Last week I talked about LIVING A VICTORIOUS LIFE. I really felt the Lord say to continue with these articles because there are a lot of people who read this blog who could benefit from them.
We left off with talking about shame and its hold on our lives. We also saw one of the ways to wage war with shame. Coming into an understanding that not only does God love me (which we all know) but that He actually likes me and enjoys me, even in my weakness. This reality may seem incredible and may loosen the grip of the enemy on our lives a little bit. But it requires great discipline and constant reminding to LIVE in this reality.
One of shame’s counterparts is LONELINESS or the feeling of isolation. This not only relates to the drug addict, or the husband who is trapped in the grip of pornography, but to pastors, prophets, mothers, CEO’s, practically everyone. We all have a longing for intimacy and the need for fulfillment of those needs. Here are 10 intimacy needs that we require. In my next post I will discuss how to get out of the trap of loneliness.
1.) Acceptance – the reception of a positive response (Rom. 15:7)
2.) Affection – the communication of care of closeness (Rom 16:16)
3.) Appreciation – to communicate with words or feelings personal gratitude (1 Cor. 11:2)
4.) Approval – expressed commendation, to speak well of (Rom 14:18)
5.) Attention – to take thought of another and convey appropriate interest and support or to “enter” into someone’s world (1 Cor. 12:25)
6.) Comfort – to come alongside with words, feelings, and touch; to give consolation with tenderness (Rom. 12:15)
7.) Encouragement – to move forward and positively persuade toward a goal (1 Thes. 5:11; Heb 10:24)
8.) Respect – to value and regard highly; to convey great worth (Rom. 12:10)
9.) Security – confidence of harmony in relationships; free from harm (Rom. 12:16a)
10.) Support – to come alongside and gently help carry a load (Gal. 6:2)
The next time you begin feeling depressed, lonely, or shameful think of these intimacy needs and see if one or more of those needs aren’t getting met. The KEY is communication though. Communicate it to a friend a spouse, or someone you feel you can trust. Most of all communicate it with God. He really cares and can help you out more than you think.
Sermon Player
Monday, April 30, 2007
Thursday, April 26, 2007
LIVING A VICTORIOUS LIFE
No one know sin-dirt-shame-unworthiness-unloved, more than I do. I would like to share with you something that helped me. Now don't be shocked but even with all of my dirt and all of your dirt God or who I like to call Dad, He still LIKES ME!!
This is a very important reality. One of the greatest longings is the assurance that we are enjoyed by God even in our weakness. If that is the case than our greatest fear is that God will reject us. If that fear is lodged in the core of who we are, than it will have a colossal effect on how we look at ourselves - whether we live in fear or faith, and whether we run to God or from God.
This fear that we will fail in our marriages, or at our business, at being a good parent or being a good friend can be paralyzing. It grips our throats when it attacks, and it puts us in isolation. There is a name for it. It is called SHAME, and it is one of the most paralyzing realities in our lives as we try to live for Jesus.
SHAME is the polar opposite of the assurance that God really likes us. Instead of running to Him, we'll run from Him. But if we believe God really likes us (even in our weakness) than we are going to feel likeable. With this change of paradigm we run to God instead of running from God, appropriating the power and feeling the encouragement we need to live ever more VICTORIOUS LIVES.
God, help me to realize that you like me even though I've sinned and that you want me to run to you with all my sin, shame, and dirt. Amen!
This is a very important reality. One of the greatest longings is the assurance that we are enjoyed by God even in our weakness. If that is the case than our greatest fear is that God will reject us. If that fear is lodged in the core of who we are, than it will have a colossal effect on how we look at ourselves - whether we live in fear or faith, and whether we run to God or from God.
This fear that we will fail in our marriages, or at our business, at being a good parent or being a good friend can be paralyzing. It grips our throats when it attacks, and it puts us in isolation. There is a name for it. It is called SHAME, and it is one of the most paralyzing realities in our lives as we try to live for Jesus.
SHAME is the polar opposite of the assurance that God really likes us. Instead of running to Him, we'll run from Him. But if we believe God really likes us (even in our weakness) than we are going to feel likeable. With this change of paradigm we run to God instead of running from God, appropriating the power and feeling the encouragement we need to live ever more VICTORIOUS LIVES.
God, help me to realize that you like me even though I've sinned and that you want me to run to you with all my sin, shame, and dirt. Amen!
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
What is more important than...
"His Presence"
This Sunday, April 22, 2007
It's what we should long for. It's what we should desire.
In a world of confusion and pain, there is no greater need than the presence of the Lord. My heart is full and eager to linger in the presence of our King. As we gather this week may we anticipate the greatest thing any of us can ever recieve, a touch of His Presence! Are you hungry?
Thursday, April 12, 2007
The Prophetic 101: The Basics
For the past few months, I have had a stirring to really give people practical ways on how to grow in the prophetic. The basics if you will. I have been, what I like to call “messed upped”. I don’t feel it is a bad thing, but a tugging in my heart to make growing in the prophetic very practical and easy for people to understand and begin functioning in it with some level of confidence.
Have you ever desired to prophesy but weren’t confident that you could? Or, have you ever thought that prophecy was only for those weird ‘prophetic-type’ people, who always claim they heard from God? Or, have you been taught that prophecy is not even available today, so why bother pursuing something that is ‘spiritually-illegal’? Well, I want to encourage you, that not only is prophecy available today, but more importantly, that prophecy is part of your spiritual inheritance and something that YOU CAN DO!
Paul in his first letter to the Corinthians (1 Cor. 14:3, 31) gives this simple definition of prophecy, which is three-fold to strengthen, encourage, and comfort others. However, prophecy is not just speaking human encouragement; it is speaking divine encouragement. In simple terms, prophecy is “hearing” (we’ll discuss this later) from God and speaking what you hear in order to build, comfort, or encourage someone. To prophesy is to hear from God and speak to men.
When I am talking about prophecy, especially in these blogs, I am describing about receiving and giving a specific “word” to a person or group of people. I am not describing a person standing and giving a general word of exhortation to a congregation during a lull in a meeting. Although this particular form of speaking a “word from the Lord” is encouraging and valid, this is not our aim to develop you towards.
We are specifically seeking to train believers (you) to ask for, recognize, and interpret specific revelation for the purpose of encouraging, building up, or comforting individuals. These same principles can also assist you in receiving prophetic insight for congregations, cities, and nations as well.
It is our goal here at CCF to train, build, and release a company of individuals who can prophesy with a measure of accuracy to other churches, conferences, and in other ministry settings. We desire to partner with Holy Spirit in redeeming the Bride. In the process our hearts are strengthened and our faith is grown.
To be continued . . .
Have you ever desired to prophesy but weren’t confident that you could? Or, have you ever thought that prophecy was only for those weird ‘prophetic-type’ people, who always claim they heard from God? Or, have you been taught that prophecy is not even available today, so why bother pursuing something that is ‘spiritually-illegal’? Well, I want to encourage you, that not only is prophecy available today, but more importantly, that prophecy is part of your spiritual inheritance and something that YOU CAN DO!
Paul in his first letter to the Corinthians (1 Cor. 14:3, 31) gives this simple definition of prophecy, which is three-fold to strengthen, encourage, and comfort others. However, prophecy is not just speaking human encouragement; it is speaking divine encouragement. In simple terms, prophecy is “hearing” (we’ll discuss this later) from God and speaking what you hear in order to build, comfort, or encourage someone. To prophesy is to hear from God and speak to men.
When I am talking about prophecy, especially in these blogs, I am describing about receiving and giving a specific “word” to a person or group of people. I am not describing a person standing and giving a general word of exhortation to a congregation during a lull in a meeting. Although this particular form of speaking a “word from the Lord” is encouraging and valid, this is not our aim to develop you towards.
We are specifically seeking to train believers (you) to ask for, recognize, and interpret specific revelation for the purpose of encouraging, building up, or comforting individuals. These same principles can also assist you in receiving prophetic insight for congregations, cities, and nations as well.
It is our goal here at CCF to train, build, and release a company of individuals who can prophesy with a measure of accuracy to other churches, conferences, and in other ministry settings. We desire to partner with Holy Spirit in redeeming the Bride. In the process our hearts are strengthened and our faith is grown.
To be continued . . .
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Sunday, April 8, 2007
Easter Sunday April 8, 2007
Pastor Dan preaches the house down!!!
Saturday, April 7, 2007
Power of the Cross
Check out the Via Dolorosa video to the right. Then check out That's My King. Awesome!!! Jesus is so good. May we remember all He did for us in this season and praise Him.
Friday, April 6, 2007
He Enjoys you . . .
No matter what goes on in life God absolutely flippin adores you!! Think of this the next time you mess up or you think you don't quite live up to "His expectations" (which is actually ours)
Simply put, if you can’t accept God’s delight over you NOW, in your immaturity, than you are in pride. You are stating that you are superior to God and that somehow because of your actions they control how He feels or thinks over you. We do this to our friends, our spouses, and those whom we love when they hurt us. We withdraw and our attitude and actions toward them change. Why, because we hope that they can feel the same hurt and discomfort that they have caused us. We really wish that they would come, apologize, and things are made better. However this is rarely the case. God is not like that though. He said to Israel, ". . . I'll never leave you nor forsake you." (Heb. 13:5)
Now, that is not to say that God will actively show the affection which He feels regardless of your righteousness, but it is to say that God’s delight in you DOESN'T change when you mess up.
This is what distinguishes the redeemed from the world: God loves the whole world, but He enjoys His Bride.
Not only that but Jesus prophesied to you and I that on our worst day we would love the Lord with all our hearts (Matt 12:30 & Matt 22:37) Jesus is just referencing back to what the Father said in Deut 6:5.
HE NOT ONLY LOVES YOU BUT HE LIKES YOU TOO!!
Simply put, if you can’t accept God’s delight over you NOW, in your immaturity, than you are in pride. You are stating that you are superior to God and that somehow because of your actions they control how He feels or thinks over you. We do this to our friends, our spouses, and those whom we love when they hurt us. We withdraw and our attitude and actions toward them change. Why, because we hope that they can feel the same hurt and discomfort that they have caused us. We really wish that they would come, apologize, and things are made better. However this is rarely the case. God is not like that though. He said to Israel, ". . . I'll never leave you nor forsake you." (Heb. 13:5)
Now, that is not to say that God will actively show the affection which He feels regardless of your righteousness, but it is to say that God’s delight in you DOESN'T change when you mess up.
This is what distinguishes the redeemed from the world: God loves the whole world, but He enjoys His Bride.
Not only that but Jesus prophesied to you and I that on our worst day we would love the Lord with all our hearts (Matt 12:30 & Matt 22:37) Jesus is just referencing back to what the Father said in Deut 6:5.
HE NOT ONLY LOVES YOU BUT HE LIKES YOU TOO!!
Receving Our Inheritance through Meekness
Hello to you All! This is pastor Jared. I am so excited and thrilled at the creation of this new blog. I am looking forward to seeing what becomes of this and I encourage you all to check it regularly and to tell you friends about it as well. We're looking forward to posting prophetic words, tidbits of revelation and fun stuff about CCF.
Below is a message that I received from IHOP-KC that one of my teachers spoke on. I think the timing of it couldn't be better. It is rather lengthy so read this post when you have a few minutes to spare. Enjoy!
----------------------
THE BEHOLDING BECOMING PRINCIPLE.
Jesus answered and said to him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but you will know after this.” John 13:7
The fullness of Christ love is seen in His meekness and servanthood. (John 13)
"It was just before the Passover Feast. Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love." John 13:1 (NIV)
Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that His hour had come that He should depart from this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end." John 13:1 (NKJV)
The greatest expression of godliness is to live in love (which is holiness, servanthood or meekness).
Beholding principle: whatever we behold about God’s heart is what we become in ours. The revelation of Jesus’ meekness produces a longing in us to be like Him.
But we all…beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory... (2 Cor. 3:18)
The Father is well pleased as He contemplates His own humility in the work of the Holy Spirit and in the life of Jesus. It humbles us to look upon the great mystery of God’s meekness. Jesus put on display the riches of God’s meekness. The ministry of the Godhead is ordered around meekness. How can One so strong stoop so low in such tenderness? (Psalm 113). The Spirit desires to give us revelation of the dignity, beauty and uniqueness of God’s lowliness.
Learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart… (Mt. 11:29)
For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve… (Mark 10:45).
HOLY, HOLY, HOLY: THE BEAUTY OF JESUS AS THE SERVANT OF ALL.
"Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was going to God, 4 rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself." John 13:3-4
The prophet Isaiah (Isa 49-55) covers in the most depth the subject of the servanthood of God. Isaiah saw the King of glory (Isa 6:1-3), but undoubtedly has no grid for what the Holy Spirit was about to declare to Him concerning the 2nd Person of the trinity – He is a Servant. The nation of Israel had no grid for this revelation of heart of the God. When the 2nd Person of the Trinity Christ Jesus revealed the face of the Godhead as the Servant, the nation of Israel greatly stumbled. God’s glory is His humility.
"The LORD of hosts, Him you shall hallow; let Him be your fear, and let Him be your dread. He will be as a sanctuary, but a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense to both the houses of Israel, as a trap and a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem. And many among them shall stumble; they shall fall and be broken be snared and taken.” Isaiah 8:13-15
“For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom; 23 but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness…” 1 Corinthians 1:22-23
The prophet Isaiah declares to us that at the very core and essence of the Godhead lays meekness. All the nations will tremble - God is servant and not only that, He is the servant of all.
THE SERVANTHOOD OF GOD AS DIVINE ATTRIBUTE.
"After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded." John 13:5
A divine attribute is what God reveals of discloses concerning Himself. God’s attributes make known to us that which is true and that which lies within the character and nature of the Godhead. It shows us what God looks like and feels like.
“An attribute, as we can know it, is a mental concept, an intellectual response to God’s self-revelation. It is an answer to a question, the reply God makes to our interrogation concerning Himself.” - A.W. Tozer
When Jesus came on the scene He came as a servant but He also come revealing the very nature of the glory of God. At the very core of who God is, one of His attributes is Servant. God made all things for Himself that He might disclose all the He is to His people. This disclosure is called the knowledge of God. A divine attribute makes known to us that which true and what is within the character and nature of the Uncreated God. It shows what God looks like and feels like.
"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
"Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross." Philippians 2:5-8
"who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person…” Hebrews 1:3
God is a servant and does not suspend the other attributes to manifest His humility. His servanthood rather as a divine attribute is intricately woven in and through the other attributes. Jesus’ attributes like Bridegroom, King and Judge do not get suspended in order for His servanthood to be made manifest. The angels of heaven around the throne of God are overwhelmed at the revelation of God the Servant (Is 42:1, 49:1, 3, 5-7; 50:10; 52:13; 53:11) – holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts they cry out as they are astonished at servanthood of God. God is the servant of the people of God forever.
“Let your waist be girded and your lamps burning; and you yourselves be like men who wait for their master, when he will return from the wedding, that when he comes and knocks they may open to him immediately. Blessed are those servants whom the master, when he comes, will find watching. Assuredly, I say to you that he will gird himself (John 13:4) and have them sit down to eat, and will come and serve them (John 13:5-7). Luke 12:35-37
The weight of God’s glory is His humility and it is the weight of His humility, glory and majesty is that which will confront the pride of the earth. The humility of God is probably the most foreign and perplexing reality of God to the human heart. Jesus comes to Israel as the Servant of the Lord to exemplify and lead her into her servant-leadership role before the nations of the earth. The revelation of the humility of the Lord is not readily received because the implications of it on our live significant and intensely personal. (John 13:7)
"The LORD is high above all nations, His glory above the heavens. who is like the LORD our God, who dwells on high, who humbles Himself to behold the things that are in the heavens and in the earth?" Psalm 113:4-6
"The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day. For the day of the LORD of hosts shall come upon everything proud and lofty, upon everything lifted up — and it shall be brought low…” Isaiah 2:10-11
CHRIST THE SERVANT OF RULERS 49:5-7
"Jesus answered and said to him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but you will know after this.” Peter said to Him, “You shall never wash my feet!” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me.” John 13:7-8
If the nations don't allow Jesus to be their Servant they cannot be a part of Him. The only way He will be our King is if we let Him be our Servant. Isaiah 49:5-7 Highlights the purpose and the mandate of the Man Christ Jesus (49:5) as the Servant of the Lord at His second coming receives those who rejected Him, Israel and the nations, as they come to worship and glorify Him. The truth of Phil 2:4-5 and the Lord's humility will still be true even during His reign and eternal government on the earth. In Philippians 2:4-5, 9-11 we see that the glory of God is the humility of God. The idea that the King of glory would do nothing out of selfish ambition and that His attitude will be that He considers others better than He in the millennium is most stunning and terrifying.
The prophet Isaiah clearly portrays the King high and lifted up of Isaiah 6:1-3 as the Servant of rulers Isaiah 49:7. (Isaiah 49-55)
“Thus says the LORD, the Redeemer of Israel, their Holy One, to Him whom man despises, to Him whom the nation abhors, to the Servant of rulers: “ Kings shall see and arise, Princes also shall worship, because of the LORD who is faithful, the Holy One of Israel; and He has chosen You.” Isaiah 49:7
That the King of Glory is called the Servant of rulers sheds more light on what Jesus told Peter in John 13:7. “You don't understand what I'm doing now but you will understand later.” This reference is revealed in three-fold reality
1) on the cross,
2) throughout out pre-resurrection lives,
3) Jesus is also referring to His reign in the millennium and throughout eternity. He is the same yesterday, today and forever (Heb 13:8). The Son of God came to serve forever.
The face of Christ as the Servant of rulers is going to be stunning to see Him lead with the strength of meekness, the might of humility, the relentless power of His tenderness, and gentleness of meekness that is unwavering (Isaiah 42:3-4) The Ruler of the kings of the earth is the Servant of rulers. This truly is a picture of how in the Kingdom authority is given and increased (Isa 9:7) for servanthood. In the world we serve and get promoted to no longer serve. In the kingdom we serve and get more authority so that the reality of servanthood and humility would permeate the Kingdom of God. We have an invitation and an opportunity in this lifetime to imitate Him in this. Our greatest glory, freedom and pleasure are found in being God like in our character.
"Therefore be imitators of God as dear children." (Eph. 5:1)
"He predestined (us) to be conformed to the image of His Son." (Rom. 8:29)
Below is a message that I received from IHOP-KC that one of my teachers spoke on. I think the timing of it couldn't be better. It is rather lengthy so read this post when you have a few minutes to spare. Enjoy!
----------------------
THE BEHOLDING BECOMING PRINCIPLE.
Jesus answered and said to him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but you will know after this.” John 13:7
The fullness of Christ love is seen in His meekness and servanthood. (John 13)
"It was just before the Passover Feast. Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love." John 13:1 (NIV)
Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that His hour had come that He should depart from this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end." John 13:1 (NKJV)
The greatest expression of godliness is to live in love (which is holiness, servanthood or meekness).
Beholding principle: whatever we behold about God’s heart is what we become in ours. The revelation of Jesus’ meekness produces a longing in us to be like Him.
But we all…beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory... (2 Cor. 3:18)
The Father is well pleased as He contemplates His own humility in the work of the Holy Spirit and in the life of Jesus. It humbles us to look upon the great mystery of God’s meekness. Jesus put on display the riches of God’s meekness. The ministry of the Godhead is ordered around meekness. How can One so strong stoop so low in such tenderness? (Psalm 113). The Spirit desires to give us revelation of the dignity, beauty and uniqueness of God’s lowliness.
Learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart… (Mt. 11:29)
For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve… (Mark 10:45).
HOLY, HOLY, HOLY: THE BEAUTY OF JESUS AS THE SERVANT OF ALL.
"Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was going to God, 4 rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself." John 13:3-4
The prophet Isaiah (Isa 49-55) covers in the most depth the subject of the servanthood of God. Isaiah saw the King of glory (Isa 6:1-3), but undoubtedly has no grid for what the Holy Spirit was about to declare to Him concerning the 2nd Person of the trinity – He is a Servant. The nation of Israel had no grid for this revelation of heart of the God. When the 2nd Person of the Trinity Christ Jesus revealed the face of the Godhead as the Servant, the nation of Israel greatly stumbled. God’s glory is His humility.
"The LORD of hosts, Him you shall hallow; let Him be your fear, and let Him be your dread. He will be as a sanctuary, but a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense to both the houses of Israel, as a trap and a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem. And many among them shall stumble; they shall fall and be broken be snared and taken.” Isaiah 8:13-15
“For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom; 23 but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness…” 1 Corinthians 1:22-23
The prophet Isaiah declares to us that at the very core and essence of the Godhead lays meekness. All the nations will tremble - God is servant and not only that, He is the servant of all.
THE SERVANTHOOD OF GOD AS DIVINE ATTRIBUTE.
"After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded." John 13:5
A divine attribute is what God reveals of discloses concerning Himself. God’s attributes make known to us that which is true and that which lies within the character and nature of the Godhead. It shows us what God looks like and feels like.
“An attribute, as we can know it, is a mental concept, an intellectual response to God’s self-revelation. It is an answer to a question, the reply God makes to our interrogation concerning Himself.” - A.W. Tozer
When Jesus came on the scene He came as a servant but He also come revealing the very nature of the glory of God. At the very core of who God is, one of His attributes is Servant. God made all things for Himself that He might disclose all the He is to His people. This disclosure is called the knowledge of God. A divine attribute makes known to us that which true and what is within the character and nature of the Uncreated God. It shows what God looks like and feels like.
"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
"Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross." Philippians 2:5-8
"who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person…” Hebrews 1:3
God is a servant and does not suspend the other attributes to manifest His humility. His servanthood rather as a divine attribute is intricately woven in and through the other attributes. Jesus’ attributes like Bridegroom, King and Judge do not get suspended in order for His servanthood to be made manifest. The angels of heaven around the throne of God are overwhelmed at the revelation of God the Servant (Is 42:1, 49:1, 3, 5-7; 50:10; 52:13; 53:11) – holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts they cry out as they are astonished at servanthood of God. God is the servant of the people of God forever.
“Let your waist be girded and your lamps burning; and you yourselves be like men who wait for their master, when he will return from the wedding, that when he comes and knocks they may open to him immediately. Blessed are those servants whom the master, when he comes, will find watching. Assuredly, I say to you that he will gird himself (John 13:4) and have them sit down to eat, and will come and serve them (John 13:5-7). Luke 12:35-37
The weight of God’s glory is His humility and it is the weight of His humility, glory and majesty is that which will confront the pride of the earth. The humility of God is probably the most foreign and perplexing reality of God to the human heart. Jesus comes to Israel as the Servant of the Lord to exemplify and lead her into her servant-leadership role before the nations of the earth. The revelation of the humility of the Lord is not readily received because the implications of it on our live significant and intensely personal. (John 13:7)
"The LORD is high above all nations, His glory above the heavens. who is like the LORD our God, who dwells on high, who humbles Himself to behold the things that are in the heavens and in the earth?" Psalm 113:4-6
"The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day. For the day of the LORD of hosts shall come upon everything proud and lofty, upon everything lifted up — and it shall be brought low…” Isaiah 2:10-11
CHRIST THE SERVANT OF RULERS 49:5-7
"Jesus answered and said to him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but you will know after this.” Peter said to Him, “You shall never wash my feet!” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me.” John 13:7-8
If the nations don't allow Jesus to be their Servant they cannot be a part of Him. The only way He will be our King is if we let Him be our Servant. Isaiah 49:5-7 Highlights the purpose and the mandate of the Man Christ Jesus (49:5) as the Servant of the Lord at His second coming receives those who rejected Him, Israel and the nations, as they come to worship and glorify Him. The truth of Phil 2:4-5 and the Lord's humility will still be true even during His reign and eternal government on the earth. In Philippians 2:4-5, 9-11 we see that the glory of God is the humility of God. The idea that the King of glory would do nothing out of selfish ambition and that His attitude will be that He considers others better than He in the millennium is most stunning and terrifying.
The prophet Isaiah clearly portrays the King high and lifted up of Isaiah 6:1-3 as the Servant of rulers Isaiah 49:7. (Isaiah 49-55)
“Thus says the LORD, the Redeemer of Israel, their Holy One, to Him whom man despises, to Him whom the nation abhors, to the Servant of rulers: “ Kings shall see and arise, Princes also shall worship, because of the LORD who is faithful, the Holy One of Israel; and He has chosen You.” Isaiah 49:7
That the King of Glory is called the Servant of rulers sheds more light on what Jesus told Peter in John 13:7. “You don't understand what I'm doing now but you will understand later.” This reference is revealed in three-fold reality
1) on the cross,
2) throughout out pre-resurrection lives,
3) Jesus is also referring to His reign in the millennium and throughout eternity. He is the same yesterday, today and forever (Heb 13:8). The Son of God came to serve forever.
The face of Christ as the Servant of rulers is going to be stunning to see Him lead with the strength of meekness, the might of humility, the relentless power of His tenderness, and gentleness of meekness that is unwavering (Isaiah 42:3-4) The Ruler of the kings of the earth is the Servant of rulers. This truly is a picture of how in the Kingdom authority is given and increased (Isa 9:7) for servanthood. In the world we serve and get promoted to no longer serve. In the kingdom we serve and get more authority so that the reality of servanthood and humility would permeate the Kingdom of God. We have an invitation and an opportunity in this lifetime to imitate Him in this. Our greatest glory, freedom and pleasure are found in being God like in our character.
"Therefore be imitators of God as dear children." (Eph. 5:1)
"He predestined (us) to be conformed to the image of His Son." (Rom. 8:29)
Revival Now!
Tampa Bay has been prophesied to be the "Bay of the Holy Spirit". We are feeling a fresh prompting from the Spirit of the Lord to see that come to pass. CCF will be moving foward praying and believing for Revival Fire to hit our church, our community, the Bay Area, and the ends of the earth. Please be praying with us. "Lord, Send your Fire!"
Thursday, April 5, 2007
Welcome to the CCF Blog!
This is the new CCF blog. It will be linked from the website as also accesible from www.revivalchurch.blogspot.com
Please check back often as we will have pictures from church and events as well as prophetic words and other things that will be of interest to the community. We look foward to this new resource for our community. God Bless!
Please check back often as we will have pictures from church and events as well as prophetic words and other things that will be of interest to the community. We look foward to this new resource for our community. God Bless!
store front construction
This is what the church started like when we first got it. A lot of work, but worth it!
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