Let me tell you what! We are living in crazy times right now, and I can tell you that even personally I and my family have been experiencing God in a way in which we’ve never experienced Him. Learning to trust and press in to God during these times has been quite a trip. Have you ever found yourself looking at things around you and wondering why it seems that although the world is going ’round, you’re not moving at all? or maybe the things around you are moving TOO MUCH and you can’t seem to understand or get a handle on things? OR perhaps things are going well for everyone else and NOT you? or…or…or…
The thing I’m learning now is that in order to stay sane during these times, we need to have an understanding of what season we’re in. Understanding the times is EXTREMELY vital, especially in this present age. Isn’t it funny how having an understanding of the times was so important in Jeremiah’s day, Nehemiah’s day, Daniel’s day, Jesus’ day… but today we don’t put much effort into learning its importance? We look to those who appear to be the “all knowing ones” instead of looking in God’s word and gaining the understanding we need in order to survive– and even thrive– in the present and coming day. I wondered and wondered why on earth certain things were happening to me, saying, “I know I heard your voice, Lord. Why are bad things happening to me? What’s going on here? Did I get off your path somehow?”
Then the understanding of the season came, allowing me to see that things weren’t happening to me for evil or destruction (though that’s what the enemy can try to make it), they were happening for my growth, for the working of the fruit of the Spirit in me, for the seasons and blessings to come. And let me tell you, I’ve been so encouraged, because there is nothing I want more than to be in a position to be used by God to the FULLEST! I learned that God is working His goodness in my life, and that He is excited about the plan He has, and about the obedience of His children. I would encourage you not to simply receive this as “pep talk” or “feel good” words. I do want you to be uplifted, but I also want you to get a grasp of the importance of where the Lord has you in relation to your personal destiny; it always lines up with His ultimate purpose for His body, His bride. Oh, to be a part of His kingom!!! To be used in His plan!!! God is so awesome.
Even in the hard times.
So what season are you in?
Let’s Go Up,
James
Whoa! I must say, July was quite the month. Many ups and downs in the physical and spiritual. One thing is for sure, though– God is definitely doing things.
I am learning that we must move beyond this realm of the five senses and into the spirit. I know that’s something we all know as christians, or should know at least. But it’s another thing when living it becomes a reality, or even more, a necessity. Just to get up and say, “Help me God!” can be a struggle when the flesh has been more dominant for a long time. (Hello… we were born into it!) So how do we live by the spirit? What does that mean?
I’ve always been one to hate when someone makes a statement like, “Live by the Spirit,” then walks away. O.K., tell me HOW, or even what on earth you’re talking about. My brain is a little bit in the way here; if not, I’d already know how to live by the Spirit.
Well for those of you who are like me, I’ve got some practical guidelines; I’ll try to make it quick. First of all, it starts with a choice. Psalm 42:5 is a perfect example:Why are you crushed down, O my soul? and why are you troubled in me? put your hope in God; for I will again give him praise who is my help and my God.
We must first choose to go beyond our own will or circumstance and open our mouth to praise the Lord, or say SOMETHING to Him. We will never live by the Spirit if we can’t even make the choice to get past ourselves.
Second, choose righteousness. I Timothy 6:11 says, But you, O man of God, keep yourself from these things, and go after righteousness, religion, faith, love, a quiet mind, gentle behaviour. As a christian, it shouldn’t take a miracle for us to know the difference between right and wrong. Choose the right way; abstain from evil. Pray for the grace of God to keep from evil. Should I curse at my boss? Should I just change the channel? Should I tell this lie? DO WHAT YOU KNOW TO DO. If you are depending on the Lord to keep you running after righteousness, His spirit is at work in you.
Thirdly, realize that you are not searching for a warm, fuzzy feeling. God’s spirit is a spirit of holiness. If we seek after Him and His righteousness, everything that is from Him is given to us. Holiness is not a feeling, it is an attribute. To be like Christ is to have the same heart, followed by the same actions. So seek the Lord in prayer, through the Word, and in doing what you know is godly. Read the Lord’s prayer (Matthew 6). It’s a good, simple guideline to where our hearts should be concerning this.
I’m sure there are dozens more things to add to this, but I try to keep it simple and practical. I hope this helps you as it is helping me! And don’t forget that living by the spirit is not a dry, boring experience; when we finally get past ourselves, we’ll realize it!
Let’s Go Up,
James
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We (the church) are in a time of transition, as has been stated by many leaders in recent times, and need to find or take our position in God’s kingdom. It is very important in these times to be where we should be, to know who we are in Christ and to move forward.
So why is it so hard to move forward? I find that it is so easy to move backwards; to return to where I came from is far less difficult than to go where I’ve never been. Embarking on something fresh and new is typically harder than continually conforming to the old and “normal.” Why is it that the hump you get over when moving forward is not there when moving backwards? “Bumps in the road” seem to become flat and smooth ground when a regression takes place.
This may seem like a, “Well, duh!” type blog, but I just want to know who else is in the middle of a mega-trying transition right now concerning the plan of God and how it is being dealt with. One thing I hope we have all decided is that there is no way we’re turning back– we will finish the race.
Hope to hear from you!
Let’s Go Up,
James
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I don’t know Todd Bentley personally, but I know he says he spends lots of time with God.
I know personally that God speaks through visions and dreams, so I’ve got no problem there. Releasing angels, even some of the unorthodox ways he goes about praying for people, i.e. “BAM!” and kicking people… who am I to judge? God is vast, right? He uses the foolish things of the world to confound the wise.
Well, there are many confounded folks out there.
I am one who likes to be clear in what I say and do. As a matter of fact I am so compulsive about it in my mind that sometimes I simply keep quiet to avoid the lengthy clarification of every other word I’d say. The fact is that not everyone understands an individual when he/she does or says things a certain way. While the intentions may be well, there are some left offended and/or confounded.
At the risk of offending some more people, my own “condition” causes me to see the side of the one who’d have to clarify and explain every little thing he does. I say see the heart of God in an individual and discern by God’s spirit in you what is good and what isn’t.
Also, it is very important to remember that what is right for one person is not necessarily right for another! We get so caught up in formulas and patterns that we are easily confused, offended, or “set off” in one way or another.
Todd is OUT OF THE BOX! He will be who he is IN GOD. I encourage others to be who they are and not who they are taught to be through religion or society. Get with God. He’ll reveal and open you up to yourself! I’m learning that these days.
I am not an advocate of leaving people confused or not clear on something, but today, I say in closing, go to Lakeland and “get some,” or don’t. Watch the podcasts, or don’t. Give to the ministry, or don’t.
Be FREE to be used by God. (or don’t…?)
Let’s Go Up,
James
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Hello, all! I am a couple of days late creating this entry– I apologize. I have a question – as worship leaders, shouldn’t we continue to seek what is the “more” in our journey to the heavenlies? I mean, how can we lead others to a place we’ve never been or aren’t even going? I agree that the congregation should not totally depend on the worship team to take them somewhere, but shouldn’t the leader or team have an edge up?
I have my viewpoint, but I would like you to comment.
Appreciate your continued prayers for this ministry!
Let’s Go Up,
James
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Oh my goodness! Has anyone else here been to the revival meetings in Lakeland, Florida? I was there for two days and it was awesome! The best thing about it, besides the constant testmonies of healing and dead-raising, is that it is not man-centered. Jesus gets all the glory alone. Bob Jones, for those if you who know him, said that this is not a “revival"– this is maturity; the body of Christ has come into its next level and that the power that has been poured out is ABIDING!
I can’t wait to see what else God does in the coming days and how many of us will play huge roles in His plan. I don’t know about you all, but I have GOT to be part of what He is doing TODAY!
God is too awesome and vast for us to be thinking small in these times. I find it no coincidence that this outpouring happens at the same time all of the prophets are saying that it is time to shift. What is God saying to us? I believe that if we are not hearing and obeying God at this time, it is inevevitable that we will walk around in the same circles we have been since the last time we didn’t obey. It is imperative that we move forward or else we will not experience the power of His kingdom that He so desires we know.
I also find it interesting that the lord is using young people like Todd Bentley and Roy Fields as frontrunners in this great outpouring. It has long been prophesied that that generation would be used mightily, and I must admit, I can’t say that I was banking on it. It’s time to jump on the bandwagon, because if the young people such as they can be used in this fashion, think about all the years they have left! Think about the generation being raised up after this! God is so mighty and awesome, I don’t know what to do. I hope and pray that our ministry can be used so mightily in these times; my heart cries out for it.
Please continue to pray for us as we are at a crossroads in our lives and ministry. We only want God’s will.
Let’s Go Up,
James
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Welcome to our blog! We are excited about what God is doing right now, and hope that you will join with us in prayer that His perfect will be done in the lives of His people and in the earth. This seems to be a time where the Lord is setting His people in place to be able to move in all that He has called them to do. We pray that you are sensitive to His desires and are willing to put aside those things that would hinder his heavenly purpose for your life, and ultimately for His kingdom.
There are many things happening right now with our ministry, and we will keep you updated as progress is made. We are still working out many kinks concerning the online station, so pray that everthing falls into place. We hope to create a platform not to promote ourselves, but to be a voice for God’s kingdom to whomever will listen.
As our name says, we are a worship ministry. Our primary purpose is to bring glory to the name of Jesus in ALL that we do. Of course, music is the foremost avenue our ministry uses to glorify Him, so ride the waves with us as we go into the heavenlies. I believe that one day the Lord spoke to me and said, “Music MUST ride on waves of holiness.” I realized that without holiness, the music is not totally separated to Him. We ought to be willing to consecrate all our gifting, skill, and talent to Him in order for the worship that comes forth to reach where it should. Heaven must have total control for the music to go beyond our mouths and ears and to the throne of God, and holiness assures that God will hear and be moved. Heb. 12:14 says, “Follow peace with all men, and HOLINESS, without which no man shall see the Lord.”
Now of course, we know that it’s through the blood of Jesus that we can call ourselves holy or righteous; it is imputed to us through our profession of his death and ressurection. But other things come into play, like heart motives, fruits of unrighteousness,etc. We ought to continually check ourselves and stay close to God, considering all our ways against His word, and we will remain a holy vessel unto the Lord. Our worship will ride on waves of holiness!
There is so much more to say on that subject, but I’ll stop there. As I said before, we are very excited about what God is doing right now. Visit our promo page for our station at www.worshipbeyondradio.com
and visit our “about us” page to see more about who we are. Like I said, we’re not quite up and running yet, but we will be soon. Let us know if you want to take part in the broadcast on our “advertise” page. We look forward to hearing from you all!
Let’s Go Up,
James
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