Let's look at another Biblical example of God's supernatural interaction with people.
Isaiah in the Temple (Fresh fire, fresh revelation, fresh humility and holiness, Fresh call, Fresh Vision and Calling)
(Note Isaiah's state of mind.) Isa 6:1-8
6:1 IN THE year that King Uzziah died, [in a vision] I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and the skirts of His train filled the [most holy part of the] temple. [John 12:41.]
2 Above Him stood the seraphim; each had six wings: with two [each] covered his [own] face, and with two [each] covered his feet, and with two [each] flew.
3 And one cried to another and said, Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory!
4 And the foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of him who cried, and the house was filled with smoke.
5 Then said I, Woe is me! For I am undone and ruined, because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!
6 Then flew one of the seraphim [heavenly beings] to me, having a live coal in his hand which he had taken with tongs from off the altar;
7 And with it he touched my mouth and said, Behold, this has touched your lips; your iniquity and guilt are taken away, and your sin is completely atoned for and forgiven.
8 Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send? And who will go for Us? Then said I, Here am I; send me. AMP
Other Places where the Glory of God is revealed in some way.
Ex 33:21-34:1;
Job 38-41;
Rev 1-4.
Please note the details of the following points of the encounter with God.
Isaiah's Encounter as a whole
The Circumstances that cause Him to seek God
The Setting or location
The Reaction of Isasiah to the majesty and holiness of God even though He was a servant and prophet of God already.
The Response of God to Isaiah's realization of His imperfection in light of God's perfection and purity. (Out of the mouth come the abundance of the heart. Also note his identity as a representative of the people of Israel.)
The Call or Opportunity of God
The Response of man to the might and wonder of God and the opportunity to be a part of what God is doing.
Sunday, April 30, 2006
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
Way-FM Alternative Christian Music
Alternative Christian Music Wayfm.com http://kxwa.wayfm.com/home.php
Reaching this generation for Jesus!
Thank you to Pastor Barry Palser of Calvary Temple Denver for mentioning this awesome new resource to communicate the Good News to a new generation. http://www.calvarytempledenver.com
Vision 20:1
In addition to our Mission:
“to encourage youth and young adults in their Christian lives and to introduce Jesus to those who do not yet know Him.”
We are also driven by a short term vision we call VISION 20:1.
In 2003 we adopted an exciting four year vision that we are prayerfully working towards. Here is our vision for a “season” in our history:
“Trusting God, we will partner together to expand our outreach to 20 Million people by 2007, resulting in a daily, Christ-centered impact in the lives of 1 Million youth and young adults.”
In other words, we are believing God that by the fall of 2007 (our 20th anniversary), there will be at least 20 million people who are able to tune WAY-FM in on their radio. This is our potential audience. We hope this will result in at least 1 million actual listeners tuning in every week receiving the hope and encouragement found in our positive, upbeat music and overall presentation.
If you have any questions about Vision 20:1, feel free to email Bob
Our Core Values
WAY-FM’s Core Values provide a model of what we believe and how we want to conduct ourselves on a daily basis. Developed by the staff members of this ministry, these values guide, direct and represent all that we are and do.
Christ Centered
We celebrate our identity as a faith-based Christian ministry. The foundation for all we do is based on Jesus Christ as revealed in God’s Word. This becomes authentic when our staff, with the help of their respective local church, exhibits Spirit-led living.
Vision Driven
Everything we are about begins with the vision we believe God has given us, and is found in our mission statement. Vision provides the direction that moves us forward together.
Prayer Supported
From the boardroom to the stock room we want our ministry covered in prayer. We pray for one another regularly, pray for God’s Hand to remain upon this ministry, and encourage others to do the same.
Clear Communication
We welcome and lovingly respond to Spiritual inquiry from our listeners. Since our very calling is to communicate to an audience, we strive to communicate clearly and honestly with each other as well.
Respect Towards Others
We acknowledge our interdependence of each other and that everyone is created in the image of God. For those reasons alone, others deserve to be treated with love, dignity and respect. We are all leaders in some way and look to Jesus as our example of the perfect servant leader.
Wise Stewardship and Accountability
We deeply appreciate all resources God entrusts us with and consider ourselves stewards of your generous gifts. We believe in being accountable to high standards so that we earn your trust.
Remain Flexible
We acknowledge that change is a part of life, and the life of an organization. By remaining flexible we are willing to shift attention and responsibilities as the need arises in order to better serve each other and our listeners.
Professionalism With Excellence
We strive to do our work using out-of-the-box creativity and cutting-edge research, believing work done with excellence honors the Lord and also exemplifies leadership in our industry.
Integrity That Is Honored And Protected
The character of our people and the ministry itself is more important to us than our reputations. Integrity is highly valued and protected so as not to disappoint the Lord and hurt His work.
Listener and Ministry Focused
Recognizing we are part of the entertainment medium, we want our primary focus to be on relevant and transparent ministry to our communities that reflects our listeners’ lifestyle needs, through a caring and encouraging presentation.
http://kxwa.wayfm.com/home.php
Thanks for keeping the message alive in our day!
Reaching this generation for Jesus!
Thank you to Pastor Barry Palser of Calvary Temple Denver for mentioning this awesome new resource to communicate the Good News to a new generation. http://www.calvarytempledenver.com
Vision 20:1
In addition to our Mission:
“to encourage youth and young adults in their Christian lives and to introduce Jesus to those who do not yet know Him.”
We are also driven by a short term vision we call VISION 20:1.
In 2003 we adopted an exciting four year vision that we are prayerfully working towards. Here is our vision for a “season” in our history:
“Trusting God, we will partner together to expand our outreach to 20 Million people by 2007, resulting in a daily, Christ-centered impact in the lives of 1 Million youth and young adults.”
In other words, we are believing God that by the fall of 2007 (our 20th anniversary), there will be at least 20 million people who are able to tune WAY-FM in on their radio. This is our potential audience. We hope this will result in at least 1 million actual listeners tuning in every week receiving the hope and encouragement found in our positive, upbeat music and overall presentation.
If you have any questions about Vision 20:1, feel free to email Bob
Our Core Values
WAY-FM’s Core Values provide a model of what we believe and how we want to conduct ourselves on a daily basis. Developed by the staff members of this ministry, these values guide, direct and represent all that we are and do.
Christ Centered
We celebrate our identity as a faith-based Christian ministry. The foundation for all we do is based on Jesus Christ as revealed in God’s Word. This becomes authentic when our staff, with the help of their respective local church, exhibits Spirit-led living.
Vision Driven
Everything we are about begins with the vision we believe God has given us, and is found in our mission statement. Vision provides the direction that moves us forward together.
Prayer Supported
From the boardroom to the stock room we want our ministry covered in prayer. We pray for one another regularly, pray for God’s Hand to remain upon this ministry, and encourage others to do the same.
Clear Communication
We welcome and lovingly respond to Spiritual inquiry from our listeners. Since our very calling is to communicate to an audience, we strive to communicate clearly and honestly with each other as well.
Respect Towards Others
We acknowledge our interdependence of each other and that everyone is created in the image of God. For those reasons alone, others deserve to be treated with love, dignity and respect. We are all leaders in some way and look to Jesus as our example of the perfect servant leader.
Wise Stewardship and Accountability
We deeply appreciate all resources God entrusts us with and consider ourselves stewards of your generous gifts. We believe in being accountable to high standards so that we earn your trust.
Remain Flexible
We acknowledge that change is a part of life, and the life of an organization. By remaining flexible we are willing to shift attention and responsibilities as the need arises in order to better serve each other and our listeners.
Professionalism With Excellence
We strive to do our work using out-of-the-box creativity and cutting-edge research, believing work done with excellence honors the Lord and also exemplifies leadership in our industry.
Integrity That Is Honored And Protected
The character of our people and the ministry itself is more important to us than our reputations. Integrity is highly valued and protected so as not to disappoint the Lord and hurt His work.
Listener and Ministry Focused
Recognizing we are part of the entertainment medium, we want our primary focus to be on relevant and transparent ministry to our communities that reflects our listeners’ lifestyle needs, through a caring and encouraging presentation.
http://kxwa.wayfm.com/home.php
Thanks for keeping the message alive in our day!
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
Growing Your Relationship with God
I recieved this fantastic article by Jim Goll and wanted to pass it on in shortened form.The full article called A Tool for Greater Communion with God--Quietness by Jim Goll is @ http://www.elijahlist.com/ in it he highlights several books the first is Communion with God: by Mark Virkler.
Principles of Communion
If we are going to commune with God, first we must become still. Habakkuk went to his guard post to pray (Habakkuk 2:1). In the early morning when it was still dark, Jesus departed to a lonely place to pray (Mark 1:35). And after a day's ministry, Jesus went to a mountain to pray.
Quieting Our Own Inner Being
· Write down thoughts of things to do later
· Release present tensions and anxieties to the Lord
· Focus on Jesus
· In becoming still, I am not trying to do anything. I simply want to be in touch with the
Divine Lover. I am centered on this moment of time and experiencing Him in it
· Removing inner noise (voices, thoughts, pressures)
Taking An Aggressive Posture
(II Corinthians 10:2-6) As I read this set of scriptures, I envision this "battlefield of the mind" in a specific way.
The Battlefield of the Mind--A PerspectiveBy James Goll
Taking the Initiative
Our weapons are not carnal but they are mighty in God for the pulling down of strongholds, casting down of arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of Christ.
Practical Steps
Before we can think on whatsoever things are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of a good report, full of virtue and praise (Philippians 4:7-8), we must first cleanse our minds.
The Practice of Listening PrayerDallas Willard is a professor and past director of the School of Philosophy at the University of Southern California. Dallas is the author of the penetrating book, The Spirit of the Disciplines, of which the following is taken:A discipline for the spiritual life is, when the dust of history is blown away, nothing but an activity undertaken to bring us into more effective cooperation with Christ and His Kingdom. http://www.dwillard.org/books/SpDisciplines.asp
Sit Back And Enjoy God's Presence
Mary Swope, author of "Are You Sick and Tired of Feeling Sick and Tired?, turns her attention to helping people understand how to hear and discern God's voice. The following phrases are from her book, Listening Prayer:Beginning
At the beginning of each period of listening prayer, submit yourself to God and invite the Holy Spirit to be in control
The Attacks
In addition, Satan will try to distract you. Cast out any interfering thoughts from the enemy.
Rest in Him
Sit back and enjoy God's presence. Meditate on His power, His wisdom, His goodness, His meekness, and His generosity.
A Closing Prayer of Application
Father, make these old ways new. Teach me The Lost Art of Practicing Your Presence. Quiet my Soul that I might know you and your precious Son Jesus better. Holy Spirit, calm the inner storm that rages. Bring me in to proper alignment with your Word, Will and Ways. I call forth the Spirit of Revelation in Jesus name. Lord, I want to know You! Teach me for Your Kingdom's Sake. Amen!
I trust that this message on Quietness has helped you to move forward into greater communion with the Love of Your Soul. It has truly helped me.
After all--Quietness is the Incubation Bed of Revelation!Blessings!
James Goll http://www.jamesgoll.com/
"The Lost Art of Practicing His Presence"by James W. Goll
Your heart has been created for the Presence of God, and it is not complete without His Presence living within. Nay-sayers try to convince you that His Presence is elusive and subjective, but their voice is silenced by the desire yearning from within for a union with your Lord and Creator.
As a credible response for those who want to fill that inner void with His perfect union, The Lost Art of Practicing His Presence was written. Author James Goll's own journey into His Presence has brought him face-to-face with angels and the Lord. Jim has heard His voice and has moved in His Presence for many years, carefully recording what he now shares with you. Joyfully, you will discover how the Lord covets union with you as much as you seek His Presence. You will also:
· Discover the delight of quiet meditation.
· Learn to wait and to watch with your Lord.
· Experience the joy of contemplative prayer.
· Understand the fire of His love.
· Learn about the journeys of others who have sought and found the sweetness of His
Presence.
The wisdom contained in this book will give you moment-by-moment confidence and hope as you journey toward the joy and pleasure of His Presence
James Goll www.jamesgoll.com
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
Wisdom for a Fresh Move of God by His Spirit Today Part II Revisited
Pillar of Fire (preparation and readiness) ready to wait and ready to go.
Ex 13:19-22; Neh 9:11-12; Neh 9:19-21; Ex 16:10
When we look into this example of God's Supernatural intervention into the events of human history we are tempted to only see the obvious or stated truths.
1. The people were to make themselves clean before they left Egypt.
2. They had to be ready to go at all times.
3. The people were protected and comforted by the power of God made real by the Pillar’s majesty and by the visible demonstration of God presence of with them.
4. The people were organized by tribes but it was the priest-levities who watched for any changes in the status of the pillar and blew the Shofar to announce that God was on the move or that He was stopping.
The facts that might escape us are.
1. Moving approximately 3.5 million people took time and patience. Once the first tribe arrived at the new destination it would be a while before the last of the last tribe arrived. This is true of any new work that God does among His people. There are those who are aware and move quickly and those who get there at a latter time. The Leaders of God's people must lead as good shepherds, realizing that God may be leading but that we as leaders must allow the people to go through the same processes that have given us awareness that God is on the move. We must also be aware that people no matter how dedicated and committed move at different speeds in following the Lord. There are also some who will refuse to move at all and while we may be concerned for them and make every effort to encourage them to participate in what God is doing we cannot disobey God and refuse to follow Him if they will not.
2. Waiting at the appointed place may take more effort and strength than moving ahead to the next big or little thing God is doing for many people. It is the responsibility of leadership to minister to and train God's people when they have reached that next stopping place or plateau and help them to grow in God and be ready to go or stay as called on by God.
3. Miracles, Signs and Wonders are given as God directs and not as we might desire in the flesh. They are also not to be denied as a part of God's provision and direction either. Since he is a supernatural being we should expect Him to be and act supernaturally.
4. There is a purpose to the Supernatural manifestations of God and while they are not for entertainment or fleshly fulfillment of His people we must seek God who is supernatural and expect Him to work supernaturally. If we fail to seek the whole counsel of God for His people we will never attain the full level of maturity He desires. Eph 4:12-14.
5. Teaching that He is and works supernaturally must continue. We must not shrink back from teaching the wondrous and glorious ways in which God has and does work when we are waiting for a long season for the pillar of Glory to move again, or for a fresh outpouring to be given. As we shall see in the book of Acts, there were many fresh outpourings or moves of God's Spirit among His people then and throughout Church History.
We may not hear about them because their impact may have been limited geographically. We also may not have heard about them because those who wrote the history may have not understood or have been threatened by them.
There are many times when God has poured out His Spirit on people only to have that outpouring of fresh fire hindered by the church, the ineffectiveness or corruption of the people involved or the lack of favor a particular movement had during a certain historic period. History after all is written by the victors.
6. There is a danger in wanting to camp out or constantly be in the glory or experiencing a fresh outpouring of God's presence. There is work to be done. These times of God's manifest presence are meant to change and motivate us as we shall see when we examine Isaiah 6:1 and the verses that follow and the mount of transfigured experience recorded in (Matt 17:1-8; Mark 9:2-8; Luke 9:28-36)
Questions
1. Are you seeking the majesty and wonder of God?
2. Is your walk with God blessed with fresh manna or stale bread?
3. Have you tried to store up manna or hoard it so that you do not have to seek it daily only to find it rotten?
4. Do you proclaim or say you believe in a supernatural God without having a fresh and supernatural relationship with Him?
5. Are you seeking the signs and wonders or the giver of the wonder?
6. Has the pillar been stationary at you church or in your life for a while?
7. When the Pillar is in one location for a longer period of time are you getting mended (made whole) and helping others to get mended as well? Are you growing in your relationship and knowledge of Him so that when the pillar moves, His work among you will be accomplished?
8. Are you seeking the fresh and living water that flows from His presence?
Ex 13:19-22; Neh 9:11-12; Neh 9:19-21; Ex 16:10
When we look into this example of God's Supernatural intervention into the events of human history we are tempted to only see the obvious or stated truths.
1. The people were to make themselves clean before they left Egypt.
2. They had to be ready to go at all times.
3. The people were protected and comforted by the power of God made real by the Pillar’s majesty and by the visible demonstration of God presence of with them.
4. The people were organized by tribes but it was the priest-levities who watched for any changes in the status of the pillar and blew the Shofar to announce that God was on the move or that He was stopping.
The facts that might escape us are.
1. Moving approximately 3.5 million people took time and patience. Once the first tribe arrived at the new destination it would be a while before the last of the last tribe arrived. This is true of any new work that God does among His people. There are those who are aware and move quickly and those who get there at a latter time. The Leaders of God's people must lead as good shepherds, realizing that God may be leading but that we as leaders must allow the people to go through the same processes that have given us awareness that God is on the move. We must also be aware that people no matter how dedicated and committed move at different speeds in following the Lord. There are also some who will refuse to move at all and while we may be concerned for them and make every effort to encourage them to participate in what God is doing we cannot disobey God and refuse to follow Him if they will not.
2. Waiting at the appointed place may take more effort and strength than moving ahead to the next big or little thing God is doing for many people. It is the responsibility of leadership to minister to and train God's people when they have reached that next stopping place or plateau and help them to grow in God and be ready to go or stay as called on by God.
3. Miracles, Signs and Wonders are given as God directs and not as we might desire in the flesh. They are also not to be denied as a part of God's provision and direction either. Since he is a supernatural being we should expect Him to be and act supernaturally.
4. There is a purpose to the Supernatural manifestations of God and while they are not for entertainment or fleshly fulfillment of His people we must seek God who is supernatural and expect Him to work supernaturally. If we fail to seek the whole counsel of God for His people we will never attain the full level of maturity He desires. Eph 4:12-14.
5. Teaching that He is and works supernaturally must continue. We must not shrink back from teaching the wondrous and glorious ways in which God has and does work when we are waiting for a long season for the pillar of Glory to move again, or for a fresh outpouring to be given. As we shall see in the book of Acts, there were many fresh outpourings or moves of God's Spirit among His people then and throughout Church History.
We may not hear about them because their impact may have been limited geographically. We also may not have heard about them because those who wrote the history may have not understood or have been threatened by them.
There are many times when God has poured out His Spirit on people only to have that outpouring of fresh fire hindered by the church, the ineffectiveness or corruption of the people involved or the lack of favor a particular movement had during a certain historic period. History after all is written by the victors.
6. There is a danger in wanting to camp out or constantly be in the glory or experiencing a fresh outpouring of God's presence. There is work to be done. These times of God's manifest presence are meant to change and motivate us as we shall see when we examine Isaiah 6:1 and the verses that follow and the mount of transfigured experience recorded in (Matt 17:1-8; Mark 9:2-8; Luke 9:28-36)
Questions
1. Are you seeking the majesty and wonder of God?
2. Is your walk with God blessed with fresh manna or stale bread?
3. Have you tried to store up manna or hoard it so that you do not have to seek it daily only to find it rotten?
4. Do you proclaim or say you believe in a supernatural God without having a fresh and supernatural relationship with Him?
5. Are you seeking the signs and wonders or the giver of the wonder?
6. Has the pillar been stationary at you church or in your life for a while?
7. When the Pillar is in one location for a longer period of time are you getting mended (made whole) and helping others to get mended as well? Are you growing in your relationship and knowledge of Him so that when the pillar moves, His work among you will be accomplished?
8. Are you seeking the fresh and living water that flows from His presence?
Sunday, April 02, 2006
Wisdom for a Fresh Move of God by His Spirit Today: Revisited Part One
What do we need to understand to have Wisdom for a Fresh Move of God by His Spirit today?
When we examine the history of revival movements and the outpourings of the Holy Spirit in Church History we see that God has poured out His Spirit and moved among His people continually in every generation since He began to pour out His Spirit on the day of Pentecost in the book of Acts. We can also see in scripture that God has supernaturally interacted with His people throughout history and that we have many examples in the scriptures both in the Old and New Testaments. The interactions of God with His people throughout scripture serve as both examples and wisdom for us as we seek to be apart of what God is doing in the earth today.
Research Resources: History of Charismatic Movements and History of Revival Movements:
How has God interacted with His people in history since the New Testament times and what were the results?
1. 2000 Years of Charismatic Christianity by Eddie L Hyatt Strang Communications Company
2. Dynamics of Spiritual Life, An Evangelical Theology of Revival by Richard Lovelace, published by IVP
3. Revival by Winkie Pratney published by Whitaker House
4. Rivers of Revival by Neil T. Anderson and Elmer L. Towns published by Regal
Personal Experience:
I have had the privilege of experiencing the supernatural work of God among His people several times in my 36 years as a believer and know that every new supernatural outpouring of God's Spirit carries with it great blessings and challenges for those who are blessed to be a part of it.
Some of these moves of God had local, while others had national and international impact.
Purpose:
This study is designed to provide Biblical truths that will allow us to chart a course during these times when the river of life runs both deep and often fast. A course that take us into greater growth and helps us to allow the deeper encounters with God to produce good fruit for His kingdom among the people we live around and minister His life to.Church history has examples of those who allowed the fresh outpouring of God's Spirit to grow His kingdom and them and those who were shipwrecked when an outpouring of His Spirit was mishandled and produced error and destruction. Since history tends to be written by the victors, those who were shipwrecked were often seen as heretics and the work God began in them is seen as error.
Let’s look at some Biblical examples of God’s supernatural interaction with people.
Pillar of Fire (preparation and readiness) ready to wait and ready to go.Ex 13:19-22; Neh 9:11-12; Neh 9:19-21; Ex 16:10
Isaiah in the Temple (Fresh fire, fresh revelation, fresh humility and holiness, Fresh call)
Note Isaiah’s state of mind. Isa 6:1-9
The Mount of transfiguration (Let’s build three tents and camp out here) Does the experience lead to deeper call and greater commitment as well as new power for ministry? Matt 17:1-9
The Baptism, Fillings and Outpourings of the Spirit; Starting in the Upper Room, The baptism in the Holy Spirit brings a new level to believer and is a unique spiritual experience which is the foundation of and different from the fresh touch (outpourings) which are to continue to occur following the Spirit Baptism in the Spirit baptized believer's life. These outpourings or fresh touches make us continually useful as vessels of His Spirit and Glory and are vital to our spiritual life and transformation. Luke notes that people were “filled with the Holy Spirit” (2:4; 9:17), that “they received the Holy Spirit” (8:17), that “the Holy Spirit fell upon (them)” (10:44), that “the Holy Spirit had been poured out on (them)” (10:45), and that “the Holy Spirit came upon them” (Acts 19:6). These quotes are from the Spirit Filled life Bible.
Finally, (every supernatural encounter of God with people has certain elements). What are these elements? I have listed some below. What else do you see? Is there a formula and pattern to follow or are they not always in a set sequence?Is there Pattern to Follow or Common Elements to note?
Preparation for Gods Spirit to Work or the results of His working can include: Cleansing, Repentance, Holiness, Revelation of Man’s imperfect state in light of God’s majestic nature and holiness, a Willingness to die to self and serve God, or making ourselves available for His call.
Please read the scriptural accounts listed and ask your self these questions.
1. What lessons or truths can we discern or observe from each passage?
2. How do these truths apply to outpourings of God that you have heard about or been a part of?
Go to http://equipperstoolbox.blogspot.com for more info on these books.
When we examine the history of revival movements and the outpourings of the Holy Spirit in Church History we see that God has poured out His Spirit and moved among His people continually in every generation since He began to pour out His Spirit on the day of Pentecost in the book of Acts. We can also see in scripture that God has supernaturally interacted with His people throughout history and that we have many examples in the scriptures both in the Old and New Testaments. The interactions of God with His people throughout scripture serve as both examples and wisdom for us as we seek to be apart of what God is doing in the earth today.
Research Resources: History of Charismatic Movements and History of Revival Movements:
How has God interacted with His people in history since the New Testament times and what were the results?
1. 2000 Years of Charismatic Christianity by Eddie L Hyatt Strang Communications Company
2. Dynamics of Spiritual Life, An Evangelical Theology of Revival by Richard Lovelace, published by IVP
3. Revival by Winkie Pratney published by Whitaker House
4. Rivers of Revival by Neil T. Anderson and Elmer L. Towns published by Regal
Personal Experience:
I have had the privilege of experiencing the supernatural work of God among His people several times in my 36 years as a believer and know that every new supernatural outpouring of God's Spirit carries with it great blessings and challenges for those who are blessed to be a part of it.
Some of these moves of God had local, while others had national and international impact.
Purpose:
This study is designed to provide Biblical truths that will allow us to chart a course during these times when the river of life runs both deep and often fast. A course that take us into greater growth and helps us to allow the deeper encounters with God to produce good fruit for His kingdom among the people we live around and minister His life to.Church history has examples of those who allowed the fresh outpouring of God's Spirit to grow His kingdom and them and those who were shipwrecked when an outpouring of His Spirit was mishandled and produced error and destruction. Since history tends to be written by the victors, those who were shipwrecked were often seen as heretics and the work God began in them is seen as error.
Let’s look at some Biblical examples of God’s supernatural interaction with people.
Pillar of Fire (preparation and readiness) ready to wait and ready to go.Ex 13:19-22; Neh 9:11-12; Neh 9:19-21; Ex 16:10
Isaiah in the Temple (Fresh fire, fresh revelation, fresh humility and holiness, Fresh call)
Note Isaiah’s state of mind. Isa 6:1-9
The Mount of transfiguration (Let’s build three tents and camp out here) Does the experience lead to deeper call and greater commitment as well as new power for ministry? Matt 17:1-9
The Baptism, Fillings and Outpourings of the Spirit; Starting in the Upper Room, The baptism in the Holy Spirit brings a new level to believer and is a unique spiritual experience which is the foundation of and different from the fresh touch (outpourings) which are to continue to occur following the Spirit Baptism in the Spirit baptized believer's life. These outpourings or fresh touches make us continually useful as vessels of His Spirit and Glory and are vital to our spiritual life and transformation. Luke notes that people were “filled with the Holy Spirit” (2:4; 9:17), that “they received the Holy Spirit” (8:17), that “the Holy Spirit fell upon (them)” (10:44), that “the Holy Spirit had been poured out on (them)” (10:45), and that “the Holy Spirit came upon them” (Acts 19:6). These quotes are from the Spirit Filled life Bible.
Finally, (every supernatural encounter of God with people has certain elements). What are these elements? I have listed some below. What else do you see? Is there a formula and pattern to follow or are they not always in a set sequence?Is there Pattern to Follow or Common Elements to note?
Preparation for Gods Spirit to Work or the results of His working can include: Cleansing, Repentance, Holiness, Revelation of Man’s imperfect state in light of God’s majestic nature and holiness, a Willingness to die to self and serve God, or making ourselves available for His call.
Please read the scriptural accounts listed and ask your self these questions.
1. What lessons or truths can we discern or observe from each passage?
2. How do these truths apply to outpourings of God that you have heard about or been a part of?
Go to http://equipperstoolbox.blogspot.com for more info on these books.
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