Mark 4: 24
"Consider carefully what you hear," he continued. "With the measure you use, it will be measured to you—and even more."
Every one has there special book of the bible. That one book they just instinctively turn to.For me its Mark.
Now I know its been awhile since I have posted. quite simply because I haven't had anything to say. I didn't have any revelatory things, and I felt a bit dry. I asked GOD why. Why wasn't HE revealing any new understanding? What was I doing wrong?
I needed answers, so I turned to the Gospel of Mark, and as the title says, there is my answer.
You see, I was reading and listening, but I wasn't CONSIDERING. I wasn't dwelling on what I was reading. I wasn't digging into what I was hearing. SO I wasn't getting the revelatory experiences i was getting when I poured over one scripture again and again.
What HE is saying in this scripture is that you must strive to understand, don't just read it, because with increased understanding, will come increased revelation.Even if its a scripture you've read a thousand times before, the LORD will open new vistas to you about that scripture if you dig.
Understand that there are many levels of understanding a scripture. In order to get to the next level I need to fully understand this one, and so on. Like a muscle understanding grows with use, so I pray that the LORD grants me the abilty to recognize that I can never stop exercising.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Friday, May 30, 2008
Recognizing Those who serve
Tonight was a special night for our church. Our worship leader, Charles Ciepiel was honored for his dedication to the LORD, and for the love and amazing service he has given not only during his daily work duties, but every day in every way.
It was an wonderful outpouring for Charles and his wonderful wife Jenny. It also got me to thinking; As Christians why do we have to wait until a major event occurs to have an outpouring for those who serve GOD so diligently?
We have pastors, worship leaders, youth volunteers, administrators, teachers, cooks, and so on and so forth. All serving and striving for the LORD.
1 Corinthians 16:18: says"
For they refreshed my spirit and yours also. Such men deserve recognition."
Now this passage was speaking specifically of two men, but it also remind us that that all men and women like them should be recognized. Remember this as you see those who serve daily, and recognize them, in small ways or big.
It was an wonderful outpouring for Charles and his wonderful wife Jenny. It also got me to thinking; As Christians why do we have to wait until a major event occurs to have an outpouring for those who serve GOD so diligently?
We have pastors, worship leaders, youth volunteers, administrators, teachers, cooks, and so on and so forth. All serving and striving for the LORD.
1 Corinthians 16:18: says"
For they refreshed my spirit and yours also. Such men deserve recognition."
Now this passage was speaking specifically of two men, but it also remind us that that all men and women like them should be recognized. Remember this as you see those who serve daily, and recognize them, in small ways or big.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Can you fathom the mysteries of God?
Job 11
Zophar
1 Then Zophar the Naamathite replied:
2 "Are all these words to go unanswered?
Is this talker to be vindicated?
3 Will your idle talk reduce men to silence?
Will no one rebuke you when you mock?
4 You say to God, 'My beliefs are flawless
and I am pure in your sight.'
5 Oh, how I wish that God would speak,
that he would open his lips against you
6 and disclose to you the secrets of wisdom,
for true wisdom has two sides.
Know this: God has even forgotten some of your sin.
7 "Can you fathom the mysteries of God?
Can you probe the limits of the Almighty?
8 They are higher than the heavens—what can you do?
They are deeper than the depths of the grave [a] —what can you know?
9 Their measure is longer than the earth
and wider than the sea.
10 "If he comes along and confines you in prison
and convenes a court, who can oppose him?
11 Surely he recognizes deceitful men;
and when he sees evil, does he not take note?
12 But a witless man can no more become wise
than a wild donkey's colt can be born a man. [b]
13 "Yet if you devote your heart to him
and stretch out your hands to him,
14 if you put away the sin that is in your hand
and allow no evil to dwell in your tent,
15 then you will lift up your face without shame;
you will stand firm and without fear.
16 You will surely forget your trouble,
recalling it only as waters gone by.
17 Life will be brighter than noonday,
and darkness will become like morning.
18 You will be secure, because there is hope;
you will look about you and take your rest in safety.
19 You will lie down, with no one to make you afraid,
and many will court your favor.
and escape will elude them;
their hope will become a dying gasp."
I'm opening with Job 11 (NIV) because it relates to a revelation I had.
I had thought that the previous post was a standalone post, that it had no relation to the subject, The Lakeland happenings, that i was originally posting about. Truth to tell it had everything to do with it.
I have head things about Todd Bentley that made me wonder how GOD could have him act the way he does. I reasoned that the LORD would work miracles despite of his actions, by using the charisma of a broken vessel to draw the believers together who would then activate their faith thought their massed worship.
Then the LORD touched me on Friday as I've already shared. He reminded me that its his will on earth, not mine.
Which brings me Job 11
7 "Can you fathom the mysteries of God?
Can you probe the limits of the Almighty?"
No. I cannot. The LORD isn't limited. HE can do a new thing. Something not in the scriptures if HE chooses. Who are we to say HE can't? If GOD wants to use a man like Todd Bentley, HE will.
My Job(no pun intended) isn't to tell the LORD what is or is not Bible. My Job is to Listen to GOD and do his will.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Unexpected Expreriences
I was originally going to start this blog by writing a little about becoming saved, what it means to me and then dive into some questions on scriptures. That seemed like a nice safe way to start.
Of course there are two problems with that idea; Safe is boring and The LORD had different ideas. Heres what I mean.
I go to a wonderful spirit filled church in Bristol CT called Bethel. At this church I have seen and heard some amazing and wondrous works of GOD. From prophecy to Healing, Words of Knowledge and the Utterance and Translation of Tongues, The LORD works there.
Now before I go any further, I want to sat that those manifestations are the result of a seeking of GOD by the church and its congregation. They start and end with the LORD. Forgetting that just to try and get the gifts wont work. You MUST seek the LORD earnestly or those gifts will not manifest. Most of those who read this blog know this however, and I write that only for the reader who may be curious regarding that issue.
Now, I have seen people "slain in the spirit". I never had it happen. I felt things when people would pray for me, had revelations and such. Never once though had I felt as if I couldn't stand and I HAD to fall. That changed for me on 5/23/2008.
It was a Friday night healing service, and we had ,as always, an amazing worship time led by our very spirit filled worship leader, and some great words from two people had been to Lakeland FL. and then we had a time of ministry. During this time of prayer, I went forward and was initially going to get prayer and perhaps pray for others as the Spirit led. Well the Spirit led differently and I started to "catch". This is when you stand behind people who are being prayed for in case they fall.
At one point there was a lull, and one of those who were praying began to pray for me.
We were both smiling, she touched my forehead,and before she could utter two words I was trying not to fall. Let me reiterate that I WAS TRYING NOT TO FALL.
I was flooded with what I can only describe as a wave of water inside me. No electricity, no jolting, but it wasn't subtle at all. I wasn't going straight back either. It was like I was being pushed straight down.
As I tried to stay standing I was just overcome. Thats all I can describe it as. No force at all. but just as if the LORD was saying his will is stronger than mine and if HE wants me to fall I WILL fall.
Looking back thats exactly what he was saying. Not that he wants me to fall, but that I need to realize that GOD has the strongest will. Not me. I cannot deal with thing HE can, and I need to stop being so proud, and more importantly,stop being afraid to let HIM deal with the things I need HIM to deal with.
I will say this; The experience wasn't at all warm and fuzzy, nor was it all that comfortable and peaceful. I am not sure that I ever want to feel that particular experience again. It honestly made me feel a little fear. Maybe thats what the LORD wants. To make sure that I understand this enough not to want that to happen again.
In my case, I wont call it being "Slain in the Spirit", I WILL call it being "Reminded By the Spirit"; reminded that GOD is in control.
Of course there are two problems with that idea; Safe is boring and The LORD had different ideas. Heres what I mean.
I go to a wonderful spirit filled church in Bristol CT called Bethel. At this church I have seen and heard some amazing and wondrous works of GOD. From prophecy to Healing, Words of Knowledge and the Utterance and Translation of Tongues, The LORD works there.
Now before I go any further, I want to sat that those manifestations are the result of a seeking of GOD by the church and its congregation. They start and end with the LORD. Forgetting that just to try and get the gifts wont work. You MUST seek the LORD earnestly or those gifts will not manifest. Most of those who read this blog know this however, and I write that only for the reader who may be curious regarding that issue.
Now, I have seen people "slain in the spirit". I never had it happen. I felt things when people would pray for me, had revelations and such. Never once though had I felt as if I couldn't stand and I HAD to fall. That changed for me on 5/23/2008.
It was a Friday night healing service, and we had ,as always, an amazing worship time led by our very spirit filled worship leader, and some great words from two people had been to Lakeland FL. and then we had a time of ministry. During this time of prayer, I went forward and was initially going to get prayer and perhaps pray for others as the Spirit led. Well the Spirit led differently and I started to "catch". This is when you stand behind people who are being prayed for in case they fall.
At one point there was a lull, and one of those who were praying began to pray for me.
We were both smiling, she touched my forehead,and before she could utter two words I was trying not to fall. Let me reiterate that I WAS TRYING NOT TO FALL.
I was flooded with what I can only describe as a wave of water inside me. No electricity, no jolting, but it wasn't subtle at all. I wasn't going straight back either. It was like I was being pushed straight down.
As I tried to stay standing I was just overcome. Thats all I can describe it as. No force at all. but just as if the LORD was saying his will is stronger than mine and if HE wants me to fall I WILL fall.
Looking back thats exactly what he was saying. Not that he wants me to fall, but that I need to realize that GOD has the strongest will. Not me. I cannot deal with thing HE can, and I need to stop being so proud, and more importantly,stop being afraid to let HIM deal with the things I need HIM to deal with.
I will say this; The experience wasn't at all warm and fuzzy, nor was it all that comfortable and peaceful. I am not sure that I ever want to feel that particular experience again. It honestly made me feel a little fear. Maybe thats what the LORD wants. To make sure that I understand this enough not to want that to happen again.
In my case, I wont call it being "Slain in the Spirit", I WILL call it being "Reminded By the Spirit"; reminded that GOD is in control.
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