12313014

After speaking to Brandon of Homer Hilcom last week, I was amused to learn that we shared a musical influence: Jeremy Enigk. Here is a newer Enigk song:

Jason Upton

“But, the greatest of these is Love….” - Paul the Apostle on the supremacy of divine love, 56AD

Daniel and family- the brightness of African love and simplicity

The greatest liberty I ever experienced was the Love of God. It makes me cry, not for sadness but for joy. His love makes me grateful and desiring to love him more fully. Friend, Jesus is enamored by you- you are in His thoughts and desires. Everytime I revisit this living truth I am reminded for the most important reason for living. Jesus told us that divine love would be His witness through us, to the nations of the world (the Gospel of John, the book of 1 John) One of the earliest accounts of God’s covenant love (’chesed’ Hebrew) is during Moses’ encounter on the Mountain in Exodus 33-34).

Joseph and company- the joy of just liking people

Jesus loves you and I so much. Though I grew up in the church, I never knew this for many, many years. I thought God was a taskmaster who was often disappointed at my behavior, attitudes and sin. I never could imagine that He not only loved me, He liked me and this divine affection is what drove the Father to send Jesus to the earth..

Tanzanian Children, 2008

Do you want to make someone’s day? Just take a moment and listen to them…

I don’t want to waste many words on this precious, glorious love this morning. Let me agree with other wise men- Gospel writers and apostles, ‘Lord let your love flood my life and relationships. It takes your power to even understand Your Love- then Lord pour out your Spirit of power and love. Let your love wash away insecurities, fears, slander and accusations. Make us perfect in Your love’ - Friend I believe there is divine Love that will flood your being and renew your spirit today! (recommended reading: (Ephesians 3, Phillipians 1:8-11)

Love is a language understood by all- Could this be one of Heavens’ best secrets? (Rex with schoolboy)

Trailer/container in Tanzania. IHOP KC (International House of Prayer) began in a trailer. Only labors of love can endure the humility of small beginnings… which are so easy to overlook with disdain. Many join a ministry when it is ‘recognized and sucessful’- few are tempted to join during the first years amidst the fires of vital testing and criticism.