Thoughts are powerful things: they can be liberating and empowering, or limiting and demoralizing.
A common story told regarding the captivating power of thoughts is that of the training of elephants. As it goes, young elephants are taken and using heavy chains are tethered to stakes driven deep into the ground. The young elephant continually pulls and struggles against the chain, eventually giving up and “learning” it cannot get free. Once this has happened, even as a full-grown elephant, it can be tethered with a rope and stake because the elephant “believes” they cannot get free.
We find the same process happens in our lives when God sends us illumination of His kingdom and it’s power. We have a series of thoughts that affect how we process this illumination; unfortunately, many times these thoughts limit what God desires to do with in us.
What is the source of these limiting thoughts? They are from the traditions of men. Speaking of the effects of the Pharisee’s’ teachings, Jesus said they were “nullifying and making void and of no effect [the authority of] the Word of God through your tradition, which you [in turn] hand on” (MK 7:13 AMP). They were nullifying the authority of the Word of God. Now how can that happen? Isn’t God’s word all-powerful? Yet they were rendering it useless. The key to grasping this is in the word “traditions.”
The word used for traditions is paradosis and means “giving over, giving up, surrender.”* It derived from paradidoomi which according to Thayer’s means: “to give into the hands (of another),” “to give over into (one's) power or use.” This word is used 121x and in 100 of them it us used in the negative sense of taking or handing over into captivity.
So the principle here is that the traditions of men create thought processes that take us into captivity. This captivity of thoughts, prevent us from see the truth or illumination of the Word of God, thus limiting its effectiveness in our lives.
*For more about the definition of tradition see blog “What Stops Us From Being Apostolic?” our book Apostolic Authority, Every Believer’s Privilege.
Showing posts with label kingdom. Show all posts
Showing posts with label kingdom. Show all posts
Monday, March 9, 2009
Monday, February 16, 2009
God's Understudy
In the world of theater, most of us are familiar with the understudy. This is the individual who is to learn a particular role and be prepared to step up and replace the main actor if necessary.
There is another definition of understudy, it is: one who is trained to do the work of another. To me, this concept goes well with the biblical idea of image and representation.
Representation: the action or fact of one person standing for another so as to have the rights and obligations of the person represented Miriam Webster On line Dictionary
Adam, as the image of God, was to act as His representative to creation. Adam was to stand in for God, if you will, in regards to the interaction with creation. Doing such, Adam was given the same basic rights as God.
For instance, God brought the animals to Adam for him to name them. In the biblical sense, naming was a demonstration of authority over something. So Adam was exercising a God given authority when he spoke the names of the animals. Which brings us to the next point: how did Adam demonstrate this authority from God? He spoke.
In the creation process, God exercised his power by speaking; “let there be” and it happened. As God’s representative (standing in with the same rights) Adam exercised his God given authority by acting just like God did – he spoke it.
In Gen 2:19 tell us “and whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that was the name thereof.” The idea here is more than just what they were called, but it is a defining of them. In the original text, “the name there of” is one word and it speaks of being placed in a conspicuous position, a brand or putting something in its place. By speaking, Adam defined or established the identity of these animals; he was acting as God’s representative.
Being born again, we have been renewed after the image of the one who created us, Col 3:10, therefore our responsibility is the manifestation and the representation of the one who created us. We are to make Him real and have been authorized to act on His behalf in this world. This is the essence of apostolic authority: we have been sent by Jesus to operate by His authority to continue His purpose(Jn 17:18).
Paul tells us in 2 Cor 5:18-20, that we have been given the “ministry” & “word of reconciliation.” It is our privilege and responsibility to represent the Kingdom of heaven and affect the reconciliation of man to God. It is when we are actively involved in this purpose, we will see the power of the Kingdom revealed in our lives.
There is another definition of understudy, it is: one who is trained to do the work of another. To me, this concept goes well with the biblical idea of image and representation.
Representation: the action or fact of one person standing for another so as to have the rights and obligations of the person represented Miriam Webster On line Dictionary
Adam, as the image of God, was to act as His representative to creation. Adam was to stand in for God, if you will, in regards to the interaction with creation. Doing such, Adam was given the same basic rights as God.
For instance, God brought the animals to Adam for him to name them. In the biblical sense, naming was a demonstration of authority over something. So Adam was exercising a God given authority when he spoke the names of the animals. Which brings us to the next point: how did Adam demonstrate this authority from God? He spoke.
In the creation process, God exercised his power by speaking; “let there be” and it happened. As God’s representative (standing in with the same rights) Adam exercised his God given authority by acting just like God did – he spoke it.
In Gen 2:19 tell us “and whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that was the name thereof.” The idea here is more than just what they were called, but it is a defining of them. In the original text, “the name there of” is one word and it speaks of being placed in a conspicuous position, a brand or putting something in its place. By speaking, Adam defined or established the identity of these animals; he was acting as God’s representative.
Being born again, we have been renewed after the image of the one who created us, Col 3:10, therefore our responsibility is the manifestation and the representation of the one who created us. We are to make Him real and have been authorized to act on His behalf in this world. This is the essence of apostolic authority: we have been sent by Jesus to operate by His authority to continue His purpose(Jn 17:18).
Paul tells us in 2 Cor 5:18-20, that we have been given the “ministry” & “word of reconciliation.” It is our privilege and responsibility to represent the Kingdom of heaven and affect the reconciliation of man to God. It is when we are actively involved in this purpose, we will see the power of the Kingdom revealed in our lives.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Watch' You Lookin' At?
Rainmakers make things happen. They have the ability to rise above the mediocrity of their surroundings and produce when others are not. They have this ability because they are wired different.
Illustration
There was this shoe salesman sent to the innermost jungles of the Amazon. Upon arrival, he discovers that none of the natives wear shoes. Discouraged, he wires the home office and says he is returning because nobody wears shoes.
A competitor sends a salesman to the same place and people. Upon arrival he also notes that none of the natives are wearing shoes. He hurriedly wires the home office and request all the stock possible because the opportunity is unlimited because: “Everybody needs shoes!”
During the Korean War at the battle of Chosin Reservoir. I was reported that the Marine group was completely surrounded by the enemy. To this statement, then Major OP Smith is quoted as saying: “Excellent, we can now attack in any direction!” - That is a rainmaker!
Rainmakers see the same thing as other, yet they see it different. Where others see chaos and limitations: rainmakers see opportunity. How many discoveries have been made because a rainmaker saw more than a problem, they saw an opportunity.
Spiritual Rainmakers
The Kingdom rainmaker also is one that perceives different. This is noted in the life of Elijah. During the time of the drought and famine, God speaks to Elijah and says he will send rain (1 Kings 18:1). It was after the ordeal with the prophets of baal when Elijah states that there was the sound of abundance of rain. Where Elijah? It is still hot, dry and a famine. Others were seeing with the natural, Elijah was seeing with the eyes of faith.
The Kingdom rainmaker is led by the Spirit, so they see things from a spiritual perspective. They are in tune with the desires of the King, therefore they look at the situations and see how they can bring the will of the King to fruition.
Food for thought –
How are your perceiving this current time economic turmoil: fear and helplessness? Or are you looking for the King to show you how to manifest His kingdom?
View Empowerment Moment VBlog - here
The first core principle of a rainmakers DNA is:
They perceive different
They perceive different
Illustration
There was this shoe salesman sent to the innermost jungles of the Amazon. Upon arrival, he discovers that none of the natives wear shoes. Discouraged, he wires the home office and says he is returning because nobody wears shoes.
A competitor sends a salesman to the same place and people. Upon arrival he also notes that none of the natives are wearing shoes. He hurriedly wires the home office and request all the stock possible because the opportunity is unlimited because: “Everybody needs shoes!”
Which one is the rainmaker?
During the Korean War at the battle of Chosin Reservoir. I was reported that the Marine group was completely surrounded by the enemy. To this statement, then Major OP Smith is quoted as saying: “Excellent, we can now attack in any direction!” - That is a rainmaker!
Rainmakers see the same thing as other, yet they see it different. Where others see chaos and limitations: rainmakers see opportunity. How many discoveries have been made because a rainmaker saw more than a problem, they saw an opportunity.
Spiritual Rainmakers
The Kingdom rainmaker also is one that perceives different. This is noted in the life of Elijah. During the time of the drought and famine, God speaks to Elijah and says he will send rain (1 Kings 18:1). It was after the ordeal with the prophets of baal when Elijah states that there was the sound of abundance of rain. Where Elijah? It is still hot, dry and a famine. Others were seeing with the natural, Elijah was seeing with the eyes of faith.
The Kingdom rainmaker is led by the Spirit, so they see things from a spiritual perspective. They are in tune with the desires of the King, therefore they look at the situations and see how they can bring the will of the King to fruition.
Food for thought –
How are your perceiving this current time economic turmoil: fear and helplessness? Or are you looking for the King to show you how to manifest His kingdom?
View Empowerment Moment VBlog - here
Monday, January 5, 2009
Rainmaker - Git R Done
Are you a rainmaker? These individuals,regardless of industry or profession, are the producers: the top salesperson, marketer or the leader that makes things happen. The identifying mark of a rainmaker is that no matter the present circumstance they make things happen.
Rainmakers make a difference because they are wired different. The DNA of who they are will not accept the mediocrity of the masses. The status quo is the plague to rainmakers. You cannot box them in with the traditional paradigms.
Spiritual Rainmakers
Just like the market place, the Kingdom has rainmakers. These are the individuals that make a difference in their worlds by being different. This individual is also wired different: at their new birth experience they are programmed with the spiritiual DNA of the King and designed to express Kingdom truths.
Kingdom rainmakers are passionate abou thier purpose in the kingdom and will stop and nothing to make it real.
Jesus was a rainmaker.
There are four key characteristics of a rainmakers DNA that are manifested:
till next time
Martin
View Empowerment Moment, vblog - click here
Because a rainmaker can make it happen,
they can make a difference.
they can make a difference.
Rainmakers make a difference because they are wired different. The DNA of who they are will not accept the mediocrity of the masses. The status quo is the plague to rainmakers. You cannot box them in with the traditional paradigms.
Spiritual Rainmakers
Just like the market place, the Kingdom has rainmakers. These are the individuals that make a difference in their worlds by being different. This individual is also wired different: at their new birth experience they are programmed with the spiritiual DNA of the King and designed to express Kingdom truths.
Kingdom rainmakers are passionate abou thier purpose in the kingdom and will stop and nothing to make it real.
- They will seem out of place in the church of mediocrity.
- They will be talked about by the apathetic religious institution.
- They will be challenged by the traditional ecclesiastical structure.
Jesus was a rainmaker.
- His DNA was unique.
- He knew His purpose.
- He was criticized by the religious establishment.
There are four key characteristics of a rainmakers DNA that are manifested:
- They perceive different
- they speak different
- They do different
- They demonstrate different
till next time
Martin
View Empowerment Moment, vblog - click here
Friday, November 21, 2008
Home Sweet Home
When I minister in other countries, there is this barely perceptible, but yet real emotional/psychological thing that happens when I return. It seems that when I arrive back at the first major US airport, there is this sigh and relaxation that passes through me.
After much thought, I believe it is not just because I am going home, but I have arrived back in the US. This is where my citizenship is, this is where I have certain freedoms and rights. In other countries, we are not always sure of all the laws and rights/freedoms people have. I have to remember, I am a visitor in those countries.
Paul tells us that our “citizenship…is in heaven” (Ph 3:20 ISV). As a citizen of the spiritual realm of the Kingdom of heaven, where should I find I feel the most at home? Now I know we must exist in this present world, but how comfortable are we? I enjoy learning the cultures of other lands. I constantly ask why? What does that mean? Yet, I know that in many of those situations, it is not as significant to me as to those who are born and raised there. There is this awareness that I am not of that culture. I am a visitor there.
In my daily life, I must remember that I am an emissary or ambassador of another kingdom, which is where I should feel the most comfortable.
Food for thought – when do you feel the most at home? When immersed in the culture of the world? Or in the culture of the kingdom?
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
The Proof Of Being Apostolic
Previously, we have defined that apostolic means being sent as the representative of Jesus Christ to reveal His kingdom. The definition of being “sent” includes four components, the fourth being the completion or manifestation of the duty is proof of the sending. This truth was even stated by Jesus himself in John 5:36: “But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent (apostello) me.” Jesus was saying the works I am doing, proves that I have been sent.
In Mark chapter 6, this process of sending is revealed as Jesus begins to send out the disciples. Beginning at verse seven, Jesus calls the twelve and commissions them. His instructions include an empowering, preparation and mode of operation. Then they were sent (apostello vs 7) out. These disciples had watched Jesus perform the miraculous. Now He has authorized and sent them to do the same. Can you imagine the excitement in their lives? They have been chosen by the Lord to go and act as His representative – to do what Jesus had been doing – WOW!
Lets Stop Here For A Moment - Fast forward 2000 plus years to 2007, the modern church era. We have been given the same commission as His first disciples. Jesus emphatically states that all power has been given to Him (Matthew 28:18). Following this statement He commissions the first church to GO and make disciples (Matthew 28:19). This is our commission for today. To accomplish this mission we are told that: He will go with us (Matthew 28:20), that signs would follow us (Mark 16:17-19), that we would do greater works (John 14:12), that we have already been blessed with all we need (Ephesians 1:3), that we are seated in a place of authority with Him (Ephesians 2:6) and that we have all been gifted to perform this commission (Ephesians 4:7, for further explanation see the book Apostolic Authority pg 38-40).
Back to the disciples of Mark 6. - After they had been called, empowered and instructed, they went! The fourth component of being apostello or sent is the completion or manifestation of the duty as proof of the sending. Verse 30 states “And the apostles gathered themselves together unto Jesus, and told him all things, both what they had done, and what they had taught.” Now this is significant to me; in verse 7 he called the twelve and sent them. It was in verse 30 AFTER they had completed or manifested their duty that they are called apostles! It was when they went and did what they were empowered to do that they became apostles. In their obedience to the sending, they were not just called apostles as a title of position – they were being apostolic.
The same applies for the modern church today. In my opinion, the proof of being apostolic is not in our structure or doctrine alone. It is if we are obeying the One who has sent us. This means WE MUST GO and DO what we have been sent to do; which is preaching and demonstrating the Gospel of the Kingdom of Heaven.
Many yeas ago, I read an article about a talk show host who interviewed some professional bodybuilders. In the conversation the host asked: “What do you do with all those muscles?” One of the bodybuilders responded by striking a particular pose. The talk show host responded: “No, I mean what do you do with all those muscles?” To which the bodybuilder changed to a different pose. This time the host stated: “You do not understand, What do you DO with all those muscles?” The bodybuilder struck yet another pose.
There is application of this story to the church today. We talk about who we are in Christ or what He wants to do with us. We speak of the authority or power that is available in the life of a believer. There is talk of the restoration of the ascension gift ministries. You can attend workshops and seminars on how to operate in spiritual gifts, authority or power. But the question needs to be asked of us: “What are we doing with all this authority?” In other words, are we GOING and DOING what we are sent to do? The proof of being Apostolic is in DOING what we are sent to do.
As I study and the Word speaks to me, I must evaluate my life. Will you join with me in this study and self evaluation to determine, are we talking or are we going? What must we do to fulfill His sending in our individual lives?
In Mark chapter 6, this process of sending is revealed as Jesus begins to send out the disciples. Beginning at verse seven, Jesus calls the twelve and commissions them. His instructions include an empowering, preparation and mode of operation. Then they were sent (apostello vs 7) out. These disciples had watched Jesus perform the miraculous. Now He has authorized and sent them to do the same. Can you imagine the excitement in their lives? They have been chosen by the Lord to go and act as His representative – to do what Jesus had been doing – WOW!
Lets Stop Here For A Moment - Fast forward 2000 plus years to 2007, the modern church era. We have been given the same commission as His first disciples. Jesus emphatically states that all power has been given to Him (Matthew 28:18). Following this statement He commissions the first church to GO and make disciples (Matthew 28:19). This is our commission for today. To accomplish this mission we are told that: He will go with us (Matthew 28:20), that signs would follow us (Mark 16:17-19), that we would do greater works (John 14:12), that we have already been blessed with all we need (Ephesians 1:3), that we are seated in a place of authority with Him (Ephesians 2:6) and that we have all been gifted to perform this commission (Ephesians 4:7, for further explanation see the book Apostolic Authority pg 38-40).
Such a place of privilege – we have been chosen to be His representatives.
Yet how do we prove to the world we are sent?
Yet how do we prove to the world we are sent?
Back to the disciples of Mark 6. - After they had been called, empowered and instructed, they went! The fourth component of being apostello or sent is the completion or manifestation of the duty as proof of the sending. Verse 30 states “And the apostles gathered themselves together unto Jesus, and told him all things, both what they had done, and what they had taught.” Now this is significant to me; in verse 7 he called the twelve and sent them. It was in verse 30 AFTER they had completed or manifested their duty that they are called apostles! It was when they went and did what they were empowered to do that they became apostles. In their obedience to the sending, they were not just called apostles as a title of position – they were being apostolic.
The same applies for the modern church today. In my opinion, the proof of being apostolic is not in our structure or doctrine alone. It is if we are obeying the One who has sent us. This means WE MUST GO and DO what we have been sent to do; which is preaching and demonstrating the Gospel of the Kingdom of Heaven.
Many yeas ago, I read an article about a talk show host who interviewed some professional bodybuilders. In the conversation the host asked: “What do you do with all those muscles?” One of the bodybuilders responded by striking a particular pose. The talk show host responded: “No, I mean what do you do with all those muscles?” To which the bodybuilder changed to a different pose. This time the host stated: “You do not understand, What do you DO with all those muscles?” The bodybuilder struck yet another pose.
There is application of this story to the church today. We talk about who we are in Christ or what He wants to do with us. We speak of the authority or power that is available in the life of a believer. There is talk of the restoration of the ascension gift ministries. You can attend workshops and seminars on how to operate in spiritual gifts, authority or power. But the question needs to be asked of us: “What are we doing with all this authority?” In other words, are we GOING and DOING what we are sent to do? The proof of being Apostolic is in DOING what we are sent to do.
As I study and the Word speaks to me, I must evaluate my life. Will you join with me in this study and self evaluation to determine, are we talking or are we going? What must we do to fulfill His sending in our individual lives?
Till next time---
Martin
Martin
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
UPDATE
It has been too long since I have posted anything. This past month has been very hectic: two trips overseas and hosting a conference here at home. Some of the highlights include:
Cape Town SA - We had the privilege to be one of many speakers at a Kingdom Advancement Leadership Conference. The hunger for greater illumination of the Kingdom of Heaven was obvious. For our part, we ministered the principles of Apostolic Authority. It was so humbling to see the Lord confirm His word with such a powerful demonstration of the Spirit.
Another exciting point in the conference: a local pastor was discussing with me a shoulder problem (since he found out I was a doctor). After a short consult, I advised that he could put ice on it. Then a nudge of the Spirit and I said "Or if you believe Jesus can heal you, we can pray for you." We laid hands on his shoulder and rebuked the inflammation. I then asked him how it was. The look of excitement on his face was priceless. As he began to rapidly move his shoulder in motions that he could not do 30 seconds earlier, he replied "I don't feel it any more!" Praise the Lord.
Okinawa Japan - Again we had the privilege to minister the principles of Apostolic Authority. This time it was with Missionaries Rufus and Pam Parker and the Asia Military Ministries. The majority of the people present were either military or their dependents. There were a few native Japaneses present also.
Once again I was so impressed by my God. The first night we covered two session so of Apostolic Authority: Having the right mindset & What is Apostolic Authority. When we finished teaching and opened it for prayer, there was such a powerful demonstration of the Spirit. I believe the Lord definitely imparted into the spirits of those present.
During the meeting there was an elderly Okinawan lady who limped forward and asked us to pray for her hip. We simply laid hands on her and rebuked the pain and inflammation, loosing the healing power of the Lord. The next night I watched her walk in without a limp. I watched a couple more days, then on Sunday I asked her about her hip. She said "Oh yes, I meant to tell you the pain was gone!" Praise the Lord.
Albany GA - Once we returned back to Albany, 3 days later we hosted the South GA X-Treme. This was a Spirit packed weekend. In all the services there was illumination and impartation of spiritual understanding and authority. Many claimed they were touched and healed of various afflictions.
It is such a wonderful opportunity to be part of the Kingdom of Heaven. In these last days, Jesus is seeking those who are hungry and open to His illumination. Those who respond will find a place of spiritual authority that they have only dreamed of.
Cape Town SA - We had the privilege to be one of many speakers at a Kingdom Advancement Leadership Conference. The hunger for greater illumination of the Kingdom of Heaven was obvious. For our part, we ministered the principles of Apostolic Authority. It was so humbling to see the Lord confirm His word with such a powerful demonstration of the Spirit.
Another exciting point in the conference: a local pastor was discussing with me a shoulder problem (since he found out I was a doctor). After a short consult, I advised that he could put ice on it. Then a nudge of the Spirit and I said "Or if you believe Jesus can heal you, we can pray for you." We laid hands on his shoulder and rebuked the inflammation. I then asked him how it was. The look of excitement on his face was priceless. As he began to rapidly move his shoulder in motions that he could not do 30 seconds earlier, he replied "I don't feel it any more!" Praise the Lord.
Okinawa Japan - Again we had the privilege to minister the principles of Apostolic Authority. This time it was with Missionaries Rufus and Pam Parker and the Asia Military Ministries. The majority of the people present were either military or their dependents. There were a few native Japaneses present also.
Once again I was so impressed by my God. The first night we covered two session so of Apostolic Authority: Having the right mindset & What is Apostolic Authority. When we finished teaching and opened it for prayer, there was such a powerful demonstration of the Spirit. I believe the Lord definitely imparted into the spirits of those present.
During the meeting there was an elderly Okinawan lady who limped forward and asked us to pray for her hip. We simply laid hands on her and rebuked the pain and inflammation, loosing the healing power of the Lord. The next night I watched her walk in without a limp. I watched a couple more days, then on Sunday I asked her about her hip. She said "Oh yes, I meant to tell you the pain was gone!" Praise the Lord.
Albany GA - Once we returned back to Albany, 3 days later we hosted the South GA X-Treme. This was a Spirit packed weekend. In all the services there was illumination and impartation of spiritual understanding and authority. Many claimed they were touched and healed of various afflictions.
It is such a wonderful opportunity to be part of the Kingdom of Heaven. In these last days, Jesus is seeking those who are hungry and open to His illumination. Those who respond will find a place of spiritual authority that they have only dreamed of.
till next time
martin
martin
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
His First Message
Yesterday I began reading the Gospels again, this time from a specific mindset: I wanted to see beyond what I believe is a typical mindset. It seems that the common view of theses book is to present the story of Jesus coming, death, resurrection and how it can be made applicable to our lives. In short, it is about how He created a way of heaven for us. This concept simplifies it to the point that we are purchasing fire insurance or a ticket to some destination.
However, for a while now, I have felt there was more to it than just providing an escape for us. Some of my basis for this is the first message Jesus preached, found in Matthew 4:17. It states that" from that time (a point of beginning) Jesus began to preach and say 'Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." Notice what He did not say: "repent, confess, believe or be born again and get ready to go to heaven."
The focus of His message was to change your thinking (look up the definition of repent) because the rule, dominion or realm (look up the definition of kingdom) of a spirit realm is here. Jesus first message was one of dominion, authority or power. He then proceeded to demonstrate this kingdom by manifesting it's power.
However, for a while now, I have felt there was more to it than just providing an escape for us. Some of my basis for this is the first message Jesus preached, found in Matthew 4:17. It states that" from that time (a point of beginning) Jesus began to preach and say 'Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." Notice what He did not say: "repent, confess, believe or be born again and get ready to go to heaven."
The focus of His message was to change your thinking (look up the definition of repent) because the rule, dominion or realm (look up the definition of kingdom) of a spirit realm is here. Jesus first message was one of dominion, authority or power. He then proceeded to demonstrate this kingdom by manifesting it's power.
- Matt 4:23 And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people. 24 And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them.
Till next time
martin
martin
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