Monday, December 31, 2012
Bob and Audrey Meisner on It's Supernatural with Sid Roth - Supernatural...
God really blessed me a lot in my acting this past month and helped me get on this special episode acting as a pastor. Ok, here are the time frames where you can see my acting contribution.
I appreciate any prayer/good thoughts towards wonderful new things and acting jobs/exposure for the new year 2013. Thanks, guys!
6:25-7:00, 7:30-7:40, 10:15-10:35, 16:31-16:55
It is really neat how all this got set up for me to be a part of it.
The main actor is a friend of mine, Jim Cunningham, whom I think does a really great job, and in a few scenes moved me to tears right along with him.
We filmed this episode in Marietta, Georgia.
Friday, October 26, 2012
1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen
with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we
proclaim concerning the Word of life.
2 The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. 3 We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. 4 We write this to make our[a] joy complete.
1 John 1:1-4
----------
I find it interesting that he chose to say that "life" appeared. It doesn't say Jesus, although I believe of course in Him and His birth...but it says they have seen and testify to "it"-eternal life...which was with the Father. "Life", or eternal life is non-gendered. ..for God is Spirit, according to what Jesus Himself said to the woman at the well.
I'm reminded of what John also said in his gospel...In the beginning was "the Word"...with God, and was God. The Word is non-gendered. It was the Word that became flesh, and dwelt among us.
I feel that the point here is that The Word (eternal life, God) created a body (Jesus' body) for the Spirit to inhabit, its' own creation, to show us eternal life, things of the Spirit, things that the Father says about Spirit/God things, in a natural way that we can understand more fully. Christ said, "I show you things of the Father, and speak what He tells me."
Emmanuel ("God with us"), as one of us...and for God to more fully know and understand/feel/"get" us because He became one of us, (to see, to feel, to know)
Both God and us more fully understanding each other creates a wonderful, loving fellowship, a beautiful connection in His Spirit and helps His joy and OUR joy be more complete and fulfilling, together.
---------
Please join in with your comments and thoughts...I have not done any kind of exhaustive study so I would appreciate things that you find, feel the Spirit has placed on your heart to share.
Let it build, let it bless, but never to bash another, even with any differences.
Next, I'll probably be looking at 1 John 1: 5-10
2 The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. 3 We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. 4 We write this to make our[a] joy complete.
1 John 1:1-4
----------
I find it interesting that he chose to say that "life" appeared. It doesn't say Jesus, although I believe of course in Him and His birth...but it says they have seen and testify to "it"-eternal life...which was with the Father. "Life", or eternal life is non-gendered. ..for God is Spirit, according to what Jesus Himself said to the woman at the well.
I'm reminded of what John also said in his gospel...In the beginning was "the Word"...with God, and was God. The Word is non-gendered. It was the Word that became flesh, and dwelt among us.
I feel that the point here is that The Word (eternal life, God) created a body (Jesus' body) for the Spirit to inhabit, its' own creation, to show us eternal life, things of the Spirit, things that the Father says about Spirit/God things, in a natural way that we can understand more fully. Christ said, "I show you things of the Father, and speak what He tells me."
Emmanuel ("God with us"), as one of us...and for God to more fully know and understand/feel/"get" us because He became one of us, (to see, to feel, to know)
Both God and us more fully understanding each other creates a wonderful, loving fellowship, a beautiful connection in His Spirit and helps His joy and OUR joy be more complete and fulfilling, together.
---------
Please join in with your comments and thoughts...I have not done any kind of exhaustive study so I would appreciate things that you find, feel the Spirit has placed on your heart to share.
Let it build, let it bless, but never to bash another, even with any differences.
Next, I'll probably be looking at 1 John 1: 5-10
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Ok, here's one reason why I'm thinking to go through the 1st letter of John.
Well, I'm driving home last week and asking the Lord what word He has for me to hear or see, or maybe what to read. ..mentioning my pastor's note on 1st John from the past Sunday. "Maybe that?", I asked.
Get this...I decide to take a back road that I sometimes do on the way home, and I pass this little church that always has a saying of some kind on their sign in the front yard.
I had to do a double take when the sign actually read, "READ THE FIRST LETTER OF JOHN".
What!? ..I happily laughed and muttered, ok Lord, I guess that's what it is...THEN, when I get home I look on the computer and on my wall on Facebook a friend had shared a nature picture with a verse from, yup, 1st John!
So...I've read just a little bit but not as much as I feel I need or am supposed to, so I'll be delving into this book, and sharing things that I find in it, here.
Please join in with me, as I usually will add my thoughts, maybe give my own analogies or parallels but please comment if something especially connects with you.
Of course I don't ask if you agree with everything written, or that I write, but let's have some healthy dialogue, as peaceful as possible, and not demean others...but rather, build.
I feel the focus should always come back to...love.
I've also decided to write here often, even if it's just one sentence, to let everyone know that this blog IS still going...and is still here for us.
Some of you know of my other blogs, and I will seek to do the same on those.
Also, if you know where I can get free pictures for blogs that are easy for me to post, that would be most helpful. I want to incorporate more visual media. Thanks.
Have a good one, and stay tuned to the posts, and make a comment...even saying "hi" is greatly appreciated.
Love ya',
Karl
Well, I'm driving home last week and asking the Lord what word He has for me to hear or see, or maybe what to read. ..mentioning my pastor's note on 1st John from the past Sunday. "Maybe that?", I asked.
Get this...I decide to take a back road that I sometimes do on the way home, and I pass this little church that always has a saying of some kind on their sign in the front yard.
I had to do a double take when the sign actually read, "READ THE FIRST LETTER OF JOHN".
What!? ..I happily laughed and muttered, ok Lord, I guess that's what it is...THEN, when I get home I look on the computer and on my wall on Facebook a friend had shared a nature picture with a verse from, yup, 1st John!
So...I've read just a little bit but not as much as I feel I need or am supposed to, so I'll be delving into this book, and sharing things that I find in it, here.
Please join in with me, as I usually will add my thoughts, maybe give my own analogies or parallels but please comment if something especially connects with you.
Of course I don't ask if you agree with everything written, or that I write, but let's have some healthy dialogue, as peaceful as possible, and not demean others...but rather, build.
I feel the focus should always come back to...love.
I've also decided to write here often, even if it's just one sentence, to let everyone know that this blog IS still going...and is still here for us.
Some of you know of my other blogs, and I will seek to do the same on those.
Also, if you know where I can get free pictures for blogs that are easy for me to post, that would be most helpful. I want to incorporate more visual media. Thanks.
Have a good one, and stay tuned to the posts, and make a comment...even saying "hi" is greatly appreciated.
Love ya',
Karl
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Remembering that we are here to reveal heaven and connect men's understanding to their Creator, I wanted to post what I found written from my friend Robert Rutherford:
(not asking you to agree with everything...just read and see what touches you and may touch someone else):
(not asking you to agree with everything...just read and see what touches you and may touch someone else):
A former Pentecostal sat at my bar, last night. With each sip, his boldness grew and his willingness to share his pain increased. This man had wounds. Festering wounds that needed to heal. The infection was killing his soul. He pointed to the drink and said, " that's my new religion!" I smiled..... wiped the counter and said,
" Not a bad choice! Tequila is way kinder to you than the doctrine you...
" Not a bad choice! Tequila is way kinder to you than the doctrine you...
sat under!"
He looked surprised! He had wanted an argument from the "preacher." He said, " It's Wednesday night! Do you think I'm better off in here than at my Wednesday night church service?!?" I smiled and said,
" ABSODAMLUTELY!!! HERE.... you get hot wings....
THERE.... you get cold shoulders!
HERE.....you get real fellowship with people like YOU.
THERE..... you'd have polite, meaningless blurb-talk in Christianese.
Here.... You can be yourself!
THERE ..... you woulda had to pretend you're somebody you're not!
HERE.... You're gonna spend $25.00!
THERE.... They'd have collected more!
HERE.... You're having a one on one conversation with a REAL Pastor with 30 years experience preaching, studying, counseling and LIVING....
THERE..... you would have seen a preacher from 60 feet away standing on an elevated platform talking down to you.
HERE.... I will love and accept you and tell you the REAL GOOD NEWS that you have a FATHER in Heaven that KNOWS you and LOVES you and, would NEVER LET ANYTHING separate you from His LOVE!
There..... You would have heard about an angry God who is WATCHING you with an ALL-SEEING -EYE..... just waiting for you to blow it! A God who KNEW the future and, still allowed babies to be born that would, because of their failure to say a sinner's prayer, would be TORTURED FOREVER in a TORTURE-CHAMBER that HE MADE!!!!
He dabbed his eyes with his soggy Bev-nap.... slid his hand over to mine and squeezed it....
Mouthed "thank-you" and smiled.
WE are ministers of RECONCILIATION.... and,
THAT'S WHAT WE DO!!!!!!!
He looked surprised! He had wanted an argument from the "preacher." He said, " It's Wednesday night! Do you think I'm better off in here than at my Wednesday night church service?!?" I smiled and said,
" ABSODAMLUTELY!!! HERE.... you get hot wings....
THERE.... you get cold shoulders!
HERE.....you get real fellowship with people like YOU.
THERE..... you'd have polite, meaningless blurb-talk in Christianese.
Here.... You can be yourself!
THERE ..... you woulda had to pretend you're somebody you're not!
HERE.... You're gonna spend $25.00!
THERE.... They'd have collected more!
HERE.... You're having a one on one conversation with a REAL Pastor with 30 years experience preaching, studying, counseling and LIVING....
THERE..... you would have seen a preacher from 60 feet away standing on an elevated platform talking down to you.
HERE.... I will love and accept you and tell you the REAL GOOD NEWS that you have a FATHER in Heaven that KNOWS you and LOVES you and, would NEVER LET ANYTHING separate you from His LOVE!
There..... You would have heard about an angry God who is WATCHING you with an ALL-SEEING -EYE..... just waiting for you to blow it! A God who KNEW the future and, still allowed babies to be born that would, because of their failure to say a sinner's prayer, would be TORTURED FOREVER in a TORTURE-CHAMBER that HE MADE!!!!
He dabbed his eyes with his soggy Bev-nap.... slid his hand over to mine and squeezed it....
Mouthed "thank-you" and smiled.
WE are ministers of RECONCILIATION.... and,
THAT'S WHAT WE DO!!!!!!!
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
The Royal Law
If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,”[a] you are doing right. -James 2:8
Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor? - James 4:11,12 (TNIV)
You cannot hold both mercy and judgement in your arms. Mercy triumphs OVER judgement. Judgement puts everyone on a scale of dos and don'ts and what YOU think is right or wrong for them to be doing. You did not shed your bled for them NOR do you have any scars in the palms of your hands. It is NOT your responsibility to lord YOUR set of rules over another, and YOUR truth may not be someone else's truth.
The apostle Paul said he judges no man, not even himself...but for everyone to work out THEIR OWN salvation.
What IS required..is to LOVE.
From my friend Robert Rutherford:
We all, sooner or later, lose our way. It's easier to not be so judgmental when we remember this. And, it doesn't matter, as much as we THINK it does, in the big picture. To HIM.... we were never lost. Not, even close. Getting lost isn't, necessarily, a bad thing, either. What you DO when you're lost matters more. I learned some of my greatest truths while "lost.". If you're losing sleep over a son or daughter or anyone else who is off the trail.... save your energy and, don't be too quick to rescue them from their most beneficial season of growth.
No one is EVER lost, in God.
Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor? - James 4:11,12 (TNIV)
You cannot hold both mercy and judgement in your arms. Mercy triumphs OVER judgement. Judgement puts everyone on a scale of dos and don'ts and what YOU think is right or wrong for them to be doing. You did not shed your bled for them NOR do you have any scars in the palms of your hands. It is NOT your responsibility to lord YOUR set of rules over another, and YOUR truth may not be someone else's truth.
The apostle Paul said he judges no man, not even himself...but for everyone to work out THEIR OWN salvation.
What IS required..is to LOVE.
From my friend Robert Rutherford:
We all, sooner or later, lose our way. It's easier to not be so judgmental when we remember this. And, it doesn't matter, as much as we THINK it does, in the big picture. To HIM.... we were never lost. Not, even close. Getting lost isn't, necessarily, a bad thing, either. What you DO when you're lost matters more. I learned some of my greatest truths while "lost.". If you're losing sleep over a son or daughter or anyone else who is off the trail.... save your energy and, don't be too quick to rescue them from their most beneficial season of growth.
No one is EVER lost, in God.
Friday, September 30, 2011
As With Fire
The fire takes you higher...makes you shine brighter...cleanses your world...and makes you glorious.
Jesus baptizes you with it and you come out more fully reflecting the spirit and work of the Creator, an image...a masterpiece bearing His mark.
He: " to think that most everybody in this place is headed straight for H-E-DOUBLE-L!!!"
All I had was a butter-knife, so I couldn't STAB him.... I suggested to him that GOD is the consuming fire.... That we ALL go through our OWN Hell and that the fire has a PURPOSE other than to give a monstrous deity pleasure... That it, FIRE (pur in the Greek)
PURIFIES us.... that it is, in fact a SPIRITUAL fire. This REALLY SET HIM OFF!!! He, it turns out, is a LITERALIST. he believes the Bible is Literal. Dear Lord. I told him to describe Hell. He: " IT'S A PLACE OF DARKNESS WHERE THE LAKE OF FIRE BURNS HOTTER THAN ANY OTHER FIRE! IT'S LIKE LAVA!!!"
I told him that, my limited experience with fire had proven it to be LIGHT-PRODUCING!!!
this BAFFLED him, temporarily but, ignorance won out, he recovered and continued!
He: " IT IS A PLACE WHERE LITERAL DEMONS CHEW ON YOU AND YOU FEEL LITERAL PAIN!!!! THE WORSTEST PAIN IN THE WORLD!!!!". ????????? Go figure....
So I decided to help him SEE the stupidity of his LITERAL HELL theory. I wanted to bless him. So, I asked him if he knew anyone who was IN hell. He: " YESSIREE!!!! My sorry brother-in-law! He was a goodfernuthin ALKYHOLLIC and he DEFINITELY went to HELL!!!"
so I asked him if they had a funeral. He said,
"Yes!". I asked if they buried him or cremated him. He: " OH NO!!! WE DON'T BELIEVE IN CREMATION!!! THATS'S TOO CLOSE TO YOU KNOW WHAT!!!!" ( as he points at the floor I glance at the cooks butcher knife... too far! ) "we BURIED him at the cemetery in BOWDEN. HE got a REAL nice plot... RIGHT UNDER a SHADE TREE!!!" ( this should help cool him down?!?!?) so I asked if I could pay someone to dig him up! He looked horrified! He: " Whyyyyy???" Me: " To PROVE to you that he is THERE and, NOT IN HELL!"
He: ( shakes his head at MY ignorance. Looks at all of the eavesdropping customers and waitresses for support )" Of COURSE his BODY is in the Cemetery!!!! His SPIRIT is in H-E-DOUBLE-L!!!"
Me: " so... It takes a LITERAL FIRE... to burn up SPIRITS?!?!?!?!?"
he looked for a butter knife... Slid off the seat... Said, " IM DONE WITH YOU AND SO IS THE LORD!!!!" and left. I hope he thought about it later... But, I'm pretty sure he didn't! Religion is as stubborn as it is stupid!!!! I bet Father let's his brother-in-law greet him when he walks through those " PEARLY GATES" on the other side!!! 8-)
Jesus baptizes you with it and you come out more fully reflecting the spirit and work of the Creator, an image...a masterpiece bearing His mark.
He: " to think that most everybody in this place is headed straight for H-E-DOUBLE-L!!!"
All I had was a butter-knife, so I couldn't STAB him.... I suggested to him that GOD is the consuming fire.... That we ALL go through our OWN Hell and that the fire has a PURPOSE other than to give a monstrous deity pleasure... That it, FIRE (pur in the Greek)
PURIFIES us.... that it is, in fact a SPIRITUAL fire. This REALLY SET HIM OFF!!! He, it turns out, is a LITERALIST. he believes the Bible is Literal. Dear Lord. I told him to describe Hell. He: " IT'S A PLACE OF DARKNESS WHERE THE LAKE OF FIRE BURNS HOTTER THAN ANY OTHER FIRE! IT'S LIKE LAVA!!!"
I told him that, my limited experience with fire had proven it to be LIGHT-PRODUCING!!!
this BAFFLED him, temporarily but, ignorance won out, he recovered and continued!
He: " IT IS A PLACE WHERE LITERAL DEMONS CHEW ON YOU AND YOU FEEL LITERAL PAIN!!!! THE WORSTEST PAIN IN THE WORLD!!!!". ????????? Go figure....
So I decided to help him SEE the stupidity of his LITERAL HELL theory. I wanted to bless him. So, I asked him if he knew anyone who was IN hell. He: " YESSIREE!!!! My sorry brother-in-law! He was a goodfernuthin ALKYHOLLIC and he DEFINITELY went to HELL!!!"
so I asked him if they had a funeral. He said,
"Yes!". I asked if they buried him or cremated him. He: " OH NO!!! WE DON'T BELIEVE IN CREMATION!!! THATS'S TOO CLOSE TO YOU KNOW WHAT!!!!" ( as he points at the floor I glance at the cooks butcher knife... too far! ) "we BURIED him at the cemetery in BOWDEN. HE got a REAL nice plot... RIGHT UNDER a SHADE TREE!!!" ( this should help cool him down?!?!?) so I asked if I could pay someone to dig him up! He looked horrified! He: " Whyyyyy???" Me: " To PROVE to you that he is THERE and, NOT IN HELL!"
He: ( shakes his head at MY ignorance. Looks at all of the eavesdropping customers and waitresses for support )" Of COURSE his BODY is in the Cemetery!!!! His SPIRIT is in H-E-DOUBLE-L!!!"
Me: " so... It takes a LITERAL FIRE... to burn up SPIRITS?!?!?!?!?"
he looked for a butter knife... Slid off the seat... Said, " IM DONE WITH YOU AND SO IS THE LORD!!!!" and left. I hope he thought about it later... But, I'm pretty sure he didn't! Religion is as stubborn as it is stupid!!!! I bet Father let's his brother-in-law greet him when he walks through those " PEARLY GATES" on the other side!!! 8-)
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
A WAY
"Do not remember the past events, pay no attention to things of old. LOOK, I am about to do something new: even now it is coming.
Do you not see it?
Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness, rivers in the desert." Isaiah 43:7
Do you not see it?
Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness, rivers in the desert." Isaiah 43:7
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
GET GOING!
I have a command to GO into all the world – into every part of the worlds of every man, woman, boy and girl – into every culture and counterculture – into every mindset and philosophy – into every system and network — and preach the good news, without the preferential treatment of anyone!
Today I will embrace the call of Christ. Even though I may be rebuked for my unbelief or hardness of heart as the first disciples were, I have still been mandated to go — to go anyway — in spite of my weaknesses and vulnerabilities. The gifts and callings of God are irrevocable and, regardless of what I have or haven't done, Jesus is still depending on me to give the inhabitants of His world some good news!
Today I will go to where the people are – not just where they are geographically, but to where they are mentally, spiritually, emotionally and philosophically. I will speak with the tongue of the learned (Isaiah 50:4), becoming all things to all men (1 Corinthians 9:22).
Today I will make some movement, knowing that my steps are ordered of the Lord and that God blesses whatever I put my hand to.
Today I will not preach religious tradition, or anything that could possibly make people feel alienated from God. My declaration of the Kingdom ("The Kingdom is at hand!") will make Jesus accessible to those who have been disconnected in their minds. I will go to where the breaches are — and I will repair them!
Today I will be a witness, telling my story, finding my voice.
Today I will be followed by supernatural signs confirming my words. God will bless my efforts because I believe. My faith will be irresistible to Him today, and today I will live in the now!
Father, help me to get up and get going today. In Jesus’ name, amen.
(The above passages taken from A YEAR IN THE NOW by Jim Swilley, Church in the Now)
http://www.churchinthenow.org/
Today I will embrace the call of Christ. Even though I may be rebuked for my unbelief or hardness of heart as the first disciples were, I have still been mandated to go — to go anyway — in spite of my weaknesses and vulnerabilities. The gifts and callings of God are irrevocable and, regardless of what I have or haven't done, Jesus is still depending on me to give the inhabitants of His world some good news!
Today I will go to where the people are – not just where they are geographically, but to where they are mentally, spiritually, emotionally and philosophically. I will speak with the tongue of the learned (Isaiah 50:4), becoming all things to all men (1 Corinthians 9:22).
Today I will make some movement, knowing that my steps are ordered of the Lord and that God blesses whatever I put my hand to.
Today I will not preach religious tradition, or anything that could possibly make people feel alienated from God. My declaration of the Kingdom ("The Kingdom is at hand!") will make Jesus accessible to those who have been disconnected in their minds. I will go to where the breaches are — and I will repair them!
Today I will be a witness, telling my story, finding my voice.
Today I will be followed by supernatural signs confirming my words. God will bless my efforts because I believe. My faith will be irresistible to Him today, and today I will live in the now!
Father, help me to get up and get going today. In Jesus’ name, amen.
(The above passages taken from A YEAR IN THE NOW by Jim Swilley, Church in the Now)
http://www.churchinthenow.org/
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Shining Brighter!
Today I will remember that the spirit of man is the candle of the Lord searching the hidden rooms of the heart, so I will walk by the light of my recreated spirit, under the authority of the Lordship of Jesus, eternally crowned in the Kingdom of my heart, to reveal the internal dreams, visions, and prophetic revelations that have not yet been brought to light!
The light will reveal the next part of the path that lies ahead. Turn up the lights! Let the adventure begin!- Jim Swilley (A Year In The Now)
But the path of the [uncompromisingly] just and righteous is like the light of dawn, that shines more and more (brighter and clearer)
until [it reaches its full strength and glory in] the perfect day . . . ." (Proverbs 4:18 – AMP)
...let your light shine before all men!
"I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows Me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life." - John 8:12
The light will reveal the next part of the path that lies ahead. Turn up the lights! Let the adventure begin!- Jim Swilley (A Year In The Now)
But the path of the [uncompromisingly] just and righteous is like the light of dawn, that shines more and more (brighter and clearer)
until [it reaches its full strength and glory in] the perfect day . . . ." (Proverbs 4:18 – AMP)
...let your light shine before all men!
"I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows Me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life." - John 8:12
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Let The Children Come
Then little children were brought to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked those who brought them.
Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."
Matthew 19:12-14 (New International Version)
Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."
Matthew 19:12-14 (New International Version)
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Kingdom of the Spirit (a note on Acts 1:3-8)
I find it interesting in verse 3 that for forty days Jesus spoke to them of the kingdom of God...it reminds me of the 40 years wandering in the desert, where Moses spoke of the things of God. Jesus gave the disciples many convincing proofs that He was alive...as well did God His proofs in the desert.
v.4...also enjoy the fact that very often Jesus gave spiritual food while people were eating regular food, a relaxing and generally inviting and receptive environment for spiritual things to conceive in the heart.
v.5...always enjoy the comparison of water and the Holy Spirit...the natural with the supernatural.
v.6, 7, 8...in these verses the disciples are still looking for a natural, visible kingdom to be restored when Christ's intent is restoration of a spiritual kingdom, continuing to reiterate about the coming of the Holy Spirit, like He did in His final discourse before the cross..."when He comes He will...", and, "if I don't go away, He can't come."
When they ask about kingdom restoration Jesus says, "you will receive power and be my witnesses."
-------
Here are the verses from Acts 1:3-7
After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. 4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit."
6 So when they met together, they asked him, "Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?"
7 He said to them: "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
(Today's New International Version)
v.4...also enjoy the fact that very often Jesus gave spiritual food while people were eating regular food, a relaxing and generally inviting and receptive environment for spiritual things to conceive in the heart.
v.5...always enjoy the comparison of water and the Holy Spirit...the natural with the supernatural.
v.6, 7, 8...in these verses the disciples are still looking for a natural, visible kingdom to be restored when Christ's intent is restoration of a spiritual kingdom, continuing to reiterate about the coming of the Holy Spirit, like He did in His final discourse before the cross..."when He comes He will...", and, "if I don't go away, He can't come."
When they ask about kingdom restoration Jesus says, "you will receive power and be my witnesses."
-------
Here are the verses from Acts 1:3-7
After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. 4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit."
6 So when they met together, they asked him, "Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?"
7 He said to them: "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
(Today's New International Version)
Monday, April 26, 2010
Showers of blessings!
Enjoy the abundant and bountiful blessings of the Kingdom life that Jesus Himself is lavishing upon you in an amazing display of extravagant grace. He daily loads you with His benefits, so don't forget to thank Him for them today.*
Today may you flourish like an olive tree in the courts of God, Word-watered by the King Himself.*
*(paragraphs above taken from or adapted from 'A Year In The Now', by Jim Swilley)
Today may you flourish like an olive tree in the courts of God, Word-watered by the King Himself.*
*(paragraphs above taken from or adapted from 'A Year In The Now', by Jim Swilley)
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
The greater work of LOVE
If LOVE is the more excellent way, is this part of the "greater works" comment of Jesus possibly? When all else fails...LOVE.
You know I just thought...the "greater works" may actually be this LOVE, this oneness, the ultimate flow...for Paul mentioned after the list of great works/gifts (miracles, prophecy, etc.), ..."yet I show you a better/GREATER way! Love/Charity."
Jesus prayed that we all be made one...possibly a greater work than miracles themselves...
"No greater LOVE has any man than this, that he lay down His life for His friends." - Jesus Christ
"Acquire the courage to believe in yourself. Many of the things that you have been taught were at one time the radical ideas of individuals who had the courage to believe what their own hearts and minds told them was true, rather than accept the common beliefs of their day." - Ching Ning Chu
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20) Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica
You know I just thought...the "greater works" may actually be this LOVE, this oneness, the ultimate flow...for Paul mentioned after the list of great works/gifts (miracles, prophecy, etc.), ..."yet I show you a better/GREATER way! Love/Charity."
Jesus prayed that we all be made one...possibly a greater work than miracles themselves...
"No greater LOVE has any man than this, that he lay down His life for His friends." - Jesus Christ
"Acquire the courage to believe in yourself. Many of the things that you have been taught were at one time the radical ideas of individuals who had the courage to believe what their own hearts and minds told them was true, rather than accept the common beliefs of their day." - Ching Ning Chu
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20) Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Righteousness Consciousness!
I believe God is confirming to me something today about "righteousness consciousness".
...that we have already received eternal redemption, and that the conscience (yours and mine) has already been cleaned by the blood of Jesus.
From Hebrews chapter 9:
The Blood of Christ
So, what I see is this:
He died ONCE FOR ALL v.12
OBTAINED eternal redemption for us v.12
SANCTIFIED us v.13
CLEANSED our consciences v.14
(look at all the past tense verbs used)
...SO THAT (in order to)...serve the living God! v.14
What do YOU see?..thoughts anyone?
...that we have already received eternal redemption, and that the conscience (yours and mine) has already been cleaned by the blood of Jesus.
From Hebrews chapter 9:
6When everything had been arranged like this, the priests entered regularly into the outer room to carry on their ministry. 7But only the high priest entered the inner room, and that only once a year, and never without blood, which he offered for himself and for the sins the people had committed in ignorance. 8The Holy Spirit was showing by this that the way into the Most Holy Place had not yet been disclosed as long as the first tabernacle was still standing. 9This is an illustration for the present time, indicating that the gifts and sacrifices being offered were not able to clear the conscience of the worshiper. 10They are only a matter of food and drink and various ceremonial washings—external regulations applying until the time of the new order.
The Blood of Christ
11When Christ came as high priest of the good things that are already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not man-made, that is to say, not a part of this creation. 12He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, having obtained eternal redemption. 13The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. 14How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, CLEANSE OUR CONSCIENCES from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!
So, what I see is this:
He died ONCE FOR ALL v.12
OBTAINED eternal redemption for us v.12
SANCTIFIED us v.13
CLEANSED our consciences v.14
(look at all the past tense verbs used)
...SO THAT (in order to)...serve the living God! v.14
What do YOU see?..thoughts anyone?
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Expectation!
Faith gives substance to our hopes, and makes us certain of realities we do not see. (Hebrews 11:1 NEB)
...anyone who comes to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who search for Him. (Hebrews 11:6 NEB)
My righteousness consciousness will prevent my heart from condemning me, so that I can make myself comfortable in God's presence and can feel at home there!
Today I will diligently seek God and His kingdom. In every circumstance that occurs today, I will look for the Kingdom truth or principle that is being communicated to me.
Today I will not miss one miracle that is headed my way. My expectation and faith-filled words will cause me to attract God's best and to repel what is negative and counter-productive to the Kingdom.
(the paragraphs above are from bishop Jim Swilley)
...anyone who comes to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who search for Him. (Hebrews 11:6 NEB)
My righteousness consciousness will prevent my heart from condemning me, so that I can make myself comfortable in God's presence and can feel at home there!
Today I will diligently seek God and His kingdom. In every circumstance that occurs today, I will look for the Kingdom truth or principle that is being communicated to me.
Today I will not miss one miracle that is headed my way. My expectation and faith-filled words will cause me to attract God's best and to repel what is negative and counter-productive to the Kingdom.
(the paragraphs above are from bishop Jim Swilley)
Monday, February 8, 2010
Kingdom of God within you
Seeking something, to me, says that it is not easily seen, somewhat hidden.
You have to search for it.
"Seek, and you will find", Christ spoke.
He also said, in response to the Pharisees who were asking him "When will the kingdom of God come?", He said, "The kingdom of God does not come with your careful observation, nor will people say, 'Here it is,' or 'There it is,' because the kingdom of God is WITHIN you." (Luke 17:20,21 niv)
...and in the Amplified Bible..."Nor will people say, Look! Here [it is]! or, See, [it is] there! For behold, the kingdom of God is within you [in your hearts] and among you [surrounding you].
A man must be born again to "see/enter" the kingdom of God. It is something you find by the Spirit, and it is there for everyone...it is there for you.
You must become like little children...
You have to search for it.
"Seek, and you will find", Christ spoke.
He also said, in response to the Pharisees who were asking him "When will the kingdom of God come?", He said, "The kingdom of God does not come with your careful observation, nor will people say, 'Here it is,' or 'There it is,' because the kingdom of God is WITHIN you." (Luke 17:20,21 niv)
...and in the Amplified Bible..."Nor will people say, Look! Here [it is]! or, See, [it is] there! For behold, the kingdom of God is within you [in your hearts] and among you [surrounding you].
A man must be born again to "see/enter" the kingdom of God. It is something you find by the Spirit, and it is there for everyone...it is there for you.
You must become like little children...
Monday, January 25, 2010
Kingdom Come!
Praying that everyone has a great Monday filled with hope and expectation, and that as you seek first the Kingdom in every situation, you will find righteousness, joy, and peace, for He reigns in you, and through you.
I've still been thinking a lot about freedom and breaking free...interesting that when I was picking up a carton of eggs last night at Kroger there was a product next to it called "Break-free" egg product. Saw it as a nice confirmation. I tell ya'...God can use anything, so keep your eyes and ears open today. Peace...love you guys...let me hear from ya'.
-------
I believe this is a good word about the Kingdom that I took from my favorite devotional.*
"Your Kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven." (Matthew 6:10)
"Therefore, since we ARE RECEIVING a Kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace . . . ." (Hebrews 12:28)
Today I will live in the now! I will live in the now because I am a part of His Kingdom, and His Kingdom is coming now! The King is reigning in my life now. His government is increasing now. The kingdoms of this world are becoming the Kingdoms of our God, and of His Christ, now.
Today I am not encumbered with the pointless rules and regulations of religion, because the Kingdom of God is not meat or drink, but it is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. I will interpret my day by these three things, and will make seeking them my first priority.
Today is a day to demonstrate righteousness. He who knew no sin became sin for me that I might become the righteousness of God in Christ, and it is from this righteousness consciousness that my self-esteem and confidence flow today. By this I am able to show that He has made me the head and not the tail.
Today is a day to walk in peace – not as the world gives – but as Jesus Himself shares His supernatural peace with me. I let not my heart be troubled because I have the peace that passes understanding. I will not be agitated, frustrated or anxious today, because of my Kingdom right to walk in Kingdom peace.
Today is a day to celebrate joy in the Holy Ghost. I will not be sad or depressed today because His joy is in me and, therefore, my joy is full! The Kingdom joy working in me will be my strength and will give me the winner's edge.
Today I will seek the Kingdom first in every situation. Before I have a chance to think about it in the natural . . . before I analyze it, or react emotionally . . . I will look for the Kingdom before I do anything else about anything at all. He is reigning in and through me today, and every name that is named must bow to His Name!
Today I live a life that shows the world that I am a royal subject of the ultimate Kingdom and, therefore, I cannot fail, or lose, or be defeated. Jesus the King shall reign forever and ever, and He is my Lord . . . my personal friend . . . my elder brother. Today I say, "Long live the King!" and today I will live in the now!
Your Kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven – today. Amen.
*-A Year In The Now, Jim Swilley
I've still been thinking a lot about freedom and breaking free...interesting that when I was picking up a carton of eggs last night at Kroger there was a product next to it called "Break-free" egg product. Saw it as a nice confirmation. I tell ya'...God can use anything, so keep your eyes and ears open today. Peace...love you guys...let me hear from ya'.
-------
I believe this is a good word about the Kingdom that I took from my favorite devotional.*
"Your Kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven." (Matthew 6:10)
"Therefore, since we ARE RECEIVING a Kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace . . . ." (Hebrews 12:28)
Today I will live in the now! I will live in the now because I am a part of His Kingdom, and His Kingdom is coming now! The King is reigning in my life now. His government is increasing now. The kingdoms of this world are becoming the Kingdoms of our God, and of His Christ, now.
Today I am not encumbered with the pointless rules and regulations of religion, because the Kingdom of God is not meat or drink, but it is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. I will interpret my day by these three things, and will make seeking them my first priority.
Today is a day to demonstrate righteousness. He who knew no sin became sin for me that I might become the righteousness of God in Christ, and it is from this righteousness consciousness that my self-esteem and confidence flow today. By this I am able to show that He has made me the head and not the tail.
Today is a day to walk in peace – not as the world gives – but as Jesus Himself shares His supernatural peace with me. I let not my heart be troubled because I have the peace that passes understanding. I will not be agitated, frustrated or anxious today, because of my Kingdom right to walk in Kingdom peace.
Today is a day to celebrate joy in the Holy Ghost. I will not be sad or depressed today because His joy is in me and, therefore, my joy is full! The Kingdom joy working in me will be my strength and will give me the winner's edge.
Today I will seek the Kingdom first in every situation. Before I have a chance to think about it in the natural . . . before I analyze it, or react emotionally . . . I will look for the Kingdom before I do anything else about anything at all. He is reigning in and through me today, and every name that is named must bow to His Name!
Today I live a life that shows the world that I am a royal subject of the ultimate Kingdom and, therefore, I cannot fail, or lose, or be defeated. Jesus the King shall reign forever and ever, and He is my Lord . . . my personal friend . . . my elder brother. Today I say, "Long live the King!" and today I will live in the now!
Your Kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven – today. Amen.
*-A Year In The Now, Jim Swilley
Friday, January 22, 2010
LIBERATED!
A good morning to all of you, and whatever may be burdening you from yesterday, please let it go...it's a new day, don't carry it.
Right now I believe God's word to me is about being "LIBERATED", and being determined to live a liberated life, fully accepting, living in and appropriating the freedom that His grace brings to me...being unshackled from unnecessary tradition, religious rhetoric and chains, and bounding in the flow of His joy!
Come to me all of you who "labor" and I will give you "rest", says the Lord, "for my yoke is easy and my burden is light".
I wrote this on another blog and wanted to put it here, too:
Every morning can be like the breaking off of a burden. His mercies over and over makes me think of "over-easy", like an egg.
...whatever burden you may have been carrying can be cracked open off of you to allow for the flow of a lighter burden and an easy yoke upon your day.
His yoke is easy, and His burden is light. I will be determined to live the LIBERATED life today, like a chicken who knows how to fly the coop. (remembering the movie "Chicken Run")
(and even the word ver spoke...)
word ver: lybally
...that actually means LIBERALLY
-------
Now, the following is a great word from the devotional A Year In The Now by Jim Swilley...I really believe you'll find something that speaks to you...
". . . the Lord's mercies . . . are new every morning. Great is your faithfulness."
(Lamentations 3:22, 23)
Today I will live in the now! I will live in the now because God's mercy endures forever - one morning at a time. The freshness of the dawn and early hours of the day are a reminder to me of how current and new God is in His merciful dealings with me.
Today I will praise the Name of the Lord from the rising of the sun, to the going down of the same. I will start off my day with a love song for the One who woke me up this morning, and I will sing it to Him in my heart until I lay down to sleep this evening. I am blessed and thankful for all of God's benefits. Today I know that He is smiling on me as I sing of His greatness!
Today I will not be overcome by sorrow, because weeping may endure for the night, but joy comes in the morning. No matter how dark things have been, this morning I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I will be optimistic in my thinking, and the faith in my heart will produce great expectations in my inner man.
Today I will go where the day takes me, without fear or dread. I declare the end from the beginning by saying that this is the day the Lord has made, so I will regard it as an open door to my future. No matter what it may bring, or what I may be up against, my faith will win the day.
Today, as the Daystar arises in my heart, my vision will increase like the sunlight at dawn. This day will usher in a whole new season of increase for me. I say "good morning" to my new attitude, as I welcome all the possibilities that are on the way.
Today I let yesterday go, and use what I have in my hand right now to maximize the day's potential. A new opportunity for me lies around every corner, and I will not let one go unnoticed by being distracted by water under the bridge.
Today the Bright and Morning Star shines on me – and through me. It's a new day, and everything is different in my world than it was before. I demonstrate that His mercies are new this morning by my determination to live the liberated life today, and today I will live in the now!
Good morning, Lord! Help me to see Your new mercies today. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Right now I believe God's word to me is about being "LIBERATED", and being determined to live a liberated life, fully accepting, living in and appropriating the freedom that His grace brings to me...being unshackled from unnecessary tradition, religious rhetoric and chains, and bounding in the flow of His joy!
Come to me all of you who "labor" and I will give you "rest", says the Lord, "for my yoke is easy and my burden is light".
I wrote this on another blog and wanted to put it here, too:
Every morning can be like the breaking off of a burden. His mercies over and over makes me think of "over-easy", like an egg.
...whatever burden you may have been carrying can be cracked open off of you to allow for the flow of a lighter burden and an easy yoke upon your day.
His yoke is easy, and His burden is light. I will be determined to live the LIBERATED life today, like a chicken who knows how to fly the coop. (remembering the movie "Chicken Run")
(and even the word ver spoke...)
word ver: lybally
...that actually means LIBERALLY
-------
Now, the following is a great word from the devotional A Year In The Now by Jim Swilley...I really believe you'll find something that speaks to you...
". . . the Lord's mercies . . . are new every morning. Great is your faithfulness."
(Lamentations 3:22, 23)
Today I will live in the now! I will live in the now because God's mercy endures forever - one morning at a time. The freshness of the dawn and early hours of the day are a reminder to me of how current and new God is in His merciful dealings with me.
Today I will praise the Name of the Lord from the rising of the sun, to the going down of the same. I will start off my day with a love song for the One who woke me up this morning, and I will sing it to Him in my heart until I lay down to sleep this evening. I am blessed and thankful for all of God's benefits. Today I know that He is smiling on me as I sing of His greatness!
Today I will not be overcome by sorrow, because weeping may endure for the night, but joy comes in the morning. No matter how dark things have been, this morning I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I will be optimistic in my thinking, and the faith in my heart will produce great expectations in my inner man.
Today I will go where the day takes me, without fear or dread. I declare the end from the beginning by saying that this is the day the Lord has made, so I will regard it as an open door to my future. No matter what it may bring, or what I may be up against, my faith will win the day.
Today, as the Daystar arises in my heart, my vision will increase like the sunlight at dawn. This day will usher in a whole new season of increase for me. I say "good morning" to my new attitude, as I welcome all the possibilities that are on the way.
Today I let yesterday go, and use what I have in my hand right now to maximize the day's potential. A new opportunity for me lies around every corner, and I will not let one go unnoticed by being distracted by water under the bridge.
Today the Bright and Morning Star shines on me – and through me. It's a new day, and everything is different in my world than it was before. I demonstrate that His mercies are new this morning by my determination to live the liberated life today, and today I will live in the now!
Good morning, Lord! Help me to see Your new mercies today. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
MOVE FORWARD!
I believe one of God's main words to me recently and perhaps for you has been 'MOVE FORWARD'. A couple of reasons why I believe this personally for myself would be; 1) in worship service this weekend we sang a song entitled "Moving Forward" and the pastor discussed moving forward into 2010, 2) I reached for a CD to listen to yesterday going to the pet store and it was a sermon from last month entitled Moving Forward, 3) this morning I read from the book of Joshua in ch. 6 and it mentioned the words move forward and straight ahead a couple of times, 4) I picked out an animated story for Zachary and on the back it mentions about a little boy 'moving forward' into his future.
I wanted to share something with you that I wrote as a note on Facebook and on my pastor's blog:
I see 2010 coming down from heaven as a gift, breaking through the ground that was the year before. Fresh new growth that can break through any fortified wall built against us in 2009.
"MOVE FORWARD!"
Don't be afraid of what's before you, for "SEE!", I HAVE GIVEN THE YEAR OVER TO YOU. (...as the city of Jericho was handed over in Joshua 6:1)
As God commanded Joshua..."Be strong and very courageous...do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go (in 2010).
So, ... "go through the camp and tell the people, 'Get provisions ready for yourselves, for WITHIN THREE DAYS you will be crossing...to go in and take possession of the land the Lord your God is giving you to inherit.'" (Joshua 1:9-11)
Yes, in THREE DAYS you will be crossing into 2010.
It is a gift from heaven, a land that is yours to inherit and possess. Be STRONG and VERY COURAGEOUS if you already see something in the natural that looks like a walled city to you in the year (land) to come.
May you hear God's voice saying to you, "SEE!, I have handed it over to you."
Go in, take possession, encompass and surround those things...for God will cause them to crumble before you!
..."MOVE FORWARD, march around what seems to be a fortress to you, that walled city,...and blow that horn and give a mighty shout! Then the wall will collapse, and you will ADVANCE...straight ahead."
-(Thoughts from Joshua 6:5,6)
"MOVE FORWARD!"
-------
-God is wanting me to see something that I don't see in the natural.
-If your perception is right, everything is right.
-Thank God that goodness and mercy follow us.
-When we look at 2010, see the Lord. Through every situation we are conformed into His image.
-Ending the year of 2009, see where you've been...you do need your rear view mirror. It is also important to see who you've become, and what are you 'seeing' about yourself in 2009, 2010, and about your life?
(these last few lines I took from bishop Jim Swilley of Church in the Now this past weekend)
I wanted to share something with you that I wrote as a note on Facebook and on my pastor's blog:
I see 2010 coming down from heaven as a gift, breaking through the ground that was the year before. Fresh new growth that can break through any fortified wall built against us in 2009.
"MOVE FORWARD!"
Don't be afraid of what's before you, for "SEE!", I HAVE GIVEN THE YEAR OVER TO YOU. (...as the city of Jericho was handed over in Joshua 6:1)
As God commanded Joshua..."Be strong and very courageous...do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go (in 2010).
So, ... "go through the camp and tell the people, 'Get provisions ready for yourselves, for WITHIN THREE DAYS you will be crossing...to go in and take possession of the land the Lord your God is giving you to inherit.'" (Joshua 1:9-11)
Yes, in THREE DAYS you will be crossing into 2010.
It is a gift from heaven, a land that is yours to inherit and possess. Be STRONG and VERY COURAGEOUS if you already see something in the natural that looks like a walled city to you in the year (land) to come.
May you hear God's voice saying to you, "SEE!, I have handed it over to you."
Go in, take possession, encompass and surround those things...for God will cause them to crumble before you!
..."MOVE FORWARD, march around what seems to be a fortress to you, that walled city,...and blow that horn and give a mighty shout! Then the wall will collapse, and you will ADVANCE...straight ahead."
-(Thoughts from Joshua 6:5,6)
"MOVE FORWARD!"
-------
-God is wanting me to see something that I don't see in the natural.
-If your perception is right, everything is right.
-Thank God that goodness and mercy follow us.
-When we look at 2010, see the Lord. Through every situation we are conformed into His image.
-Ending the year of 2009, see where you've been...you do need your rear view mirror. It is also important to see who you've become, and what are you 'seeing' about yourself in 2009, 2010, and about your life?
(these last few lines I took from bishop Jim Swilley of Church in the Now this past weekend)
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