How the Holy Spirit is gathering a company of believers in this time.
“That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him.” (Eph 1:10)
In these times, that some would say are the last days, God is gathering together His people. In the above verse Paul had the revelation of a gathering of God’s people. The Greek word used there for “gather” is unusual. It is anakephalaioō and means “to sum up (again), to repeat summarily, to condense into a summary.” In others words, God, in these last days, is condensing His people together. The Greek word actually comes from two words – ana, “up,” kephale, “a head.” The head part more specifically means a wounded head. We are brought together under the Head (Jesus) because He was wounded for us.
One of the key parts of the passage in Ephesians is that this condensing is “in Christ” and “in Him.” You see, true, powerful unity can only be under the headship of Jesus and in Him.
In this article we will look at a number of verses with different Greek words translated as “gather,” in addition to the one above. I believe there are some powerful truths there waiting to be uncovered. We will also see that the devil has his own gathering that is of course a false unity, but it still has power so we would be wise to pay attention.
Episynagō
The first Greek word to look at is episynagō =”to gather together besides, to bring together to others already assembled.” Jesus used this word when He said
“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather (episynagō) your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!” (Matthew 23:37)
In context, Jesus had just finished giving a sweeping condemnation of the religious leaders of the day. Despite the anger and sadness Jesus had toward them, He still had a deep desire to gather them as a mother hen would her babies. There was a tenderness and beautiful protection there. We must remember that God is not like us in the sense of how He loves. His love is deep and profound. Take note of the saddest part of the verse: “but you were not willing!” You see, Jesus wants to gather all of us but He will not force it. He wants unity but He will not force it. This gathering must be us allowing Him to gently bring us together. Take a look at the false unity of a country like North Korea. Yes, the people are united. But the unity is based on fear. God’s unity is based on love, which is the opposite of fear.
Episynagōgē
The next Greek word (episynagōgē) is very similar to the last.
“And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling (episynagōgē) of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:24-25)
As you know, context is very important. In this case, the author of the book of Hebrews had written just prior that animal sacrifice could never free us from the guilt and shame of sin. Only the perfect, spotless Lamb was able to do that through His sacrifice of the cross. In light of that the author encourages us to “having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus” (v.19) and “let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith.” (v.22) It is in the beautiful light of that that the author encourages the considering one another and not forsaking the assembling together. We cannot even think of living by that without first coming into the Holiest and drawing hear. First things first. True unity only comes from His presence.
The Greek word for “forsaking” draws our attention. It is egkataleipō and means “abandon, desert, leave in straits, leave helpless.” The strong image is of perhaps a parent abandoning a helpless child or an animal leaving its baby on its own in the wilderness. I believe this strong wording was used for good reason. The truth is that we greatly need one another, just as much as a baby needs it mother and father. Many would not like to admit this is true but it is. When we abandon assembling together we are doing each other much harm, whether we realize it or not.
Symbibazō
The next Greek word means something a bit different than the others. It is symbibazō and means “to cause to coalesce, to join together, put together.” It is a knitting together.” It is a special word that means deep connecting of two. Think of knitting a sweater with numerous yarns of string. Then try to separate them. It is virtually impossible. And this is the type of unity that God desires.
“From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted (symbibazō) by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.” (Eph 4:16)
What a statement! Let’s refuse to gloss over it. Here, Paul was talking about a powerful coming together of the church. Looks at the key words: “fitly joined,” “compacted,” “every joint.” These words point to the deep, connecting tissues in the body. I am here to tell you that is the type of unity He is bring about – one that goes very deep. Most of the unity we see today is very superficial, built upon things that are temporary. It is not so with the unity of the Spirit – it runs deep!
I would greatly encourage you to read and closely study Ephesians 4. It has many profound truth’s regarding true unity of the Spirit in the church. In fact, let’s go over one portion.
“And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.” (Eph 4:11-16)
Here we see the two main purposes of the five-fold ministries – 1. edifying of the body of Christ and 2. till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God. This goes back to not forsaking the assembling together. As we gather together will sit under each of the five-fold ministries, who will in turn edify (build up) and bring us together in true unity.
Sitting under these ministries will also mature us and prevent us from being spiritually tossed to and fro. There is a grounding effect. But, you see, this all happens as we assemble together. And it is not only the five-fold ministries that have a part. “from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.” (v.16)
How do we do our share? By being together using our gifts and talents. But it only happens as we gather.
Synagō
The last Greek word is synagō, which is the most common translated word as “to gather.” Jesus made a profound statement and promise when using this word.
“For where two or three are gathered (synagō) together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” (Matthew 18:20)
What an incredible promise! Who else wants Jesus in the midst? Whoever or whatever is in the midst gets the attention. It is time we turn our focus away from the lesser things and onto Jesus. We are promised if two or three (God likes small groups!) gather in His name He will be in the midst. Wonderful!
In Colossians 2 Paul was describing some religious people who were bound by tradition and the law. He warned against such people: “So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths, which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ.” (vv.16-17)
Paul goes on to describe them. “and not holding fast to the Head, from whom all the body, nourished and knit together (symbibazō) by joints and ligaments, grows with the increase that is from God.” (v.19) We can all agree that Jesus is the head and we are His body. And we can also agree that we have no life unless we hold fast to the Head. Besides that powerful point we learn something about unity. We can only be in unity when we are “holding fast to the head.” Paul would never expect those people he described as ever truly being in unity with the body. And we shouldn’t concern ourselves with such types either.
In Acts chapter 4 we read that Peter and John got arrested for preaching the word of God. Th religious leaders had no good grounds to keep them so they were released. After being let go they reported back to their fellow believers.
“So when they heard that, they raised their voice to God with one accord and said: ‘Lord, You are God, who made heaven and earth and the sea, and all that is in them, who by the mouth of Your servant David have said:
‘Why did the nations rage,
And the people plot vain things?
26 The kings of the earth took their stand,
And the rulers were gathered together
Against the Lord and against His Christ.’” (vv.24-26)
They “raised their voice with one accord.” There was no competition or even anyone leading this group perhaps. They just raised their voices as one! Incredible. And now see the result of their unity:
“And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled (symbibazō) together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.” (v.31)
Unified prayer is powerful. Read that again. May we raise our voices (in faith) and pray together and yes God will shake us and fill us with the Holy Spirit. Let it be so Lord.
The Unified Enemy
In conclusion, we must recognize that their is a satanic, ungodly unity on the earth. It has been around from day one. We spoke of it a little in the last section. The author of Psalm 2 recognized it.
“Why do the nations rage,
And the people plot a vain thing?
The kings of the earth set themselves,
And the rulers take counsel together,
Against the Lord and against His Anointed, saying,
‘Let us break Their bonds in pieces
And cast away Their cords from us.’” (vv.1-3)
From the beginning the enemy has been raging, plotting and yes taking counsel. In acts “take counsel together” is translated as “gather together.” I think that wording is particularly important and accurate. And let’s recognize that Satan uses people for his purposes, causing an unholy unity. We see it with Jesus in His final days when He was on trial. Here are a few examples:
“Therefore when they were gathered together, (synagō) Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ? (Matt 27:17) – We see the unholy unity releasing a guilty murderer over Jesus.
“Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered (synagō) unto him the whole band of soldiers.” (Matt 27:27) – As if any force of humans would every be enough to stop Jesus. And yet they “gathered.”
It is important to recognize the false yet powerful unity of the enemy. But we know the true unity of the Spirit, as shown in this article, is MUCH more powerful. I hope you prayerfully consider these important points and pray for the gathering and knitting together of the church. Pray for your local church. Get involved. Be present. Use your gifts in love.
image credit: https://images.app.goo.gl/V3TSMBkTvyR8V4Zo9
Posted: October 19, 2022 by I am a VOICE Ministries Leave a Comment
The Unity of the Spirit and Faith
In Ephesians chapter four the Apostle Paul speaks of “the unity of the Spirit” and “the unity of the faith.” We must begin to see that we will not see the fullness of the Spirit or a high level of faith in our lives until there is true unity in the church. Say tuned and I’ll explain.
In verse 3 Paul makes the strong statement: “endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” To endeavor means to work hard at something. In the Greek the word for “keep” means to guard with force. The “bond of peace” is the wonderful connection the body of Christ has through the blood of Jesus. We have peace with God because of what Jesus did for us.
Paul strongly encouraged the believers to be diligent to guard the precious unity of the Holy Spirit. Why was Paul so strong on this point? Because he had the revelation that unity is a major key to the success of the church. Without the unity of the Spirit the church would never grow up to up to be a mature bride.
See how the Passion Translon translated that precious verse. “Be faithful to guard the sweet harmony of the Holy Spirit among you in the bonds of peace.” Yes, the harmony is sweet and must be guarded.
Next, Paul talks of the “unity of faith.” In verse 13 Paul says “till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God…” In order to understand what he means we must look at the context. The verses right before say
“And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the [e]edifying of the body of Christ.” (vv.11-12)
So, the unity of the faith can only be accomplished as we sit under the God-designed five-fold ministries. As we sit under those ministries we are “equipped” (fit into place) and “edified” (built up) in Christ. To the person who thinks they can be a spiritual Lone Ranger and thrive are sadly mistaken. God has designed that His body would work together in order to come into its fullness.
Paul goes on to say that those who have the unity of the faith will no longer be immature. Aren’t so many of our problems caused by a lack of maturity? Wasn’t that the case of the prodigal son? Hear what Paul says:
“till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting.” (vv.13-14)
Are you sick of being tossed to and fro? I know many are. The answer is allowing God to bring us to the “unity of the faith” through the five-fold ministry and the “work of the ministry” by the rest.
By the grace of God let us be diligent to guard the sweet unity of the Holy Spirit in the bond the peace. Ands let us sit under and lean into the spiritual leaders God has placed in our lives. Let each of us be activated by what we hear and do the work of the ministry.
Posted: September 17, 2022 by I am a VOICE Ministries Leave a Comment
The Church – A Dwelling Place for God
In the wonderful book of Ephesians the church is symbolized as a building. In the building of this house we see God’s part in building this house (temple) and we also see our part. Understanding what is our part and what is His part is very impotent. We never want to try to do something that is God’s part and vice-versa.
GOD’S PART
At the end of Ephesians Paul makes a few profound statements.
“In whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.” (Eph 2:21-22)
That word “being fitted together” literally means a framing together. The Master Builder, God Himself, chooses each piece and where they should go. In other words, He chooses each of us in the church and fits us where He sees best. The word “being built together” means “to build” and “with.” God and the Trinity work together with us to build the house.
Now, take note of something very important about those two words that I highlighted. They are both found in the passive voice. This means that the church is on the receiving end of what God is doing. He, the Master Builder, chooses, fits and builds the house as He pleases. That is wonderful but you may be asking what your part is in the building of the church? I am glad you asked.
OUR PART
Skip over to Ephesians 4.
“And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the EQUIPPING of the saints for the work of ministry, for the EDIFYING of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what EVERY JOINT SUPPLIES, according to the effective working by which EVERY PART DOES ITS SHARE, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.” (vv.11-16 – emphasis mine)
Here we see the purpose of the five-fold ministries. We also see what the rest of the church functioning, causing growth in the body. First, we see that the 5-fold ministries are there to equip. The Greek word katartismos means to “furnish, make fit.” It can also be translated as “perfecting.” Then we have edifying, which means to “build up.” Those are functions of those ministries.
Then we see the functions of the rest of the body. This is often overlooked but as every part of the human body is important so is each member of the church. “from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what EVERY JOINT SUPPLIES.” Every joint is the one who prays in church, shows compassion, or who visits the elderly in a nursing home. There are many more such possible examples we could list.
When EVERY PART DOES ITS SHARE the body grows. The key is that each of us know our place and walk in it. In Eph 2:10 we learn “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” We are His workmanship and created for good works. How about that for good news?
Many are unaware of their place in the church. Pray this simple prayer: Lord, show me my place. Fit me as You see fit. Give me revelation as to my ministry then give me the grace to walk in those good works. In Jesus’ name.
Now for the most beautiful part of this. We have the privilege of having God Himself dwell in us. See it: “In whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.” (Eph 2:22) That is what’s its all about – housing His presence! What was Solomon’s Temple without God’s presence? Nothing. You see, as we function as we were called to we are building a habitation for God Himself. Think on that!
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Posted: September 13, 2022 by I am a VOICE Ministries Leave a Comment
The Great Gathering
How the Holy Spirit is gathering a company of believers in this time.
“That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him.” (Eph 1:10)
In these times, that some would say are the last days, God is gathering together His people. In the above verse Paul had the revelation of a gathering of God’s people. The Greek word used there for “gather” is unusual. It is anakephalaioō and means “to sum up (again), to repeat summarily, to condense into a summary.” In others words, God, in these last days, is condensing His people together. The Greek word actually comes from two words – ana, “up,” kephale, “a head.” The head part more specifically means a wounded head. We are brought together under the Head (Jesus) because He was wounded for us.
One of the key parts of the passage in Ephesians is that this condensing is “in Christ” and “in Him.” You see, true, powerful unity can only be under the headship of Jesus and in Him.
In this article we will look at a number of verses with different Greek words translated as “gather,” in addition to the one above. I believe there are some powerful truths there waiting to be uncovered. We will also see that the devil has his own gathering that is of course a false unity, but it still has power so we would be wise to pay attention.
Episynagō
The first Greek word to look at is episynagō =”to gather together besides, to bring together to others already assembled.” Jesus used this word when He said
“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather (episynagō) your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!” (Matthew 23:37)
In context, Jesus had just finished giving a sweeping condemnation of the religious leaders of the day. Despite the anger and sadness Jesus had toward them, He still had a deep desire to gather them as a mother hen would her babies. There was a tenderness and beautiful protection there. We must remember that God is not like us in the sense of how He loves. His love is deep and profound. Take note of the saddest part of the verse: “but you were not willing!” You see, Jesus wants to gather all of us but He will not force it. He wants unity but He will not force it. This gathering must be us allowing Him to gently bring us together. Take a look at the false unity of a country like North Korea. Yes, the people are united. But the unity is based on fear. God’s unity is based on love, which is the opposite of fear.
Episynagōgē
The next Greek word (episynagōgē) is very similar to the last.
“And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling (episynagōgē) of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:24-25)
As you know, context is very important. In this case, the author of the book of Hebrews had written just prior that animal sacrifice could never free us from the guilt and shame of sin. Only the perfect, spotless Lamb was able to do that through His sacrifice of the cross. In light of that the author encourages us to “having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus” (v.19) and “let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith.” (v.22) It is in the beautiful light of that that the author encourages the considering one another and not forsaking the assembling together. We cannot even think of living by that without first coming into the Holiest and drawing hear. First things first. True unity only comes from His presence.
The Greek word for “forsaking” draws our attention. It is egkataleipō and means “abandon, desert, leave in straits, leave helpless.” The strong image is of perhaps a parent abandoning a helpless child or an animal leaving its baby on its own in the wilderness. I believe this strong wording was used for good reason. The truth is that we greatly need one another, just as much as a baby needs it mother and father. Many would not like to admit this is true but it is. When we abandon assembling together we are doing each other much harm, whether we realize it or not.
Symbibazō
The next Greek word means something a bit different than the others. It is symbibazō and means “to cause to coalesce, to join together, put together.” It is a knitting together.” It is a special word that means deep connecting of two. Think of knitting a sweater with numerous yarns of string. Then try to separate them. It is virtually impossible. And this is the type of unity that God desires.
“From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted (symbibazō) by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.” (Eph 4:16)
What a statement! Let’s refuse to gloss over it. Here, Paul was talking about a powerful coming together of the church. Looks at the key words: “fitly joined,” “compacted,” “every joint.” These words point to the deep, connecting tissues in the body. I am here to tell you that is the type of unity He is bring about – one that goes very deep. Most of the unity we see today is very superficial, built upon things that are temporary. It is not so with the unity of the Spirit – it runs deep!
I would greatly encourage you to read and closely study Ephesians 4. It has many profound truth’s regarding true unity of the Spirit in the church. In fact, let’s go over one portion.
“And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.” (Eph 4:11-16)
Here we see the two main purposes of the five-fold ministries – 1. edifying of the body of Christ and 2. till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God. This goes back to not forsaking the assembling together. As we gather together will sit under each of the five-fold ministries, who will in turn edify (build up) and bring us together in true unity.
Sitting under these ministries will also mature us and prevent us from being spiritually tossed to and fro. There is a grounding effect. But, you see, this all happens as we assemble together. And it is not only the five-fold ministries that have a part. “from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.” (v.16)
How do we do our share? By being together using our gifts and talents. But it only happens as we gather.
Synagō
The last Greek word is synagō, which is the most common translated word as “to gather.” Jesus made a profound statement and promise when using this word.
“For where two or three are gathered (synagō) together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” (Matthew 18:20)
What an incredible promise! Who else wants Jesus in the midst? Whoever or whatever is in the midst gets the attention. It is time we turn our focus away from the lesser things and onto Jesus. We are promised if two or three (God likes small groups!) gather in His name He will be in the midst. Wonderful!
In Colossians 2 Paul was describing some religious people who were bound by tradition and the law. He warned against such people: “So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths, which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ.” (vv.16-17)
Paul goes on to describe them. “and not holding fast to the Head, from whom all the body, nourished and knit together (symbibazō) by joints and ligaments, grows with the increase that is from God.” (v.19) We can all agree that Jesus is the head and we are His body. And we can also agree that we have no life unless we hold fast to the Head. Besides that powerful point we learn something about unity. We can only be in unity when we are “holding fast to the head.” Paul would never expect those people he described as ever truly being in unity with the body. And we shouldn’t concern ourselves with such types either.
In Acts chapter 4 we read that Peter and John got arrested for preaching the word of God. Th religious leaders had no good grounds to keep them so they were released. After being let go they reported back to their fellow believers.
“So when they heard that, they raised their voice to God with one accord and said: ‘Lord, You are God, who made heaven and earth and the sea, and all that is in them, who by the mouth of Your servant David have said:
‘Why did the nations rage,
And the people plot vain things?
26 The kings of the earth took their stand,
And the rulers were gathered together
Against the Lord and against His Christ.’” (vv.24-26)
They “raised their voice with one accord.” There was no competition or even anyone leading this group perhaps. They just raised their voices as one! Incredible. And now see the result of their unity:
“And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled (symbibazō) together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.” (v.31)
Unified prayer is powerful. Read that again. May we raise our voices (in faith) and pray together and yes God will shake us and fill us with the Holy Spirit. Let it be so Lord.
The Unified Enemy
In conclusion, we must recognize that their is a satanic, ungodly unity on the earth. It has been around from day one. We spoke of it a little in the last section. The author of Psalm 2 recognized it.
“Why do the nations rage,
And the people plot a vain thing?
The kings of the earth set themselves,
And the rulers take counsel together,
Against the Lord and against His Anointed, saying,
‘Let us break Their bonds in pieces
And cast away Their cords from us.’” (vv.1-3)
From the beginning the enemy has been raging, plotting and yes taking counsel. In acts “take counsel together” is translated as “gather together.” I think that wording is particularly important and accurate. And let’s recognize that Satan uses people for his purposes, causing an unholy unity. We see it with Jesus in His final days when He was on trial. Here are a few examples:
“Therefore when they were gathered together, (synagō) Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ? (Matt 27:17) – We see the unholy unity releasing a guilty murderer over Jesus.
“Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered (synagō) unto him the whole band of soldiers.” (Matt 27:27) – As if any force of humans would every be enough to stop Jesus. And yet they “gathered.”
It is important to recognize the false yet powerful unity of the enemy. But we know the true unity of the Spirit, as shown in this article, is MUCH more powerful. I hope you prayerfully consider these important points and pray for the gathering and knitting together of the church. Pray for your local church. Get involved. Be present. Use your gifts in love.
image credit: https://images.app.goo.gl/V3TSMBkTvyR8V4Zo9
Posted: August 11, 2022 by I am a VOICE Ministries Leave a Comment
Sir, You Have Nothing to Draw With
In John 4 Jesus, weary from from traveling, asked a Samaritan women for water. The woman was in shock that He would even talk to her. Jesus offered her living water – eternal life. Her response is interesting and maybe speaks of mankind as a whole. It speaks of how we tend to limit God in our lives based on what we see with our natral eyes. Listen to her response:
“Sir, You have nothing to draw with, and the well is deep. Where then do You get that living water?” John 4:11
Perhaps we sometimes we think Jesus does not have enough to work with in our lives. Maybe we don’t have a lot of gifts or talents like others? Maybe we see ourselves as tools that are not worthy? In addition to her saying He had nothing to draw with she said “the well is deep.” Maybe some of us limit Jesus, thinking that the issues in our life are just to deep for Him to handle. In other words His arm is too short.
But what did Jesus really want with the Samaritan woman anyway? He recognized her heart of worship and that she was looking for the Messiah. Jesus said to her at the end of their encounter:
“Woman, believe Me, the hour is coming when you will neither on this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, worship the Father. You worship what you do not know; we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” (vv.21-24)
Let’s settle in our spirit man that Jesus has the right tools in our lives. He sees value in our liv that we do not yet see. His arm is not too short. There is no well too deep for Him. No problem too big. Lastly, Jesus is seeking worshipers who will worship Him in Spirit and Truth.
Posted: July 28, 2022 by I am a VOICE Ministries Leave a Comment
Simeon – A Man We Can Model Ourselves After
“And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.” (Luke 2:25)
In Luke chapter 2, right after baby Jesus is presented in the temple, we meet a man named Simeon. There are a few descriptions given of him that require our attention. And we will also see how this a man that we should model ourselves after. He was waiting for the Messiah to come for the first time and we are eagerly waiting for and looking for His second coming.
The first description of Simeon was that he was “just and devout.” (v.25) Saying he was just meant he was righteous before God. The second part of him being “devout” catches my attention. The Greek word is eulabēs and means “taking hold well.” It carries the idea of taking hold of something in a good way. The word also means to be cautious or careful. In fact, the name Simeon means “harken,” which means to listen. We find in Simeon the wonderful qualities of being right with God and being a good receiver. He is a listener. As we will see these qualities help in wonderful ways.
Next, the passage tells us Simeon was “waiting for the Consolation of Israel.” He was not waiting passively but actively waiting. In other words he was looking for Jesus to come. What a beautiful and fascinating sentence: “waiting for the Consolation of Israel.” The Greek word for consolation will be familiar to some of us – paraklēsis. This is closely related to the word for the person of the Holy Spirit, the Paraklētos. Both words mean “a calling near, summons, (esp. for help)” The word also means to comfort or console. Maybe Simeon had a long, hard life. Maybe he need consoling more than many. Either way, the nation of Israel and the world was in great need of consolation. They needed the Messiah to come along side them. This was about to happen and Simeon knew it. We can learn from Simeon and wait (actively) for the One who will come along side us once again.
Let’s continue with this beautiful story. “And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.” (v.26) What a beautiful and special promise. Simeon got that beautiful revelation because he was righteous and one who listened and one who learned how to “take hold well.” You see, God is no respecter of persons but He does work in certain ways. He is close to those who have an active, listening heart.
Then Simeon was led by the Holy Spirit into the temple where he would find baby Jesus. He took Him up in his arms and said:
“Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace,
According to Your word; For my eyes have seen Your salvation.” (vv.29-30)
We take for granted the knowledge of Jesus coming as a baby. But this was not common knowledge in Simeon’s day. In fact, the dominant thought was that the Messiah would come as ruling King, who would liberate Israel in the natural. So, for Simeon to have “seen” salvation in the form of an infant is astonishing. This is another key of Simeon of a type we want to model ourselves after – He saw in the Spirit, which overcame what he saw in the natural. Like Simeon, this day is requiring us to be people who see in the Spirit. We must allow the Holy Spirit to strip away the natural so we can see the Messiah where He actually is.
Don’t you see we share many things with Simeon? We are both actively waiting for the coming of Jesus. We are in great need of consolation like him. The great news is that the person of the Holy Spirit is by the side of those who have accepted Jesus. Ask for a heart like Simeon – just and one who listens, receives well and sees in the Spirit.
image credit: https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2021/december-web-only/advent-waiting-for-jesus-lessons-from-simeon-anna.html
Posted: July 26, 2022 by I am a VOICE Ministries Leave a Comment
And the Bride Has Made Herself Ready – Pt. 5
Growing Up in God
“Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.” And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.”
It is said of the bride that she “has made herself ready.” We know this being ready is not salvation. Salvation is a free gift. (see Romans 5:15) So what does this getting ready mean then? It refers to her being conformed into the image of Christ, accepting the character of Christ. You see, salvation is a wonderful, free gift. But when it comes to character it is never given free. There is always our part in the process. Think of it like this: being born is a free gift. But from day one that child must learn from his parents. He must allow his parents and community to form him into a man. “As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby.” (1 Peter 2:2)
There is also a distinction between gifts and character. Gifts of the Holy Spirit do not produce character. That is not what they were meant for. But many are content to stay and linger in the camp of spiritual gift, not realizing God is after character. Look at the parable of the talents. What did the master say to the one who wisely invested his talents: “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.” (Matt 25:21) The focus was character – well done, good and faithful. At the end of our lives God will not make an assessment of our gifts but rather our character.
Now, this message is not a popular one today. The emphasis is on spiritual gifts, the anointing and so on. Those are critical aspects but I fear many are missing the main purpose. God’s main desire for us is that we would, like the bride, be “ready.” Being ready takes time and effort. But is it not well worth it? Does the Olympian not enjoy his prize for the rest of his days? I will leave you with words from Paul.
“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it.” (1 Cor 9:24)
Last Updated: July 11, 2022 by I am a VOICE Ministries Leave a Comment
And the Bride Has Made Herself Ready – Pt.4
Being Adorned
In Revelation 21 John had a vision of new Jerusalem and described it like this:
“And I saw the holy city – the new Jerusalem – descending out of heaven from God, made ready like a bride adorned for her husband.” (v.2)
He saw the city as “made ready like a bride adorned for her husband.” This speaks of two things – the new Jerusalem and the bride made ready and adorned. We will pay close attention to the word “adorned.” The Greek word is kosmeō. It is derived from the word kosmos (a harmonious arrangement or order, the world) and means “to put in order, arrange, make ready, prepare.” It can also mean to ornament or adorn. I like to think of the word as meaning divine order.
We find a strong connection between kosmeō and submission. And this makes sense since the divine order is Christ as the head (top of divine order) and us below Him. We are to submit to Him as Lord.
In the following verses Peter was talking to women but we can also glean something with our relationship to Jesus.
“Do not let your adornment (kosmeō) be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel— rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God. For in this manner, in former times, the holy women who trusted in God also adorned (kosmeō) themselves, being submissive to their own husbands, as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, whose daughters you are if you do good and are not afraid with any terror.” (1 Peter 3:4-6)
You see, God is looking for His bride to have an inner adornment, not just an outward form of religion. But look at the qualities: “incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit.” Jesus is looking for a bride that is gentle and has a quiet spirit. Quiet in the sense of being one who quiets her spirit in order to hear the heavenly whispers.
Now see how adornment and submission are connected. I will even say they are intertwined.
“the holy women who trusted in God also adorned (kosmeō) themselves, being submissive to their own husbands.”
Here Peter is forever connecting adornment and submission. You cannot have one without the other. In other words, as we submit to Jesus as the head we are adorning ourselves with inner beauty that attracts Jesus. It is what appeals to Him. If you are not convinced and think this passage only speaks to women in relation to their husbands, lets head over to Ephesians 5.
“Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything.” (vv.22-24)
Paul made it clear that these passages we first and foremost talking about Jesus and the church. “This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church.” (v.32)
As being betrothed to Jesus we are to submit to Him as the head. We are not to go out and do our own thing. Have you ever seen a body walking around without a head? We are to be subject to Him in all things. I am aware that this word “submission” can be touchy for some because of past experiences where authority was abused. But be assured, Jesus is a loving Bridegroom. We must find ourselves properly aligned to Jesus, with Him being the head and us the body.
A wonderful example of of this is found in the account of Mary, who was at her sister Martha’s house.
“And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word.” (Luke 10:39) She was sitting at His feet, which was a sign of submission. She was properly aligning herself. Mary also “heard His word.” The bride of Christ is one who hears. She is intent of hearing the voice of the Bridegroom.
In conclusion, Jesus is looking for a bride who is adorned with a submissive and quiet spirit. She is aligned under the head. She is content with sitting at His feet and hearing His Word. She is adorning herself only for the pleasure of Jesus. She is not concerned if others don’t understand her choices of adornement. She loves Jesus and Jesus loves her.
Posted: July 8, 2022 by I am a VOICE Ministries Leave a Comment
I Have Learned – In the School of the Spirit
Did you know that we are in the school of the Holy Spirit? We never actually graduate from His university. We simply go on to the next grade, even, if I may, when we graduate to heaven.
The Apostle Paul, in Phil 4, said “…I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content.” (v.11b) First, Paul says that he learned. That means he was taught by his teacher the Holy Spirit. Now we know from the following verse that Paul was taught with a variety of experiences.
“I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.” (v.12)
We also know from other passages that Paul was stoned, shipwrecked, rejected by his generation, whipped and more. But Paul “learned.” I am afraid many of us go through similar trying circumstances by fail to learn. The Israelites wandered the desert for 40 years because they refused to learn. We should not be like the donkey, who has to be pulled and pushed into submission.
Paul said that he learned to be content. The Greek word translated as content is autarkēs and means “independent of external circumstances.” In other words, he was not swayed and moved by all of the externals. He learned to be guided by the internal moving of the Holy Spirit. Is Paul somehow special that only he can learn this and other lessons of the Spirit? No. We too can learn. It is the Holy Spirit’s great pleasure to bring us to new grades.
Learning requires humility and a teachable spirit. Jesus said:
“I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and have revealed them to babes… 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 11:25;28-29)
So the first step in being a student in God’s school is to become a babe. Little babies know nothing. They are blank slate so to speak. Second, we are to come to Him. This reveals our dependence on Him. Next, we are to take His yoke (burden). Imagine if a 2nd grader on his first day of school looked at the curriculum of the year and said “These lessons are useless,” folded his arms refused to learn. I assure you he would not make it to the 3rd grade. Lastly Jesus said we are to learn from Him because He is gentle and lowly. He didn’t extol His ability to heal or do miracles but emphasized His gentleness and humility. How about that as something to learn? It makes me think of the confession of David: “Your gentleness has made me great.” (Psalm 18:35)
So friends, you too can learn in the school of the Holy Spirit. Oh and by the way, the test is open book and you can share notes.
Posted: June 25, 2022 by I am a VOICE Ministries Leave a Comment
And the Bride Has Made Herself Ready – Pt.3
Being Clothed
“Let your waist be girded and your lamps burning.” (Luke 12:35)
Jesus continued:
“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 and have them sit down to eat, and will come and serve them.” (vv.36-37)
Jesus painted a picture of a servant being ready for the return of his master. Like this servant, we are waiting for the return of Jesus. Nobody knows the day or the hour but we are called to be ready for that day.
Jesus said “Let your waist be girded.” This idea is lost to some of us who do not understand the dress of Jesus’ day. The men wore robes that went down to their ankles. The problem with this attire was that it was difficult to run, pick things up etc. So if you had to do something in a hurry (go meet the master in a hurry) you would “gird your loins.” This involved reaching between your legs and pulling up the bottom of the robe and tucking it into the belt. It made the person look ridiculous but it was effective.
Now, notice Jesus said “Let” your waist be girded. In the Greek the word girded is in the passive tense, meaning it is something be received. In other words, God is the one who girds us up and He is the one who lights our lamps. This distinction is quite important. We have to allow Him to work in our lives to get us ready. The picture I get is a person of wealth who has a butler. The butler helps him to get dressed. Now, the person being dressed can’t fidget and move around. They must submit to the dressing, knowing it is needed.
Going back to our key verse for this series, see this following verse.
“Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready. And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.” (Rev 19:7-9)
It was granted for the bride to be “arrayed” in fine linen. Again, these clothes were something received. The clothes were awarded to her, much in the same way a Purple Heart is awarded to a person in the military for showing extraordinary bravery. Do not think I mean the bride earned anything by her own works. No, she cooperated and responded to the Bridegroom.
There is a beautiful picture of Joseph being clothed with a coat of many colors.
“Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age. Also he made him a tunic of many colors.” (Gen 37:3)
This beautiful coat was the result of the deep love of Joseph’s father. Likewise, God clothes us, His beloved children. We need to start seeing ourselves as the object of our Father’s love. Joseph’s coat also carried a level of authority. People recognized it wherever Joseph went. They would no doubt say “That surely is the son of Israel” and treat him accordingly.
“and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” (Rev 1:6)
Again, see it. “He has made us…” This is God’s doing and we are the receivers. As kings in His kingdom we exercise our spiritual authority, reigning with Him. As priests we minister to Him and to His people.
Beauty Preperations
In Esther chapter 2 King Ahasuerus begins to seek for a new Queen. It was advised to him that virgins should be brought to him and that they should undergo a series of preparations. The preparations lasted 12 months – “six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with perfumes.” (Esther 2:12)
To us, the bride-to-be, these preparations represent the Holy Spirit getting us ready. The Holy Spirit is the great wedding planner and knows how to get us ready. Now I am sure Esther and the others didn’t always feel like getting the beauty treatments but they were absolutely needed. The point of the treatments was to make her attractive to the king. It worked. See how Esther was described:
“The king loved Esther more than all the other women, and she obtained grace and favor in his sight more than all the virgins; so he set the royal crown upon her head and made her queen instead of Vashti.” (Esther 2:17)
You see, the treatments went beyond the physical. She “obtained grace and favor in his sight more than all the virgins.” Likewise, our beauty treatments are meant to make us attractive to Jesus the Bridegroom. But we must submit to the treatments prescribed to us.
When it was Esther’s turn to approach the queen she was given the choice to take “whatever she desired to take with her from the women’s quarters to the king’s palace.” (Esther 2:13) But it is said that she “requested nothing but what Hegai the king’s eunuch, the custodian of the women, advised.” (v.15) Hegai is a type of the Holy Spirit. Esther had a submissive, trusting heart. She could have been tempted to add something to her treatments but no she trusted Hegia. We too, must trust the Holy Spirit to prepare us the way He knows is needed. Let us not try to add anything to what He has prescribed.
“Let us be glad and rejoice and give honor to Him, for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and His wife hath made herself ready.” (Rev 19:7)
So, how to we allow Jesus to gird our waist you ask? It is very simple. Sit in His presence daily. Wait on Him. Read and study His Word. Let His Word master you. In doing so you will be clothed in Him. Remember, from Ephesians 1, we have all things IN Christ. It is in Him that we are clothed and made ready. We don’t know when He will return but we do know that if we remain in Him we’ll be ready to open the door.
Posted: June 20, 2022 by I am a VOICE Ministries Leave a Comment
And the Bride Has Made Herself Ready – Pt. 2
The Spirit of Elijah
“He will also go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, ‘to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,’ and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” (Luke 1:17)
The above verse is talking about John the Baptist. There are a few very important things to note in the above passage. First, it is said John would go before Jesus in the “spirit and power of Elijah.” We know from 1 Kings 17-19 that Elijah was used in great power to feed the dying widow, save the little boy, kill all the prophets of Baal, and make it rain after a long drought. Those acts showed the power of Elijah. (God through him) Now, the spirit of Elijah turned the hearts and “made ready a people prepared for the Lord.” What a beautiful statement. Listen, being used by God in power is wonderful and we should all pray for it. But we should desire much more to be used to “make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” Let’s look at the passage from 1 Kings.
King Ahab had brought the chilren of Israel before Elijah. Elijah, speaking to backslidden Israel said “How long will you falter between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him. But the people answered him not a word.” (1 Kings 18:21) Then Elijah set up a challenge.
“Then Elijah said to the people, ‘I alone am left a prophet of the Lord; but Baal’s prophets are four hundred and fifty men. Therefore let them give us two bulls; and let them choose one bull for themselves, cut it in pieces, and lay it on the wood, but put no fire under it; and I will prepare the other bull, and lay it on the wood, but put no fire under it. Then you call on the name of your gods, and I will call on the name of the Lord; and the God who answers by fire, He is God.’” (1 Kings 18:22-23)
We know how the story goes. The false god of Baal didn’t answer by fire but the God of Elijah did. “Now when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces; and they said, “The Lord, He is God! The Lord, He is God!” (v.38) God used Elijah to turn many of the peole of Israel back to their God. I believe that this same spirit is coming upon many in the church to make a people ready for Jesus’ return.
When Jezebel, the wife of Ahab, heard that the prophets of Baal had been killed, she vowed to kill Elijah. Terrified, Elijah ran and hid in a cave. While hiding Elijah made a telling confession. “I have been very zealous for the Lord God of hosts; because the children of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I alone am left; and they seek to take my life.” (1 kings 19:14)
Elijah was zealous for the Lord. That same zeal is coming upon many today, even as it came upon John the Baptist. He hated that Israel had forsaken the covenant and torn down the alters. Likewise, men and women of God will be used in the spirit and power of Elijah to restore the covenant and alters of the Lord.
The Wilderness is a Key Ingredient
Both Elijah and John the Baptist were both men of the wilderness. When God first called Elijah He said to him: “Get away from here and turn eastward, and hide by the Brook Cherith, which flows into the Jordan. And it will be that you shall drink from the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there.” (1 Kings 17:2-4) And it was said of John the Baptist: “And so John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.” (Mark 1:3)
The wilderness is a place of testing and quietness. You are removed from the many, normal distractions of life. The Holy Spirit drove Jesus into the wilderness for 40 days. Likewise, the Spirit is driving many of us who are commissioned to prepare the way of the Lord into the wilderness. It is a place where we can hear God clearly. Some of you may have stopped desiring to go to this and that meeting. You have a longing to be alone in the quiet place with the Lord. Be assured, He is the one drawing you to that place. Do not feel guilty or you are missing out. You are not.
Speaking of the quiet place, let’s go back to Elijah for a minute. Back in the cave when he was hiding from Jezebel, Elijah had a powerful encounter with God.
“Then He said, ‘Go out, and stand on the mountain before the Lord.’ And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire [e]a still small voice.” (1 Kings 19:11-12)
God was not in the wind, earthquake or fire. He was in the small still voice. God is still in the still small voice. The question is are we quiet and still enough to hear that voice? I know a quiet place: the wilderness.
God is preparing a people who will “make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” Yes, God will use many in power. That is needed. But the greater need is for a people who know the small still voice of the Lord. Then, they will declare that they, like John the Baptist are a “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: “Prepare the way of the Lord.” (Isa 40:3)
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