Market Place Ministry

Seeing People With Compassion

2011-12-08T19:40:00.000-08:00

Seeing People With Compassion by Paul Borthwick

The Gospel of Matthew records Jesus encountering a crowd and seeing them as "harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd" (Matthew 9:36). In a similar encounter, the disciples urged Jesus to send the people away (Matthew 14:15). The difference is vision. Jesus saw people through eyes of compassion, while the disciples saw them as an inconvenience. We need to change the way we view people.

My attitude toward a seat mate on an airplane—or my neighbors, my co-workers or the international fellow who serves me at the supermarket—changes when I ask God to help me see them with eyes of compassion. That man sitting next to me is an eternal soul, with an eternal destiny. God also loves the people I encounter throughout the week, but they might not know it. When I see others through the eyes of Jesus, I realize that it's my privilege to be God's 24/7 available witness.

"Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have" (1 Peter 3:15).

Why We Must Build Leaders

2011-02-13T19:05:00.000-08:00

Why We Must Build Leaders

Building leaders is not an option; we must build leaders. Here are seven reasons why:

1. Building leaders is biblical. It was one of the main things Jesus did. At the earliest period of His ministry, Jesus began to gather around Him a company of disciples, in order to prepare them to carry on His work. From the start, Jesus wanted not only to have followers and disciples, but men whom He would build to lead and disciple others (Matt. 4:19). The training He would give these men was the principal part of His earthly ministry (John 17:6). Moreover, when He departed, Jesus’ final and ultimate instructions were: “Build people!” (Matt. 28:19). Paul built leaders who built leaders (2 Tim. 2:2). Everything in the New Testament revolved around building people (Eph. 4:12-16).

2. Leaders make a difference – to everything. People need leaders; it’s simply the way God has made us. Without leaders, the people are scattered (Matt. 26:31). Just before he died, Moses looked at Israel’s need and he cried out to God to provide leadership (Num. 27:15-17). Similarly, Jesus looked at the multitudes and He told His disciples to pray that God would raise up leaders (Matt. 9:35-38).

In the easiest of times, people need leaders, and the more challenges that lie ahead of us, the more important effective leadership will be. Our times are characterized by both great difficultly and incredible opportunity. Not only do we need more leaders (quantity), we need healthy leaders (quality). This requires coherent strategies for both selection and development.

3. Churches and ministries can’t always bring in from the outside the leadership they need. The traditional solution to a leadership shortage is to look outside. Sometimes this may be successful, with the new leader bringing the fresh air of experience and perspective significantly different from either the fundamental limitations or the ingrained “groupthink” of the current team.

However, so much of a leader’s eventual effectiveness depends on deep relationships and trust, on cultural fit, and on specific organizational experience and knowledge. Even if an “outside hire” is able to fill a current vacuum, it will seldom be sufficient to cure the systemic leadership shortage. In addition, frequent trips to the outside will be expensive and do not come with money-back guarantees. The grass will often look greener on the other side but the only long-term solution to the leadership crisis is that we learn to build our own leaders.

4. The cream does not always rise to the top. Building healthy leaders is easier said than done. It is not sufficient merely to send someone to a seminar or to give him a book on leadership to read. Leader development is highly complex and very little understood. Consequently, in many churches and ministries, it is essentially left up to chance. We pay lip service to it, but devote little time to this endeavor. The small efforts at leader development that are made are often haphazard and not part of any overall cohesive strategy. Often, we simply hope that the leaders will somehow raise themselves up! When asked what his leader development strategy was, one leader said, “You just have to let the cream rise to the top.” In other words, “We have no intentional strategy for leader development; we’re just hoping for the best!”

It sounds spiritual to say that God alone can raise up a leader, but this is not a biblical perspective. Consider evangelism as a parallel. If our churches have no intentional evangelistic strategy, certainly some people will be saved, but that number will be dramatically increased if we have a strategy and even more if that strategy is a good one! It’s the same with leader development: if we have a coherent and biblical strategy, both the number and the quality of leaders who are raised up will be considerably higher than when we leave it up to chance.

The healthy church or Christian ministry is not just a “doing” organization; it is a learning and building organization. Its way of life is continuous learning and building – at all levels. Building people of all ages, and building leaders are central elements in the culture of the effective church or ministry. “Building” is hard-wired into everything everyone does. It is every leader’s responsibility to nurture and expect leadership everywhere. This must become the mindset that pervades our churches and ministries. Building a leader-building culture is the ultimate act of leadership.

5. Leadership failures are costly. We pay a high price when our poorly-built leaders fail – and the higher their leadership level, the higher the price.

This price can include the impairment of the leaders’ own lives and the loss of their future potential in God, the lengthy turmoil (in some cases complete demise) that the church or ministry faces in the wake of the failure, the waste of ministry opportunities in the meantime, and damaged credibility before the outside world. We must build leaders; not merely appoint them.

Effective building processes will not eliminate all leadership derailment (think, for example, of Judas or Demas), but it can dramatically reduce it.

6. Most of the cost of leader development has already been paid. The transformation of life – the nurturing of spiritual life, relational capacity, character and vision – and the practical development of the leader’s ability to lead, occur primarily in the context of life. The spiritual opportunities, the personal examples, role models and coaches, the challenging assignments, the responsibilities, the pressures, and other dynamics so powerful in development are already present in any church or ministry (Acts 2:42; 1 Thess. 1:5-7; 2 Tim. 3:10-17). Not to take intentional advantage of them and thereby reap a return on this existing investment is bad stewardship!
7. The future of the church, the nation and the world depend on it. With few exceptions, people will not rise above the level of their leaders (Luke 6:40). If we care about the Bride of Christ and if we have a vision for the nations, we will build leaders. We must build leaders!

Worship and Work

2010-12-27T02:43:00.000-08:00

Worship and Work
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 2 by Os Hillman
Saturday, October 30 2010

"One man considers one day more sacred than another; another man considers every day alike" (Rom 14:5).

Avodah (Ah´-voe-dah) is a Hebrew noun used in the Bible that has two distinct yet intertwined meanings: worship and work. It is also derived from the Hebrew verb L'Avod which has two meanings; to work and also to worship. The dual meaning offers powerful wisdom for modern times for how we are to view our work lives.

Work, if done with integrity and unto God, is a form of worship in the biblical Hebrew context. There has never been a concept of segmenting our work from our faith life in the Bible. It is in the realm of the sacred to bring God into our everyday life. Hebrews did not set aside a "day of worship," such as Saturday or Sunday, but everyday is a place and time of worship. They did set aside a Sabbath day of rest.

It is a western idea to segment one's faith life from our work like. In the Middle East and Asia, their cultures would never separate their faith from their work life even though their faith foundations might clearly contradict Christian beliefs. When someone comes to faith in Christ from this area of the world, they have an easier time of assimilating their faith into their work because they have always done so.

God calls us to do our work as an act of worship to Him. Our work is not to be a place of sweat and toil, but an expression of our love, faith and adoration of Jesus Christ. Today, before you work, ask God to help you see your work in a new way--as worship to Him.

MOney Wisdom 2

2010-11-07T17:19:00.000-08:00

Hi all,
I'm continuing the series about wisdom in finances, but first... A small group of us from our Tulsa house churches will be visiting our Arlington, Texas affiliate on Sunday November 14. If you can join us email Jason and Verna Snoddy at snoddyfam@sbcglobal.net.

To the right you'll see links to Saturday's Webinar (6 Nov) on "The Kingdom of Heaven". Part 1 is understanding Jesus as an Oriental King. This is how I walk with the Father and Lord - the perspective I have and how I approach them. It will help many pieces of your puzzle about God fall into place.

Also to the right, a new 2-cd series "What the Bible really says about divorce". Lastly, my new 4-cd series "Salvation Displayed in the Stars" also includes a 36 page study guide. It's about God's original intention when He said in Genesis 1:14 of the stars: "Let them be for signs..." They've been perverted by mythology and horoscopes and such, but this study goes back to the original star names, original pictures portrayed in the constellations, and so much more.

Bringing you up to speed
Last week I shared that while the opening of the windows of heaven in Malachi 3 for those hearers in 400BC was literal rain for their crops, for us the 'water' is a type of the flowing Holy Spirit in revelation, creativity, and wisdom sent to water our "crops" - our work, family, possessions, etc. Today I'm building on that.

The issue: I'm not getting rich on $4.25 an hour
Most pastors preach that if you give to God He will give you increase, so church members naturally look for at least some 'bump' in their finances from God when they give; something to indicate God is really fulfilling what they believe He promised to do. When that doesn't happen they wonder what they are doing wrong.

I've talked to people working hard at hourly jobs wondering why God isn't giving them the big increase. I've talked to salaried employees wondering the same thing - they give generously to their own financial hurt, yet seem to be treading water in their bank account.

Back in the late 1970's to early 1980's the fad doctrine many pastors focused on then was the 100 fold return. In the 80's there was talk of giving to the temple in order to be blessed. In the 90's giving to the apostle or pastor, sometimes so corrupted they demand the tithe to the church, but any outside income has to be tithed directly to the man of God. (Run don't walk to the nearest exit)

Today the fad is to focus on giving as it relates to Jewish feasts. But what goes around comes around, so elements of all these are still out there and pulled off the shelf by pastors from time to time to motivate parishioner's to give, and all have the common denominator of promising wealth & blessing from above.

In 1978-79 I worked at Jim Bakker's PTL Club in Charlotte, NC, and Barb and I faithfully tithed on my $150 per week paycheck (net $111.50), thinking that with every $15 check we wrote we'd get back 100 fold, or $1500, and it couldn't come fast enough. Never did though, and we wondered why.

But we repented of that foolishness when we felt grieved every time we wrote out that check, but didn't know why. One day Barb nailed it. She said that we used to give out of a heart of love, and when we got caught up in the 100 fold return teaching we left love and got into greed, giving expecting a big return right away instead of just giving out of love for God and man - and she was right. As I said, we repented, continued to give, and the Father took care of us, though not with the abundance the preacher said He would. We wondered why.

Back in 1982 I was between churches and took a job with Domino's Pizza. I was 24 years old with a family to support, and the $4.25 per hour made it tough to pay the rent. Just when we needed some cash, I'd get a chance to deliver pizzas which gave me cash and a net hourly pay of about $10. We've always been givers, and we made it through, but we never saw that super abundance our pastor kept saying we'd see. So I started digging in the Word for answers, and asking the Father to show it to me.

What your job does
If you examine the people in the Bible where their jobs are mentioned, you'll find a common fact; Their job puts a roof over their head and not much else. Perhaps I should state it another way: Their jobs alone didn't provide abundance for them. A few examples:
Luke 5:10 says Peter, James, and John were partners in the fishing business, which meant they were business owners, but they were the only 3 employees. They took care of their families, but they weren't rich.

Paul worked as a tent maker in Corinth in Acts 18:1-3 for 18 months or so, the only time he worked a regular job in over 30 years of ministry, but it was needful in Corinth at that time. He partnered with Aquila and Priscilla, but they didn't grow wealthy from it.

When we consider Matthew's job as a tax collector made him sole proprietor and lone employee, and that he could just get up and walk away, shows us he did well enough to support himself, but not above that.

Streams of income
Your job, your single paycheck, should be thought of as a single stream of water flowing towards you. In the Bible, in the examples above, no one gathers wealth by 1 income source, 1 steam flowing towards them.

But there are examples of wealth we can look at to see what God's pattern is. In the book of Job we have just such an example. According to Job 1:3, Job had many streams of income flowing towards him:

7,000 sheep. That meant wool to weave and meat to sell.
3,000 camels. Camels were the semi-trucks, lorries in the King's English, long haul vehicles of the day. That meant Job was into import/export business in long caravans across desert expanses. An average caravan was less than 50 camels, so at any given time he had 60 'trucks' on the caravan road.
500 yoke of oxen, or 1000 oxen. Plus he would have had cows and calves. A yoke of oxen was for plowing fields and grinding grain, so he was a farmer and rancher. He would have had income from milk, cheese, leather, and buying and selling cattle, etc.
500 female donkeys. These were the short haul trucks of his day - local deliveries - individual 'vehicles'.

Look at the streams of income flowing towards him: Wool, mutton, imported goods, more meat, leather, milk, cheese, grain crops, the real estate for that whole operation. Every one of these items is a separate stream flowing towards him. How many streams do you have flowing towards you? How many streams do you have where money is flowing AWAY from you? Cut the outward flow, develop the inward flow.

In chapters 29 & 31 Job talks of how he lived to give and was honest in all his dealings. This included everything from feeding & lodging strangers with his own food, to clothing the needy with his own wool. He was a generous employer and took care of orphans and widows, and God blessed him.

But Job had not 1, but many steams of income flowing towards him, and he built them up over years in concentrated effort, sowing profits back into the business and diversifying as one stream naturally flowed from the original. What I mean by that is the having a cow/calf lends itself to milk, buy a bull and you make more cows, get enough and you can sell meat and milk - one stream is a tributary from the main, and flows TOWARDS you.

For pastors to focus on giving as the end all answer to be blessed financially, is great error and has enslaved many good hearted people. Giving is a part of being financially blessed, but only part. Developing various streams of income is foundational!

Ladies too
Consider the Proverb 31 woman, mentioned in verses 10-31. She owns a weaving business and has employees, and is compared to a merchant ship, meaning she isn't making those linens and wool material for herself, but to sell.

Verse 16 says "She considers a field, and buys it, and with the fruit of her hands (her profit in other words) she plants a vineyard." So she is diversifying to gain other streams of income.

We could make comparisons from Abraham (many streams of income) to Gideon (single stream) to even Jesus, who in Luke 8:3 says many people from various backgrounds gave to support him and his disciples.

If you think your 1 paycheck will make you rich, you are mistaken, unless that income is derived from many streams flowing in. That's just chapter and verse.

Some examples in our day of those streams of income can be retirement plans, stocks and bonds, owning more than 1 business, diversifying a client base, investment in rental properties/land, and so forth.

This principle is the same for businesses. I was asked to provide guidance to a karate studio that was losing money. The owner was the daughter of one of my mom's friends in south Florida, and I could see the problem immediately. She was providing karate instruction to children under the age of 12. That was her sole source of income. She lived among a high concentration of retired people, but catered to kids.

My advice was to meet the needs of her area, and expand to include classes for teens, adults, self protection classes for women, exercise classes in her studio, partner with instructors who would bring clientele in to her shop and work a split on the fees charged, etc. She had never thought of her business as needing several streams of income flowing in.

If a business has 1 main stream, it will dry up, or at least is highly susceptible to changes in the market, just like that employee who's sole source of income is that 1 paycheck from that 1 company.

Putting it together thus far
Last week I shared what the Father taught me about the flow being revelation and wisdom from the Holy Spirit to water our 'crops' - what do you think those creative ideas are for? They are to provide us different streams of income. We have to sort out what ideas work and don't work, as the Proverbs 31 woman 'considered' the field before she invested, but if we do our homework God will bless.

The Father is rarely a get rich quick kind of Father. Rather than depending on miracles to see us through each crises, we are to be in a flow of revelation put to good use to establish different streams of income flowing our way.

Learning what is our responsibility and what is God's, among other things, is the subject for next week.

Blessings,
And once again, remember for personal email to use cwowi@aol.com
John Fenn
www.supernaturalhousechurch. org

Money Wisdon 1

2010-11-06T20:17:00.000-07:00

Hi all,
Over the next weeks I'd like to share about what the Bible actually says about finances - and in all probability you've never seen anything like what I'm sharing in these pages.

But first - a small group of us from our Tulsa house churches will be visiting our Arlington, Texas affiliate on Sunday November 14. If you can join us email Jason and Verna Snoddy at snoddyfam@sbcglobal.net.

To the right you'll see links to next Saturday's Webinar (6 Nov) on "The Kingdom of Heaven", part 1 is understanding Jesus as an Oriental King, thus understanding what 'the gospel of the kingdom' is all about. It will explain SO much and help many pieces of your puzzle about God fall into place.

Also a new 2-cd series "What the Bible really says about divorce". There is so much junk teaching out there about divorce, and people don't even realize God Himself is divorced - this series examines why God got divorced, why He gave permission for couples to get divorced, what His intention was, and what Jesus and Paul said about it's place.

Lastly, my new 4-cd series "Salvation Displayed in the Stars" also includes a 36 page study guide. It's about God's original intention when He said in Genesis 1:14 of the stars: "Let them be for signs..." They've been perverted by mythology and horoscopes and such, but this study goes back to the original star names, original pictures portrayed in the constellations, and so much more. (Thus the 36 pg guide). I designed the guide to follow along the cd's as I teach, and also to be read independently for a personal or church Bible study. For anyone wondering about the true meaning in the stars, this is a jaw-dropping study.

Second verse, same as the first
How many times have you tuned out when offering time comes in a traditional church, and the leader says 'Turn to Malachi 3'? Me too. The company line is that if you tithe to the storehouse (traditional church) God will pour blessing out on you that you cannot contain - right? They promise your bank account will overflow, your kids will get saved, you will be healed, promoted, your business deal will go through, you'll sleep better at night, grow your hair back and even lose weight :)

Floodgates explained
Malachi 3:10 says God will "open the floodgates of heaven and pour you out a blessing that there will not be room enough to contain."

I admit I didn't understand what the Lord was saying in this passage until 1987. That's when we moved to a farming community in Southeast Colorado to pastor a church, and local crops were watered by irrigation.

Floodgate is 'head gate' in Hebrew. When we lived in SE Colorado we rented a 14 acre farm, and the owner raised alfalfa on 10 of those acres. A canal flowing from the nearby Arkansas River was about a mile away, and from that canal ran ditches along the road side. Those ditches were called "borrow ditches", because you 'borrowed' the water for your land.

When it was time for your farm to receive water, a man from the water company opened the head gates or flood gates about 1 mile away, and water flowed to your land. The water flowed down the fields in the furrows, and whatever did not soak into the ground flowed to the back of the field and into another ditch, where it flowed to the neighbor's farm, and so on and so on until all the farms were watered.

Not room to contain
Our farm did not have room to contain the blessing that the floodgate/head gate opened for us. The water is the blessing God said He would send that would overflow - I will pour you out a blessing you won't have room to contain. I saw Malachi 3 played out in real life.

Do NOT make the mistake of thinking the blessing is "If I tithe to the storehouse I'll....see a raise at work, close that big deal, show God how seriously I need a financial breakthrough, get my car/life/child/parents fixed and or saved."

All God promises is to pour out WATER to water your crop, He never promised He would increase your crop (your job, your car, your rent, your _____ ). All He promises is to open the flood gate so the water flows.

What is the water then?
Remember everything is based on Christ living in you, and in the Old Testament it was looking forward to these days of Christ in us, so everything is geared towards having Him inside.

Think of the water God pours out. It waters a crop and then the crop grows. Your 'crop' is your bank account, your job, all you own. But what is God's water that He promises to pour out?

What really waters your job, your bank account, your life? Step back and look at it this way; What does water often stand for in scripture? Answer: The Holy Spirit

We know the whole body of Christ operates by revelation from the Father via the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 16:16-19) So the water is revelation from the Holy Spirit that waters your 'crop' - that is what the Father promises to pour out so that you won't have room to contain - revelation from God via the Spirit.

In the work place that means ideas, plans, wisdom for problem solving and finding answers. Can you count the number of times a problem presented itself, you prayed, and suddenly the solution flowed up from your spirit across your mind? That's what I'm talking about - the 'water' is that revelation from the Spirit, which 'waters' your 'crop'.

Chapter and verse please
Remember Jacob and how he peeled bark and placed the 'spotted' branches in front of the animals at the watering trough so that when they mated they'd produce spotted offspring? Know where he got the idea?

That event happened in Genesis 30: 37-43, but in 31:8-13 he says he got that idea in a dream when an angel appeared to him. That 'water', that revelation, caused him to set the branches, which by faith caused the animals to conceive spotted offspring.

Within a few calving and lambing seasons he became so wealthy from that 1 revelation Laban and his agreement to partner with him could not contain the blessing, and he returned to his family. The water was the revelation, the crop was his animals.

Joseph is another example of a man who received such revelation poured out that his life could not contain it. Genesis 41:39-41 says Pharaoh said to Joseph "Since God showed you all this, and there is none so discreet or wise, then you will be in charge of all of my house and Egypt..." The water was the revelation from the interpretation of the dreams, the crop was 7 years of overflowing harvest that fed a nation in famine.

The Proverbs 31 woman, who I'll share more about next week, is seen in verses 10-31, and it says she owns a weaving business. She has employees, she works hard and the demand is so great they have to work into the night to keep up with demand. But then it says "She considers a field...." (v16)

That 'considers a field' is the process of revelation going on in her mind and spirit. That verse goes on to say of the field...'and buys it, and plants a vineyard'. So she has taken the profits of her weaving company, seeks wisdom and revelation about what to do with it, and settles on venturing into the winery business. The water was the 'considers a field', the crop was the new business (and the grace over her existing business).

When Solomon was made king he wanted the nation to receiving God's blessing, so in I Kings 3:2-6 when the Lord appeared to him, he asked for and received wisdom. That's the 'water' that allowed him to prosper, to make right decisions like the famous 'who's baby is it' incident, to the extent he made "...silver as common as stones in the path..." (II Chron 9:27) The water was wisdom in all areas, the crop was a prosperous nation in all areas.

New Testament please
When you realize the water of Malachi 3 represents the revelation of the Holy Spirit being poured out on us, and that in turn waters our 'crops', our jobs, then you'll recognize Jesus operating in this.

Examples include when He told Peter, James and John to cast the nets in deep water in Luke 5: 4-6 and they caught so many fish the boats were overloaded to the point of sinking - they didn't have room to contain them. That wisdom, that revelation, was so overflowing it caused the 'crop' of fish to overflow.

The same of water into wine in John 2, the multitudes fed by a boy's lunch multiplied in John 6, and so on.

We know Jesus was a huge giver, for in John 13:29 when Judas, the treasurer for the group, left at what must have been about 9pm, they all assumed he was leaving to give money to the poor. How many times has someone left you unexpectedly at 9pm and you naturally assumed they were going out to give money to the poor? Exactly. That's how big a giver Jesus was.

In the early church this same 'water', that revelation and wisdom from above, led many in Jerusalem to sell excess lands or properties and give the proceeds, and it was so much they could not contain it - all the needs of all the believers in the city were met and more kept being added! (Acts 4:34-35) The 'water' was the wisdom on what to do with their assets, the 'crop' was all the needs met in the body of Christ in the city.

While God relates to us on the basis of the blood of Jesus, and revelation flows from that, there is a whole other realm of revelation and grace in the lives of those who live to give. The Luke 6:38 statement by Jesus of givers, that it will be given back to givers full measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, is merely a re-statement of Malachi 3's overflowing blessing that comes to givers.

Often there is so much revelation it all cannot be acted upon as it would overwhelm us. These things have to be thought through, sorted as to what would work and what would not - run through processes to the point that 'water' can grow a crop, thus blessing the lives of ourselves and others.

Many have gotten an idea, rushed to grow it without doing their homework, thinking just because God gave the idea it will sell - wrong. He gives the 'water', but we have to follow through with diligence.

Joseph did it. He strategically placed storage bins for the overflow and all that entailed . Jacob did it by organizing his animals. The Proverbs 31 woman did it. Jesus operated in it. The church in Acts 2-6 operated in it. Are you a giver? Do you have revelation pouring in your spirit and mind to the point you can't contain all the ideas? Is He pouring that blessing out to the degree you can't contain it sometimes? Then you are just starting to operate in true New Testament giving and receiving as taught in the Word.

I have so many business ideas, inventions, real estate ideas, and have had over the years I could be very rich, but I'm like an OT Levite unable to do that because I'm called in full time ministry. But that doesn't stop 'water' flowing to me - I have more revelation than I can handle.

I'm sure that you too have all sorts of ideas and inventions and wisdom for areas you aren't called to, and some you may be called to. Having revelation isn't a sign you are to do something with it, it's just that our ever creative Father and Lord are so full of life and light, that in every situation that light reveals new things that can be done, new inventions, new ideas...wow, can you imagine how creative the ages to come will be?

BUT...when I start to get low, I pray Paul's prayer of Ephesians 1:17-19, and Colossians 1:9 - fill me with the Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation, let the eyes of my understanding be opened, let me be filled with spiritual wisdom and understanding - and I make sure I continue to live a life of giving, for once started on this path, one feeds the other in a never ending flow of revelation and then provision and more revelation...

Blessings, (remember to email me at cwowi@aol.com for personal email)
John Fenn
www.supernaturalhousechurch. org

Finding Financial Freedom Biblical Principles for Wise Financial Management

2010-11-03T02:49:00.000-07:00

Finding Financial Freedom
Biblical Principles for Wise Financial Management

Foundations
Cultivate a steward’s mindset.

1. Recognise God created everything
In the beginning there was nothing, and God created (Genesis 1:1).

2. Recognise God owns everything
“‘The silver is mine and the gold is mine,’ declares the LORD Almighty” (Haggai 2:8). “Every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills” (Psalm 50:10). “The earth and the fullness thereof belong to the Lord and all those who live within” (Psalm 37:21).

3. Realise we cannot serve two masters
“No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money” (Matthew 6:24).

4. Use resources wisely
“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’” (Matthew 25:21–28).

5. Pursue biblical guidance
“Buy the truth and do not sell it; get wisdom, discipline and understanding” (Proverbs 23:23). “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed” (Proverbs 15:22).

6. Plan through prayer
“Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed” (Proverbs 16:3).

7. Be trustworthy in financial dealings
“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else’s property, who will give you property of your own?” (Luke 16:10–12).

Earning

The Diligent Earner—One who produces with diligence and purpose and is content and grateful for what he or she has. God established work while Adam and Eve were yet in the Garden of Eden. God invited them to join him in the ongoing act of caring for creation. Work before the fall of Adam and Eve is a blessing, not a curse. All work has dignity. Our work should be characterized by the following principles.

1. Be diligent: Serve God
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord” (Colossians 3:23).

2. Provide for those who depend on us
“Those who won’t care for their own relatives, especially those living in the same household, have denied what we believe. Such people are worse than unbelievers” (1 Timothy 5:8).

3. Be grateful: Remember the source of income
“Remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth” (Deuteronomy 8:18).

4. Enjoy your work: Be content in it
“It is good for people to eat well, drink a good glass of wine, and enjoy their work—whatever they do under the sun—for however long God lets them live. And it is a good thing to receive wealth from God and the good health to enjoy it. To enjoy your work and accept your lot in life—that is indeed a gift from God” (Ecclesiastes 5:18-19).

5. Become transformed workers
“Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but like slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart” (Ephesians 6:5-6).

6. Earn potential: Share the excess
“If you are a thief, stop stealing. Begin using your hands for honest work, and then give generously to others in need” (Ephesians 4:28).

Giving
The Generous Giver—One who gives with an obedient will, a joyful attitude, and a compassionate heart.

1. Recognise we are created to give
We are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27). God is gracious and generous.We will lead a more satisfied and fulfilled life when we give to others.
2. Give as a response to God’s generosity
“Every good and perfect gift is from above” (James 1:17). Therefore, we give out of gratefulness for what we have received.
3. Give as a sign of trust and dependency on God
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33).
4. Give to help create economic equality and justice
“Our desire . . . is that there might be equality. At the present time your plenty will supply what they need” (2 Corinthians 8:13-14). Throughout Scripture, God expresses his concern for the poor and calls us to share with those less fortunate.
5. Give to bless others
“I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. And I will bless you, and make your name great; and so you shall be a blessing” (Genesis 12:2-3). If we are blessed with resources beyond our needs, it is not for the purpose of living more lavishly but to bless others. We are blessed to be a blessing.
6. Be willing to share
“Command them [the rich] to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share” (I Timothy 6:18).
7. Give joyfully and generously
“Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints” (2 Corinthians 8:1-5).
8. Give wisely
“We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this liberal gift” (2 Corinthians 8:20).
9. Give expectantly and cheerfully
“The one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each make up your own mind as to how much you should give. Don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. For God loves the person who gives cheerfully” (2 Corinthians 9:6-7; see also verses 10-14).
10. Recognise motives are important
Unless our motives are right, we can give all we have—even our bodies as sacrifices—and it will be for naught (I Corinthians13). We can be scrupulous with tithing and still not have the right motives. Jesus rebuked the religious leaders of his day for this very thing: “ You hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cummin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness” (Matthew 23:23).

Saving
The Wise Saver—One who builds, preserves, and invests with discernment.

1. Recognise it is wise to save
“In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but [the] foolish . . . devour all [they have]” (Proverbs 21:20). “Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers it food at harvest” (Proverbs 6:8).

2. Realise it is sinful to hoard
And he gave them an illustration: “A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. In fact, his barns were full to overflowing. So he said, ‘I know! I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I’ll have room enough to store everything. And I’ll sit back and say to myself, My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!’ But God said to him, ‘You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get it all? ’Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God” (Luke 12:16-21).

3. Prioritise and evaluate the costs
“But don’t begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first getting estimates and then checking to see if there is enough money to pay the bills? Otherwise, you might complete only the foundation before running out of funds. And then how everyone would laugh at you! They would say, ‘There’s the person who started that building and ran out of money before it was finished!’” (Luke 14:28-30).

4. Avoid quick-rich schemes
“The trustworthy will get a rich reward. But the person who wants to get rich quick will only get into trouble” (Proverbs 28:20).

5. Seek wise counsellors
“Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance” (Proverbs 1:5).

6. Establish a job before building a home
“Finish your outdoor work and get your fields ready; after that, build your house” (Proverbs 24:27).

7. Diversify assets
“Give portions to seven, yes to eight, for you do not know what disaster will come upon the land” (Ecclesiastes 11:2).

Debt
The Cautious Debtor—One who avoids entering into debt, is careful and strategic when incurring debt, and always repays debt.

1. Repay debt and do so promptly
“The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously” (Psalm 37:21). “ Do not say to your neighbor, ‘Come back later; I’ll give it tomorrow’—when you now have it with you” (Proverbs 3:28).

2. Avoid the bondage of debt
“The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender” (Proverbs 22:7).

3. Recognise debt presumes on the future
“Now listen, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.’ Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes” (James 4:13–14).

4. Realise debt can foster jealousy and greed
“Beware! Don’t be greedy for what you don’t have. Real life is not measured by how much we own” (Luke 12:15).

5. Give and pay what you owe
“Give everyone what you owe them: Pay your taxes and import duties, and give respect and honor to all to whom it is due” (Romans 13:7).

6. Be careful about co-signing
“Do not co-sign another person’s note or put up a guarantee for someone else’s loan. If you can’t pay it, even your bed will be snatched from under you” (Proverbs 22:26–27 NLT).

7. Realise debt will impact spiritual development
“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law” (Galatians 5:22-23)

Spending
The Prudent Consumer—One who enjoys the fruits of their labor yet guards against materialism.

1. Beware of idols
“You shall not make yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below” (Deuteronomy 5:8). Materialism—which so saturates our culture—is nothing less than a competing theology in which matter (things) is of ultimate significance; that is, things become gods or idols. “ They . . . worshipped and served created things rather than the Creator” (Romans 1:25).

2. Guard against greed. Realise things do not bring happiness
“Beware! Don’t be greedy for what you don’t have. Real life is not measured by how much we own” (Luke 12:15).

3. Seek moderation
“Give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the LORD?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God” (Proverbs 30:8-9).

4. Be content
“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:12–13).

“Godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that” (1 Timothy 6:6–8).

5. Don’t waste God’s resources
“When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, ‘Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted’” (John 6:12).

6. Enjoy God’s provision in moderation
“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life” (1 Timothy 6:17–19).

7. Carefully manage resources
“Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds; for riches do not endure forever, and a crown is not secure for all generations” (Proverbs 27:23–24).

source: http://www.cc-vw.org/articles/financialfreedom.htm

Economic Lessons from History

2010-10-02T19:50:00.000-07:00

Economic Lessons from History by Gerald Chester
Philosopher George Santayana famously stated, "Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it" So what lessons from history should we have learned about how to navigate economic crises?

Consider the recession in the United States from 1873 to 1879. Up to that time, this was the greatest economic challenge faced by the nascent country. The cause of the crisis was speculation driven by greed, associated with expanding the railroad network. Loans were made that should not have been made, which led to loan defaults and bank failures. Unemployment soared to an estimated 25 percent. Only 25 percent had full-time work, which meant that 50 percent were underemployed. Ninety thousand people lost their homes to foreclosure in New York City.

Today, some estimations of unemployment are around 20 percent and in August there were record home foreclosures nationwide. So far this year, bank failures number more than 140 and the pace is increasing with a higher number of failures expected in 2011 (http://feeds.bignewsnetwork.com/?sid=579278).

As was true in the 1870s, the current crisis is due to speculation driven by greed. Banks made loans that they should not have made and the result is massive defaults and bank failures.

Given the parallel between the events of the 1870s and those of today, here are two lessons we should have learned but apparently did not.

Lesson 1: Greed is not good.

At a town-hall-style meeting with the faculty and students from the Columbia School of Business in late 2009, Warren Buffett was asked about the problem of greed in the financial industry. His response was that greed has been around a long time. But he did not offer any solutions or remedies for the problem.

Greed was a driving motivator in the 1870s, as it is in the current financial crisis. The widely assumed antidote for greed is government regulation and oversight.

If you embrace a biblical worldview, you know that greed is idolatry (see Colossians 3:5). This means that greed is a symptom of the worship of money. Therefore if you believe that greed caused the economic recessions of both the 1870s and the 2000s and greed is the worship of money, then the root issue is theological. In other words, when people overly speculate in any venture seeking to get rich—particularly get-rich-quick schemes—this indicates that they are worshippers of money or “mammon,” which is sin.

Given that the God of the Bible is the only true God and is a jealous God in the sense that He does not tolerate the worship of anything or anyone other than Himself (Exodus 20:5), then greed—the worship of money—will not lead to lasting blessings. Rather, the worship of money will be met with economic judgment, which happened to the nation of Israel as recorded in the Old Testament, the United States in the 1870s, and is happening now to most nations of the world.

What is the solution for greed? Given the biblical doctrine of depravity—all people are infected with a bias to sin in their hearts—therefore the only way to be delivered from this sin bias is through transformation of the heart. From a biblical worldview, the only true transformation of the heart comes through the saving work of Christ. Therefore the only efficacious solution for greed is transformation. Those who experience this transformation are known as Christians.

In theory, Christians should be marked by obedience to Christ’s commands (see Matthew 28:18–20). Christ’s motivation was always to do the will of the Father; He was never motivated by greed. In fact, at the end of His life, Christ was homeless, jobless, penniless, and lived off charity. This does not mean that poverty is a virtue; rather, it suggests that to Jesus money was simply a tool of obedience to God. Money was never His agenda or His focus. His objective was to complete the earthly work assignment that the Father had given Him (see John 17:4).

Since this is the way Jesus lived, then those who claim to be His followers should live the same way. If we live with the singular focus of obeying God, we will not be greedy. This means that we will not overly speculate in ventures seeking to get rich.

Lesson 2: More regulatory oversight is not the antidote for greed.

In the 1870s there was little bank regulation and oversight. The Federal Reserve and FDIC did not exist. Today we have far more regulatory oversight. Nevertheless, we are in an economic recession on par with the 1870s. This suggests that increased regulatory oversight was either ineffective and/or poorly administrated. In any case, government regulatory oversight has not worked as an antidote for greed.

But even if government oversight had been more successful, it would still not solve the problem. The common view is that government oversight is about managing sin. Of course, few people use this terminology. The focus of managing sin is always external behavior—do this, don’t do that. But dealing with external behavior never solves the sin problem because the root of the sin problem is the heart of man. Until a person’s heart is transformed from the worship of money to the worship of the one true God, there will be no freedom from the sin of greed.

Most people don’t believe that government has a role to play in changing people’s hearts. Scripture says the opposite, however. According to the apostle Paul (see Romans 13:3–4), the role of government oversight should always be to direct us to good—even coerce us to good. Since “good” is a divine attribute (see Mark 10:18), anything that is good is, therefore, consistent with God’s nature. This means that government should be helping us live in obedience to God. If the only way to truly obey God is to transform the hearts of people, then government must support the work of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Only Christ can transform people and align them with God. Therefore to do “good” must mean to live as Christ lived.

What about separation of church and state? Sadly this concept is greatly misunderstood today. Early in the history of the United States, the Baptists who lived in Danbury, Connecticut, were concerned about the new federal government interfering with the government of local churches. They had experienced this in England and wanted to be sure that the federal government would not interfere with church polity. To address this concern, President Thomas Jefferson responded that in his view a wall of separation existed between church and state. The purpose of this wall was to protect the church from the state, not vice versa. In fact, the government leaders looked to the church for wisdom in how to govern the nation. Over time, the true meaning of separation of church and state has been corrupted. Now many wrongly believe that its intent was to protect the state from the church. This incorrect view of the relationship between church and state is driving our public policy away from the divinely ordained role of government.

One might ask about the First Amendment to the Constitution. One of the purposes of this Amendment was to insure that the government would not take over the church as it had in England. This Amendment was never intended to eliminate the influence and guidance of the church from public policy.

If government is to function consistent with Scripture, it must support—not interfere with—the work of the church of Jesus Christ. The role of the church is to bring people to Christ and help them mature, that is, to make them disciples of Jesus Christ. This is accomplished through transformed hearts.

Here are some economic lessons from history: greed is not good and more regulatory oversight is not the antidote to greed. Have we learned these lessons? If not, we will repeat the past. Future economic calamity will happen and it will be caused by speculation driven by greed to get rich.

Government seeking to manage sin by focusing on external behavior will never solve the problem of greed. Both Scripture and history make this clear. The only solution to greed is Christ transforming the hearts of people.

Until people embrace Christ, they will never be able to learn the lessons of history. They will simply repeat history and will be subject to the economic and political consequences of failing to worship the one true God. Lasting economic blessings can only come when people obey God.

http://StrategiesWork.com

Run With Your Vision

2010-09-28T01:21:00.000-07:00

Run With Your Vision by John Belt
Run With Your Vision and Invest Yourself in Eternal Treasures

Our lives are filled with opportunities every day to sow into eternal reward. All of us want to enter into that day with joy to hear Jesus say, "Well done, good and faithful servant!" When we get to Heaven we want to see the eternal treasures that we have been storing up. We don't want to see our heavenly vault empty.

The Spirit Inspires

2 Corinthians 3:5-6 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God, who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

The law kills but the Spirit gives life or inspires us. Many people try to accomplish God's desires through keeping the law, creating new laws or just trying to keep a list of "to dos" to please God. This never works. Others are so afraid of missing God that they never do anything at all. Their perception of God is that He will punish them if they miss it on anything. Most people in "church circles" have heard it said, "Brother, you better make sure that is God before you do anything. You don't want to do anything in your flesh."

Maybe you just had an inspired idea or finally got motivated to do something in the Kingdom and then someone decides to give you their most holy opinion. Instead of being blessed by what God is showing you to do there is an attempt to shut it down.

Our Perception of God

Matthew 25:24-26 Then he who had received the one talent came and said, "Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed. And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours." But his lord answered and said to him, "You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed."

Our perception of God will make us or break us. If we don't see God for who He really is then everything that we do or don't do in life will be the result of our view of Him. One view that religion can hold of God is that He is a "hard man." If we believe that God is "hard" on us and others, we will be the same. This view of God brings an expectation of "punishment" if we miss it with God. This is what has happened with many Christians. Because of this, they end up doing nothing at all; they become lazy, self-consumed and cannot see any bigger than themselves. They cannot take on a "Kingdom Mindset" because they are so worried they will blow it, miss it and God will punish them for it. Notice that "the Lord of this servant," who is a picture of God, did not excuse his fear but called him a "wicked and lazy servant." Fear produces laziness because it just makes you want to hide away somewhere. God is good.

Don't Bury What God Has Given You

Matthew 7:11 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in Heaven give good things to those who ask Him!

God has given all of us "talents," whether they be spiritual, natural or all of the above. God has given us the gift of life. Don't waste it! Don't bury it. Seek the Lord. Get a vision from God and step out to do something with it. Don't be like the wicked and lazy servant who can't see beyond himself – and how God is going to punish him for missing it. We must get a vision for things that are bigger than ourselves and require God to accomplish them. If you can do it yourself you don't need the Lord to help. We want Him involved. That is why we should always dream big beyond our natural abilities.

Sow to the Spirit

There are no limitations to us in God's Kingdom. He has put an unlimited potential within us by His Spirit. Don't think about what you can't do. Think about what you can do through Christ. Every day there are multiplied opportunities to "sow to the Spirit." In your actions, your words, your creativity, your worship, your meditation, your prayers, your decrees, your communion, you can sow to the Spirit and experience a place in God of absolutely no limitations. They key is in continually sowing to the Spirit and reaping the life of the Spirit.

Get your vision and run!

John Belt
Live In His Presence Ministries

The Unbiblical Myth of “Full Time Ministry”

2010-07-05T01:17:00.000-07:00

The Unbiblical Myth of “Full Time Ministry” by Scott Volk

I want to put a challenge before you – are you ready? Okay, here we go! Pull out your Strong’s Concordance and look up the term ‘full time ministry’. I’m willing to award a prize to the one who finds the most references. As a matter of fact, I’ll gladly give an expensive gift to anyone who can produce one instance where that exact terminology is used anywhere in the original languages!

Let me save you some time. There is not one person in the entire Bible that is referred to as being in full time ministry! Isn’t it amazing how frequently we hear the phrase ‘full-time ministry’ and it’s not even found once in the Word of God? Perhaps we need to ask the Lord for a more Biblical paradigm.

Imagine the following scenario: There are two 30-year-old men standing in front of you. One of them is serving in a third world country and has diligently raised support so that he and his family could serve as missionaries for the next five years. The other man is a fireman in a city that is growing. This man is committed to being a Godly husband to his wife and father to his children. The amount of money that he makes is irrelevant to him as long as he keeps the Lord first in his life and is a witness for Jesus every moment of the day.

With the above scenario in mind, it’s unfortunate, according to the way many of us look at things, that the man in the third world country is considered in ‘full-time ministry’ whereas the fireman would be considered working a ‘secular job’ (by the way, the term ‘secular job’ isn’t found in the Bible either!).

Although this may sound a little confrontational and may ruffle some feathers, I believe that the term ‘full time ministry’ needs to be entirely eradicated from our vocabulary due to the unbiblical connotation that it portrays! Because it’s Jesus that has commissioned us, we are all called to be His witnesses whether we serve as a pastor or a plumber. The Lord doesn’t look down from heaven and recognize us by whether we’re in full-time ministry or not! We’re all His children and called to serve Him!

I’m continually grieved when I run into people who have given into the whisper of the enemy, who has convinced them that they’re not living up to their potential because they are settling for working a job that this age considers secular. There is a whole group of people who are reading this right now who feel like failures because they graduated from a Bible college or a school of ministry and are not employed by a ‘church’ or ‘ministry’.

Think of Moses for a moment…was he ever employed by a church or ministry? He lived within the confines of Godless Pharaoh’s house for the first 40 years of his life and then worked his tail off as a shepherd on the back side of the desert for the next 40 years. He was never written up in a magazine for his potential as one of the up-and-coming history makers of his generation. How sad it is that if he were alive today, many of our modern-day leaders would pay no attention to him because he wasn’t ‘in the ministry’. As a matter of fact, depending on where he went to church, he might even be rebuked for wasting the best years of his life!

Just this morning I was on the phone with a graduate who really felt that the Lord would one day have his family serving as missionaries in a foreign country. So, he quit his job (which, by the way, was a great source of income for his growing family) and prepared to make the next step toward the mission field. I listened intently as he shared with me that it seemed like the Lord was calling him back to his previous job because the time was not yet right to move overseas.

At this point, some of you might say, “Well, he just needs to step out in faith and do it because God’s word says, ‘Go!’” Although there is great truth in that statement, there is yet an underlying truth that requires us to not abort the preparation process so that when we do go, we are not going with our own power, but rather in the power of the One who has commissioned us.

It’s amazing to me that Jesus Himself, the Son of God, didn’t launch into His ultimate calling until He was thirty years of age! Looking at that from a worldly kind of wisdom, you might say that some of those youthful years could have been better spent seeing the dead raised and the blind eyes opened. After all, He would have gotten a tremendous head start on a ‘successful ministry’ if He began earlier.

Amazingly, when the Lord trumpeted from heaven that “This is My beloved Son in whom I am well pleased”, Jesus had not yet done anything that modern-day Christianity would refer to as ‘ministry’. God was pleased with His Son simply because He was a Son. That, my friends, is a truth that we must all embrace!

The value of our lives to our Creator is not based on what we do but rather on who we are! I want to encourage all of you that Father God loves you not for what you can produce for Him but simply because you are His son and daughter. Our ultimate eternal destiny on this earth is to glorify the Lord by being a demonstration of the Kingdom of God. That must take place as we preach, as we wait on tables, as we drive a taxi cab, as we teach kindergarten, as we practice law, as we counsel, as we mow lawns, as we break bread together, as we fish, as we fight fires, as we sell real estate, as we flip hamburgers, as we raise our children, as we…

I think you’re getting the picture. Be a demonstration of the Kingdom of God wherever it is that He has you serving. And, if you have yet to see His promises for your life fulfilled, keep hanging on to those things which He has spoken, remembering that “faithful is He who calls you, He will also bring it to pass”!

5 Things I've Learned in Business and Ministry

2010-06-25T03:40:00.000-07:00

5 Things I've Learned in Business and Ministry
Guest post by Chris
James Reiner

10 years, I have been working in the challenging world of business as mission at Belay Enterprises. Someone recently asked me what would make up my list of five important lessons for a faith venture. As a reminder, I define a faith venture as a for-profit or non-profit business that creates employment and opportunity for a disadvantaged population. In no particular order, here's my list:

1. Let the business lead the ministry- A faith venture has two bottom lines. It seeks business profits in order to support itself and grow. It also hopes to change lives by accomplishing its ministry. The great danger is that sometimes these two goals conflict with each other. In certain cases pursuing the mission will cost the mission and vice versa. I believe that if one is pursuing a Christ-centered business then all of business is ministry. So it then becomes acceptable to let the business lead the ministry because without a focus on the bottom-line this unique ministry opportunity disappears.

2. Stay true to your mission in the midst of the business- The second great danger facing a faith venture is losing sight of the ministry because of the focus on the business. Never forget the original God-purposed redemptive DNA of your particular faith venture.

3. Sell, sell, sell- An entrepreneurial organization must be about selling its product and mission at all levels of its organization to its target market. An organization that forgets to sell is an organization that is forgotten.

4. Cash Flow, Cash Flow, Cash Flow- Many a good faith venture or enterprise has died for lack of focus on cash. Knowing your cash position at any given moment drives your strategy and actions.

5. Trust God- In reality, when you combine business and mission, it is going to get messy. One must work hard toward your business plan and mission goals and then prayerfully trust God with the results.

Owners or Stewards

2010-06-06T17:50:00.000-07:00

Owners or Stewards by Bob Mumford

But those farmhands saw their chance. They rubbed their hands together in greed and said,
“This is the heir! Let’s kill him and have it all for ourselves.”[1]

There is a critical difference between a steward and an owner. Mark 12 tells a story about some vine growers who refused to give the fruit of cultivation to the landowner. They beat and killed every person the landowner sent, even his beloved son. These vine-growers were not the owners; they were only stewards, yet they acted as if they owned the vineyard.

When we are an owner, we think that just because we have first dibs on something, it is essentially ours. I go to the gym three days a week in the early morning and use a certain cardio machine—the second one on the first row. That is my machine. Just as I was getting into my ownership routine, a woman started getting there a few minutes ahead of me. Every morning, she was on my machine. The Lord put me through many changes over that until I began to see the subtle and demanding nature of ownership.

In church, ownership takes many forms including sitting in the third pew on the left. All the regular churchgoers know that that is your seat so they choose to sit elsewhere. We know we are an owner when we get all bent out of shape if a visitor takes our assigned seat. I knew a man who was one of the most powerful worship leaders, but he owned it. One day, the Lord just lifted the anointing from him not because of overt sin, but because he began to be an owner. We are called to be stewards, not owners. It is not our church, or our people; it is His church and His people. It is not our parking place or our particular privilege.

Ownership can be seen in offices and titles, i.e. apostle, prophet, pastor, teacher. When someone goes by Apostle Smith or Prophet Jones, there is a good chance they feel some ownership of the position. Someone once introduced me as Dr. Mumford and when I got up to speak I said, “I’m not a doctor, I’m not even a nurse.” I was seeking to avoid illegal ownership. The minute we start owning anything or anyone, we have abandoned our call to be stewards.

Several years ago, we sent our son, Eric, into another country to build a family home for orphans. Once established, Eric appointed a steward to help oversee the work there. This steward slowly began to take ownership of the home. Once he felt he was the owner, he began to assassinate Eric’s character by giving false reports to the media and social workers and eventually took Eric to court for custody of the children in the home. The social workers believed the media stories and soon Eric was forced to abandon the work he started there. Essentially, this steward beat up our son and kicked him and his family out of the vineyard.[2]

We don’t own our reputation, our occupation, or our children. As Kingdom men and women, we are placed in these positions as stewards of Father’s House. The moment we start seeking to own something, whether it’s anointing, title, ministry, or our kids, the life is squeezed out and God’s Agape begins to dissipate. How do we know whether we are an owner or a steward? Just let God touch whatever we think we are stewarding. If the Lord gives it, He can take it.

Thoughts & Questions

* Describe the difference between an owner and a steward.
* In what ways have you experienced being an owner?
* What has God called you to steward? Can your stewardship be improved in any way?

[1] Mark 12:7 MSG
[2] For more information, I recommend Eric's Plumbline entitled “Sonship Keeps Lifting Me.”

CATERING KENARI IMMANUEL

2010-04-25T18:02:00.000-07:00

CATERING KENARI IMMANUEL

Bekerjasama di dalam pelayanan maupun usaha untuk mendanai pelayanan yang ada maka kami bersinergi dengan Catering Kenari Immanuel memberikan sebuah proposal layananan bagi merek ayng membutuhkan jasa catering baik untuk acara gereja, persekutuan doa, retraet, pernikahan dan acara-acara lainnya. God bless you.

Jl. Kenari No. 3 Bandung 40117
Tlp / Fax : 022 – 4211837
Hp : 08122109138 – 76420837 – 70533647 - 70228809
MENU PAKET A
Harga Rp 55.000 /Orang / Hari
Sudah termasuk Kerupuk & Sambal
MENU MAKAN PAGI
1.Nasi goreng,telor dadar, Timun iris
2.Nasi kuning, Tempe Cabe Ijo + Soun, telor iris.
3.Bubur ayam, Cakue+ayam +kacang dicampur
4.Nasi uduk, Labu gulai, telor iris
5.Bihun Goreng, Ayam + Telor Dicampur

MENU MAKAN SIANG / MALAM
Sudah termasuk Nasi putih, kerupuk udang, sambal, acar, dan buah kombinasi

1.Nasi timbel, Ayam bakar/Jogja, tahu goreng, tempe bacem, lalab, sambel
2.Ayam goreng serundeng/Gepuk, sayur asem, tempe bacem
3.Semur daging sapi, sup sayur, perkedel jagung
4.Ayam kecap mentega, cah cosin tahu, sambel goreng kentang
5.Sosis asem manis, kentang manis, cah buncis telor
6.Rendang sapi, soun cabe hijau, cah tahu tauco
7.Fuyung hai, capcai kuah, mie goreng
8.Ikan tongkol masak sardines, daun singkong, tahu kerecek
9.Bola-bola daging sapi, sup macaroni, tahu goring isi
10.Ayam bumbu rendang, cah kangkung, bakwan.
11.Soto Bandung, Pindang Telor, Perkedel Jagung
12.Gudeg, Sambal grg Krecek, Opor Ayam
13.Lodeh, Telor Asin, Pepes Peda, Tempe Tahu Bacem

SNACK PAGI / SORE
1.Kue mangkok, martabak,teh/kopi
2.Pisang aroma, ambeikuk, teh/kopi
3.Gemlong, pastel, teh/kopi
4.Bika ambon, risoles, teh/kopi
5.Putu ayu, talam asin, teh/kopi
6.Kolek pisang, teh
7.Bubur kacang ijo, the

MENU PAKET B
Harga Rp 65.000 /Orang / Hari
Sudah termasuk Kerupuk & Sambal
MENU MAKAN PAGI
1.Nasi goreng, telor mata sapi,Timun iris
2.Nasi uduk, abon, telor iris, Labu Gulai
3.Nasi kuning, Abon, Telor iris, Tempe Soun Cabe ijo
4.Bubur ayam special, Cakue, Ayam
5.Soto ayam, Telor Pindang, Nasi Putih
6.Bihun goreng special

MENU MAKAN SIANG / MALAM
Sudah termasuk Nasi putih, kerupuk udang, sambal, acar, dan buah kombinasi
1.Nasi timbel, ayam bakar/gepuk, tahu goreng, tempe bacem, sayur asem, ikan asin, lalab, sambel
2.Beef Teriyaki / Sapi lada hitam, cah brokoli tahu jepang, mie goreng special, perkedel kentang
3.Ikan asem manis, Capcai, Babi kecap
4.Sate ayam manis / Sate Babi, cah kangkung, mendoan, kentang manis daging sapi Cingcang
5.Sop baso Campur (Sapi,Mambo), soun special, udang goreng tepung
6.Beef yakiniku, Sup Bola-bola Tahu, Mie goreng special
7.Ayam kecap mentega, ikan bumbu bali, acar kuning
8.Bakut, perkedel jagung, sate babi
9.Babi hong/panggang babi, sop kimlo, Telor pindang
10.Soto Bandung, Pindang Telor, Perkedel Jagung
11.Gudeg, Sambal grg Krecek, Opor Ayam,Tempe Mendoan
12.Lodeh, Telor Asin, Ayam Goreng Kenari, Tempe Tahu Bacem
SNACK PAGI / SORE
1.Onde, pastel, softdrink
2.1 jenis roti isi, kopi/teh
3.Donat,kopi/teh
4.Bolu gulung strawberry, teh/kopi
5.Bolu keju, teh/kopi
6.Risoles, talam manis,teh/kopi
7.Putu ayu, sandwich, teh/kopi
8.Kolek campur(pisang, biji salak)
9.Bubur campur (kacang hijau+ketan)
CATERING KENARI IMMANUEL
Jl. Kenari No. 3 Bandung 40117
Tlp / Fax : 022 – 4211837
Hp : 08122109138 – 76420837 – 70533647 - 70228809

MENU PAKET C
Harga Rp 75.000 / Orang / Hari

MENU MAKAN PAGI
1.Nasi goreng special, telor ceplok, kerupuk, sambal, timun & Tomat iris
2.Nasi uduk / kuning special, telor iris, ayam goreng, kentang kering, kerupuk, sambal
3.Bubur ayam special (ayam, ati ampela, cakue telor pindang ) kerupuk, sambal
4.Nasi Bakmoy
5.Nasi tim special (ayam, jamur, hioko, telor ) kerupuk, sambel

MENU MAKAN SIANG / MALAM
Sudah termasuk Nasi putih, kerupuk udang, sambal, acar, dan buah kombinasi

Chinesse Food :
1.Babi hong, fu yong hai, ca brokoli tahu jepang ayam jamur
2.Bakut sayur asin, ayam ca ala Taiwan, udang nugget
3.Sup baso ikan isi babi, kekian, kalian
4.Nasi campur/Hainam ( babi panggang, sate, baso goreng)
5.Sup kaki babi tahu, kakap asem manis, sapo tofu jepang
Indonesian Food :
1.Nasi timbel, ayam bakar, gepuk/babat, asyur asem, asin, tahu, tempe, lalab
2.Semur bola-bola dengan daging sapi, chicken nugget, ca babi pakcoy ayam jamur
3.Sup ayam kembang tahu, kakap asam manis, capcay special
4.Sup baso campur, mie goreng special, udang nugget
5.Kornet lidah, ayam ca jamur mede, beef teriyaki
6.Ayam nanking, kalian dengan sapi, angsio tahu jepang
7.Daging/sengkel rendang, ayam opor, gudeg krecek, telor pindang
8.Sup kimlo, rolade, fu yung hai, perkedel jagung
9.Sambel goreng daging, kentang kacang kering, gado-gado matang, telur bumbu rujak
10.Sup gulden musroom ayam, kakap asem manis, soun goreng spesial

MENU SNACK PAGI DAN SORE
1.Kue mangkok, martabak telor, teh, kopi
2.Pisang aroma keju, bubur lolos, teh, kopi
3.Bolu gulung lapis strawberry/nanas, teh, kopi/ovaltine
4.Kolek pisang/biji salak/kolang-kaling, teh
5.Onde paste, softdrink
6.Satu macam bubur(ketan hitam atau kacang hijau)
7.Bika ambon, risoles, sofdrink
8.Putu ayu, sandwich, teh, kopi
9.Bolu gulung, teh, kopi
10.Susu mkroni bakar, teh, kopi
11.Bolu keju, talam, teh, kopi
12.Siomay/bapau, teh, kopi

NB: 1 Hari : makan pagi, snack pagi, makan siang, snack siang, dan makan malam
PERINCIAN DAFTAR HARGA

PAKET
A
PAKET
B
PAKET
C
SNACK
SS
6,000
SS
6,500
SS
7,000
JAGUNG BAKAR
3,500
LONTONG
1,500
MM
16,500
MM
20,000
MM
24,000
BANDREK
4,000
SUSU MURNI
4,000
MP
10,000
MP
12,000
MP
13,000
BAJIGUR
4,000
KOPI
1,500
SP
6,000
SP
6,500
SP
7,000
PISANG GOR
1,500
TEH MANIS
1,000
MS
16,500
MS
20,000
MS
24,000
GEHU, BALA2
1,500
KACANG REBUS
1,500
JUMLAH
55,000

65,000

75,000
ROTI BAKAR
3,500
UBI REBUS
1,500

There is No Grace in the Marketplace

2010-04-04T20:24:00.001-07:00

There is No Grace in the Marketplace
By Dan Meylan www.weaversonline.org
In the late 80’s we had a large insurance client, a plastics extrusion company with over 150 full time employees. Their primary product was cassette cartridges. This company was one of the primary employers in a community with a population of 4,000. Today that 120,000 sq ft building is vacant and those jobs are gone. Manufacturing cassette cartridges is no longer a viable business. There is no grace in the marketplace.

We were one of the investors a new trucking business established in response to a marketplace opportunity. One of the first drivers hired was a close Christian friend with 3 small children who was unemployed. During the first 30 days he failed to make his appointed deliveries on 6 separate occasions. The customers were unhappy and sought alternative trucking services. We were forced to terminate our friend and find another driver who was reliable. There is no grace in the marketplace.

Grace is not a substitute for competence. Grace is not a substitute for hard work. Grace is not a substitute for knowledge and learning. Grace is not a valid marketplace strategy. Grace is not a business tool. Grace is not a sustainable business strategy. There is no grace in the marketplace.

The definition of “grace” is “unmerited favor”. We are saved by grace. As Christians we are saved by the unmerited favor of Christ’s blood on the cross. Unfortunately we live in a fallen world. God’s concept and execution of “grace” may be transferable to our individual human interactions but it certainly cannot be sustained as a marketplace strategy. There is no grace in gravity. There is no grace in the principles that allow an airplane to fly, the aerodynamics that keep and aircraft airborne are very exacting. The principle of grace in interpersonal relationships only works when it is freely given. It is a cancer when it becomes an expectation.

Unfortunately many Christian business owners operate on the premise that they will be given “grace” for their lack of skill or competence. Make no mistake there is no grace in the marketplace. You must be able to deliver your products and services to a standard of competence at least equal to that of your competitors or you will quickly cease to exist. The marketplace rewards high levels of competence and punishes incompetence ruthlessly. This is not a law or a regulation that you can amend or appeal. This is a reality as predictable as the sunrise. The marketplace sets its own rules but it does place a high value on what God values.

In life we grow from ignorance to competence and ultimately to excellence if we dedicate ourselves to disciplined, focused attention to our God given gifts, talents and abilities. Think about the last time you traveled on a commercial airline. You probably took it for granted that the pilot was competent. At some point in his or her life he or she did not know how to fly, he or she was completely ignorant. Then over a period of time through rigorous training and practice they reached a level of competence that allowed them to take on the responsibility as a pilot in command of a commercial airliner. Additionally we know and understand that their competence is continually evaluated and assessed by a regulatory agency which has the authority to revoke their pilot privilege if their competence deteriorates. Of all the pilots in the world the top 5% might be considered “excellent” but we as the passengers have no way to know or understand or evaluate the criteria that might make them “excellent”. We assume they are all competent. Would you be interested in boarding a commercial airline whose pilots were given “grace” for their marginal competence?

Dan Meylan is the President and Founder of Weavers a ministry that teaches and trains business owners to operate their business according to biblical principles.

God is Able; Are you Willing?

2010-04-04T20:10:00.000-07:00

God is Able; Are you Willing?
By James Ryle www.truthworks.org

“Teacher, make my brother divide the inheritance with me!” (Luke 12:13)

It has to be one of the most bizarre interruptions in all of the Bible. Jesus, the sinless Son of God is preaching a power-packed sermon to several thousand stalwart souls, and He is hammering away at the wickedness of the self-righteous Pharisees who are standing nearby waiting to ensnare Him in His words.

Those listening had to be held in the grip of great tension, for they all knew that at any moment the Pharisees could erupt in anger and haul Jesus off to be punished – or even stoned to death.

And then it happened. Some brainless guy in the crowd, sitting near the front interrupted Jesus with this – “Teacher, make my brother divide the inheritance with me!”

What!? Obviously the man had not heard a word Jesus had said, and here’s why. He was a man with money on his mind! I can’t help but wonder if that is true of many of us today? Perhaps we would benefit by what the Lord said to this hapless soul.

Jesus asked him, “Who made Me a judge or arbitrator over you?”(vs.14). In other words, Jesus was asking the man if he was truly willing to accept the Lord’s unbiased judgement in his financial affairs, and to implement His decisions without dispute. I wonder – would you be willing to let the Lord decide your financial affairs?

Jesus told the man, and also the listening crowd, “A man’s life does not consist of the abundance of the things he possesses”(vs.15). Then, to illustrate His point, Jesus tells the story about a man who built himself bigger and bigger barns to hold all the bounty of his labors – only to be confronted one night by God saying, “Fool! This night shall your soul be required of thee! Now, to whom shall all these things belong?” And just like that, the man died.

Jesus said, “This is what it will be like for those who lay up treasure for themselves, but are not rich toward God.” (vs.21).

God is able to make all grace abound to you SO THAT in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound to every good work.” Yes, God is able; but the real question is, “Are you willing?”

Are you willing to stop the stock-piling of your ever increasing wealth, so that others can be blessed by your generosity as you openly share what God has graciously provided into your hands? Will you let the Lord show you how to become a giver? Are you willing to “abound to every good work?”

That is what the Judge and Arbitrator of your life’s estate is directing you to do. “You already abound in so many things,” He says, “See that you abound in this grace of giving also”(2 Co.8:7).

The only questions now to be answered are, “Will you live as a generous man? Or, will you die as a rich fool?”

The Power of God Given Ideas

2010-03-28T18:58:00.001-07:00

The Power of God Given Ideas
By Bob Gass www.thevine.co.nz

All peoples on earth will be blessed through you Genesis 28:14 NIV

Good ideas come from God, so ask Him for one. The world's been blessed by those who did. Consider anaesthesia: how would you like to be operated on without it? That's the way they did it until a Scottish doctor named James Young Simpson introduced something he called "artificial sleep." As a student at Edinburgh University he was attracted to surgery because he was troubled by the pain and mortality rate experienced during operations. As a result of reading Genesis 2:21, "And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam," Simpson thought chloroform might be the answer. He first experimented on himself. Finally, in 1847, the first three operations with chloroform took place. One of the patients, a young soldier, enjoyed it so much that he seized the sponge and inhaled again. "It was just too good to be stopped," he said.

At first Simpson encountered opposition. Some thought it was a sin to interfere with nature. "Hand me the Bible," said Dr. Simpson. "This is how God operated on Adam." Simpson made speeches, wrote letters and pamphlets and tried to convince those who opposed him that this was the way forward. In a setback, when three deaths attributed to chloroform were reported from other hospitals, Simpson was able to show them that they were not applying the anaesthesia correctly. The tide turned when Queen Victoria gave birth to her eighth child under chloroform and declared that she was "greatly pleased with its effect." Today ask God to give you an idea that blesses others. Then act on it!

One God-given idea can change so much. Braille sure did! In 1824, Louis Braille, a Christian, invented a system of raised dots on paper so that blind people could read. He invented 63 symbols representing every language, hence God's Word was placed into the hands of the visually impaired for the first time. And communications? In part, you owe your mobile phone and your computer to a Christian named Samuel Morse. How different the world was before him! First-class news took two weeks to reach the USA. And reports of a major victory could take six weeks to reach Britain.

One day a friend said, 'Morse, when you were experimenting did you ever come to an absolute deadlock, not knowing what to do?' Morse replied, 'More than once.' His friend asked, 'What did you do then?' Morse shared a secret, 'I got down on my knees and prayed for light, and light came, and when my inventions were acknowledged by flattering honours from America and Europe, I said, "Not unto me, O Lord, not unto me, but unto Thy name give the glory."' That's why the first message sent by transatlantic cable read, 'What God has wrought.' Now add another Christian named Louis Pasteur, the French scientist who showed us that infection is the result of things we cannot see, namely germs and viruses. He introduced sterilisation methods that eventually saved the lives of multitudes. Think God has run out of good ideas? Not a chance! Ask Him for one for your life, your ministry or your business!

In 'What the World Owes to Christians', Dr Victor Pearce, an Oxford scholar, shares the story of the typewriter. 'The typewriter was a forerunner to the modern word processor. But how did a Christian come to invent it? To write sermons. I'm serious! Christopher Sholes was concerned about his pastor who'd been busy all week visiting victims of an epidemic, comforting the bereaved and conducting funerals. Consequently he had no time to write his Sunday sermons. One day Sholes, discussing with a friend what could be done, said, "It seems a pity there ain't some quick method of writing for busy folks like parsons." His friend replied, "Why not invent a machine?" Sholes responded, "I'll try." That rainy afternoon was the beginning of months of hard work. Finally a group assembled one day to see him tap out on paper, in capital letters, C LATHAM SHOLES, NOV 1867.

Six years later the Remingtons recognised the typewriter as something that could revolutionise business. In those days clerks were mostly men, but the Young Women's Christian Association started offering courses in typing for women. Initially it created a scandal, but as the first typists to be trained were women, employers rushed to hire them. Hence the typewriter and the YWCA determined that a woman's place was not only at home, but could also be in the office.' Is it okay for me to pray for God to bless my business? Yes! God wants to bless your business so that you can help carry out His, which is the business of reaching the world with the Gospel.

The Five Signs of Worshipping Mammon

2010-03-28T18:35:00.000-07:00

The Five Signs of Worshipping Mammon
By James Ryle www.truthworks.org

“No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.” (Luke 16:13)

One thing is certain – we show our love by our worship. Whoever or whatever we worship – we love. If we love God, we will worship and serve Him. If we love money; we will worship and serve Money. Jesus said that we cannot do both.

David wrote, “One thing I have desired of the LORD, That will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD All the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the LORD, And to inquire in His temple.” (Psalm 27:4).

What is your Life’s “ONE THING?” Some bow in God’s Presence; others bow at the Altar of Mammon. Where might we find you worshipping today?

Here are the Five Signs of Worshipping Mammon:

#1 – Anxiety over Unmet Needs
Money promises much, but delivers little. The digger is forever digging, only to get deeper and deeper in the hole! Consequently, when we worship Mammon there is increasing anxiety over our mounting unmet needs. But, by contrast, when we bow in the Lord’s presence we rise knowing that the Lord is our Shepherd; we know that we shall not want, for He loves and cares for us, supplying all our needs according to His riches in glory.
Mammon cannot produce this peace in our soul; and the absence of this peace is a telling sign that we are bowing in the presence of Mammon. Worshipping the Lord gives us peace; worshipping Mammon gives us anxiety. Who are you worshipping today?

#2 -Fear about the Future
“GOLD!” Have you noticed how many advertisements there are these days on why you need to buy gold? You need it for your security, they say. “The future is uncertain, the economy is unstable – get yourself some GOLD!” Bowing at the Altar of Mammon fills our hearts with fear about the future, because Mammon cannot control the future, cannot guarantee our security, cannot offer us that which will never fail. Only the Lord can do that, for He holds the future in His hands. And He extends His hands to you. Let me ask – “Are you in good hands?”

Fear about the future will cause you to live a diminished life in the present; it will make you tight and selfish. And this, in turn, will cause you to lose even that which you think you have. “I have seen a great evil under the sun,” Solomon wrote, “wealth hoarded to the harm of its owner.” Fear about the future will ruin your present world.

#3 – Unbelief in God’s Love and Faithfulness

They say that Money Talks. That’s true; it says, “Bye-bye!” It also says a bunch of other things, especially against the Lord. Mammon will tell you that the Lord’s ways are foolish, and that those who follow them are fools. Mammon will mock you for tithing; or it will soothe your conscience with clever arguments convincing you that as a Christian you really do need to tithe anyway, ’cause you’re not under the Law — but grace.

Mammon will cause your heart to envy those who are rich, and to begin to fudge here and there, to lie a little over there, and cheat a little over here — all so that you can gain more and more money. Mammon will increase unbelief in your heart which will cause ruin in your finances.

Mammon will try and convince you that God does not love you, and is not faithful to you. And it will use your own lack of resources as the proof of its lies.

One thing is certain – we show our love by our worship. Whoever or whatever we worship – we love. If we love God, we will worship and serve Him. If we love money; we will worship and serve Money. Jesus said that we cannot do both.

David wrote, “One thing I have desired of the LORD, That will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD All the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the LORD, And to inquire in His temple.” (Psalm 27:4).

What is your Life’s “ONE THING?” Some bow in God’s Presence; others bow at the Altar of Mammon. Where might we find you worshipping today?

Anxiety, fear, and unbelief — these are three of the effects that come to the soul of those who worship at the Altar of Mammon.

#4 – Disobedience to God’s Word
Inasmuch as we seek to be stewards in God’s House, living in His world and having access to His things, then it behooves us to find out what it is He wants us to do with that which is rightfully His. And the only way we can discover His will is by reading His Word.

God wants us to be generous, and to give; Mammon wants us to be selfish, and to hoard. God wants to prosper us; Mammon want to possess us. God will bless us if we obey His Word; Mammon will curse us if it can lure us into disobedience.

A man complained to Will Rogers, “There’s things in the Bible that I just don’t understand; and that bothers me!” Rogers responded, “Maybe so. But there are things in the Bible that I DO understand – and that’s what bothers me!” Few things in the Bible bother us more than when God goes and starts meddling with our money!

And why does He do this? Simple – He touches what matters most to us (i.e., money) to show us how much hold it has on our hearts. And He also wants to teach us to trust Him with that which matters to us. The reason is pointed — if we cannot trust God with that which we treasure; then how can we expect Him to trust us with that which He values?

Listen — If we cannot place the riches of this world into His capable hands; then how we ever expect Him to entrust the true riches of the Kingdom into our grasping, clutching, squeezing selfish hands?
“C’mon, man!”

And (drum roll, please) the fifth and final sign that a person is bowing at the Altar of Mammon is…..

#5 – Cynicism Whenever You Hear or Read Something Like What I Just Wrote!
The Bible tells us after Jesus finished a story about stewardship, that “the Pharisees, who were lovers of money, also heard all these things, and they derided Him.” (Luke 16:14). The word “derided” means they “turned up their noses and scoffed at Him with mockery; they laugh at Him with scorn.”

A cynical sneer always appears on the face of those who worship Money anytime a preacher starts talking about it. It a self-defense mechanism built in by Mammon to keep its servants under its control.

It takes a real man and woman of faith to defy that mocking spirit and step forth in bold freedom to love and obey the Lord. How about becoming a man or woman like that today! You just might be used by God to start a resource revolution!

God is Able

2010-03-21T22:15:00.000-07:00

God is Able
By James Ryle www.truthworks.org

“God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times having all that you need, you will abound in every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:8, NIV).

To overthrow the great hosts of darkness that currently rules the world’s financial institutions, and to over turn the ungodly tide of greed that leaves devastation in its wake — we begin with a single, undeniable and indisputable truth: God is able.

“Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?” God asked of all. And Jeremiah gives our answer, “Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee” (see Jer. 32:17, and 27).

God is able. Never loose sight of this one truth. Especially in the face of growing economic uncertainty. For if you shift your focus from God’s power and faithfulness and begin to stare in fear at the world’s collapsing economies – you will shut your heart and stop the flow of God’s blessings to and through your life to others.

“God is able,” Paul tells us, “to make all grace abound to you.” This is profound. The Lord said to Paul, “My grace is sufficient.” And Paul is telling us that God is able to make that sufficiency abound in our lives. And then he shows us what that means – “in all things at all times having all that you need.”

Seriously? Isn’t that basically what we are all looking to obtain? An old Scottish preacher said, “Peace is the possession of adequate resource.” This is precisely what the Lord is providing us: Grace and Peace.

And the purpose of this abundant provision is that we become vessels of generosity toward others. Paul tells us that God is able to make all grace abound to us “so that you will abound in every good work.”

God wants to bless us in order to make us a blessing to others. If you are not interested in becoming a blessing to others, God is not interested in blessing you. He is looking for those with generous hearts, for only they will hold with open hands the great bounty of His abundant blessings; only they will prove trustworthy in a day of rampant greed, and will turn the flow from selfishness to service of others.

God is able. Are you willing?

Area of Conflict

2010-03-08T02:22:00.000-08:00

Area of Conflict
By Bob Mumford www.lifechangers.org

For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want. (Roman 7:19)

The area of conflict is identified as the dotted circle on the diagram. It is the actual battleground where we engage the Seven Giants, choose to follow Jesus, and keep ourselves in the exact center of Father’s Love. There are opportunities in the battle to go our own way and preserve the right to ourselves in a manner similar to the way Jesus was tempted in the wilderness with bread, power, and possessions. We are tempted to either turn right toward worldly, sensual things; or left, toward religious activity and eros payoffs, seeking to get something from God or prove something to Him.

What Satan met in the Person of our Lord was Christ’s love for the Father. He was unwilling to share or trade His love for anything that was being offered. It was an issue of Agape, not willpower. Jesus’ defense was, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.” He knew that “Love is as strong as death” and that it would hold Him. He embraced God’s yoke and then taught us how to take hold of it ourselves:

Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.

Our love for God is what protects us. It keeps us from making wrong choices in the arena of conflict. When we take His yoke upon us, He will be bearing more than the other half of the weight. He will walk with us through the same temptations because He already conquered them. If we seem to journey up either of the side roads, He will resist us until we choose to come back to abide on the right road home. He is determined and unrelenting to bring us into the freedom of Agape and He will remain faithful even when we are rebellious and resentful.

Preferentially choosing the Father breaks the power and force of temptation. It is at the point of conflict that what and who we love is revealed. Temptation reveals whether we love ourselves and our own way more than God and His Kingdom. To stop cyclical behavior and begin moving in a more linear direction, we must set our affection on God as our Father. Jesus proves that our love for God can effectively protect and deliver us from all temptations, revealing that it is unnecessary for us to project, travel in circles, turn to the right or to the left, or repeatedly be puffed up with pride or exist in a valley of despair. God’s love shields us and allows us to successfully defeat temptation so that we can find rest and abide on the Agape Road. This is what it means to have engaged and defeated the Seven Giants.

QUESTIONS & THOUGHTS
• In what ways have you experienced temptations in the area of conflict? What was the result?
• Explain how Christ’s yoke is the same as loving God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength.
• If you feel God resisting you, consider whether He is trying to keep you on the Agape Road.

Planning Your Breakthrough

2010-03-06T20:39:00.001-08:00

Planning Your Breakthrough

Personal note: God has allowed me to experience a level of breakthrough that is exciting. I’m also seeing other Kings achieve amazing levels of favor in anointing, creativity, finances and opportunity for ministry. Some of those exploits are stunning. Most of us labor faithfully to see our dreams realized over the years without too many headlines. Let this newsletter be an encouragement; doors are opening wide in the Kingdom right now. Financial breakthrough and new ideas are key ingredients.

Initiative - Kings who achieve a breakthrough in their dreams and experience the favor of God have a different mentality than servants. Servants are content to do what they are told and take what they can get. They feel entitled to more and are prone to complain about their lot in life, but they will not take the initiative to change it themselves. Servants are often trapped in passive theology; believing God will sovereignly take care of them. Christians in poverty are prone to expect a miracle that never comes. The same thinking waits for revival that never comes. My favorite revivalist is Charles Finney (1792-1875). When he decided to bring revival to a city, he sent an intercessor a month ahead of time to check into a hotel and pray. When Charles arrived, they started a revival and God was with them. They didn’t wait for anything. They brought the presence of God and revival with them wherever they went.

One who breaks open the way will go up before them; they will break through the gate and go out. Their king will pass through before them, the Lord at their head. Mic 2:13 NIV

Planning for something better – Kings achieve breakthroughs because they plan for them at several different levels. Here’s the progression

Theology – Kings believe that God’s favor is on their lives, and they expect doors to open and good things to happen. Even through failures, they set their hearts on the goodness of God and refuse to be discouraged or to blame others. They will learn from mistakes to redirect the future, but they will never get caught focusing on the past and becoming bitter or resentful. They leverage their setbacks into resurrections. They know God is not the author of failure, but he can work “all things for good.”

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Rom 8:28-29 NIV

Dreams – People who have the favor of God are passionate about their own dream. “Religion” is an attempt to wear passion for the perceived purpose of God (an attempt to eliminate our own will so we can do God’s will.) Real Christianity is the liberty that comes with having God’s plan written in our hearts. The things we desire are amazingly connected with God’s own heart. We’re truly excited about our own dream and role in the Kingdom. Kings are not afraid of their intellect or their will. They search for the will of God in their own heart’s desires. They can hear the Father’s intent to grant the desires of their heart; they understand that is how the Kingdom is built. They know how to celebrate victories.

May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. 5 We will shout for joy when you are victorious and will lift up our banners in the name of our God. May the Lord grant all your requests. Ps 20:4-5 NIV

Kingdom Synergism – Kings see the connection between their role in the marketplace and what God is doing to build the Kingdom. We have personal desires that ride the wave of God’s larger kingdom purposes. We know God is building His Kingdom and will not fail. We also know some piece of that responsibility to build the Kingdom and bless the nations belongs to us… and we will not fail. We feel the wind of the Holy Spirit at our backs and a cloud of witnesses cheering us on. Pretty exciting!!!

In the time of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, nor will it be left to another people. It will crush all those kingdoms and bring them to an end, but it will itself endure forever. Dan 2:44-45

There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace… Isa 9:7 NASU

There is another aspect of Kingdom synergism; the larger plan is much bigger than just us. The Lord is faithful to show us other Kings working in the same vein and we often overlap assignments. The fellowship around working together on the same marketplace or Kingdom dream is particularly rich… and powerful. Our anointing is multiplied by finding these brothers and sisters.

How should one chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight, except their Rock had sold them, and the Lord had shut them up? Deut 32:30 KJV

Five of you will chase a hundred, and a hundred of you will chase ten thousand, and your enemies will fall by the sword before you. Lev 26:8 NIV

Have a plan - All of this translates to a very simple concept: Kings have a plan for their breakthrough. They dream about how to make it happen and they take the steps to implement that plan. God does do miracles; He gives revelation. But our plans are premised on wisdom and personal initiative. God can intervene and accelerate the plan whenever he desires. But we have a dream and a plan to get there that we hold in our hearts.

To man belong the plans of the heart, but from the Lord comes the reply of the tongue. 2 All a man's ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the Lord. 3 Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. Prov 16:1-3 NIV

In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps. Prov 16:9 NIV

Learn to celebrate - When we achieve a milestone toward that plan, we can’t help but get excited. We can sense the applause of heaven and the Father’s smile as he says, “well done.” The sense of peace and satisfaction that wells up in our hearts brings tears of gratitude and dancing at the same time.

Specifics – “But I don’t have a plan!” So get off your ____ and make one, now! Here’s how.

1. Write down your dreams. I dream in five categories: my relationship with God, Sue, our ministry to Release Kings, our income through trading, and play. I set goals and write them down for each category in the past tense (as though I’ve already achieved them) for 2010. I read those goals out loud daily and update them as necessary. Here’s one example from each category:

a. God - I loved prayer and picking up on prophetic themes from the Holy Spirit

b. Sue - Sue and I went to Israel and Rome in March

c. Releasing Kings - I developed a network of mentors available to help grasshoppers in their area of need

d. Trading - My small group of traders averaged over 10% a week trading currency

e. Play - I helped Jim and Sam gather cattle in the mountains Oct 10-31

2. Write a simple business plan and develop a monthly cash flow for your personal finances and your business finances. See Write Your Business Plan.

3. Be part of a Kingly small group of people you respect… people who can help you and you can help them. Just meet once a month for starters. Share your dreams and pray for one another. Here’s template for the meeting: Start Your Own Group.

4. Hang around people who are already successful and find yourself a mentor who can show you how from his own success in the same field. See Relational Mentoring.

We're Dancing

John and Sue www.Releasing-kings.com

Why Servants Want Kings To Rule Over them

2010-02-27T20:44:00.000-08:00

Why Servants Want Kings To Rule Over them

Stuck in Servant - I’m fascinated by human nature and the transition from servant to friend in our relationship with God. Those with a servant mentality mired in self-centered poverty are very prone to expect someone else to take care of them. It’s easy to see dependency, entitlement, and childish mismanagement at this level of maturity. It’s at this stage we wish for someone to rule over us and make our problems disappear.

"But when you saw that Nahash king of the Ammonites was moving against you, you said to me, 'No, we want a king to rule over us'-even though the Lord your God was your king. 13 Now here is the king you have chosen, the one you asked for; see, the Lord has set a king over you. 1 Sam 12:12-13 NIV

We all go through this stage as children living under parents, and even as new believers being discipled by spiritual overseers or pastors; nothing wrong with that. In fact, mentoring and accountability are great ways to learn. We need that kind of oversight. The problem arises when we never graduate to relating to God for ourselves and taking responsibility for our own lives. Maturity is God’s goal for each of us. Becoming personally creative, industrious, and prosperous is a natural byproduct of our spiritual maturity. The parental, pastoral level of oversight is nurturing, and growing and healthy for a child, but it turns to bondage if we refuse to leave the nest and grow up. A crib is a safe haven of rest for a toddler and a prison cell for an adult.

What I am saying is that as long as the heir is a child, he is no different from a slave, although he owns the whole estate. He is subject to guardians and trustees until the time set by his father. So also, when we were children, we were in slavery under the basic principles of the world. Gal 4:1-3 NIV

As parents of four children, Sue and I enjoyed loving and raising our kids. Now we enjoy seeing them make their own way in life independent from us. We see them growing in their own relationship with God and prospering… it’s really fun to see them work through the discipline issues in their own children.

Our provider – Here’s the real message: At every level God is inviting us to seek Him as our source. This is being played out at the highest levels in politics and at personal levels of spiritual maturity.

Can you see that the real question is not, “How can we provide / pay for health care, welfare, medicare, employment, retirement, and education or everyone?” The better question is, “How do we enable people to provide those things for themselve?”

I believe that, through Jesus, I can be an over comer, become the head and not the tail, and prosper. That belief naturally leads to a “can do” attitude that finds answers and solves problems. Listen to the names of God…

* JEHOVAH-JIREH "The Lord our provider"
* JEHOVAH-NISSI "Our banner, a banner of love and protection"
* JEHOVAH-SHALOM "Our perfect peace"
* JEHOVAH-TSID-KENU "The Lord is our righteousness"
* JEHOVAH-SHAMMAH "The One Who is with us everywhere for He is Omnipresent"
* JEHOVAH-SABAOTH "The Lord of Hosts, our Protector."
* JEHOVAH-RAAH "Our Shepherd Who tenderly leads us, loves us and will keep us safe."
* JEHOVAH RAPHA "I am the Lord Your Physician or I am the Lord Your healer" Exodus 15:26.

A poverty mentality is filled with the same sense of entitlement we all have. In fact, healthy believers have a much greater sense of entitlement; they just look to God to provide through the work of their hands. Poverty looks to man (or a King) to provide things that should come from the hand of God.

Failure is important – All of us have tried to achieve something we really desired and have failed – often miserably. We often blame ourselves or we blame God. Poverty would blame others. What we miss is that failure is really part of a death process that is the key to spiritual growth. Resurrection power is really only available to those who are willing to risk failure and try something new. Listen to the way Jesus explained it:

But Jesus answered them, saying, "The hour has come that the Son of Man should be glorified. Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain." John 12:23-25 NKJV

Our hopes and dreams are like grains of wheat. When they fall to the ground (fail), we feel very “alone.” But if that grain of wheat dies, the seed germinates and it multiplies. Paul said the same thing, “What you sow does not come to life unless it dies.” (1Cor 15:36)

The paradox – What does it mean to let something I cherish die so that it can resurrect and multiply? Working with Jesus is a delicate combination of giving our best effort and relying on His power. If we drift away from the power and presence of God, failure will brings us back. Even when we don’t drift away from the Lord, a failure will cause us to mature in new ways and result in new open doors and greater multiplication and prosperity… if our eyes are on the Lord. If we get our eyes off the real source of our provision and multiplication, a failure will just stay a failure and we’ll learn to accept poverty in that area of our lives.

What if my brother is failing? – You can see the same paradox in Gal 6:2 and 5; “Carry each other’s burdens” and “each one should carry his own load.” Our efforts to help others should be an encouragement and point to solutions but we should not interfere with a healthy death and resurrection. Mentoring real spiritual maturity teaches people to receive from the Lord themselves. When we look to other people, a ruling King, or the government to meet our needs, the sense of entitlement just taxes our own productivity and leaves us as dependent servants instead of reigning Kings.

When a door closes or something fails in life, we all need to realize that God has something much better in mind. We should begin to thank him for killing the old and showing us the new. Real maturity learns to appreciate failures rather than the status quo because that’s the source of new ideas, new direction, new levels of multiplication… resurrection is good thing.

Caution – In one sense we believers should wear bracelets that say “do not resuscitate”. At another level, the first thing we should do is have an outreach to others in place to help us find the new thing. We’re not monks trying to die alone! We’re believers learning how to live “life and life more abundantly.” We should take full responsibility to personally receive our full inheritance from the hand of the Lord. That doesn’t mean that others can’t help us learn to do that. Prosperous people are famous for learning from others, receiving correction from others, and even implementing checks and balances to make mid-course corrections. They receive those corrections without any condemnation or guilt. Graduation to new levels of blessing means the old things pass away (death) and all things are made new (resurrection). It's really very exciting!

He who ignores discipline comes to poverty and shame, but whoever heeds correction is honored. Prov 13:18 NIV

He who listens to a life-giving rebuke will be at home among the wise. He who ignores discipline despises himself, but whoever heeds correction gains understanding. Prov 15:31-32 NIV

Let a righteous man strike me — it is a kindness; let him rebuke me — it is oil on my head. My head will not refuse it. Ps 141:5 NIV

We're Dancing

John and Sue www.Releasing-kings.com

The Faithful God

2010-02-22T01:05:00.001-08:00

The Faithful God
By James Ryle www.truthworks.org

“They did eat of the fruit of the land of Canaan that year.” (Joshua 5:12)

We have each traveled a long and laborious pathway during these past few years as the World and the Church have both undergone unprecedented challenge and change. It seems that everything that can be shaken is being shaken, and ultimately only those things that are unshakable will remain. O to us may grace be given to stand in the unshakable Kingdom.

Sadly, some have not made the journey. Having been turned aside by the lure of lesser things, or backed down by the threat of difficult things, or held captive by the hollow hope of nostalgic things — not all who started out on this trek have made it this far. We look around and they are gone.

“Demas hath forsaken me,” wrote the apostle Paul, “having loved this present world” (2 Tim.4:10). Perhaps we can sadly say the same of some of our former co-laborers.

But not all who are gone from us have fallen. There are those happy souls who have finished their race with joy and been transported to the City, whose builder and maker is God; and we rejoice with them as we hope for heaven ourselves. And our hope is not in vain, nor will our longings be left unrewarded. For we are neither lethargic nor nostalgic; we are full of life and filled with dreams.

Today belongs to those who live by a faith that sees beyond the limitations of human reason and effort; a faith that trusts in the unfailing love of the Faithful God who alone has brought us safe thus far; and who alone will carry us all the way to our Hope of Glory.

Joshua serves as a splendid example of those who survive and prevail by placing their faith in the Faithful God.

Joshua was born a captive in Egypt, and as a young boy watched with wonder as God parted the Red Sea and made a way in the wilderness. He was with Moses as a young man throughout the wilderness wanderings, all the while being groomed by God for his future assignment.

Perhaps even now the Lord is grooming you for some future mission.

It was Joshua who led the spies into the Promised Land and saw for himself what others only dreamed about. He alone, with Caleb, argued the case for Faith when all others caved in to doubt, fear, and unbelief. And it was Joshua, the man of faith, whom God anointed to lead the children of Israel into Canaan to experience the fulfillment of promises made by the Faithful God, and to finish the business at hand of reclaiming the Land from those who had been stolen by the powers of darkness.

These recollections serve as a great encouragement to us today as we face a similar opportunities for making progress in the things of God.

Just as the Lord rescued His people from Egyptian bondage, so He has marked us by His love and redeemed us unto Himself out of the fallen and faulted world system, wherein we were held captive under the heavy hand of task-masters who drove us with whip and stick in the lustful pursuit of power, sex, and money. Our lives were marred by corruption, stained with shame, and marked for death. But God, who is rich in mercy and unfailing in His faithfulness, redeemed us!

And now the Faithful God stands before us, and beckons us to follow Him onward and He takes us inward that we might go upward.

The challenges are not over, nor are the changes complete, but our hearts are lifted with a sense of imminent breakthroughs; things oft dreamed about, and long-awaited, seem to be so very close at hand. The smell of rain is in the air. Come, friend, take heart and renew your trust in the Faithful God. For it will be said of us as it was of our predecessors — “They did eat of the fruit of the land of Canaan that year” (Jos.5:12).

From Egyptian bondage, through desert dryness and testing, to a land that flowed with milk and honey — the Faithful God has ever been there for us, as He was with them.

The Spiritual Roots of Capitalism

2010-02-21T18:37:00.000-08:00

The Spiritual Roots of Capitalism

Opportunity - Christians on the left and right share a desire to help the needy and give everyone an opportunity for education. The political arguments are really about how we can best do that. As you are reading this newsletter the United States will be 13 trillion in debt and we lead the world in corporate tax rates**. Our government is unlikely to provide entitlements at the level we hope for… left or right. Social security, health care, Medicare, welfare, social services, education, etc. simply may not be in the budget. And, if we continue to borrow to meet those noble goals, we may not have a country!

Socialism assumes that all people will, given the opportunity, work equally with wisdom and diligence. In reality, many people will not work, even if they are given the opportunity. We have to admit that some people are lazy and foolish and simply deserve less. That is why socialism has never worked. It is built on the false assumption that people are all equally wise and diligent. Socialism is built on a lie concerning the nature of humanity. In contrast, capitalism is built on the truth of human nature. It recognizes people’s individuality, and it rewards and encourages wisdom, diligence, and a work ethic.

Capitalism, led by industrious and inventive entrepreneurs, is the engine that God used to make America wealthy and generous. Even after wars, we helped rebuild nations we defeated. Our national calling is to champion the cause of Christ and fund the Kingdom around the world. Our destiny is to represent the light and the glory of God on this earth. Like Jesus, we welcome the oppressed and our hearts collectively long to set the captives free (Lu 4:18-19). Can you see the same spirit in the poem by Emma Lazarus engraved on the Statue of Liberty? That’s our spiritual heritage. The only thing broken is that we’re trying to solve the world’s problems with our grandchildren’s money!

"Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

Leaving the poverty mentality - Millions of immigrants came to America and helped make her great. They didn’t come for welfare; they came for the opportunity and the freedom to work hard and create something that belonged to them. How can we maintain or restore that level of welcome and free market opportunity for the poor? It starts at an individual level. Most Christians are taught, and content, to be servants. There is a door opening in the spirit to rise above that level and become Kings. We are no longer called servants!

I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit — fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. 17 This is my command: Love each other. John 15:15-17

God is opening a door for believers to be friends and Kings; to be industrious, creative, entrepreneurial, and yes, wealthy. Money can be leveraged to do ministry! The corollary is also true; if we have just enough to pay the bills and the tithe, we won’t get involved in helping other people. The next level of equipping the saints in this hour adds a new dimension to discipleship – pursuing the desire of our hearts, becoming entrepreneurial, and creating wealth so we can build the Kingdom and bless the nations. “Love each other” is best expressed by being in a position to really help. Guess what? It takes money to “help.”

Reformation - Kings who wield wealth and do ministry in the marketplace will drive the next revival to a level of reformation. It won’t just be meetings in churches. We’re going to see it in the marketplace. Martin Luther gave us the “priesthood of the believer”… we all have access to the presence of God. This reformation is about becoming Kingly and having access to the purpose of God and the wealth to implement that purpose. The Holy Spirit is inviting us to be participants; co laborers to expand the Kingdom into our cities, culture, and to bless the nations. We’re going to touch all seven mountains.***

The “new” has a degree of prosperity and generosity that is showing itself in first fruits. Bill Gates may or may not be a Christian (I don’t know) but he is expressing the heart of God by converting wealth to ministry. So is Warren Buffett. The “new” isn’t just about giving money; it’s about imparting that entrepreneurial spirit behind capitalism that turns needy slaves and servants into Kings that know how to generate wealth. We are breaking the poverty mentality that goes with being servants and slaves. Wake up church! That’s part and parcel to the message of the good news. We’re not just giving away fish; we’re teaching people how to fish and own the fish factory! The Tea Party movement is an expression of a grass roots yearning for the new. They just haven’t been able to articulate a clear path to implement the level of change that God has in mind.

The door is open for you - Will we pay off the 13T national debt? Will we pay off our own credit cards? I believe we can. And we can put a similar amount into people ministry. We just have to admit that political leaders can’t deliver on that same promise. They don’t have, or generate, wealth. All the government can do is redistribute wealth from somewhere else (borrowed from China or taxed from us.) We are going to have to do it by embracing the message of capitalism and admit that individual freedom in the marketplace is God’s ideal; the engine to fund ministry. For this world to change, we are going to have to adopt a Kingly lifestyle: become entrepreneurial and generate wealth. It’s a big challenge. It’s starting among believers already. It’s fun. And the Spirit of God is opening the door for all of us.

** http://www.taxfoundation.org/publications/show/23034.html

*** http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQbGnJd9poc&NR=1

We're Dancing

John and Sue www.Releasing-kings.com

Relational Mentoring

2010-02-18T03:51:00.000-08:00

Relational Mentoring

Wisdom can be measured – Let’s define “mentoring” as the impartation of wisdom to achieve measureable results in life and the marketplace. Having a bunch of facts (information), knowing a subject well (knowledge), and connecting the dots on how and why things work (understanding) is a long way from “wisdom” - doing something that bears ministry fruit and multiplies finances. Wisdom is the real-world application of knowledge and understanding and it can be easily “measured.” …number of people saved, increased wealth, etc. The goal is real results, not just more head knowledge.

The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise. Prov 11:30

The wealth of the wise is their crown… Prov 14:24 NIV

I want to distinguish relational mentoring from teaching, preaching, coaching, consulting and counseling. Let’s define relational mentoring in terms of the seven-step process below.

1. The mentor tells us how (we ask questions and get confused)

2. We watch the mentor do it (and say that looks easy enough and we can’t wait to try)

3. The mentor watches us do it (we screw it up, give up, and try again while the mentor points out areas to improve, and repeats 1 and 2 as often as necessary. Their example and words inspire and encourage us.)

Note: Most of us are in need of mentoring for a reason. We are inclined to sabotage our own success; we also need help overcoming our poverty mindset or spiritual bondage. Teaching us how and getting the revelation is still one big step away from implementation.

In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; 2 Tim 2:25 KJV

4. We do it by ourselves (and check back with the mentor periodically for adjustments; maintain the relationship)

5. We do it by ourselves and prosper (We feel the applause of our mentor; "well done")

6. We become mentors ourselves and start to equip and disciple others to measurable results

7. Return to step one

By contrast, let’s ask ourselves, “What is non-relational mentoring?” Answer – Preaching! It can motivate us to try, but we’re all programmed from years of going to church to lose that motivation about the time we hit the parking lot after the meeting. It’s common to talk about putting a discipleship or training series on a DVD to change lives. Can you see the oxymoron? It takes 7 “relational” steps to make a disciple and accomplish real change… our attempts at mentoring people in the church or the marketplace usually consists of the first step plus a charge for the material or an offering.

Fellowship is working together - We think of fellowship as chatting after a meeting, having friends over, retreats, etc. It’s prone to be shallow and, although it does communicate acceptance, it doesn’t change lives. Biblical fellowship that does change lives is built around sharing a common purpose and working together to produce something. Local churches are in a huge transition right now because our “traditional” purpose has been to grow the church. The church has been a totally introverted institution that exists for its own self-propagation; thus, shallow fellowship. We are beginning to understand that our real purpose on earth is expanding the Kingdom into the other six mountains of our culture. The real purpose of the church is to equip the saints to do ministry (Release Kings.) Our progress is measured by our impact in our culture; not just Sunday morning attendance.

If we incorporate the concept of mentoring into our fellowship, what does it look like? Fellowship in the Greek (Koinonia) means partnership, participation, or benefaction, and the root word (koinonos) means sharer or associate. That sounds more like working together than having tea, doesn’t it? Don’t partnership, participation and association sound like a business relationship? I’m simply suggesting that the kind of fellowship that mentors, comes by working together; maybe even 40 hrs a week doing business together as a practical learning environment. In this kind of fellowship, mentoring occurs in the production of goods and services, and wealth is created (on the job training.) Viola! We have received wisdom – measureable in profits and changed lives!

Availability – “Successful” mentors often grow, get too busy to be available to their followers, and then degenerate back to preachers and teachers and become mediocre because they can’t get beyond step 2. Mentoring that changes lives is personally available and invested in seeing the follower meet or exceed the ability of the mentor. Teachers are easy to find – turn on the TV or walk into any book store. Fathering mentors who walk us through change to measurable fruit are harder to find.

For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers; 1 Cor 4:15 NKJV

Multiplying mentors – How can mentors retain their personal availability through growth to mentor hundreds or thousands? The best ones learn to duplicate themselves so they not only have sons, but the sons have sons too (grandchildren). It’s easy to multiply steps 1 and 2 through books, CD’s, webinars, websites, FAC pages, and newsletters, but everything grinds to a halt at step 3 unless a real, live, communicating person is available to answer questions and discern problem areas. In the absence of that “live mentor,” many students give up on change and stop short of becoming Kings or Christians, or traders, or musicians, or business owners, etc. Didn’t Jesus multiply his personal ministry through the 12, then the 72? He clearly spent most of his ministry focused on those 12. That’s because 12 is about the number we can personally mentor and maintain some semblance of availability.

Meanwhile, when a crowd of many thousands had gathered, so that they were trampling on one another, Jesus began to speak first to his disciples… Luke 12:1 NIV

A relational mentor is a person we can talk to about our failures and successes. And if they don’t hear from us, they will ask how we’re doing and check on our progress… by measuring it! What does that feel like? If feels like being loved by a father; a reflection of being loved by the Father.

Measure the mentor – How do you find a great mentor? Just find someone whose fruit can be measured. Are people getting saved? Are Kings being released? Is wealth being multiplied? Pretty easy, isn’t it?

How do you know when you’ve graduated from step 5? People are getting saved. Kings are being released. Wealth is being multiplied. Pretty easy, isn’t it?

Said another way, “If my disciples haven’t made any disciples, then I haven’t either."

Releasing Kings through step 3 - God is inviting His people to explore their hearts desires, find their mountain, and experience new levels of fruitfulness in ministry, finances, and fun. My dream is to take the intimacy of a great prophetic counselor who touches hearts and combine it with the skill of an equally great business mentor (already prospering in his field). That mentor would connect real world performance (often dollars) with the wisdom that leads to holistic change; everything from heart to performance. The student gets both the heart and the details; natural and spiritual. We put an end to the dualism that has kept Kings out of our cultures. I am just starting to see these "priestly / Kingly" mentors. God is doing something brand new and it's exciting.

We're Dancing

John and Sue www.Releasing-kings.com

Answer the Call

2010-02-07T19:35:00.000-08:00

Answer the Call
By James Ryle www.truthworks.org
“And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfill it.” Colossians 4:17

answer the callHave you ever been in a place where the phone kept ringing and nobody answered it? In moments like that it seems everybody is busy with something else, assuming that somebody else will answer the call. But nobody does.

After awhile it can get to be quite annoying. There is something irritating about an incessant, unanswered call.

Over the years I have noticed a similar thing in the lives of many people – a call that is not being answered. A call from God. Busy with so many other things, and sure that the call is for someone else, many loose themselves in trifling moments and miss the momentous opportunity to answer the call of God on their lives.

One of the greatest fears people face is having lived a meaningless life; a life that didn’t matter; a life that made no difference. It is a dreadful thought that haunts even the most accomplished of individuals.

Indeed, few things could be more unsettling than to get to the end of one’s life, cast a cautious glance back over time and discover what has been suspected all along, “My life didn’t matter!” Each of us long to know that our lives counted; that we accomplished what we were put on this earth to do. We want to maximize every opportunity, seize the day, and live life to its fullest.

Yet, in an odd contradiction, nothing is more common than unrealized potential. Most of us settle for far less than we are capable of being, and of doing. On the one hand we want our lives to count; on the other hand, we seem far too willing to become marginalized into mediocrity. Our only hope is to answer the call of God upon our lives.

Abraham traveling into the unknown, Joseph remaining faithful in Egypt, Moses crossing the Red Sea, Joshua conquering the Promised Land, David slaying a Giant and becoming a King, Isaiah telling his visions, Zechariah telling his dreams, Daniel in the Lion’s den, Nehemiah rebuilding the Walls, Zerubbabel rebuilding the Temple, Simon Peter leaving his fishing nets, Paul preaching the Gospel, John writing the Revelation ~ each one answered the call.

They heard God’s voice and followed Him with trusting hearts. And now it’s your turn.

From Wisdom to a "Longing Fulfilled"

2010-02-07T17:54:00.000-08:00

From Wisdom to a "Longing Fulfilled"

Just do it – I’m in a personal season where the Lord is pruning a few bad ideas out of my head. My church and pastoral heritage left me with some baggage regarding how we release Kings. My bias has been to focus on teaching people how. That shows up in our web site, books, newsletters, conferences, etc. This revelation of marketplace ministry is profound and foundational. I get calls and emails all the time from those touched by it. But there is a growing enthusiasm in my heart for the practical side because of my own experience with mentors. We’ve emphasized “revelation” and underemphasized “wisdom.” And we’ve got a false idea in our heads that wisdom and revelation are approximately the same thing. They are not! Having a bunch of facts (information), knowing a subject well (knowledge), and connecting the dots on how and why things work (understanding) is a long way from “wisdom” - doing something that bears ministry fruit and multiplies finances.

Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God… 1 Cor 1:30 NIV

I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. Eph 1:17 NIV

Wisdom is what you do – We all know opinionated, educated and sermonic people who have little direction or purpose in their lives and no finances. They aren’t doing anything themselves. My “pulpit oriented” background actually helped produce some of these “pew paupers.” What is most scary is that one of those people is me! As a previous pastor learning the Kingly lifestyle, the Lord and other people (mentors) adjust my theology and perspectives often… I feel like a recovering alcoholic! My theology is just beginning to show up in my checkbook and my job / business / ministry.

We’ve all heard, “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” Most of us have no clue what that means. I want to suggest that in means purpose – God has scared us into doing something outside the church in the marketplace. Said positively, it means all those sermons are finally bearing some fruit in action that expresses our real purpose in life (our calling or destiny). For 98% of us, "full-time ministry" isn't on the church staff; it's in one of those other six mountains out in the marketplace.

Biblical wisdom is knowledge and understanding applied in our life via our work and business and ministry in the marketplace. How do I get wisdom?

Ask for it – Solomon asked for wisdom and understanding (1Kgs 3) and James tells us if we lack wisdom, we can ask for it and God will generously supply it (James 1:5). Unfortunately, our emphasis on revelation causes us to hear these verses and think that wisdom comes just like revelation. It doesn’t! Wisdom comes in the context of verse 2-4. Listen to this!

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4 NIV

Wisdom does come from God. It is part of our relationship with Jesus. You might even say Jesus is our wisdom. However, we receive it in the caldron of real life experiences; in perseverance and trial and work and failure and starting over and patience. That doesn’t mean all old people are wise. It does mean people that have learned how to get things done have learned some lessons through life experiences that go far beyond knowledge. When you are cornered and don’t know what to do, wisdom is a belief that an answer exists and knowledge of where to get help – who to ask. When we ask God for wisdom, the answer comes back through a person.

Humility – Wisdom is not haughty or loud. It’s a still, small voice that must be listened for. I want to suggest that the way God imparts wisdom is most often through another person… a mentor. Those folks with experience are quietly available if we look for them and if we are willing to learn from their experience and receive their adjustments. Wisdom doesn’t come in a prayer closet. It’s more likely to show up on the floor of a factory. A teacher can tell us facts, but a wise man can show us how to do something. Huge difference!

…but with humility comes wisdom. Prov 11:2 NIV

The fear of the Lord teaches a man wisdom, and humility comes before honor. Prov 15:33

rebuke a wise man and he will love you. Prov 9:8 NIV

A man who remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed — without remedy. Prov 29:1 NIV

He who ignores discipline comes to poverty and shame, but whoever heeds correction is honored. Prov 13:18 NIV

Let a righteous man strike me — it is a kindness; let him rebuke me — it is oil on my head. My head will not refuse it. Ps 141:5 NIV

The fruit of wisdom is Life – What does wisdom look like? Listen…

For whoever finds me (wisdom) finds life and receives favor from the Lord. Prov 8:35 NIV

The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise. Prov 11:30 NIV

People who know how to get things done have “Life;” a certain vitality that springs from doing what they enjoy, and operating out of their heart’s desires. We might call it entrepreneurial, creative, and industrious. They are not servants, plugged into another man’s vision; they have their own dream. They have the favor of the Lord. Even through difficulties, they prevail and conquer. That life is contagious. They are a Tree of Life to others. Their inspiration sparks the same spirit in those they touch. They don’t just lead people to the Lord so they can sit in pews, these Kings put new disciples in touch with their purpose and destiny and spark their enthusiasm for building the Kingdom in the marketplace.

The second aspect of life and vitality and enthusiasm is health and long life. People who have learned to be productive, enjoy life, feel the satisfaction of accomplishing things and feel the voice of the Father saying, “well done.” It’s a healthy lifestyle that causes us to live longer.

Through me (wisdom) your days will be many, and years will be added to your life. Prov 9:11 NIV

Long life is in her (wisdom) right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Prov 3:16

For they (commandments of the wise) are life to those who find them and health to a man's whole body. Prov 4:22 NIV

The path of life leads upward for the wise to keep him from going down to the grave. Prov 15:24 NIV

The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life. Prov 13:14 NIV

The fruit of wisdom is favor and wealth – People who are wise enough to pursue their purpose and obtain it, attract wealth. Kings create and produce things that bless people so much we gladly pay for them. Kings are rich in every way. Kings have cups that overflow in integrity, character, ministry, products, services, honor, and wealth.

Blessed is the man who finds wisdom... Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Prov 3:13-16 NIV

I love those who love me (wisdom), and those who seek me find me. With me are riches and honor, enduring wealth and prosperity. …bestowing wealth on those who love me (wisdom) and making their treasuries full. Prov 8:17-21 NIV

A longing fulfilled – All of us have longings in our heart that yearn to find expression. I used to equate them with lust and repress them. No longer! God placed desires in my heart that serve as motivation to pursue the Kingdom first and let every blessing follow. We understand how entrepreneurs and artists are fueled by deep desires… that’s us. As Kings, God is inviting us into the desires of our hearts. Wisdom is simply the mentor who has done it before and can hold our hand until we have the diligence to excercise the same skill.

He who gathers money little by little makes it grow. Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life. Prov 13:11-12 NIV

A longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul, but fools detest turning from evil. He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm. Prov 13:19-20 NIV

What the wicked dreads will overtake him; what the righteous desire will be granted. Prov 10:24 NIV

The sluggard craves and gets nothing, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied. Prov 13:4 NIV

I found another one – There are plenty of teachers in marketplace ministry (a good thing), but not that many fathers. We are prone to link the concept of fathering to church apostles. The real fathers for Kings are mentors who can give us the wisdom to go out and get something done. They aren’t found in pulpits. They are already out in the marketplace. They can teach us how to come up with a great idea, write business plans, manage cash flow, multiply finances and convert money into ministry around the world. Wayne Thomas is the most recent interview; a great example of a mentor who has a career-long reservoir of financial and management experience in large and small businesses (CPA and CMA). Wayne and Marlene are the perfect balance of spiritual maturity and business expertise with a heart to release Kings.

I think you’ll also enjoy getting acquainted with Andrew Ferguson and David Tinney. I believe there are hundreds and thousands more mentors like these being raised up by God in this hour… to release Kings. God is building the Kingdom by satisfying the longing in our hearts. It's His longing, too.

I received a recent email expressing a little frustration about the difficulty in finding a mentor. We’re looking for folks with experience in our field who are spiritually mature and who are willing to take the time to help us. It is a unique skill set, but I believe we can find them when we start looking. Our Interviewing Kings page was designed with that in mind. I’m not pretending to have them all listed. But I am alerting us to a current reality. Mentors are available by divine appointment when you are ready to seek them. God will provide one… start looking. "When the King is ready the mentor will appear."

We're Dancing

John and Sue www.Releasing-kings.com

Goals That Overflow

2010-01-26T18:16:00.000-08:00

Goals That Overflow
I Will Give You What You Have Not Asked For

Fish or fisherman – We all have desires and aspirations. Some of us even have goals written down. Why is it that some people seem to have an ability to create wealth and others don’t? There is even a political movement that concludes this scenario is unfair and wealth should be “redistributed.” I want to suggest that it is much more benevolent to teach people how to move from poverty to wealth; giving to the poor is Biblical and appropriate in some circumstances but it reinforces poverty and is never a long-term solution. Continuing to give wealth to the poor without teaching them to multiply money themselves is the modern equivalent to slavery. It keeps people in bondage. This newsletter is simply about one aspect of the Gospel… the good news of how and why you can turn poverty into prosperity.

What if? – It’s OK to have a focus on meeting your personal needs and those of your family. Imagine the bills are all paid and you’re wish list for house, car, hobbies and business are fully funded and your personal needs for the rest of your life are covered. Now imagine more money comes; first an extra $100k comes. What would you do? Think about it? Now imagine an extra $500K comes in… What would you do?… now $1M. What would you do?... now $5M. What would you do? Now $10M… What would you do with money if it no longer had value to you personally?

The good news - At some point all our needs are met and we run out of ideas on how to get rid of the money. That’s where the Kingdom comes in. Here’s the secret (really, it’s the gospel), wealthy people always have a purpose for wealth that is bigger than their personal needs. It’s “poverty” that is focused inward in a selfish way. If we can’t honestly come up with any reason for wealth beyond our personal needs, our hearts will naturally sabotage our attempts to multiply finances. Jesus said it this way:

So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matt 6:31-34

The nature of poverty is that its inward focus is self-defeating. The nature of a prosperous business is simply to find a need in someone else’s life and fill it. Can you see that successful business and ministry are the same thing? It is only our cultural bias that separates them (dualism). Opportunities for spiritual ministry and financial increase are found together when that wall comes down.

Hearts – Why does this work? Your heart was designed by God to bless others; to bless the nations in fact. If that dynamic is missing then your heart is really working against the goals you may set in your mind. It doesn’t mean your personal needs go wanting. It means your cup was designed to continually overflow so that your personal needs are never part of the equation. You live continually in a place where your anointing and your finances are far beyond your own needs… “Immeasurably more”… “a river of delights.”

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Ps 23:5 NIV

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, Eph 3:20 NIV

They feast on the abundance of your house; you give them drink from your river of delights. For with you is the fountain of life; Ps 36:8-9 NIV

Delight the Father – When our hearts do what they were designed to do (bless the nations) the Father gets so delighted that cups start running over. Solomon had his own needs met and simply asked God to give him wisdom to be a good leader. God got so excited; He gave Solomon what he had not asked for in both wealth and honor. I hear that prophetically for Kings right now. “I will give you what you have not asked for.”

I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be. Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for — both riches and honor — so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings. 1 Kings 3:12-13

Solomon was the wealthiest man on earth. Did he feel guilty about it? No… the context was blessing a nation. He led the most blessed nation on earth. God really takes care of those that take care of His business. Wealth and anointing flow toward Kings with those desires in their heart.

Leadership – Leadership is simply the same phenomena. Wealth and anointing and people flow toward Kings that have a vision to bless people, build the Kingdom, and bless the nations. All of us have hearts that are designed to get excited about blessing people. When someone designs a great way to do that, we are all happy to help that person. They become a “leader” because they are greatest in serving or blessing people; finding a need and filling it. That’s why leaders make money too. God delights in them.

Get Started - Write you goals down for 2010 and carry them with you. Put them in the past tense as though they had already been acheived. Read them to yourself out loud serveral times a day. The generousity and Kingdom orientation we've dicussed in this newsletter do open a door in the Spirit for your blessing. But, it's not majic! Your initiative is still required to work, start the business, or make the investment. Your efforts will be blessed.

Recommended Reading – Living On The Third River by Craig Hill describes the principles in this newsletter. Special thanks to Dan Gaub for sharing these concepts in his seminar.

We're Dancing

John and Sue www.Releasing-kings.com

Your True Colors

2010-01-23T23:53:00.000-08:00

Your True Colors
By James Ryle www.truthworks.org

“You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors.” (James 1:3, The Message)

During a pregame talk with the Colorado Buffaloes some years ago I asked the question, “What do you get when you squeeze a lemon?” Of course the standard answer fired back from coaches and players alike, “Lemon juice!”

But what nobody knew that morning was that I had filled the lemon with ketchup. When I squeezed it tight and the red liquid oozed over my hand, they were all taken back.

“You’re wrong,” I then said. “The actual answer is that you get whatever is inside it.”

At that point I had them right where I wanted them, and then asked, “So, what’s inside you? What are we going to see when pressure puts the squeeze on you?” The answer is the same to the lemon question; we will see whatever is in you.

The great C. S. Lewis said, “A sudden provocation does not make me an ill-tempered man. It shows what an ill-tempered man I am.” James tells us in his letter that “under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors.” Maybe this is why the Lord provides so many wonderful opportunities for us to be squeezed.

The origin of the phrase “true colors” comes from naval parlance back in the days when pirates sailed the high seas. Vessels would always fly on their topmast the flag of their country of origin. But pirates were notorious for hoisting the flags of different nations so as to gain an advantage against unsuspecting vessels. However, under no circumstance would any honorable Captain ever fly false colors. Thus, the phrase “true colors” indicates authenticity in both motive and manner.

The Lord wants to make us truly authentic men and women, but to get us there He has to squeeze out the other stuff – and He will do so with unrelenting pressure until there is nothing left to ooze.

So, you been feeling squeezed lately?

Giant Number Two - "Feel Good"

2010-01-23T23:32:00.001-08:00

Giant Number Two - "Feel Good"
By Bob Mumford www.lifechangers.org

You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures. James 4:3

The Feel Good Giant seeks to control our emotions, mind, and heart. This Giant has kept more people from freedom than anyone can imagine. Feel Good involves avoiding pain or discomfort at any cost, is fully committed to personal pleasure or gain, and is given to the senses or is sensual. This Giant is the epitome of what Scripture identifies as sensuality, causing us to seek gratification of the senses in such a manner that it controls us, effectively becoming our governing force. Feel Good operates on the pure pleasure principle. It is the source or first cause of all compulsive and addictive behavior. Our whole society is quickly moving toward addictive and compulsive behaviors that, directly or indirectly, will eventually touch all of us. The individual has trained himself to respond to whatever gives him pleasure. Anyone controlled by substance abuse understands both the authority and the power of Feel Good.

Modern psychology and cultural preoccupation with feeling good are the source of much of our anxiety. Our society is rooted in feeling good in one way or another. This Giant is why we sit in front of the television like “couch potatoes”—we want to escape reality and feel good. Feeling good must be guarded and protected; it cannot be disturbed. We do not want to hear what God may be saying because, not only will it bother us, but, it may not feel good. Entire religious movements, individual churches, and particularly doctrinal emphases are constructed on the premise of feeling good. The Feel Good Giant gives us the sense of actually ceasing to exist if we do not feel good. It may be okay to be wrong if we can just continue to feel good. We may even consider that impossible choice of refusing to look good in preference to feeling good because feelings have now become the ruling force. Preservation of Feel Good is worth risking anything, because immediate gratification is the insatiable goal. However, there are not enough drugs, alcohol, gambling, shopping, attention, or sex to satisfy this Giant. This is called the universal law of reduced return: the more Feel Good is used, the less results are produced, leaving us in increasing pain and frustration. The frightening truth is that God has not designed us to feel good all the time.

I have repeatedly watched powerful men and women of God lose their ministry and marriage for a sexual encounter with someone else’s spouse. Someone once said, “The chase is long, the expectation great, the pleasure momentary.” These are descriptions of an immature personality that is ruled and directed by hedonism, which is the philosophy of pleasure or the pleasure principle. We all know that sometimes our feelings lie to us. When we are in a situation that makes us uncomfortable, we can move toward freedom in the Kingdom of God by opposing the demand of the Giant Feel Good.

Analogous conduct of Feel Good: happiness, entertainment, fun, comfortable, pleased, pleasurable, gratification, satisfaction, diversion, and recreation.

QUESTIONS & THOUGHTS
• Explain why Feel Good can become a governing force.
• In what ways has your life been motivated by “I feel like” rather than facts of a situation?
• What has Feel Good cost you?

Manage Your Destiny

2010-01-21T02:37:00.000-08:00

Manage Your Destiny

Fundamentals - The difference between servant and King is like a structure with a foundation that starts with our heart’s desire. When things go against us in life it’s wise to reassess that foundation. We all “labor to enter into rest.” The sweet spot in life is when building the Kingdom is fun; our heart and God’s heart are both on the same path. We feel the favor of God, the wind is in our sails, divine appointments flow toward us, ministry happens, people are blessed, and finances grow in abundance. In short, life is a lot of fun.

What if it’s not fun? Kings engage in big dreams, take big risks, and engage the enemy in big battles. It’s not too surprising to experience seasons when things are not “peachy.” Kings are typically blessed with a level of tenacity that gets them through challenges. That perseverance can be good and bad; good if the foundation is in order and bad if the Lord is really knocking on our door to make an adjustment. Sometimes we try to wear optimism when it’s just a cleverly disguised form of denial; an excuse to maintain the status quo when change is needed. All of us are currently at a self-imposed station in life that is exactly where our attitudes and actions have led us! If we want a different result in the future then it’s time to tweak the foundation or we just end up with more of the same… for years at a time.

Laying that foundation, or checking up on it once in awhile, goes through a discreet series of steps that you and I can "manage" to make sure our Kingly foundation is on the Rock. This progression is the birth process for a level of creativity that will lead us into managing our destiny instead of “hoping and praying” things will go well... and whining when they don't.

#1 Heart’s Desire – The Kingdom lifestyle begins when we give ourselves permission to pursue our heart’s desire. Self discipline is good but you cannot make sacrifice a lifestyle – that’s religious bondage. You have to enjoy what you do and have fun at it. Jesus endured the ultimate sacrifice but his motive was the joy set before Him (Heb 12:2). It was one lousy day followed by a party for the rest of eternity!

May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. 5 We will shout for joy when you are victorious and will lift up our banners in the name of our God. May the Lord grant all your requests. Ps 20:4-5

You have granted him the desire of his heart and have not withheld the request of his lips. Selah You welcomed him with rich blessings and placed a crown of pure gold on his head. Ps 21:2-3

Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. Ps 37:4

Here’s the first foundation stone for life in the Kingdom; Go shopping for the will of God inside the desires of your heart! Give yourself permission to get totally excited when you find those desires. Run after them with all of your heart. Fervent prayer that avails much is rooted in strong personal desires. Do you have any? Strong feelings are the seed bed for the nest step - imagination.

#2 Imagination (the eyes of your heart) – The second step is dreaming about how you want to see your heart’s desire manifest. You have to see your dream in your heart and mind. Paul prays that the “eyes of your heart may be enlightened.” We “picture” in our mind the desire of our heart. Without that “vision” of how we want the future to go, we are prone to perish (Pro 29:18). Take the time to meditate, daydream, imagine… it’s key to creativity and an integral part of how faith works. What do you want your future to look like?

I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance… Eph 1:17-18 NIV

We get what we focus on. If our eye is good, the whole body is full of light. But when the eye (focus) is bad the whole body is full of darkness that produces evil (Lu 11:34). Jesus counted "looking" as adultery because he understood thoughts produce actions. Lesson learned; manage your focus; manage your thought life. ...think on these things (Phil 4:8). Use the power of your thought life to produce the fruit you want.

#3 Affirmation – Learn to put your dream into words and in a journal or prayer diary. We devoted an entire newsletter to this step in Use Your Words that is well worth reading. Confessing the desire of our heart is a huge reinforcement to our faith and an important step in the creative process. We believe, therefore we speak. Affirmations are self-talk. Praise is God-talk for giving and granting our personal desires; a natural expression of our words that is very powerful.

A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. Luke 6:45 KJV

It is written: "I believed; therefore I have spoken." With that same spirit of faith we also believe and therefore speak 2 Cor 4:13 NIV

Caution: make sure your words have roots in the foundation of your heart’s desire and in the heart of God's desire. Affirmation is the 3rd step – not the first. Godly desires conceive to expand the Kingdom just as lustful desires conceive to produce evil (James 1:14-15). It is possible to use words and imagination to build a tower of Babel and have God working against you – that’s when it feels like life isn’t flowing in your direction.

#4 Proclamation – Hearing our own words express our heart’s desire resonates in our spirit with what God is doing. When it dawns on our hearts that those desires really are rooted in God’s will, a whole new level of boldness and authority comes into our lives. We don’t just confess those desires, we speak things into existence creatively the way God does. Notice the power of words in the verses below. Proclaiming, releasing, and binding with the spoken word are the keys to this Kingdom lifestyle. It’s like getting the keys to dad’s car!

…the God who gives life to the dead and calls things that are not as though they were. Rom 4:17

He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. "Where is your faith?" he asked his disciples. In fear and amazement they asked one another, "Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him." Luke 8:24-25 NIV

"Have faith in God," Jesus answered. 23 "I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. 24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. Mark 11:22-24 NIV

"I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven." Matt 16:19-20 NASU

#5 Creation (work) – Many believers think God is going to perform miracles for them. He does, but we have to realize that “signs follow” our initiative. The final step in this process is action; sometimes referred to as work. However, for Kings this process of working to create something feels more like recreation than work because it’s all about manifesting the desires of our heart! It's what we naturally want to do and enjoy doing. Get it? It’s fun!!! Work and wages are for servants; creation and recreation and profits are for Kings. The joy of the Lord really is our strength. God delights in this final step of bringing things into reality with us because He knows the connection with joy.

In that day you will no longer ask me anything. I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. 24 Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete. John 16:23-24 NIV

In the Greek, ask means "to require" or "a demand for something due" and is also translated as “desire.” Aiteite is the same word used in James 4:2, “You do not have, because you do not ask (require of) God.” Jesus paid the price for life more abundantly. Your inheritance is due to arrive the minute you step out because Jesus already paid for it. Possess your land. It will please your Father and you will have fun doing it. Too often “asking” stops at a beggar's request and becomes “faith without works.” The balance is asking plus initiative and work… get out there and do it.
I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses. 4 Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon, and from the great river, the Euphrates — all the Hittite country — to the Great Sea on the west. 5 No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. 6 "Be strong and courageous... Josh 1:3-6 NIV

Let these five steps lead you through a Business Plan.

We're Dancing

John and Sue www.Releasing-kings.com

Marketplace Fathers

2010-01-13T01:14:00.000-08:00

Marketplace Fathers

What’s fathering? – When we start our discipleship process in church we learn to serve and we get our spiritual mentoring from the pastoral covering in our church. It’s a healthy process that works. At some point our maturity takes us from servant to friend (Jn 15:15) and we develop Kingly aspects in our ministry. We give ourselves permission to pursue the desire of our hearts and we begin to take land; usually in another mountain.

It’s at this point that fathering takes on a different look. As servants in church we only looked for spiritual mentors. As Kings the wall is broken between spiritual and natural and we value our vocational pursuits and find ministry in them. Doctors “minister” to their patients; Teachers “minister” to their students; businessmen “minister” to their customers. Marketplace ministry crosses back and forth between natural and spiritual ministry so often that the lines get blurred and one leads to the other routinely. Doctors can prescribe medicine and heal the sick through prayer all in the same day – get it?

Back to Fathering… Learning how to be proficient and prosperous in your vocation is greatly enhanced by a mentor. A spiritual brother or sister who has flourished in his field can show you how to succeed in the same area in terms of financial prosperity and ministry opportunities. Listen to “fathering” in the Bible.

"See, I will send you the prophet Elijah before that great and dreadful day of the Lord comes. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers; or else I will come and strike the land with a curse." Mal 4:5-6 NIV

And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous — to make ready a people prepared for the Lord." Luke 1:17 NIV

Seasons – I believe we are in a season where the Lord is highlighting fathers and mentors. We are learning to network; there is a hunger in Kings to receive the wisdom of fathers. Fathers are hungry to find their sons and help them succeed. It’s just something the Lord is placing on hearts right now.

We are at a point in history where the need for fathering has never been greater. For decades our society has been ravaged by the affects of war – not just physical war where we lose men, but spiritual war that has come against the family and men, specifically. Divorce has torn homes apart and left millions of children without a consistent, positive father figure. The “sins” of our society have caused men to sell their souls for a bowl of pottage or stripped them of their manhood. All of this and more has left a generation crying ‘where are our fathers’. God is answering this call by raising up men and women with a passion for the next generation of Kings. They are not motivated by profit but by a true father’s heart that is committed to his children and by their dreams and the desire to see others achieve theirs for the benefit of the whole world.

What does your Father look like? He or she has the vocational wisdom to propel you into your future. They have done it before (experience) and they have been prosperous. They are spiritually mature, but they don’t wear their spirituality on their sleeve. In fact, I don’t need them to teach me what I already learned as a saint equipped in church; I need them to teach me how to apply those truths and relationships in the marketplace.

Note: Just so you know this isn’t just theory, my mentors at the moment are Dan Gaub, Nathan Gaub and Greg Dalessandri… all great brothers with a huge vision who know how to prosper in my area of interest. They are teaching / fathering me to be successful in a very specialized area of day trading. I know that’s not generally applicable to others, and this is not a recommendation, but it’s a big deal for me.

These Fathers are excited about God, but they are also excited about their mountain and the sphere they’ve been called to minister in. Fathers of Kings know how to work hard, find success, multiply money, convert money to ministry, and have fun doing it. People are drawn to them because they are not “religious” in the sense of forcing themselves to do things they don’t enjoy. They are pulled ahead by the natural desires of their hearts and they enjoy life at that foundational level. They don’t have separate boxes for spiritual and vocational and ministry.

Andrew - I met Andrew Ferguson at a Brian Klemmer conference (recommended by one of my mentors). Of course our mutual friend was the mentor. As we got acquainted, I realized Andrew was a father to Kings in the business mountain. He’s currently CEO of Mobile Spike, but he’s had experience starting and running other companies and he’s the perfect guy to review a business plan and improve it. I believe he’s one of many that the Lord is raising up to help the next generation of Kings building the Kingdom of God. Andrew’s vision is to help entrepreneurial people find success and connect with their Kingdom purpose.

In the future he will gradually move from CEO of one business to mentoring multiple businesses (fathering) with four simple goals:

* Help business startups to become profitable by assessing the business plan, cash flow and strategic relationships
* Find the Kingdom purpose in the marketplace ministry of the business
* Connect people with angel investors who can take them to the next level quickly, and
* Assist investors in finding well-managed and profitable opportunities with a ministry ingredient

You’ll enjoy his interview.

How to Find Your Father – The first step toward being Kingly is finding your heart’s desire and deciding what you want to do. A father or mentor will appear when you have that direction and decide you want one. God himself will assist on that front with divine appointments.

We're Dancing

John and Sue www.Releasing-kings.com

The Next Great Idea

2010-01-05T23:31:00.000-08:00

The Next Great Idea

Creativity - I interviewed a business CEO this week whot has an amazing story. We’ll feature him in a future newsletter. One of the things he mentioned was very profound. Andrew has been through an amazing number of ups and downs. He learned that failing a business is not the “end” of an entrepreneur – it is simply a launching point for his next idea. Kings are not immune from setbacks; but they do know how to rebound (resurrect - "though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again" Prov 24:16). Andrew understands the nature of Kings. They are creative; able to come up with the next great idea.

It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; to search out a matter is the glory of kings. Prov 25:2 NIV

Note: Our web provider is able to track hits on our archived newsletters. By far the “best seller” is one on Cultivating Creativity. It's worth reading again because it pertains to this theme.

Examples – Solving a problem involves three things: #1) We have to believe that we can find a solution (or we won’t look). #2) We have to frame the problem correctly to answer the right question, and #3) We have to know where to look for a solution. We have some great political debates raging in America right now. They share a common denominator – the real solution hasn’t shown itself yet!

Terrorism – Our president and his predecessor are bringing justice to terrorists through military action. I’m not suggesting that’s wrong, but I am amazed that we aren’t dealing with the root issue. Every time we kill a terrorist two more spring up in some other part of the world. As explained in the Starfish and the Spider, we’re fighting an ideology, not a nation… and we’re doing nothing to combat the ideology (the motivation to kill infidels). We don’t have the initiative that competes with a bad idea / a bad ideology. We're prone to try and buy favor

What’s missing? #3 We’re looking for a solution in the wrong place.

Global Warming – The reason the debate is difficult is because the argument isn't really about global warming... science has very little to do with the ideology and the motives behind this one. The middle ground between neglecting our environment and trying to leave it untouched by humans is to simply manage it. We have done some good things to mitigate pollution but we are not addressing the “religious fervor” that opposes industrialized society, opposes resource development and insists that animals have the same rights as humans. The core of this idea is that humanity is a bad influence on the earth!

What’s missing? #2 We’ve framed the problem so that we can’t reach agreement.

Health Care – This debate is centered on the degree of government control in providing health care. One side says the government should provide it or mandate it and the other says too much government is bad. I personally haven’t heard the free market idea that provides the solution. That’s what is missing. Everyone wants improved health care. No one believes the same entity that gave us the postal service will actually deliver health care on schedule and within budget. Absent the real idea, we’re going to compromise so we can get poorer health care at a higher cost with bonus points for increasing the entitlement mentality behind poverty. Thank you, Congress!

What’s missing? #1 We don’t believe a free market solution exists.

Poverty – To date, the only political solution to poverty has been to move capital from the wealthy and give it to poor people, poor states, and poor nations. The argument is always framed around how much we should give. I’m not opposed to helping people in need. I do it myself. However, giving money never removes poverty because poverty is a welfare state of mind that simply keeps a person from doing the things that produce wealth. We’re doing nothing to reduce the roots of poverty at a national level.

What’s missing? #3 We’re looking for a solution in the wrong place.

New ideas – Can you see the need for Kings to search out these matters and find the solution? These are all solvable and relatively simple problems! We need Kings in the media mountain to expose the missing ingredient in our debates. We need Kings in the business mountain to offer free market solutions. And finally, we need Kings in the political / government mountain with integrity and vision to maximize freedom and justice for all… as opposed to maximizing government control.

Can Kings rise up with the new ideas that represent a solution for everyone? Yes we can! “and” yes we will.

We all face personal road blocks. Here’s the take home message. You are more than a conqueror. You are able to come up with the next great idea that will take you to the next level. Men and women with imagination, creativity and enthusiasm will rule and reign with the King of Kings. We have the keys of the Kingdom and we’re called to bless the nations. Let’s get started… rise above whatever stands between you and the next step toward your dream.
Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Eph 3:20 KJV

"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him" 1 Cor 2:9 NIV

We're Dancing

John and Sue www.Releasing-kings.com

Observations and Ponderings For 2010

2009-12-31T22:23:00.000-08:00

Observations and Ponderings For 2010
By Robert Ricciardelli www.vision2advance.com

I love to ponder the possibilities and creative ways we can please God and serve others. I love to reflect on how things are, and “what if” we changed them. How can we further align ourselves toward His Most Excellent Ways. We only know in part, so it is always good to check what we think that we know often.

These are observations and ponderings can be purposeful to challenge existing paradigms, while firming up Kingdom foundations. Many of these are happening all around us, but what if they were not just the exception, but were consistently happening. What will Father do as His children grow up in becoming more like Him? My prayers are to continually stimulate possibility thoughts towards ways that bring forth His Kingdom through our lives.

Here are my Observations and Ponderings as we move into 2010:

Pray for our leaders rather than complain about who we have or don’t have in office.

God is on the throne and will have His way, regardless of who is in office and we are called to pray for His will and for His purposes to be accomplished for our nation.

Give to Caesar (government) what is Caesar’s, and give to God what is His, which are our very lives.

Jesus was consumed with His Father’s Kingdom being brought to the earth, we must focus on that rather than political processes, and give that burden to Him. Do what you are called to do, and leave the rest to Him.

Governmental systems have many elements behind the scenes that control what laws are passed, and even influence and control leaders. May God's people be aware so they do not look to government for answers but ask God on how they may lead and help others in societies future.

May the Lord begin to raise up new leaders who will stand for righteousness in the realms of government. For the Daniels and the Josephs to be raised up and take their place in leading nations with Fathers influence, presence, and wisdom in governmental offices.

Father is shaking all foundations that are not built upon the Rock of Himself. How are we responding to the shaking all around us?

Be active in using what we do have, and quit wasting time worrying about what we don’t have.

We will not fear any longer, we will not fear life or death, because we are in His hands.

“Stop it, just stop it” in our negative thought patterns. “Stop it, just Stop it”, thinking that way, in Jesus name!

We must understand and activate true repentance in every area of our lives, truly turn away instead of just feeling sorry for our patterns of sin.

We must forgive every wrong committed against us in the past and more swiftly in the days ahead.

We will allow His presence to eradicate bitterness from the depths of our souls.

We must understand and apply His freedom from every deliberate and unintentional wounds from our past.

Choose to never live as victim again, because the revelation of Christ and His grace suffices daily for us. Live as a victor and flee from the victim mindset.

Forgive ourselves, and move on past the shame simply because Jesus has forgiven us, and His work in forgiveness is complete.

We will accept and believe with all of our heart, soul, and mind that Jesus loves us, accepts us, and is for us, every moment of every day.

HE ACCEPTS US AS WE ARE to the point that it overwhelms the fact that we do not accept ourselves sometimes. You are growing but you are also complete in Him NOW.

We will live the way of the cross, knowing persecution and trials will come. We will die more to self, because it is the narrow way He asked us to follow.

As we die to self more, Christ lives through us more, and every single need will be met as our joy is made complete in Him.

Rest in who we are in Christ, rather than running around doing activities He never called us to do. Being rather than doing!

God loves us, and it has nothing to do with our past, or our future performances. Rest in Him daily!

Pastors and leadership teams around the world need to train and release every member of their church into the ministry the Lord has called them to. This training and release goes beyond the four walls of organized church.

We need to pick up our mats and walk in obedience after the Lord’s deliverance, rather than come back for prayer and healing for the same things week after week.

God’s true leaders will seek to always serve beyond ever having to be served.

Leaders will train and lead others in the vision God has for them as individuals, and trust the Holy Spirit to move on them to support community or corporate vision. Manipulation and control must go, while faith arises in leaders.

Leaders must not respond to the fear of rejection and failure. Growth is not about numbers. They must trust the Lord for any perceived growth in numbers they expect to see, or better yet, consider to not look at numbers at all. Look to God, He will do what only He can do for their community.

Citywide transformation can begin to take place when each individual realizes his or her purpose and calling, and are released to fulfill it in every day life.

Church pastors must seek relationship with the other pastors of the community to fulfill a citywide vision beyond their own ministries. They must know that the vision for the city WILL NOT be realized without partnering with others. These concepts of futility must not continue to be perpetuated in our cities.

The Lord owns everything we have and asks us to steward everything He has given us. We must ask Him how much to give and to where, always willing to give 100% if He were to ask that of us.

The orphan spirit in many are looking for fathers who will love them, and disciple them to their Heavenly Father. The Father’s heart will rise up, and we will begin to see kingly & priestly fathers in the order of Melchizedek, in the ways of Christ.

Children of God must understand and operate more fully in the authority that Jesus Christ sacrificed for them to have. It is He that performs it through their lives.

Kingdomized people will continue to bring godly influence and leadership to all the gates of the city. Kings and priests of God need to lead by serving in His wisdom and strength in government, business, healthcare, media, law, and educational jurisdictions of our cities.

Every believer must not settle in how they view themselves, while ever seeking the Father to know the full potential of what He sees in them.

We must accept others and the blessing that they are, rather than being offended by them in their differences.

Choose to see the good in people, pray for the rest in them, and love them regardless if they change in the ways we think they should. Believe for the best in others.

Mammon and control must continue to be exposed and deposed in godly leadership systems. The release of Father’s saints upon the earth will increase as the chains that bind are removed. Accountability through relationship, and the righteous fear of God is far more impactful than ungodly control and manipulation.

We must be willing to serve in every phase of our lives rather than being served.

Every believer must understand the eternal process they are in, and walk without judgment beside those not as far along in the process.

We look at many things as realities that are not. As more exposure comes to false realities, the more we can live in the reality of His eternal Kingdom.

Choose to have an un-offendable heart. When offenses come, let go of them quickly.

Forgive in every situation and not only because the Father said He would not forgive you unless you forgive, but because it is in your heart to love in that way.

Be excited about the uniqueness of each other’s differences, and the value of each expression of God's people.

Spiritual Fathers should have a heart of giving to their spiritual sons that surpass any thoughts of what they would receive in return.

Shepherds, (pastors), must be willing to run after the few of the flock that have been hurt, isolated and in need of life giving expressions of our Saviors love.

God's people should pray and communicate intimately with the Father on a daily basis.

Daily people are gathering both missionally, and relationally in homes, coffee shops, and businesses.

Believers need to be concerned with their own end time, which could end at any moment. If we are more concerned with our own end time rather than THE end times, it will become more productive.

We must live each days as it is our last day, and continue to build each day for a better tomorrow for future generations.

The perceived rapture could be a long ways off, or not come at all in the timing and ways that some may think. We must not consume ourselves with such thought and seize the day for God and doing His business of establishing His Kingdom upon the earth.

Do not fear dying. In fact, in living for Him, choose to die to self daily. As you do, you will truly live in and through Him in powerful ways.

Live and move and have your being in the Holy Spirit, 24 hours a day, and 7 days a week. Oh what a standard to move towards.

Receive every word or deed with the Father's eyes and with His heart. Then Father can also engage you in a response to life and bring forth words and deeds that bring life to others, and bring Him glory.

Authentic servant leaders will rather have a towel (servant), than a title in leading others. We do not need titles, we need obedience to serve and give as He directs.

We must seek to trash every idol in our life to be free in serving effectively in the army of our Lord.

The greatest idol that we battle is the idol called "self", continue to lay down self and become selfless in our pursuit of Christ and His Kingdom.

Believers must realize that their obedience to all that they do each day is ministry to God and His kingdom.

Housewives’ and mothers are in a valuable full time ministry in keeping the home, and raising the next generation in the pursuit of the will of God.

People of God need to see more fully the ministry the Lord is doing through His daughters. There is a need for further freedom from limited mindsets regarding the Father’s potential and ministry in women. Women have no limits in what the Lord may call them to do, and people must not get in the way of God’s desire for them.

The Kingdom of God is beyond race, gender, or age, but is a diversity of expression in His glorious Kingdom. In the Kingdom male, female, Greek, and Jew can work together in the fullness and likeness of Christ.

Business owners and all workers must realize that in Christ, they are full time ministers in their calling.

For the business owner, people are their greatest resource and they can be an effective pastor for their businesses.

Those in business should look at co-workers, vendors, and customers, as potentially part of their household of faith, or sphere of godly influence.

Christian business owners can look at their businesses as an impact for the community. Churches, homes, businesses, are redeemed and moving in God’s glory throughout the community.

There should be synergy and acceptability in viewing the spirituality of organized church pastors and those who may pastor their homes, businesses, and others in the community.

God speaks in relevance for today beyond the written word in alignment of the written word. In other words, many services and ways that the Father has given us stewardship over is beyond biblical context, but will be in alignment with the Word of God contextualized for today.

So many are operating in the prophetic, as we are a prophetic people. But we are people that can be subjective. Therefore we must find godly ways to enhance prophetic accountability.

When a prophetic people can apologize when they have spoken amiss, God’s glory is revealed. It is okay to make a mistake; it is not okay to cover it up. We must acknowledge equally what we have gotten right and what me may have gotten wrong. This encourages others, and creates an audience that is more willing to listen.

We will worship the foundation of all orders, all systems, all expressions of faith, (Christ Himself), beyond the order or perceived order of things that man has built.

We must have fellowship and connections with others during the week instead of relying on one Sunday Service, which was never designed to meet our ”one anothering” needs.

The earth continues to be filled with the glory of the Lord and He is just waiting for more of us to get involved.

True wealth is measured in what you give away, and not what you keep.

Love as He loves, speak as He speaks, and do what He does, and we can change the world.

Your opinions are okay, because they are your opinions. It would be nice to be loved regardless of how different we all perceive life.

Appreciate the different cultures and expressions in God’s Kingdom, regardless if you understand them, or fancy them.

Understand the commandment to love. Choose to love, even if you do not feel the return of love from others.

Our prayer is that many of these become realities in people's lives, enabling them go out and make a bigger kingdom difference.

Come share on our blog your Ponderings for this year http://vision2advance.blogspot.com

Kings - Learning To Fly In 2010

2009-12-29T19:31:00.000-08:00

Kings - Learning To Fly In 2010

Leaving the nest – The implication of learning to fly is “leaving the nest.” Some of us birds do it naturally, others wait until the nest is “thorned” by mother, and a few just get thrown out by God himself! I’m suggesting that maturity is a process and what was once warm and pastoral and loving and comfortable can become somewhat perverse if we don’t graduate. What was once good and healing and from the heart of God can be turned into an idol!

He broke into pieces the bronze snake Moses had made, for up to that time the Israelites had been burning incense to it. (It was called Nehushtan.) 2 Kings 18:4

Imagine a child who nurses until the age of ten; a teenager who never moves out of the house; a college graduate who never gets a job.

What it feels like - The emotion of moving into marketplace ministry and the accompanying “Kingly” mentality is an “out of the boat” experience for all of us. Here is what it feels like… from a good friend in another state in response to the last newsletter, From Spiritual Covering to Practical Mentoring.

"Yes, I think this is where we have now settled our hearts, after a frustrating time of wondering why our pastor didn't even acknowledge what we were trying to do in the "marketplace ministry." It is still disappointing, though, to feel a total lack of "pastoring" in our church, no matter what we do for a living. But, yeah, we have ceased struggling for affirmation or understanding within the church. Does that sound like sour grapes?"

We could try to portray these feelings in terms of the shortcomings of the pastor involved, but I think we would be missing the real point.

I wouldn't assume the pastor has done anything wrong. He may well be feeling abandoned himself because his paradigm may be that the church is the only mountain. Pastors will value Kings functioning in a different mountain more in the future as we recognize the role of marketplace ministry in the Kingdom.

We shouldn't impose expectations on our pastor that Jesus wants to fulfill Himself. You see the goal for all of us is to eventually mature from the healthy incubator of first love discipleship to relating directly to the Lord for ourselves… taking initiative, becoming entrepreneurial, stepping into new levels of creativity and ministry… moving from milk to meat (Heb 5:13-14) is a good thing! Seeing the flock mature is really the goal of every pastor. It’s a very natural progression after we’ve been faithful in that which is another man’s to be given that which is our own. It's more responsibility and it "feels" more alone... out on a limb. God simply won't allow us to make pastors choose our destiny. We have to make that decision ourselves.

Choosing your destiny - It’s much easier to stay within the vision of a local church, play a role in building that church, and stay under the pastor’s covering. It’s even healthy… unless you’ve been equipped and called into a different mountain …and the Holy Spirit is personally driving you crazy. Pastors, apostles, prophets and churches are very good things until you begin to hold them in a role Jesus wants to occupy himself. All the complaining about authority issues really resides right between our ears… some are just being invited into a place of “growing up.” You can turn the invitation down and stay where you are. There is nothing wrong with building a local church. Equipping the saints is a very legitimate calling close to God's heart. Some will be perfectly happy; others called to a different mountain may have a sense of forfeiting some of their personal destiny.

Owning the challenge - Can you see that it’s not necessarily a problem in the church? …Leaving one church for another, changing the church, or abandoning the church is not necessarily a solution? Sometimes in the course of growing up, we long for the wrong thing and the ajustment needed is in the mirror.

The prophets prophesy lies, the priests rule by their own authority, and my people love it this way. But what will you do in the end? Jer 5:31

For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 2 Tim 4:3 NIV

The Kingdom is within you – Becoming a King and extending the Kingdom of God into all seven mountains and changing the world is exciting stuff. It’s scary, but having tasted what it’s like to be out of the boat, I don’t want to go back. This "way" is too much fun, too fruitful, too rewarding, too prosperous and too exciting. It's closer to Jesus!

The highlight of 2009 for me was meeting David Tinney and Poul Dalgaard and seeing the great things God is doing in Ukraine. It is only exceeded by what is in store for 2010.

I want to suggest that the Lord is knocking on your door and inviting you into the next level. I agree, it’s scary and risky. But see if you can’t hear that invitation from Jesus himself. And after having heard it from Him, see if the risk doesn’t melt away. See if you can believe that God values the desire of your heart. Your dream can come true - if you will take the initiative to make it happen.

No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Josh 1:5 NIV

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." Deut 31:6 KJV

I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, 'You are my servant'; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. 10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. 11 "All who rage against you will surely be ashamed and disgraced; those who oppose you will be as nothing and perish. 12 Though you search for your enemies, you will not find them. Those who wage war against you will be as nothing at all. 13 For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. Isa 41:9-13 NIV

Need practical encouragement? The best source is another King in the same mountain. Here's a recipe for starting a small group with other Kingdom builders. God's doing the same thing in many and you'll find they already speak your language. Start Your Own Group. Take your dream with you and get some help with it... Write Your Business Plan.

Learn to fly in 2010...
but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isa 40:29 NIV

who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's. Ps 103:5 NIV

We're Dancing

John and Sue www.Releasing-kings.com

Why the Sky is Not Falling (Pt 2)

2009-12-12T17:39:00.000-08:00

Why the Sky is Not Falling (Pt 2)

Eschatology - One of my personal passions is discovering why Kings succeed and why Kings sabotage their own dream. In this newsletter I want to suggest that our mindset regarding the future can instill courage and wisdom or fear and failure. Eschatology is the study of future events from a Biblical perspective. The first newsletter on this topic from six months back is Why the Sky is Not Falling.

When I was in college in the 70's I was newly saved and discussions of the rapture were much more prevalent than now. I didn't expect to get out of school before Jesus came back. After I graduated and got a job, I didn't sign up for the pension or savings plan because I was sure the rapture would be soon. After a few decades and a host of failed prophetic events, I decided to look into eschatology and study the Bible for myself in that area. What I found out shocked me. Everything I had been taught and learned from books I read on my own came from one narrow and very flawed stream of theology. Briefly, I had mistakenly assumed that all the prophetic events in Daniel, Ezekiel, Mt 24, Mk 13, Lu 21 and Revelation were in the future. That was what I had been taught as part of my "rapture" foundation.

Rather than try to explain the scriptural choices and solution, I'm just going to point out the simple consequences of the two basic belief systems in this newsletter. Let me refer you to a book Harold Eberle wrote that does a great job of dealing with specific issues on a sound Biblical basis - Victorious Eschatology. Releasing Kings Chapter 9 also has a good summary. You can also order a PDF copy of these materials and receive the books electronically.

Your choices - Let's start with two simple facts. 1) Most believers my age were raised under a rapture theology even though it's not emphasized to the same degree now. 2) Beliefs about eschatology have consequences... a rapture mentality is like a poverty mentality; a major source of self-sabotage.

Pre-millennial - A rapture theology puts most prophetic events in the future and requires a long string of disasters to occurs before Jesus comes back... false prophets, floods, earthquakes, wars, rumors of wars, plagues, famines, the wrath of God, persecutions. Basically we end up running for the hills being chased by the antichrist just before we're rescued by the rapture followed by a 1000 year reign of relative tranquility...somewhere.

Amillennial or post-millennial - Your other choice is placing Biblical prophecy in historical context and realizing we're not waiting for the Kingdom to come; it's here now. The door is open to rule and reign with Jesus right now! We can bless the nations and fill the earth with His glory right now! What about all those "disasters?" Nearly all of them are scripturally and historically behind us.

But if I drive out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come to you. Luke 11:20 NIV

"The Law and the Prophets were proclaimed until John. Since that time, the good news of the kingdom of God is being preached, and everyone is forcing his way into it. Luke 16:16-17 NIV

For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves... Col 1:13 NIV

Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken... Heb 12:28 NIV

Rapture Consequences - If my heart is set on rapture eschatology there are some serious consequences that we can see all around us. These believers are still going to heaven. They are good people - albeit slightly mis-informed. Here is how they are programmed to believe and act... how "I" used to believe and act.

1.

I believe the impending disasters coming to the earth are the will of God; perhaps even His judgment on a wicked generation. I expect and have faith for bad things and rejoice a little bit when they happen!
2.

I'm prone to believe in conspiracy theories and I'm prone to suspect the worst in people. Only a remnant will make it through; many or most will be deceived and backslide! I expect the dollar to fail, the United States to crumble, and an evil, one-world government to establish itself. In my heart I've given up trying to make a difference. Even if I become prosperous, I expect the devil to steal it.
3.

Prophecy takes on the tone of predicting the will of the devil and its primary fruit is fear. It does ring true (I'm agreeing that their are conspiracies "and" I'm agreeing that we can have insight into the plans of the enemy). However, the "doomsayer" quality on the prophetic tends to ignore the goodness and greatness of God's plan.
4.

Which leads me to my last point... every good and noble thing God wants to do through Kings to establish the Kingdom and bless the nations is missing from this perspective and the prophetic "anointing" that goes with it.

Kingdom Consequences - Although I'm aware of the schemes of the enemy, I'm most focused on the grandest conspiracy of them all. It's one being orchestrated behind the scenes by the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The easiest way to tap into that spirit is to "prophesy" the future of the United States. Here's what it sounds like... I'm inviting you to be the judge and discern how close I am to the "will of God" for this particular nation.

1.

The US has a missions and prophetic call that the Lord is going to re-establish. Our national destiny is to lead the world out of the current recession and demonstrate an entrepreneurial spirit that will make every social, medical and economical problem "bow" before Jesus' majesty. By our example we are called to lead other nations to be entrepreneurial, creative, industrious, prosperous, confident, and bold in the name of Jesus.
2.

A level of creativity and faith is coming into this nation that not only solves medical coverage but we will find a way to "suddenly" pay off the national debt and lead the world in even higher levels of generosity. Poverty will "bow" before the majesty of Jesus and captives will be set free to dance in the streets at the goodness of God. The lost will not only be saved but their cultures will be transformed.
3.

The church will unite under a Kingly mandate to equip the saints for the work of ministry in the marketplace. The walls will come down and Kings will release a new level of creativity, innovation, and prosperity that will break the yoke off millions. Every mountain will be occupied.
4.

As the light of God grows brighter and brighter, the wheat and tares will be distinguished. The camp of the enemy will grown darker... and weaker at the same time. We will "succeed" in filling the earth with His Glory and establishing His Kingdom... and then He will return to a spotless bride. PS - it won't be tomorrow!

For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship before you, for your righteous acts have been revealed." Rev 15:4 NIV

I did not see a temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. 23 The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp. 24 The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their splendor into it. Rev 21:22-24 NIV

How will it happen - Very simple. Kings will see the vision and own the opportunity to possess their inheritance. Dreams will come true. Great exploits will be the norm. And, we'll have fun doing it.

We already are possessing our inheritance, dreams are coming true, exploits are becoming the norm... and we're having a huge party.... the Kingdom has indeed come upon us and we're dancing!

It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; to search out a matter is the glory of kings. Prov 25:2 NIV

Ask of me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession. Ps 2:8 NIV

PS: Can I still have a rapture? Answer: Of course you can. Right after we're done making disciples of all nations! It will seem a little anti-climactic and it will occupy the same level of importance in our minds that it has in scripture.

We're Dancing

John and Sue www.Releasing-kings.com

After Your Heart is Released...

2009-12-06T18:58:00.000-08:00

After Your Heart is Released...

The Lights Come On - One of my personal delights is observing the process of seeing hearts released into a Kingly realm. During the conference in Ukraine we saw God's people grasp permission from the Father to dream. For the first time, they looked into their own heart's desire to find the will of God. They gave themselves permission to make the decisions and take the initiative that will cause their dream to come true. They caught a glimpse of the prosperity, the ministry, and the adventure of being a King. They saw how much fun it could be.

Our books and newsletter also release hearts. Most weeks I get several phone calls from strangers who treat me like their closest confidant - their hearts are leaping because someone understands what's happening with them. God was stirring their heart and they found words in our materials to express the process and felt like they moved from an island to a revival.

So what's the next step? Kings who find a release for their hearts through conferences or materials don't really need another conference or a new book. They want to get on with their dream. I want to suggest two very specific steps that we can take at this stage. The first is a business plan and the second is finding your support group.

#1 Write Your Business Plan - Dreams come true with wisdom, planning, initiative, and work. It's important to continue your dream process at the next level. What decisions do I need to make to implement this dream? We've created a separate web page with more detail about the topics to consider at a new site called Write Your Business Plan. It's filled with an outline and links to additional resources and coaching possibilities. Go there now and take a look. Even if your dream is not clear yet, you can begin to think of your own life as business. Write a few sentences down in each category and set up a monthly cash flow for your personal finances. It's a great starting place to learn to dream bigger and to see the importance of your personal decisions in reaching your destiny.

#2 Find Your Support Group - Releasing Kings is in a pioneering phase. Find the people around you that God is touching in a similar way and help one another with your dreams. We've created another site with details about a format for that group (Start Your Own Group) based on my own experience with friends who love me and share my dream to Release Kings. We all help one another with everything from practical ideas to prayer. It's very encouraging and it will help you find your peers, mentors, and the network to take the next step.

What not to do

a. Don't ignore 1 and 2 - take those actions seriously. Waiting passively for God to do everything is a dream killer. Hope that is delayed can make your heart sick. Our goal is to guard the desires of our hearts... to discern them and nurture them into a destiny that builds the Kingdom of God.

Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life. Prov 13:12 NIV

Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Prov 4:23 NIV

b. Let Your pastor be a pastor - We get excited about the concept of releasing Kings. It's natural to want to run back to our churches and pastors and try to impose it on them... bad idea. Here's why - Moving from servant to King requires a significant level of spiritual maturity "and" a decision to pursue your destiny even if it involves some risk (stepping out of the boat). Not everyone is at that place. Pastors need to be allowed to shepherd their flock at the pace of the slowest lambs. They can't just drop everything and switch to an emphasis of Releasing Kings - not everyone is ready. As a pastor, I was really surprised when I preached marketplace ministry. Half my congregation jumped all over it and half kind of yawned and wished I would move on to something else. Bottom line - Releasing Kings is a dynamic that moves hearts and ministry outside the church into six other mountains. There are some things a pastor can do and we've created a web site with those ideas (Releasing Kings in My Church). It's written from a pastor's perspective. Put your energy in your mountain and avoid piling expectations on your pastor.

We're Dancing

John and Sue www.Releasing-kings.com

Goals That "Work" For You

2009-12-01T17:48:00.000-08:00

Goals That "Work" For You
Goals can be a delight to achieve or an intimidating mountain that taunts us. Knowing how to set them is important in making progress toward your inheritance in Christ. Many believers are totally content to operate without written goals and some are still quite successful. I want to suggest the successful ones still have goals of the heart; they just have a theology that prevents them from admitting it. Servants with no personal goals who just do what the Lord tells them typically live out most of their Christian life getting the dial tone. God works through personal initiative and individual creativity. His will is found in the desires of our heart.
Goals of the heart - Goals cannot be set with our mind alone. They must be set around the passion of our heart and the purpose of our life. People mistakenly set goals around giving or making money. Money can't be a primary goal because it doesn't articulate a desire of our heart. However, every goal usually does require money to reach it. Here's what I learned as a pastor, "Ministry costs money!" We don't love money; it's just a tool that funds our ministry.
No Goals? - What happens if we coast through life with no sense of personal destiny or goals built around our passion? We still have to eat! So, we find a job, make some money, pay the bills and give to others that do have goals. We end up serving money with our time - a job. Serving in that which is another man's is OK for a season; just not for a life time. The goal is to identify and serve your own heart's desire - eventually.
And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is your own? Luke 16:12 KJV

"And if you have not been faithful in the use of that which is another's, who will give you that which is your own? Luke 16:12 NASU
Here's the real reason to have goals built around your life's passion. Those goals will go to work and make money so that you can achieve your dream. Last week we talked about Exercising your heart. If you tap into your life's calling and purpose there will be several trademarks.
1.First, we enjoy what we're doing because it expresses the desires of our own heart.
2.We sense the Father's pleasure spiritually and we feel a wind in our sails naturally.
3.New ideas and creativity and work cause wealth to flow toward us and multiply our ministry.
But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today. Deut 8:18
Sabotage - If we try to set goals with our mind and skip the real passion in our hearts, then our hearts simply sabotage the whole process and our goals work against us instead of for us.
For example, I'm funding our ministry through day trading. If I lose sight of the real purpose of ministry and start to focus on the money then my heart starts to sabotage my success and I violate the training of my mentors. In hindsight it looks obviously and incredibly and embarrassingly stupid. My mind can't believe it happened... neither can my mentor! But my heart understands clearly that I'm starting to wander from my purpose. (Can you see why diets don't work? They don't address the heart.)
We need coaches and mentors and training (and diets), but none of it works until our heart's desire is identified. Good mechanistic "how to" training just gets filtered until it supports a dream. Our mistake is that we start with some formula for success before we understand the dream that success will serve. That's why our goal can't be something like making money. Our real dream is connected to a tangible purpose. Money is just a tool to make a dream come true.
To set a goal around money without a connection to a higher purpose falls into a trap, "love of money." That scenario also sets the stage for moral compromise... greed, theft, lying, etc.
People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money , have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. 1 Tim 6:8-10 NIV

Keep your lives free from the love of money... Heb 13:5 NIV

Such is the end of all who go after ill-gotten gain; it takes away the lives of those who get it. Prov 1:19 NIV
Note: Keep in mind these verses may cause us to hear a wrong message, "God wants us poor." The real truth is that God want us wealthy enough to fund our dream with abundance through a cup that continually overflows. We've written a four part series on wealth that you may enjoy. Is Wealth God's Will?, The Reason for Wealth, Wealth is a Tool, and Moving to a Wealth Mentality.
Get Connected - To realize your full potential in Jesus, you and I have to tap into the real desires of our hearts and flow with them. That's what makes life fun... ministry multiplies, wealth flows, and fruit is the result. Set goals around your life purpose and the desires of your heart. Get to the bottom of your real heart's motivation so that your heart is rejoicing instead of working against you. "Religion" in the legalistic sense, is trying to work for God and against your heart. It doesn't work... but we already know that, don't we?
...your heart will rejoice and you will flourish like grass... Isa 66:14 NIV

A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. Prov 17:22 NIV

We're Dancing

John and Sue www.Releasing-kings.com

The Way to Truth and Prosperity

2009-11-19T19:39:00.001-08:00

The Way to Truth and Prosperity
By Gerald Chester www.strategieswork.com
You say, “I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.” But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. Revelation 3:17 [NIV]

Need a new car? Does your house need to be updated? Need to pay off credit card debt? Is your company struggling to make payroll? Does your company need capital to expand, develop a new product, or to explore new opportunities? See an investment opportunity?

Since most of us believe that the answer to life’s challenges is money, we assume that the solution to all of the above is money. This causes us to focus on and be preoccupied with money.

The assumption that money is the solution to many, if not most, of life's challenges is all too common. This perspective has been around for thousands of years.

The text above was written to the Christian community at Laodicea nearly two thousand years ago. This Christian community thought the same as most of us do today. They believed that money was the answer to life’s problems and challenges.

Placing trust and confidence in physical assets was and continues to be a powerful deception. The second half of the above verse expresses the truth. When we trust in our tangible physical wealth, we are trapped, imprisoned, powerless, hopeless, and unprotected—not a good place to be. When we think money is the solution to meet our needs and solve our problems, we are living in deception.

To better understand the above verse, consider how the universe was created. A spirit being, whom we know to be God, created the tangible physical world. This means that spiritual reality is the fundamental reality and physical reality emanates from spiritual reality. Notwithstanding the apparent prosperity of the wicked (see Psalms 73), tangible wealth is therefore a physical manifestation of underlying spiritual reality. Consequently, tangible wealth is never a root issue; it is only a symptom of underlying spiritual reality.

Our true needs are fundamentally spiritual in nature and are manifested in the physical realm in various ways. For example, consider the nation of Israel in the Old Testament. They were told that obedience to God (spiritual reality) would manifest itself in family, financial, and political blessings. The reverse was also true. Disobedience (spiritual reality) would manifest itself in family, financial, and political calamity (see Deuteronomy 28).

To truly solve problems in life, therefore, we must deal with root issues, which are always spiritual in nature. We must recognize that money problems are symptoms of underlying spiritual issues.

Here is your business tip: The key to prosperity in God’s universe is spiritual alignment with Him (Matthew 6:33). This text teaches that our role is to align with God’s kingdom (His rule and reign) and to do it according to righteousness (His ways). There is provision when we do this. To quote my friend Dennis Peacocke: “God funds His will.”

Whenever you face an apparent need and don’t have the requisite money, there is an alignment issue or issues. To help you uncover the root issues, consider the following:

* Have you truly discerned the Lord’s will for yourself and/or your organization?
* Is there sin in your life and/or in your community (home, business, church, and/or nation)?
* Is this a test from God to build your faith?
* Is this a timing issue—it may be God’s will but the wrong time?

Honest assessment of the spiritual reality at work in your circumstances will enable you to discern how to pray and act in alignment with God, which will release provision to do His will. This is the way of truth that leads to blessings in God's universe.

When Kings Get Drunk

2009-11-18T17:17:00.000-08:00

When Kings Get Drunk

Learning to drink - In 1995 Sue and I went back to Toronto to the Airport Vineyard to catch an outpouring... there were meetings six nights a week and people were there from at least 60 different nations. Our congregation was glad to see me go; and to some degree pushed me out the door. As an engineer who was raised on a ranch, I didn't naturally release my heart or my emotions in front of them. When we got to Toronto the meetings were filled with the presence of God and the speakers felt no obligation to teach a coherent message. The goal was to help people experience the Holy Spirit. Nearly every one ended up on the floor at some time. Laughter and healing were common ingredients. Waves would sweep over the congregation of a couple of thousand people - It was thrilling to see the Lord move. I wanted to be part of it all and I learned that if I was willing to surrender and allow the Lord to touch my own heart that I could laugh too. It healed something in my heart that I carry to this day and cherish very much. I've never again been ashamed to release my heart or emotions to simply share the heart of Jesus whether it's tears or laughter.

A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones. Prov 17:22

When we got home our church experienced the same thing. Waves of laughter would overtake those willing to release their hearts and enjoy His presence. We basked in His glory and enjoyed the season. I didn't think I'd changed but my closest friends and family told me I had. It was wonderful. The revival was a season in God that has passed, but my heart was changed forever.

A bike wreck - Yesterday David and Poul and I drove through the countryside of Ukraine on the way from Lutsk to L'viv. We passed horse drawn wagons and old women watching Holsteins as they grazed in unfenced meadows. As we passed through one small town a middle aged man drove the bike he was riding into a curb and fell awkwardly in slow motion. Poul pointed out that he was drunk and had probably spent his small wage in a bar on his way home to his family. It was a metaphor for us. Let me explain.

The pull on your heart - I've witnessed "live" God moving through Kings to change a nation. Paul started a gate factory that employs about 15 people. Tommy, his manager, chose to staff the factory with local men from rehab. They aren't all saved yet. The factory is two years old and they have done an amazing job of balancing the quality and production of their product in a bureaucratic culture with a staff that is not naturally entrepreneurial. The cash flow is almost positive and Paul has a vision to start 2 more factories in the future.

There are struggling church plants, new businesses in a down economy, and hundreds of worthwhile people and causes that pull on your heart. Our conference and books will play a strategic role in the Kingdom here to make missions self-supporting by Releasing Kings.

To drink or abstain - Kings with tender hearts have a huge temptation to empty their wallets and play a role in changing places like the Ukraine. Where do we draw a line and find the balance between wisdom and the party? Let me offer a simple recipe.

We're not too surprised when youthful servants empty their wallets for a good cause. There is a camp that describes it as a sacrifice that God delights in - the widow's mite. It's really a poverty mentality inspired by spiritual vodka that lives for the moment.

Kings have a store of seed that God "continually increases." They give out of the overflow of those businesses and investments. They never give away the seed that is producing the next harvest. In fact, God is calling Kings to have a hundred year vision and answer this question. How will your vision and seed pass on to the next generation so that your work will continue (and increase) after you're gone? Those business plans that cover decades and mentor our replacements are the inheritance and Kingdom legacy God is calling us to steward.

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 9 As it is written:

"He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor;
his righteousness endures forever."

10 Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. 2 Cor 9:8-11 NIV

Wisdom - It's not spiritual for Kings to give away all their money. When they risk or give away their seed, they risk or give away their ministry now and in the future. Does it happen? Yes, Kings can get addicted to the anointing and give away their seed. Their wives feel exactly like the wife of the alcoholic who wrecked his bike and showed up at the door with vodka on his breath... with no money for food.

For Kings, giving feels so good it can be addictive. But God has His eye our our spiritual grandchildren and how we steward our message and our seed so the next generations can run with it... and exceed our own exploits. What has really opened my eyes is seeing what God is doing in 20 something's. They are golden. My heart is leaping because they will Release Kings at levels we've never imagined. Our assignment is to steward their inheritance in the message and the money and the ministry so that the baton is passed without missing a step.

A good man leaves an inheritance for his children's children... Prov 13:22 NIV

We're Dancing

John and Sue www.Releasing-kings.com

GLORIOUS FREEDOM

2009-10-23T03:03:00.000-07:00

Glorious Freedom
Roots of Freedom - Freedom is the very nature of the Kingdom of God; bondage and slavery describe the kingdom of darkness. Wherever the spirit of the Lord is there is liberty. "Religion" does have a reputation for legalism - getting people to do what they don't want to do. However, real and Biblical spirituality is learning to pursue your heart's desires and finding the will of God at the same time. We live for a purpose larger than ourselves and we live to see dreams come true. It's exciting!
The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. 20 For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. Rom 8:18-21 NIV
But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 2 Cor 3:16-17 NIV
Jesus came to set the captives free. Think about that concept. Real freedom costs money. You can be totally saved, spirit-filled and on your way to Heaven. But, if you live in poverty you are really a slave to society unable to attain your dreams. We don't deny the freedom that comes with salvation, the freedom we experience in worship, and the freedom that comes from loving relationships. Those things don't cost money. I'm simply suggesting that "abundance" includes the financial flexibility to be "free" to ______. You can fill in the blank.
"The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, 19 to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." Luke 4:18-19
I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. John 10:10 NASU
Why some choose poverty - I've experienced the chagrin of showing people ways to multiply their finances only to have them say, "no thanks." Why? Freedom is spelled r-e-s-p-o-n-s-i-b-i-l-i-t-y. The freedom to be entrepreneurial, multiply finances, take risks and pursue your dream always implies trying... with the possibility of failure. Risk is something many people won't tolerate. It feels safer to choose the path of least resistance, lay low and do what we've always done. Listen to what that attitude sounds like.
All the Israelites grumbled against Moses and Aaron, and the whole assembly said to them, "If only we had died in Egypt! Or in this desert! 3 Why is the LORD bringing us to this land only to let us fall by the sword? Our wives and children will be taken as plunder. Wouldn't it be better for us to go back to Egypt?" 4 And they said to each other, "We should choose a leader and go back to Egypt." Num 14:2-4 NIV
The Israelites said to them, "If only we had died by the LORD's hand in Egypt! There we sat around pots of meat and ate all the food we wanted, but you have brought us out into this desert to starve this entire assembly to death." Ex 16:3 NIV
Failure is good! - Want to know a secret? Failure can motivate us to succeed. We can learn from mistakes. Truly free societies are always predicated on free markets where some succeed and some don't. Breaking the stronghold of poverty in a culture or a nation can't be done with handouts or trying to protect people from failures. We all need to learn responsibility. If we don't, poverty is a guarantee. Dictators, communists, and socialists don't create wealth or freedom for their people. They oppress them on the edge of poverty.
Let me say it politically... the Kingdom of God uses capitalism to create the wealth that is used for ministry. Socialism pretends to have a heart for the poor, but what it really does is eliminate wealth and discourage responsibility from entire cultures and nations. People who have come out from under the tyranny of communism are often left still wanting their government (or somebody) to provide for them. Freedom from oppression doesn't automatically translate to personal initiative and responsibility. We have to embrace the responsibility that comes with freedom.
Note: Harold has two teachings on capitalism dated June 4 and 11, 2009 on his web site. They are worth listening to ~ an hour each.
Suggestion - If you're saved (and free), I can assure you that you have, are, or soon will be exposed to the trials and discouragement that go with failure. You probably know that. What you may not know is that those setbacks can be used to lay a foundation in your character for success. That's the genius of freedom. We can fail and succeed. You are guaranteed your fair share of failures - HELLO! However, all of creation is waiting with eager expectation to see you use your freedom to move beyond your failures and succeed personally... and then to use that success as leverage to help others succeed as well. It's fun and it includes finances. It's ministry!
And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Rom 5:3-5 NASU
If you take a risk, encounter a few failures and stick with it, you will not be disappointed. God, Himself will promote you into things like wisdom and wealth and influence and long life for the sake of the Kingdom and because he loves you and because he loves the captives you will set free. You just have to sign up for the cost of admission. Bust a few doors down!

It was for freedom that Christ set us free... Gal 5:1 NASU

We're Dancing

John and Sue www.Releasing-kings.com

The Morality of Business

2009-10-01T19:04:00.001-07:00

The Morality of Business
Does business = greed? - I was talking to a good friend a few days ago and sharing about day trading. He asked a simple question, "When you make money on a trade, isn't someone else losing money?" I fumbled for an answer and suggested we were probably taking some of George Soros' money and that the US was printing plenty of extra money for us to make anyway. I vainly tried to "humor" away a legitimate response.
We addressed this question in Releasing Kings, chapter 17. There is a belief that "the resource pie is fixed." In other words, if you use too much oil, or electricity, or make too much money, someone else will have less. Although we need to be good stewards of our resources, the real truth is that God is the source of wealth and resources and He has enough for everyone. Did you know that if all the money in the world was divided by the number of people the in the world, we would each have $7M? Do you understand why you do not yet have your share?
Back to my friends question: When a company posts a job for one new employee and you get the job, that means other applications are rejected. Does that mean you should never apply for a job? Colleges have entrance exams to limit enrollment to their ability to handle a specific number of students. If you pass the exam and gain entrance, a spot is taken that someone else could have gotten. Does that mean you should never apply to college?
As I thought through this issue, I realized I was still carrying a poverty mentality in this area. Competition isn't a bad thing, neither is being entrepreneurial. In fact, you are really in a position to help others only when you succeed yourself. The concept that the resource pie is fixed and "more for me means less for you" is the primary ingredient in socialism and communism and poverty. It is always the justification for more government control. It also perpetuates poverty because welfare is one of the root causes of a "victimized" mindset. People place their expectations on government instead of exercising faith in God.
And the answer is? - There are answers to the national problems we face in every mountain. The goal of the government mountain is to release Kings; to facilitate entrepreneurial genius instead of trying to provide it. Government bureaucracies are famous world-wide for inefficiency because they are staffed with servants instead of Kings. We do have many examples of wonderful elected officials. However, they are all great for the same reason - They enabled people to provide for themselves. They set people free to meet their own needs, to create their own inventions, to own their own land, and to pursue their own vision.
The morality of business - Adding value to the lives of people by providing something they need is the crux of ministry. Wealth is the natural result of the wisdom it takes to come up with those entrepreneurial ideas. The process of gaining wisdom that produces wealth to enable ministry is simply discipleship. It's a process that the Christian community has not emphasized - we have generally not wanted to soil our hands with filthy lucre! Instead, we need to celebrate believers that "know how" to obtain wealth and convert it to ministry (wisdom). Their business models often "minister" in ways we don't consider ministry. People all over the world that receive this newsletter are blessed by Bill Gates' software - I think he deserves some wealth!
The wealth of the wise is their crown... Prov 14:24 NIV

To the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness, but to the sinner he gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth to hand it over to the one who pleases God. Eccl 2:26 NIV

Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Prov 3:13-16 NIV
Why Jewish people prosper - They simply have a theology that supports prosperity. While theologians lived off the offerings of the masses and debated the sin of usury, Jewish businessmen were happy to open banks and loan other people money to start their businesses. They deemed the banking industry to be an honorable and moral service to their communities - a ministry. They understood that it was a curse to be the borrower and not the lender. They understood the value of interest and the wisdom of investing in other people.
He will lend to you, but you will not lend to him. He will be the head, but you will be the tail. Deut 28:44 NIV
While Christians considered the merits of humility and service, the Jewish people felt totally free to become famous and influential. There understood honor was the blessing of God and that it was His purpose to make their name great and their nation great. Jewish people are very popular in the entertainment field... because their theological roots free them to be that way.
"I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you." Gen 12:2-3 NIV
The emphasis on prophetic revelation and miracles in modern Christianity naturally leads to the concept of living by faith for miraculous provisions. The Jewish mindset is more balanced and more Biblical. They understand wealth is more often the result of wisdom and work. They would more naturally seek wisdom and opportunities than pray for money. Living in expectation that our financial needs will be met by a miracle (wealth transfer) is a sure formula for poverty.
Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for — both riches and honor — so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings. 1 Kings 3:13-14 NIV

Note: I'm enjoying Thou Shall Prosper by Rabbi Daniel Lapin. The first chapter provides a great explanation of why Jewish people prosper. Fascinating - because it exposes some of the unbiblical poverty in our theology.

We're Dancing

John and Sue www.Releasing-kings.com

HIGH POSITION

2009-09-25T19:36:00.001-07:00

High Positions

By Os Hillman www.marketplaceleaders.org

"The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position" (James 1:9).
Whenever God takes a saint to a very lowly state it is designed to accomplish something only that process can do. Job learned that "He reveals the deep things of darkness and brings deep shadows into the light" (Job 12:22). Job's trials allowed him to learn things about God, himself and his friends that we all needed to know as well. He assumed things about God that he had to recant: "Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know" (Job 42:3).
God reveals things in the dark places of circumstances that will be used to reveal something He wants you and others to know. He has sent you ahead to learn these things so that you and others will benefit from your unique experience. God views this place where you receive these truths as a high position. The world views it as a place to be despised.
"He called down a famine on the land and destroyed all their supplies of food; and he sent a man before them - Joseph, sold as a slave. They bruised his feet with shackles; his neck was put in irons, till what he foretold came to pass, till the word of the Lord proved him true" (Psalms 105:16-19). Joseph was also led to this high position. It was here he was prepared to be the most powerful man in the world as a thirty-year old. He learned many things about God during his captivity that was used later as a ruler over a nation.
So, if you find yourself in a lowly state, realize your lowly state is considered a high position by God that is preparation soil for revealing deep things from the dark places that God desires you to learn.

Breaking Poverty - Releasing Prosperity

2009-09-17T17:51:00.001-07:00

Breaking Poverty - Releasing Prosperity
A Wealthy Soul - I believe we are in a season where doors of prosperity are opening for the sake of the Kingdom. Let's talk about why money flows toward some people and flees from others.
Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers. 3 John 2 NASU
People who are already wealthy in soul and spirit tend to prosper financially as well. Money doesn't really make us wealthy. We can be rich before money begins to flow. A prosperous soul is the first ingredient for breaking poverty. There are a few simple principles for growing financially that must be added to a prosperous soul and spirit before finances begin to flow. Let's cover as many as we can and I'll give you some recommended reading at the end of this newsletter.
Why Wealth? - The first issue is motives. What would you buy if you had plenty of money? There are two common responses and I want to suggest that both are very wrong.
1) Most of us have a list of things we would like to purchase if we had a few more dollars. If we had the money, we would buy them.
2) Many believers would say, "I am basically content and I don't need to be wealthy - my needs are covered and I don't want to be encumbered worrying about how to make more money."
In response to #2 - 50,000 people die each and every day due to poverty related causes and you're telling me you don't need any more money? Can you see how selfish that attitude is? It's true, as long as you think only about yourself and your immediate family, you may not need more money.
In response to #1 - People who have wealth give to needs and make purchases for themselves out of their profits; they give and buy from the overflow of a full cup. The first thing they do differently with their "seed" is buy income generating assets. Poverty will give away seed or use it to buy liabilities; prosperity is a good steward of seed and they know how to multiply it. If you ask a prosperous person what they would like to do with their money, they will talk about their next investment or business expansion (income generating assets). Poverty will answer the same question by talking about the house, car, or computer they would like to purchase.
How to Give - One of the great tragedies in the church is that people are taught the way to prosperity is giving away your seed and believing God for a miracle. That works if you're a televangelist with your own TV show because everyone sends you money. People who are taught to give away their seed remain in poverty all their lives. We taught the church how to remain poor and stay out of marketplace ministry! Isn't that totally amazing? One more thing - there is no such thing as an end-time wealth transfer that will wash away all the sins of bad stewardship.
I'm not suggesting we stop giving. We can budget for both tithes/offerings and savings and investing. My real point is that good investments that multiply our seed are just as important as regular giving.
Money is spiritual - Each of us were created by God with unique gifts and talents that minister to other people. As Christians we naturally enjoy blessing other people including the nations (Gen 12:2-3). It's in our spiritual DNA. What we each need to realize is that the things we enjoy doing have value for others that can be converted to wealth and multiplied to create even more value. You were not designed to waste away in a job you don't enjoy just for the sake of a paycheck. You were designed to love working to see your heart's desire come to fruition. Work really is an expression of your ministry. That's the genius of being entrepreneurial. The process of finding your destiny and learning to convert your talents to wealth so they can be multiplied is one of the most spiritual things you can do.
"Ministry" - What you have to offer the world that will bless them so much that they will gladly pay for it in exchange for the benefit they receive "value"... and thus enable you to minister to even more people.
Money flows toward vision - Have a good answer to the question, "What would you do if you had more money." You see, money is just a tool that can be multiplied and converted to ministry. Make no mistake, it's very spiritual to know how to multiply finances. If, in your own heart, you know that you and God are on the same page with financial priorities, you will be entrepreneurial, take initiatives and prosper. If your priorities are fuzzy you will gravitate toward passivity and poverty.
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matt 6:33 NIV
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jer 29:11-13 NIV

12 The LORD will open the heavens, the storehouse of his bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands. You will lend to many nations but will borrow from none. 13 The LORD will make you the head, not the tail. If you pay attention to the commands of the LORD your God that I give you this day and carefully follow them, you will always be at the top, never at the bottom. Deut 28:12-13 NIV
Be a mentor - If you are prosperous, make it your goal to mentor others to go beyond your level. People are always the best investments. You are the light of the world and the salt of the earth. God has designed the Kingdom to bless others through you. It's important that your cup runs over; the world is waiting and so is God.
Recommended reading - My favorite books are Releasing Kings and Desire to Destiny. However, I try to read new material on marketplace ministry. Sunday Adelaja is a Pastor in Ukraine who has written an excellent book on this topic, Money Won't Make You Rich. Worth reading because it's contemporary, filled with insights, and very balanced.

We're Dancing

John and Sue www.Releasing-kings.com

Confronting your industry culture

2009-09-10T19:21:00.000-07:00

Confronting Your Industry Culture

By Os Hillman www.marketplaceleaders.org

"Jesus entered the temple area and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. "It is written," he said to them, 'My house will be called a house of prayer, but you are making it a den of robbers'" (Matt 21:12-13).
Sometimes a corporate culture dictates the way business is conducted because it was established years before. We simply inherit whatever the accepted practice is. Some of these practices violate a biblical principle. For instance, some businesses withhold payment on invoices for sixty, ninety or one hundred twenty days as a form of cash management, which places a heavy burden on suppliers. Some government custom's employees require a bribe in order to get your product into their country. One nation thinks nothing about their practice of software piracy because it has simply become a part of their culture.
God never allows for situational ethics. There are absolutes in the Kingdom of God. The Word of God does not change because of culture or accepted practice.
It was an "industry practice" to sell doves in the temple. But Jesus never accepted the practice because he knew it was turning a holy place of prayer into a commercial enterprise. It did not matter that it was an accepted practice.
God calls each of us to operate from a plumb line of righteousness in our work life, no matter the consequence. Zerubbabel led the first band of Jews, numbering 42,360, who returned from the Babylonian Captivity in the first year of Cyrus, King of Persia (Ezra). Zerubbabel is also noted for laying the foundation of the second temple in Jerusalem the next year. He was a leader who managed with integrity and righteousness. He was a man who God and others wanted in charge. "Men will rejoice when they see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel" (Zech 4:10).
Evaluate your industry practices and make sure you are not violating God's Word. Let your plumb line be measured by His precepts.

Mother Theresa

2009-09-08T18:59:00.000-07:00

Mother Theresa

By Os Hillman www.marketplaceleaders.org

"For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me"(Matt 25:42-43).
Mother Theresa gave her life to a service to the needs of the poor in Calcutta, India. She reveals in the following what she believers every believer in Jesus is called to do:
"It is not enough for us to say: "I love God," but I also have to love my neighbor. St. John says that you are a liar if you say you love God and you don't love your neighbor. How can you love God whom you do not see, if you do not love your neighbor whom you see, whom you touch, with whom you live? And so it is very important for us to realize that love, to be true, has to hurt. I must be willing to give whatever it takes not to harm other people and, in fact, to do good to them. This requires that I be willing to give until it hurts. Otherwise, there is not true love in me and I bring injustice, not peace, to those around me."
It hurt Jesus to love us. We have been created in His image for greater things, to love and to be loved. We must "put on Christ" as Scripture tells us. And so, we have been created to love as He loves us. Jesus makes Himself the hungry one, the naked one, the homeless one, the unwanted one, and He says, "You did it to Me." On the last day He will say to those on His right, "whatever you did to the least of these, you did to Me, and He will also say to those on His left, whatever you neglected to do for the least of these, you neglected to do it for Me."
When He was dying on the Cross, Jesus said, "I thirst." Jesus is thirsting for our love, and this is the thirst of everyone, poor and rich alike. We all thirst for the love of others that they go out of their way to avoid harming us and to do good to us. This is the meaning of true love, to give until it hurts."
How might her words encourage you to do things differently?

God Can Qualify The Disqualified

2009-09-06T20:42:00.000-07:00

God Can Qualify The Disqualified

By Joseph Prince www.josephprince.org

who [the Lord] redeems your life from destruction, who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, Psalm 103:4
Four women are mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus. (Matthew 1:1–16) Interestingly, they are not Sarah, Rebekah, Leah or Rachel, wives of the patriarchs of the Old Testament. Instead, they are Tamar, Rahab, Ruth and Bathsheba, women who had morally questionable backgrounds.

Tamar resorted to deception and prostitution to produce children through her father-in-law. Yet, it was from her line, the tribe of Judah, that the Messiah came. (Genesis 38) Rahab was a Gentile and a prostitute in Jericho, who became a believer in the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. (Joshua 2:1–21) She also became the mother of Boaz, who married Ruth. (Ruth 4:13)

Ruth was morally upright. But as a Moabitess, she was a Gentile and therefore considered unclean. Yet, she became the grandmother of David (Ruth 4:13–17), whom the Jews regard as their greatest king. Bathsheba committed adultery with David. (2 Samuel 11:4) Later, she gave birth to King Solomon (2 Samuel 12:24), from whose royal line Jesus descended.

So what is God saying to us here?

He is saying that He is greater than our sins — where sin abounds, His grace abounds much more. (Romans 5:20) His grace is greater than our sins, so that even when the world disqualifies us, He can qualify us to receive His blessings!

God is also saying that He is a God of many chances. These women’s stories show us that even when our troubles are of our own making, they are neither final nor fatal. When we turn to Him, He will turn our situations around until we see His glory upon us!

Finally, God is saying that He is a God of supernatural positioning. Even when all our earthly connections are gone, the moment we turn to Him, He will find ways to turn our captivity into blessings.

My friend, don’t look at your natural circumstances and be discouraged. Trust the One “who redeems your life from destruction, who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies”. Trust Him who qualifies the disqualified!

Coaching - From God

2009-09-04T20:07:00.000-07:00

Coaching - From God
Experiencing God - Christianity is both Spirit and Truth. We learn with our minds biblical truth, but we experience God with our hearts. For example, when we first saved, most of us felt God's forgiveness as a weight being lifting of our shoulders. When we first encountered the presence of the Holy Spirit we felt a stirring in our hearts. We don't subscribe to experience only. However, a Biblical foundation in sound doctrine actually helps us experience God. A balanced spiritual life is both understanding and relational encounters with an interactive and relational God.
They asked each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?" Luke 24:32 NIV

Heart's Desire - One of the key thrusts of our marketplace message is moving from servant to friend.
I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit — fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. John 15:14-17 NIV
The servant mentality can be a brother to poverty. A servants' goal is obedience and they are apt to feel guilty if financial blessing comes their way. They would certainly never feel good about pursuing financial gain. Servants are predisposed to avoid their heart's desire in favor of sacrificing themselves for what they believe is the will of God
"Friends," on the other hand, regard themselves as God's friends. They talk to God about their heart's desires on a regular basis. In fact, they find the will of God within the desires of their heart and they find the desires of their heart within the will of God. The essential difference between friends and servants is one of motivation. Servants are waiting for God to move; Friends are asking and doing and moving.
The experience - Experiencing the revelation and the power of answered prayer is another one of the landmark experiences for friends; a way of life for Kings. The Kingdom is built as friends on the same page with God ask for their heart's desires. Listen to the the way Jesus put it.
And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. 14 You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. John 14:13-14 NIV

7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. 8 This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. John 15:7-8 NIV

I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. 24 Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete. John 16:23-24 NIV
Coaching - There are a couple of levels of having this experience. One is devotionally - just having the prayerful conversation with God where you explore your heart's desires. The second level is with another person (coaching). It's one thing to understand what God asked Solomon, "Ask for whatever you want me to give you." It's another level of experience to hear those words from another brother or sister who is coaching you toward your heart's desires.
Many of us have never had another person encourage us through the process of pursuing our heart's desires. It's a pretty amazing feeling! In fact, it feels like God - another one of those God experiences.
Your assignment - Connect with God on the level of your heart's desire and have the conversation with Him in prayer. Move this same experience into the level of coaching and find someone who can specifically encourage you and help you connect with your destiny in God. Graduate from Pew to Purpose! - even if it costs you some money to hire a coach. After your direction has good definition and you're walking in it, then find a mentor who is already successful in the same field who can help you go to the next level. Your coach may be able to help you find a mentor.
Tara - There are lots of good examples of Christian coaches. I want to give you one great example I interviewed (and befriended) so you'll know what they look like. Tara Travis (based in Jacksonville, FL) is currently working with about 400 clients and has a specific burden for releasing Kings via other women. At the age of 29 Tara is wise beyond her years and represents the next generation in this move. She is one of those free spirits that is on fire for God and has a lot of fun releasing Kings. Women are particularly being called out by the Holy Spirit to pursue their hearts and it's often women coaches who are setting them free. Tara has tapped into that dynamic in a major way.
You can check out her Facebook page for free webinar events and you can also simply pick up the phone and call her. We call that initiative; something Kings are good at.

We're Dancing

John and Sue www.Releasing-kings.com

Modern Day Daniel

2009-08-30T19:39:00.000-07:00

Modern Day Daniel

By Kent Humphreys www.fcci.org

Daniel is my favorite Bible character. He was taken from his home country at about 14 years of age and went on to be one of the most influential leaders in Babylon over the next seventy years. A few weeks ago in Hong Kong I was able to spend time with a modern day Daniel who does business in the countries of Central Asia. Daniel’s father was a pastor in India back in the 1960’s, and before Daniel was born his father believed that Daniel would be a pastor in Russia. During his teenage years Daniel struggled in his faith and wandered away from his Christian heritage. About the age of 18 years he returned to walking with God. Then Daniel began to learn the Russian language in the university. But, as he got ready to graduate from college, the chaos occurred and the walls of the Soviet Union came down. In 1993 Daniel showed up in Central Asia and went to work for a large software firm as a marketing agent. He had no business training but adapted well and made many friends. For the next two or three years Daniel worked very hard and traveled twenty five days a month throughout the region of Central Asia.
Daniel was promoted three times because of his marketing and sales success. Finally in 1996, he was offered a move to Africa to head up a new office in Uganda. Daniel turned down the great financial offer because he felt called to Central Asia. For a year he worked for a financial services firm and tried to help a local church make up a fake platform for business. He spent a year on a church staff thinking that it was how he was going to serve God. Some ladies in his church began to pray and had a vision that Daniel would go into business and bring wealth to the nations. A pastor from Singapore met Daniel and told Daniel that God had called him to be a minister to the marketplace. Daniel had saved $60,000 from his earnings and started a trading business. His firm packaged and branded tea from India and grew a very successful business in just a few years. But, in 1999 the currency was devalued 50% and his savings were gone. While his inventory was devalued, he still owed his vendors over $500,000 and did not want to go bankrupt and hurt his trusted vendors. So, just as he got married, he was suddenly in deep debt for the next two years. His office was robbed, his key employee stole from him, and the KGB raided his facility. He could not even work for four months. Finally, the church in Singapore called him to come to Singapore. On a Sunday in Singapore, 12,000 members of the church gathered to lay hands on Daniel and pray for his business back in central Asia.
In 2000, Daniel started a new business in the Oil and Gas industry. He met with a firm in London and began to try to sell the 100,000 items in their CD catalog. For days Daniel called on perspective clients back in Central Asia. Finally, one night at 7:30pm he met a guy on the street who suggested that he visit an office in a basement of a certain office building. There Daniel met the key executive of a firm which would spend $4 billion on an oil and gas project over the next few years. After he saw Daniel’s CD, he asked Daniel if he really knew anything about all of these products. Daniel sadly admitted his ignorance. The man promised Daniel that if he would be a faithful supplier, that the executive would send key suppliers to Daniel to sell through Daniel as a distributor to his firm. He gave Daniel an initial order for $2,000. He had a huge project and needed distributors that he could trust. For some reason he felt Daniel could be one of those faithful distributors. This late night divine appointment changed the future of Daniel’s life and business.
Daniel’s business started with that small order and began to grow. It has doubled most years over this decade. Daniel’s oil and gas product distribution firm now has offices in fourteen nations across Central Asia employing 400 employees. In a Muslim nation where Christians are often discriminated against, Daniel has such an important business in the community and such a good reputation for service and integrity, that they can not make threats to him. He is respected by the top governmental and business leaders. Daniel’s business has started two schools and two children’s homes. By the way, the key executive that befriended Daniel back in 2000 had a heart attack a couple of years ago. Through the episode Daniel was able to lead his friend to Christ.
Daniel was named the “business person of the year” in 2006 for Kazakhstan and in 2007 began pasturing a church part time. He spends one day a week in the church besides Sunday and the rest of the time in the business. Understand that these nations are among the most unreached for Christ. Less than one percent of the population is considered evangelical. Daniel is an example of God’s grace. His story is how one man with the anointing of God on his life, the prayers of a supporting church, the provision of Divine appointments, combined with the hard work and courage to overcome continual difficulties works together to bring glory to Jesus Christ in the midst of atheistic nations. In some of the most “closed countries” to the Gospel in the world, Daniel regularly meets and does business with government and business leaders in the oil industry. He is a modern day Daniel in the secular nations of Central Asia. Check out Daniel’s company Gateway Ventures at www.gvcal.com. Daniel is a business leader doing Business as Mission for the Lord Jesus Christ.

Faith and Managing Risk

2009-08-27T19:14:00.000-07:00

Faith and Managing Risk
A friend sent me an email this week asking the following three questions. Since they were insightful, I'm sharing our exchange. At the heart of these questions is a balance of taking steps of faith while using Godly wisdom to manage risk. Kings learn to do both.
1. Does God bring business opportunities which seem beyond one's reach?
Don’t assume every "opportunity" is from God. Lots of opportunities will present themselves. We consider all of them using wisdom to make the best choices.
2. How do you evaluate to determine whether the opportunity is a divine cause?
They can all be divine – it’s your job to pick the ones the represent the best opportunity for profit, ministry, etc.
3. Of every business opportunity that comes our way, how shall I decide which is really viable; which needs to be tackled if one has the resources?
Assess the risks. The biggest mistake people make is choosing opportunities or investments based on their potential to succeed. Some opportunities succeed while others fail - hearing from God doesn't keep you immune from problems and failures. Wisdom is choosing opportunities that won’t hurt you if they fail; or at least having a strategy in place to "resurrect" from a failure. Christians are prone to assuming that God gave the opportunity and therefore nothing will go wrong. That theology sets us up for failures.
Expectations - Most of life's wounds have roots in sincere expectations about the future that were dashed on the rocks in a storm. We've all been there. Kings must have the ability to land on their feet when things go totally wrong. First let's examine the concept of "knowing the future."
The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.     Matt 7:25 NIV
As Christians we are prone to think that God has the future under control and everything is all mapped out. Knowing His will is like knowing the future and we build a set of expectations around our beliefs about what the future holds - minus the storms. The premise is that God knows the future and, if we're in tune with Him, understand the Bible, and have prophetic insight, we can know the future too. Armed with that premise we launch investments, businesses and churches with a great deal of confidence that we are safely within the will of God and nothing can go wrong.... then something goes wrong!
The only flaw in our thought process (above) is that it hasn't always worked in the past and most of us carry some level of fear that something could go wrong (like it did before "most of the time!"). So we add one thing to our little theological recipe for life. We try to prevent the pain of failure by avoiding "or ignoring" the risk of loss. We falsely label reckless plunges as "faith." Instead of taking steps to manage risk to minimize losses, we forge ahead holding God responsible for the best. So, we are generally confident in God's goodness and believe things will go right. However, having felt the personal pain of expectations unfulfilled, we are specifically inclined to fear new endeavors that represent risk. We deal with our fear of risk by pretending it's not there! We think proceeding in the face of risk is faith. It's really a form of self-sabotage. Strangely, this dynamic starts to sound like unbelief. The things we fear most start to happen to us.
What I feared has come upon me; what I dreaded has happened to me.         Job 3:25 NIV
Where is the risk highest? It can be when Christians do business together that real risk is most often neglected under the guise of "faith." Our spirit-led promptings are usually legitimate. Guidance is general in nature because God expects us to be stewards of our assets, cash flow, and initiative. It's our job to think through the details and make wise decisions that account for the risks.... "wise as serpents and harmless as doves" is Jesus advice for marketplace ministry!
Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. Matt 10:16 KJV
What Does Work? - Having a sound, Bible-based concept of God makes risk a lot simpler. God does have a plan for the future. Jesus is coming back, Heaven is real... so is Hell for that matter. Mankind will face judgment and rewards in the end. That being said, God doesn't micromanage the details of our future. In fact, he grieves with us when things go wrong. He is not an impersonal "force." Our God is dynamic, alive, and personal; He communicates, rejoices, gets angry, adjusts His course, and even changes His mind. Servants are a little more comfortable with a less personal God that doesn't show emotion or change. Friends like the interaction. We all go through a maturing process from servants that just obey, to friends that interact with God and ask for their heart's desire in fellowship with the Father (Jn 15:15). We grow in our awareness of how personal God really is. He has invited us to help plan our own future... "reason together."
"Come now, let us reason together," says the LORD. Isa 1:18 NIV
Although we have a destiny, our future is not completely scripted by God. We have many choices and many relational encounters with God as we face everything life brings us. Understanding the true nature of God and life brings us to this point: We are firm in our resolve and ultimate direction but we leave expectations and plans flexible regarding exactly how we'll arrive at our destination (or destiny). There is plenty of room for prayer!
Risk is Real, Accidents happen - The flaw in the thinking of many Christians is that God will protect us from risk. We take leaps of faith into the unknown and pray that nothing will go wrong. Then, when something goes south we are stuck; either blaming God or ourselves for the failure (both are bad choices). The Bible is full of stories of God's miraculous intervention. He still does miracles all the time. However, managing your risk by expecting God to provide a miracle every time a storm comes is wrong practically and theologically.
Another flawed theology is believing God sovereignly controls everything and that there are no accidents. If something Goes wrong we falsely conclude it's either God's providence for our good or his judgment on us for sin. Here's the middle of the road; God can control anything he wants to regarding the future (miracles). However, He is committed to working with kings and He leaves most of the future open for us to manage. Accidents can and do happen all the time. They don't imply God's will or judgment. They often point to our lack of foresight to manage risk.
Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them — do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem? I tell you, no! Luke 13:4-5 NIV
What if we stopped pretending there is no risk? What if we admit the future is partly open and it's our job to work with God to shape it according to His purposes? What if our family and business plans accounted for all the things that could go wrong (instead of keeping all those fears hidden in a closet)?
Before you face your next "storm," realize that you are a King working with the King of Kings. You not only share the setbacks, you chat about the options to resurrect the situation so that God is glorified and the Kingdom is built. Faith has vision and risk; wisdom adds the ability to anticipate what could go wrong and plan for it, or better yet, avoid it. If we hit a home run, God is glorified and the Kingdom is built. If we encounter problems, we implement a strategy to solve them (avoid or manage the risk) so the Kingdom is still built. Whether it's the easy way or the hard way we are still walking with Jesus (the rock) and we'll still arrive at the same destiny if we stick with it. Pretty cool isn't it?
Here's reality - We Kings live in real-world warfare but we operate in the power of the Holy Spirit. Spiritual attack is magnified because of the warfare, but our fruitfulness and opportunities are magnified even more because of His power that works so mightily in us.
Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us Eph 3:20 NASB
To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me. Col 1:29 NIV
Strong Backbones, Flexible Expectations - Right now we see Kings experiencing the highs and lows. Some are in storms or under attack while, on other fronts, there are great victories. We (and God) don't control where the enemy may strike or what decisions those around us will make. Stuff happens... things change! Our resolve is like steel but our plans and expectations are very flexible. We anticipate risk and we're not taken by surprise of something goes wrong. The reason God calls us overcomers is because there are plenty of things to overcome.
FYI: I learned (and am learning) how to manage risk day trading. That world is 5 -10 decisions a day that require a quick decision based on an evaluation of the risk of a loss. The same decision logic applies to the rest of our lives too. Special thanks to some generous mentors; Greg Dalessandri and Dan and Nathan Gaub. I also want to recommend Who is God by Harold Eberle. We summarized this book in Releasing Kings, Chapter 7. Also, Trading in the Zone by Mark Douglas helped me understand how our inner healing issues can bias business decisions (most spiritual secular book I've ever read).

We're Dancing

John and Sue     www.Releasing-kings.com

PS: I want to recommend some follow-up reading.
Who is God by Harold Eberle provides the best explanation of a more relational view of God. It's must reading that connects our perception of God with everyday life.
Releasing Kings for Ministry in the Marketplace takes that foundation into marketplace ministry and the entrepreneurial nature of Kings. Fruit in the marketplace naturally springs out of sound doctrine.
Desire to Destiny - Takes the foundation and marketplace ministry and puts them in the context of seven practical keys or stages of growth you can apply in your own life.
You're invited into the vision to release Kings; communicate the message, make the money, and do the mission.
1.The Message - Our first goal is to get the Releasing Kings message into the hands of the messengers that will carry it... do it, preach it, teach it, example it.
2.The Money - The second goal is to help Kings break out of poverty by networking them with practical opportunities to prosper. We want to introduce them to the right people, the right opportunity, and the right financial approach.
3.The Mission - Network Kings with opportunities to mix business and missions. Accomplish the great commission through the marketplace and occupy the Seven mountains of: business, media, arts & entertainment, education and government in addition to the church.
____________________________________________________________________
You can get your copy of Releasing Kings for Ministry in the Marketplace or Desire to Destiny at
1-800-308-5837 (or)
www.releasing-kings.com

The Hazardous Christian

2009-08-25T20:54:00.000-07:00

The Hazardous Christian

By James Ryle www.truthworks.org

"Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." (Acts 15:26).

Marketers have called it the World’s Most Successful Ad. It was posted in The London Times in 1905 -- “Men wanted for hazardous journey. Low wages. Bitter cold. Long hours of complete darkness. Safe return doubtful. Honor and recognition in event of success.” Signed E. Shackleton. He was looking for a crew to help him discover the South Pole.

The next morning, over five thousand men were waiting outside the Time’s office ready to go. Something in the ad touched something deep inside each man.

But there is an even more successful ad posted in the Acts of the Apostles, and over the centuries millions have responded to its higher call in an even deeper way.

Paul and Silas were commended as men who hazarded their lives. Contrary to what one may initially think, this does not mean to be reckless or irresponsible. The Greek word means “to give over to another.” In other words, they were men who had handed their lives over to Jesus Christ, so as to bring great honor to His name. And while the underlying thought might seem to be one of self-abandonment, the truth of the matter is that this is the ultimate act of personal responsibility.

Paul said, “My friends, because of God's great mercy to us I appeal to you: Offer yourselves as a living sacrifice to God, dedicated to his service and pleasing to him. This is the true worship that you should offer.” (Rom.12:1, Good News Bible).

The Amplified Bible says it is the "reasonable, rational, and intelligent" thing to do.

You and I were put on this earth to make Jesus famous. It is reasonable, rational, and intelligent for us to use our gifts and abilities to honor Him. But that’s not going to happen if we hold on to our own reputations as something to be cherished and mollycoddled, as they said in the old days. We must hazard our lives.

There is something deep inside every person that is stirred by the daring challenge to live a life of greatness for something other than oneself. Still, not all choose to do so; not every one hands their lives over.

Some settle for the pampered, risk-free environment of a lifeless faith and live out their days making no difference at all. But not you; surely not you. Start now and from this day onward, hazard your life for the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Worship - The Door of Kings

2009-08-18T22:35:00.001-07:00

Worship - The Door of Kings
(Meeting David and Rita)
Worship - In 1975 a guy named David Kitely came to our church and taught us how to sing over chord progressions and released the congregation and the musicians into a free flowing, extemporaneous worship that revolutionized the services. Prior to that praise felt like pumping water up hill. After learning how to flow, the praise easily moved into worship that felt like a personal communion with Jesus. We soared like eagles, released prophetical songs and instrumentals. I was particularly fond of great brothers and sisters that worshiped through their clarinet, violin, or trumpet. Between the worship, the prophetic songs, and the instruments, the church went to a whole new level in terms of experiencing the presence of God. Something happened in the spirit that caused our hearts to be released with joy into the presence of God. It was liberating, exciting, emotional, and holy at the same time.
Note: It's worth pointing out that our 1975 revelation of how to worship was so amazing that we developed a theology to go with it. We thought the presence of God was so real and powerful that the whole community would eventually be drawn into it. We actually did grow the church... however, instead of releasing Kings, we gave them seat assignments in the only mountain we could see at the time - the local church. Of course it eventually blew up and we all wondered why something so wonderful could end so awkwardly... probably God?
Releasing Kings - Worship is a natural ingredient in our discipleship process where we learn to release our hearts into a new freedom with Jesus. The Holy Spirit woos us week after week until we surrender to the thrill of soaring like eagles in worship; lost in the wonder of his majesty and no longer concerned with what others may think. It's an hour a week of learning to hear the voice of the Father and catching a ride on the wind of the Holy Spirit. There are times so rich that everyone present can prophesy because everyone can hear what God is saying so clearly.
Experiencing your release as a king is another expression of that kind of worship. It feel like a jailbreak from an obedient servant to a friend that walks in the desires of his or her own heart with a clear knowledge of what the Father is doing. It's a step into personal freedom that causes us to soar and reminds us so much of worship. And, it leads right into the presence and favor of God. We used to labor and pump and strive; and now something has changed and our "yoke" feels easy and our "burden" feels light. Networks come together, doors open, finances flow, and the creativity feels like an adventure.
Connecting the dots - God connected something for me. When we do conferences on Releasing Kings there is an amazing impact in people as they begin to awaken dreams and touch the desires of their heart that God planted in them. It's one part inner healing mixed with one part joyful jailbreak with a pinch of adventure thrown in for excitement. Worship is a natural bridge God builds into our hearts to release us as Kings in the Kingdom. We don't normally connect starting a business with worship... unless it's your business and it makes your heart sing and you realize it really is worship! Learning to set your heart free is a key ingredient to inherit Jesus' promise of abundant life (Jn 10:10). Worship is a great training ground for your heart.
Finding your calling in the marketplace will cause your spirit to leap. Or, reversing the sequence, when we learn to set our hearts free we will find our calling in the marketplace.
I met David and Rita Baroni last week (read their interview on the link). It was one of those connections that feels like you've found a long, lost friend. They have spent their lives in music and worship, and they carry that same ability to transform congregational worship and musicians, to set people free to soar in worship; released in the presence of God. Many worship services consist of songs with little participation from the congregation. David's music and his knowledge of free-form worship and the prophetic create a special place for people to "enter in" and release their hearts. You can hear some of their music on You Tube and learn more on the interview page. I'm committed to having a future conference with them to implement this dynamic... releasing hearts in worship and in the marketplace. David and Rita carry an anointing to do that. They are carrying on what King David started; a path to life filled with abundance, joy and pleasure.
You will make known to me the path of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
In Your right hand there are pleasures forever. Ps 16:11 NASU
Finding our role in the marketplace to minister is a song that is playing in our hearts. I think it's dance music! There is a new sound in the camp that is causing a generation to arise.

We're Dancing

John and Sue www.Releasing-kings.com

PS: I want to recommend some follow-up reading.
Who is God by Harold Eberle provides the best explanation of a more relational view of God. It's must reading that connects our perception of God with everyday life.
Releasing Kings for Ministry in the Marketplace takes that foundation into marketplace ministry and the entrepreneurial nature of Kings. Fruit in the marketplace naturally springs out of sound doctrine.
Desire to Destiny - Takes the foundation and marketplace ministry and puts them in the context of seven practical keys or stages of growth you can apply in your own life.
You're invited into the vision to release Kings; communicate the message, make the money, and do the mission.
1. The Message - Our first goal is to get the Releasing Kings message into the hands of the messengers that will carry it... do it, preach it, teach it, example it.
2. The Money - The second goal is to help Kings break out of poverty by networking them with practical opportunities to prosper. We want to introduce them to the right people, the right opportunity, and the right financial approach.
3. The Mission - Network Kings with opportunities to mix business and missions. Accomplish the great commission through the marketplace and occupy the Seven mountains of: business, media, arts & entertainment, education and government in addition to the church.

From Pew to Purpose

2009-08-16T22:01:00.000-07:00

From Pew to Purpose
When the Saints come Marching - We live in a church culture believing we should equip the saints but we don't quite know how to graduate them into the marketplace to change the world. Last week we made A Case For Mentors. Let's take that theme one more step into the sequence we all go through. First it's permission to pursue your dream, then it's finding your purpose (mountain, vocation, ministry and model), and lastly it's hooking up with a mentor to convert all of these pie-in-the-sky dreams into a prosperous vocation and ministry.
1. Permission from God - Your dream begins when you give yourself permission to dream. I have to embrace the theological position that God has written His will into the desires of my heart. Not there? Many believe our hearts are evil and get trapped in religion, "I'm obeying the will of God for my life and I'm living above my carnal desires." That attitude is good for new believers, but over a life time, it will eventually ship wreck - I've tried it and so have you.
One of the early signs that God is unveiling your heart's desire is that you see someone else "modeling" your dream… you’ll be drawn to emulate that person. When you see someone with a calling, gifting, and anointing similar to your own, you naturally will gravitate toward them. You’ll experience a healthy envy that draws you into their anointing. They are examples the Lord is showing you to pull you into your own destiny. Let your envy work its way into mentoring. We are drawn into their anointing by the Holy Spirit. Godly mentors don't focus on accountability; they focus on making you a success and letting you hold yourself accountable to something that works.
Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ. 1 Cor 11:1
…for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel. Therefore I urge you to imitate me. 1 Cor 4:15-16
Join with others in following my example, brothers Phil 3:17
You became imitators of us and of the Lord 1 Thess 1:6
We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to make ourselves a model for you to follow. 2 Thess 3:9
We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised. Heb 6:12
The Kingdom is being built by people who are having fun, prospering in every way, and sharing from a cup that runs over in abundance. If you're struggling in this area my first suggestion is to read Releasing Kings. It was designed to provide a very Biblical basis for this move in our hearts.
2. Coaching to Find Your Life's Purpose - It is helpful and encouraging to sit down with someone good at reading people, who will ask the right questions and help you explore what's in your heart. There are many professional coaches who can help you find your marketplace ministry. I'm borrowing a four step coaching sequence from Michelle Bizek as an example. Since we're mentioning Michelle we should also point out that women are particularly being called out by the Holy Spirit to pursue their hearts and often it's women coaches who are setting them free.
Explore where you are, what beliefs and choices got you here, where you want to go and what you want to change,
Discover your dreams, values, strengths, challenges and possibilities,
Align your discoveries to design goals and actions that satisfy and fulfill,
Integrate your actions to create new results and move you toward your goals.
A coach can get us started setting goals, writing a plan, making a schedule... getting off our south side. We wrote Desire to Destiny to address this same process. Read it - you'll be blessed.
Two Suggestions - 1) I'd like to see coaching happen in the church as a pastoral function. Why not set a goal that part of our discipleship process is helping every member of the body find their mountain. It's not that hard and its not very far from the counseling that already goes on in most churches... except it is proactive instead of reactive.
2) Our missions trips should include this same process. We're not about just getting people saved so they can sit in the pews. We need to think of follow-up in terms of helping / coaching new believers to connect with their marketplace calling.
3. Mentoring - It's important to distinguish between coaching and mentoring. Coaches make their money from the people they help and have a pastoral ingredient. Mentors make their money from their field of expertise and help people out of an apostolic fathering ingredient. They don't need your money! Although they love to share their insights and help people become successful, they can't afford to waste time on people that aren't serious.
Mentors can show you how to do things. Even better, they can show you what not to do because they have already made all the mistakes. Mentors have a life time of connections that allow them to get things done quickly and efficiently. They can shave years off our dream realization.
Who's your mentor? For starters, get acquainted with those same people you would like to emulate and ask if they would help you. Couch that question in terms of how you could help them. Use your phone and make a divine appointment! We're not just asking for information or training, we're asking for a relationship with a "father." Your commitment to succeed is measured by your willingness to find a mentor(s).
PS: many who read this newsletter are being called to be a "father" and provide this mentoring aspect of discipleship for others. We've used a web page called interviewing Kings to highlight a few examples of those folks. There are millions more... rise up and find your sons! Pull some one else up to your level.

We're Dancing

John and Sue www.Releasing-kings.com

America's Economic Crisis - Lack of Confidence

2009-08-11T19:45:00.000-07:00

America's Economic Crisis - Lack of Confidence

By Dr. Keith Johnson www.TheConfidenceCoach.com

I’ve heard it said that a recession is anytime people lose confidence in the future. I agree.
What is America’s economic crisis all about? Lack of confidence!
Consumers lack the confidence to spend in fear of future financial collapse. Lenders lack the confidence to lend, and borrowers to borrow. Shoppers have stopped shopping, and retailers have stopped hiring. Salespeople are hesitant to close the deal, and buyers are taking fewer risks. Homebuyers lack the confidence to even tour for-sale homes, and home builders are waiting, hoping.
“Therefore do not cast away your CONFIDENCE, which has great reward.” Hebrews 10:35
Fear, insecurity, and worry have hijacked the majority of American minds. They have lost confidence in the leadership of our country, of Wall Street, of our financial institutions, and the positive outcome of their futures. When people are unsure or afraid of the future, they do nothing! They don’t act. They don’t buy. They don’t sell. They don’t borrow. Scared or unsure people just sit, wait, watch, and worry, wondering if things are going to get better or worse.
Why Is America Great?
The greatest strength of the United States of America is not our great riches, beauty of our lands, our military powers, or our resources—our strength lies in our belief in God and our mental toughness. Americans have always been the most confident-thinking citizens in the world. We dream big, think big, build big, talk big, dress big, live big, act big, and give big. Why? Because confidence is a natural part of the American DNA. We live in a confidence- producing environment, modeled every day by good, decent men and women who accomplish their goals and dreams.
Then Why Is Our Confidence at an All-Time Low?
I believe there are two major reasons:
1. Leadership Crisis
Many Americans have lost confidence in our leaders because of their lack of character-centered leadership. Leadership is built on trust. When leaders lie, cheat, make decisions based only on what is best for them, and have immoral failures in their private lives, confidence is lost. Recent surveys reveal that 80 percent of Americans believe we are experiencing a crisis in leadership across the board, from government to business to financial institutions to churches to nonprofit organizations.
Confidence is built on two major ingredients: credibility and integrity. Nobody has confidence in someone who does not do what they say. United States President Dwight Eisenhower said, “In order to be a leader a man must have followers. And to have followers, a man must have their confidence. Hence, the supreme quality for a leader is unquestionable integrity. Without it, no real success is possible, no matter whether it is on a section gang, a football field, in an army, or in an office. If a man’s associates find him guilty of being phony, if they find that he lacks integrity he will fail. His teaching and actions must square with each other. The first great need, therefore, is integrity and high purpose.”
“The wicked shall be turned into hell, And all the nations that forget God.” - Psalms 9:17
History has proven time and again that corrupted morals equal bad economics and moral integrity equals great economics. Our lack of confidence is the result of immoral leadership. When leaders lack integrity, the nation’s citizens eventually pay the cost and feel the pain, emotionally, financially, and spiritually. The first price we pay is a loss of confidence, and the problems get greater and costlier.
2. An “All or Nothing” Mentality
The media profit from disseminating information about fear, crisis, and tragedy. The media thrive on negativity because that’s what sells. They present an “all or nothing” perspective of the economy. You have heard it, “Everybody’s business is down this year. Nobody can get a car loan. It is hard to buy a house unless you have outstanding credit. Nobody is selling any houses. Everybody is losing money in the stock market.” Is this true or is it hype?
“Then He said to them, "Take heed what you hear...” Mark 4:24
A few instances to the contrary: My organization had our best financial year in 15 years. I recently talked with a vice president of a major fast food restaurant chain who said they had their best year ever and set many company records. An entrepreneurial friend of mine started a new business at the end of 2007 with $1 million, and he grew his business to $400 million in one year. One of our local car dealerships is offering 0 percent financing. Someone I know had his credit damaged because of a divorce; however, he received a loan from a major lending institution for 4.9 percent and bought a beautiful four- bedroom home with a pool. A real estate friend in Florida told me she sold four homes in one week.
The truth: some people have had the very best year of their lives. Yes, some people are having tough times—but not “everybody” as the media would have you believe. America desperately needs leaders in government, media, business, and the church who will be voices of confidence and optimism within their world of influence. We need leaders in times of crisis to show fortitude, strength, character, and confidence to those looking to them for hope.
Regaining Our Confidence
Confidence is the byproduct of predictability. When something predictable is removed or a sudden change happens in our personal lives or organizations, people tend to feel insecure.
To restore your confidence, you must:
1. Ask yourself the right questions.
Jesus was a master at asking the right questions at the right time. Profound questions produce profound answers. Ask yourself, “What predictabilities have been removed from my life?” Then, “What immediate action can I take to make my life more predictable?”
A couple of my favorite questions that I ask myself during times of feeling insecure: “What three things can I do in the next 90 days that will make a 50 percent difference in the rest of this year?” “What one major problem do I need to solve that will make my life more predictable?” Start looking for solutions instead of focusing on problems.
“Jesus said to him, "If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes." Mark 9:23
You must believe there is an answer to your current problems. If you will confidently believe that there is an answer to the problems you are facing, your mind will design a road map to find it. If you don’t believe there is an answer, your mind will not create one.
2. List your former successes.
“Your servant has killed both lion and bear; and this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, seeing he has defied the armies of the living God." 1 Samuel 17:36
You can increase your confidence by using your memory. Your mind is designed to recall past events. Great achievers, like David, learn to replay the memories of their past successes. You can actually use your past success to supercharge your confidence. Listing your former successes and accomplishments will fuel your confidence to try it again. Your list will empower you with the confidence to say, “I did this before, I can do it again.”
3. Focus on your strengths.
“Do not neglect the gift that is in you...” 1 Timothy 4:14
Ask yourself, “What is my greatest strength or gift?” You might not know right away, but simply ask yourself, “What do I do that seems to be very easy for me, but it is hard for others?” When you answer this question, you have discovered your single greatest strength. Design your life around your strengths and you will notice an instant confidence boost.
Conclusion
What one person calls a crisis, another person calls an opportunity. No matter what kind of challenges you are facing, remember that no one can stop you but you. Confident people do not sit around waiting for someone or something to tell them what their future is going to look like—they create it. Leadership guru Peter Ducker said,
“The best way to predict the future is to create it.” I suggest you do the same. You are a leader! You can be the voice of confidence to a fearful world. Promote, support, and vote for leaders of integrity and not leaders of charisma.
Stop listening to the voices of negativity. Build your confidence to an all-time high. This year can be your golden opportunity—go for it.
By Dr. Keith Johnson, America’s Confidence Coach. Receive 5 Free confidence building products when you visit our website at www.TheConfidenceCoach.com

A Case For Mentors

2009-08-09T21:30:00.000-07:00

A Case For Mentors
Releasing Kings - Lest Week's newsletter, Church or Kingdom, was the kick off for this theme. The church isn’t mentoring people into their mountains. Five-fold ministers generally lack the expertise for mentoring people in non-church mountains and are specifically not able to teach others how to multiply finances. The Kingdom goal is to help people find a ministry vocation they enjoy (in the marketplace mountain of their choice) coupled with a prosperity ingredient that takes them well beyond a 40 hr/week job so they are really free to engage in the ministry and missions side of their work. We’re searching for a solution to fully equip the saints to the point of releasing Kings locally and to change the “salvation, church-planting only” approach to missions. The result is that missions should be thought of as at least self-supporting and perhaps profitable.
Mentoring - We have a vision brochure that provides a roadmap for releasing Kings based on Desire to Destiny. I want to suggest that in this present hour, personal mentoring is the missing ingredient that helps turn saints into Kings.
From Informational to Relational - Western Christianity is information based. We think if we have a sermon, coach, book, or conference we can run with an idea and bring it into reality. Prophetic people are particularly susceptible because the Holy Spirit is prompting them along the same lines as the "information" they are getting. So... they start a business, make an investment, or get a new job and fail. Why? They had the right idea and the push of the Holy Spirit!
"Information" and "revelation" are only the start of the process. Pastors, teachers, coaches, etc., can teach us what is possible, but mentors show us how. Our relational models to move from knowledge to practice, at present, are surprisingly “non-relational.” We’re prone to assume we can figure it out in one class or one seminar when the price tag is a life-time of being fathered to the next level and fathering others ourselves. Practically, the real secret to escaping poverty and becoming a King, is an enduring relationship with a "father" that is already moving in our vision.
Fathers vs Teachers - Let's clarify some terms and the sequence of events. First we articulate our heart's desire and set our goals on something we want to do and someone we would like to emulate (pick a mountain, a vocation, a ministry, and a model). The second step is finding someone who has the right experience to look over our shoulder and help us on an ongoing basis.
Note - Coaching is very popular right now. However, most coaches have experience in coaching and nothing more. They are generalists that lack the specific expertise you need. They can teach you how to coach and load you up with expensive materials that sit on the shelf. But, they may be missing real marketplace experience in your field. You want a mentor that is already successful at your chosen vocation / ministry in the marketplace.
The purpose of a mentor or father is to make you successful by showing you "how" and helping you see new opportunities. We don't need a contract or a covenant and they have no motive to rule over us or "lord it over us." The right mentoring relationship gets you through blind spots, poverty, and areas of self-sabotage that you can't see - otherwise the information would have been good enough. Get it? We learn by doing, not listening. It's called practice. We do need to be good listeners. Hearing information is just never enough. Teachers have knowledge, mentors have wisdom and understanding.
Even though you have ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers... 1 Cor 4:15 NIV

Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 2 Tim 4:3 NIV
The relationship can be a single father or mentor, a network of like-minded and experienced peers, or a home group of kings with experience in your area of interest. It's quite often a combination of all three; a father, a network of peers, and fellowship with your support system. Corporate CEO's usually have a "board" for exactly those reasons. So should we.
The price tag - Christians are usually familiar with the concept of apostolic fathering and carry a belief that it should be free. Many marketplace fathers are very generous with their time and interest in other people. However, it's seldom free. Business mentors don't want to waste their time with people that aren't serious. So you should expect to find a way to reimburse your mentor. This is a relationship that has spiritual and financial value. If you find the right mentor the cost will be a bargain relative to the financial gain you receive.
Here's a hint. If your mentor makes his money mentoring, he's a professional coach. You're looking for a mentor that makes his wealth in his business using his expertise. Coaches talk a lot (preach), speak in generalities, and make things sound mysterious. Business mentors can really do things. They can explain a path forward in simple terms and show you how to do it because they are doing it themselves. They can help you find a network of connections, help you through financial decisions, help you find start-up capital, and help make sure your business plan and cash flow are viable so you won't shipwreck. They can see problems coming, not just diagnose a disaster after the fact.
Missions - What if we had enough mentors to cover missions? The gospel isn't just salvation and church planting. Our message is abundant life and changing nations. What if the product of our missions work was self-sustaining believers functioning in the marketplace and contributing to their local society? Prosperous converts, rich in every way and generous on every ocassion! What if we taught them how to multiply finances? What if we learned how ourselves?... from a mentor. Now, go find one.
But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today. Deut 8:18 NIV

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 2 Cor 9:8 NIV

Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion... 2 Cor 9:10-11 NIV

PS: I decided I wanted to switch from engineering to day trading 18 months ago. I'm not recommending that decision for everyone, "but" I found two mentors that embody the qualities of this newsletter. Greg and Dan... spirit filled, a vision to help people, and totally prosperous from their own trading endeavors. They are examples, not just theoreticians. Thanks! May the Lord unveil a million more just like them.

We're Dancing

John and Sue www.Releasing-kings.com

All things in Christ

2009-08-03T00:49:00.000-07:00

All Things in Christ
by Chip Brogden
“For of Him, and through Him, and to Him, are all things: to Whom be glory for ever. Amen. (Romans 11:36).”
In my written and spoken messages I make frequent reference to the preeminence of Christ. Just what do we mean by Christ having the preeminence? What do we mean by giving Christ the preeminence in all things?
“Preeminence” literally means having the first, highest, chief, and best place in a position of ascendancy over everything else. It is an ultimacy, a glory, an honor, a distinction, a prestige, an illustriousness, a renown, a notability, and a nobility that surpasses all others. Paul simply says that the aim of God is for JESUS CHRIST to have THAT kind of position in - all things. That explains everything God has done, is doing and will do. But what does he mean by “all things”?
Whenever I teach from a passage that includes the phrase “all things” I usually stop and ask, “Now how many things does ‘all things’ include?” And the people always respond, “Everything!” That word “all” is a very large word, a very encompassing word. There is nothing outside of “all”! How casually and easily we allow our eyes to glance past these words. We have not comprehended them. If we comprehended them we could not read them with a yawn, but we would read them with a shout!
If we intend to make some exception to “all” we might say something like, “everything but” or “everything except” in order to qualify what we mean as something less than “all”. But “all things” is without qualification. “All” is “all”, and “all things” is everything. Nothing is left out, nothing is excluded. It is not necessary for us to list every single thing that “all” includes, because “all” is all-inclusive. But what about this, you ask? It is among the All. And what of this, you say? That, too, is included in the All. And what about this thing, or that thing? Oh yes, they are in the All as well. You cannot come up with a single thing that is not included in All.
So in Romans 11:36 Paul sums up the preeminence of Christ into three expressions: “Of Him… through Him… to Him… are ALL THINGS.” “OF HIM” says that everything which exists - things in heaven, things in earth, everything that was created, everything that has come into being, everything that will come into being - is created by, and because of, CHRIST. “THROUGH HIM” says that everything which lives, moves, breathes, operates, exists, or functions in this universe, whether animate or inanimate, whether biological, chemical, spiritual, natural, or cosmotological - does so THROUGH CHRIST, Who sovereignly upholds all these things, determines their place, and keeps them in order. “TO HIM” says that everything, no matter how far from God’s Thought it may be, no matter how chaotic things may appear, is being directed, summed up, and gathered together INTO CHRIST. As the Alpha, all things flow FROM Him; as the Omega, all things flow TO Him.
That is quite a paragraph. A paragraph like that cannot be grasped in one reading. But that paragraph is, in essence, what Paul means, and what we mean, by Christ having the preeminence in all things. We are talking about Jesus as Lord over us individually, over the Church corporately, and over all creation collectively. We are talking about a preeminent Christ Who is exalted above every principality and power, rule and dominion; things visible, things invisible; things past, things present, things future; things in heaven, things in earth, things under the earth: all things are OF Him, all things are THROUGH Him, and all things are TO Him. That is preeminence.
Let us go through the Scriptures and bring out a few gems from the storehouse of tremendous wealth and riches in Christ. Our criteria for selecting these particular Scriptures was very simple. We wanted to look at every reference that mentions Christ in connection with His preeminence over “all things”. We found quite a number. There are dozens more references that support our study, but we have included only the ones which contain the phrase “all things”. Once we gathered the references together, we sorted them according to Romans 11:36 - those that are OF Him, those that are THROUGH Him, and those that are TO Him.
The result of that study is the basis of this writing. I pray these will not be mere verses of Scripture to us, but will be the very means through which the Father gives us greater illumination and revelation into His Son. We ought to meditate on this daily and ask the Lord to open our eyes to see the height, depth, width, length, and breadth of this JESUS Whom we say we serve. May God deliver us from our own idea, concept, perception, and illusion of a small Christ and give us revelation into the preeminence of His Son.
I promise that if you will read through these verses once or twice a day, every day, it will be impossible for you to remain unaffected by the Truth they present! I am affected just in the preparation of this material, and how much more in the application and apprehending of it! When we see Christ as All in All then it will be impossible for us to ever again be reduced to the small, the trivial, the petty things which occupy us and waste so much of our time. Our only hope is seeing a Christ that fills us, a Christ that is greater than us, a Christ that is larger than we can fathom, an indescribable Christ that overshadows, overwhelms, and consumes us through and through!
OF HIM ARE ALL THINGS
“All things were made by Him; and without Him was not any thing made that was made (John 1:3).”
“And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ (Ephesians 3:9).”
“For by Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by Him, and for Him (Colossians 1:16).”
“For Whom are all things, and by Whom are all things (Hebrews 2:10ff).”
“But to us there is but one God, the Father, of Whom are all things, and we in Him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by Whom are all things, and we by Him (I Corinthians 8:6).”
“Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created (Revelation 4:11).”
The Father declares the preeminence of His Son by involving Him in the process of creating all things. As a result, nothing was created apart from Christ. Of Him are all things - things in heaven, in earth, visible, invisible, spiritual, and physical. Scientists believe there may be as many as twenty-four dimensions in this universe, of which we only know five. However many there may be, He is preeminent over them all. Thus, the Lord Jesus Christ is the Alpha, the Beginning, the First, the Source. This establishes Him as preeminent over all creation.
All things were created by Him, and everything was created for Him. For Him! Why this earth, the moon, the stars, the galaxies? Why the animals, the birds, the fish, the insects? Why men and women, angels, cherubim, and seraphim? For Him! All for Him! God’s original thought is for Christ to fill every created thing with His Life, Love, and Glory. A design implies a Designer, a plan implies a Planner, and a creation implies a Creator. We are not drifting along aimlessly, and we did not come into being by accident. We were created by Him, and we were created for Him. We were created to love Him, and to be loved by Him.
Of the three spheres - of Him, through Him, and to Him - “of Him” is probably the easiest to grasp. It is easier for us to look backwards and see Christ in retrospect than it is for us to perceive the present and to discern the future. But He is All of these at once. It is not that in times past He was the Alpha, and after a lengthy period of time He become the Omega. No, “I AM Alpha AND Omega, the Beginning AND the Ending, says the Lord: which was AND which is to come, the Almighty (Revelation 1:8).” And, “They rest not day and night saying, ‘Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, AND is, AND is to come (Revelation 4:8b).” He always has been AND He always is AND He always will be; hence three “Holies” are necessary. What a mighty God!
So we progress forward and see that…
THROUGH HIM ARE ALL THINGS
First, all things are in His hands:
“All things are delivered unto Me of My Father (Matthew 11:27).”
“The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into His hand (John 3:35).”
“Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He was come from God, and went to God (John 13:3).”
“All things that the Father hath are Mine (John 16:15a).”
“[God] hath in these last days spoken unto us by His Son, Whom He hath appointed Heir of all things (Hebrews 1:2a).”
His hands speak of His Ownership, His Authority, His Possessing of all things. The Father gave all things to the Son. Then, because all things are in His hands, all things are under His feet. His feet speak of His Dominion, His Rule, His subjecting of all things to the authority that is in His hands.
“Thou madest Him to have dominion over the works of Thy hands; thou has put all things under His feet (Psalms 8:6).”
“And hath put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be the Head over all things to the Church (Ephesians 1:22).”
“And He is the Head of the Body, the Church: Who is the Beginning, the Firstborn from the dead; that in all things He might have the preeminence (Colossians 1:18).”
“Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that He put all in subjection under him, He left nothing that is not put under him. (Hebrews 2:8a)
This possession and subjection of all things to Christ is not a passive, disinterested, distant, absentee ownership, like a clock that was once wound and now ticks all by itself long after the watchmaker has left it. Make no mistake: at the core of this spiritual and physical universe is a living, powerful, proactive Personality at work to bring fallen creation back to its original state, back into line with God’s Purpose, Heart, Mind, Desire, and Plan, which is CHRIST FILLING ALL THINGS, CHRIST UPHOLDING ALL THINGS, CHRIST AT THE CENTER OF ALL THINGS! Come quickly Lord Jesus! May Your Kingdom be manifest!
“And He is before all things, and by Him all things consist [Greek: find their being, take their place] (Colossians 1:17).”
“Who being the brightness of His glory, and the express image of His Person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high (Hebrews 1:3).”
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).”
“Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in His sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of Him with whom we have to do (Hebrews 4:13).”
“For the Spirit searches all things, yea, the deep things of God (I Corinthians 2:10).”
Everything is upheld by His power, and all things are working together according to His Purpose. The Spirit searches all things and reveals them for what they are. Before Him everything is manifest, and there is nothing hidden from Him. There is no darkness that He does not penetrate, no deception that He cannot illuminate, no evil that He will not eradicate.
“He must increase, but I must decrease (John 3:30).” Christ is ever increasing in order to fill all things, conforming them to His image, so that His glory is manifest in every corner of Creation - and He begins with individual disciples. The increasing of Christ and the decreasing of Self in every individual disciple is but a fragment of an ultimate Plan which extends from each disciple, to “two or three gathered together”, to the Church, and finally to all Creation. We should be able to look at each disciple and see a demonstration of Christ filling All in All: “Look, this is what I intend to do with all Creation.” He will continue to increase, and everything outside of Him will continue to decrease, until there will remain nothing outside of Him. He is Lord!
TO HIM ARE ALL THINGS
“Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto His glorious body, according to the working whereby He is able even to subdue all things unto Himself (Philippians 3:21).”
“And when all things shall be subdued unto Him, then shall the Son also Himself be subject unto Him that put all things under Him, that God may be All in All (I Corinthians 15:28).”
“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 (Ephesians 1:10).”
“And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by Him to reconcile all things unto Himself; by Him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven (Colossians 1:20).”
“He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that He might fill all things (Ephesians 4:10).”
Everything is moving back TOWARDS a Christocentric universe, so that as it was in the beginning, so it will be in the ending. Just as all things have their source and beginning in Christ, so all things will have their ending in Christ. He subdues all things, in order to gather together and reconcile all things, that He may fill all things. What a task that is! How can that be? How can all things ever be subdued, gathered together into one, reconciled, and filled by Christ? We cannot say how, but we know that “He is able”. Praise God, how can we doubt Him? How can we question this Man? Do we not yet know that He is the Preeminent One? Let us bow down and thank and praise God that He is able!
When we pray, “May Your Name be hallowed, may Your Kingdom come, may Your Will be done: as in heaven, so in earth”, this is the End we have in mind: “all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are in earth, even in Him.” This reconciliation and marriage of heaven and earth is a tremendous thing. In heaven, His Word is settled forever (Psalms 119:89); but on earth, things are very unsettled. In heaven, we see Jesus seated at the right hand of God, exalted above all principality and power, name and dominion; but on earth, “we see not yet all things put under Him (Hebrews 2:8b).” We see that “the heavens are the Lord’s: but the earth has He given to the children of men (Psalms 115:16).”
One day that discrepancy and unceasing conflict, that great chasm between Heaven and Earth, will be healed.
“And He that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new (Revelation 21:5a).”
“He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and He shall be my son (Revelation 21:7).”
“How shall He not, with Him, freely give us all things (Romans 8:32b)?”
“Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us (Romans 8:37).”
“Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours; whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours; and ye are Christ’s; Christ is God’s (I Corinthians 3:21-23).”
How glorious! How tremendous! He is doing all of this for us! Everything He has is freely given to us, and through Him we possess all that He possesses. When He has all that we have, then we have all that He has. When we give Him all that we are, He gives us all that He is. Oh, the depth of this love! Oh, the depth of the richness of His grace to us! Who can understand it? Who can know it?
The chorus to a song comes to mind, that says
How could you not love Him back?
How could you hold out your heart
For even another day?
How could you not love Him back
When you’ve learned every loving fact?
How could you not love Him back?
Oh Jesus, may You have the preeminence henceforth and forever!

Whole Hearted, Simple Commitment

2009-07-31T22:22:00.000-07:00

Whole Hearted, Simple Commitment

By Jim Liebelt www.jimliebeltconsulting.com

But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your simple and pure devotion to Christ. —2 Corinthians 11:3
Some years ago, a train in the United Kingdom traveling 117 miles per hour derailed. The crash left four people dead and more than 30 people injured. An investigation showed that track defects had contributed significantly to the cause of the accident. The company responsible for maintaining the tracks was found to have not met its commitments on track repairs.
Half-hearted commitments can end in disaster. I’ve seen it happen over the years, in areas of life ranging from sports to marriage, from friendships to business. All of us, at one time or another, have probably been hurt by others who have made half-hearted commitments.
Most Christians would say they have made a commitment to following Christ. Yet, there are those among us who have made these commitments half-heartedly. Tragically, half-hearted Christians hurts themselves the most. Sometimes they fool themselves about the nature of following Christ. For them, following Christ is an exercise in frustration. It doesn’t seem to work. Sometimes they walk away from the faith. Their faith, as the apostle Paul wrote, has been “shipwrecked.” (1 Timothy 1:19.)
Half-hearted commitment to Christ is nothing new. Jesus himself encountered half-hearted followers. He said to them, “Why do you call me Lord, Lord, but do not do what I say?” (Luke 6:46) Jesus challenged people to be wholehearted about their commitment, counting the cost of following him beforehand. (Luke 14:25-33)
Why is it important to walk in wholehearted, simple commitment to Jesus? Because the “things we do” as Christians can easily become the focus of our faith. It is all too easy to end up committed to a Christian program or church rather than being committed to Christ. Programs and churches can let people down. Jesus never does. It’s all too easy to commit to following the “rules” of Christianity rather than being committed to Christ. Following “rules” can become sterile and confining. Following Jesus is about relationship not rules. Following Jesus brings freedom and life.
Jesus said that following him is a matter of choice, made on a daily basis. (Luke 9:23) Sadly, most people won’t make this choice for it’s not the easiest road to take. But, it is the only choice that leads to real life. It’s the only choice that allows you to become all that God intends for you to be. Today, choose to be devoted to the person of Jesus Christ.

Church Or Kingdom

2009-07-28T20:07:00.000-07:00

Church Or Kingdom
Musings - Today my heart is longing to see Kings equipped and released. I'm just back from a great conference. Ministers shared their latest insights from scripture, updated their church activities and missions strategies and surmised what the future might hold. It was positive and loving and the presence of God was there. One brother shared on his Kingly exploits which was good. So on the way home and now, the next day, I am groping for the reason for the tension in my spirit. I guess it's impatience with the transition we're in.
Transition - We are moving from a belief that the great commission was taking the gospel to all men, getting as many saved as possible and then having the end come... a nice quick rapture to glory. The new realization is that the good news we're sharing isn't just a salvation experience, it's way of life - an abundant life. More specifically, each of us are being invited to pursue our heart's desires as they overlap with God's purposes. We are being invited into a place of prosperity where we have the flexibility to fund our ministry dream. The result is that our culture is changed and nations are blessed and redeemed.
Problem - The problem is that when we say "church" we often think of Kingdom as synonymous. The result is that local churches often feel like perpetual motion machines that exist to promote themselves, gain membership, and build more facilities and services. We do need more pastors, church plants, facilities, and programs to equip the saints. We just need to realize that is not the goal. Everything "church" is just a means to an end. The real goal is that we should be graduating Kings that impact our culture. That is happening to a degree, but it's nearly a coincidence an opposed to an intentional strategy.
Examples - Let's use the music/entertainment mountain for example. Inside church circles, like my conference, we talk about the next move in worship... a new sound coming. It is true that worship has advanced greatly over the last few decades. And, more progress is in store for the future. However, new innovations and new sounds don't originate in church, they come from Kings functioning in their mountain. Our culture is impacted by the likes of Elvis and Michael Jackson. The church generally disowned both of these entertainment Kings and often cited them an examples of carnality. I would admit those two did not exactly champion the cause of Christ but I also wouldn't be surprised to see them heaven. They both had a huge impact on the entertainment world. And their music and talent far exceeds anything produced inside a local church.
Now scroll up to the present and let's use the rising popularity of country music as our example. Most of the entertainers are believers. Many come from a church background. They are young, innovative musicians and the lyrics of their songs very often carry a Biblical theme and many carry an anointing that ministers the Holy Spirit to those who listen. I've even heard Charlie Daniels describe the presence of God in the Grand old Opry (I haven't been there). I want to suggest that the entertainment culture is being gradually and positively changed for good by the Kings in this particular field. I also want to suggest that they usually catch more flack than support from the "church."
Equipping and Releasing - Most churches and pastors do a good job of equipping the saints. We get them saved and baptized and filled with the Holy Spirit. We teach them to prophecy and serve and pray and study and minister God's word to others. It's all very good. We just do a terrible job of releasing. We expect them to stick around and perpetuate the institution when the congregation is called to one of the other six mountains. They don't have to leave the church, but their hearts do belong in another mountain.
My heart is longing for the day when we'll esteem one another as Kings and we'll encourage every brother and sister to pursue their heart's desire and find their real calling to impact the culture (in business, media, arts & entertainment, education or government). More specifically, we should help those Kings find mentors in those fields that can show them how to prosper financially and make their dream come true.
Why? - The good news isn't just heaven, it is abundant life here and now. We're not going anywhere until His Kingdom comes on earth. That means we win, our nation is redeemed, and the glory of God fills the earth.... and we need you plugged into your dream and abundantly prosperous so that your cup can run over so you can do the work of the ministry. We're here to bless the nations. It's going to take all of us! You're already "chosen" by Jesus.
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:9 NIV
It's not about the church. That's just the Bible College. It's not about 5-fold ministries. They are just the professors. It's all about the Kingdom and the exploits of Kings... it's all about you! Go for it.
PS: I feel better already. Thanks.

We're Dancing

John and Sue www.Releasing-kings.com

PS: I want to recommend some follow-up reading.
Who is God by Harold Eberle provides the best explanation of a more relational view of God. It's must reading that connects our perception of God with everyday life.
Releasing Kings for Ministry in the Marketplace takes that foundation into marketplace ministry and the entrepreneurial nature of Kings. Fruit in the marketplace naturally springs out of sound doctrine.
Desire to Destiny - Takes the foundation and marketplace ministry and puts them in the context of seven practical keys or stages of growth you can apply in your own life.
You're invited into the vision to release Kings; communicate the message, make the money, and do the mission.
1. The Message - Our first goal is to get the Releasing Kings message into the hands of the messengers that will carry it... do it, preach it, teach it, example it.
2. The Money - The second goal is to help Kings break out of poverty by networking them with practical opportunities to prosper. We want to introduce them to the right people, the right opportunity, and the right financial approach.
3. The Mission - Network Kings with opportunities to mix business and missions. Accomplish the great commission through the marketplace and occupy the Seven mountains of: business, media, arts & entertainment, education and government in addition to the church.
____________________________________________________________________
You can get your copy of Releasing Kings for Ministry in the Marketplace or Desire to Destiny at
1-800-308-5837 (or)
www.releasing-kings.com

Mission in the Marketplace

2009-07-26T21:31:00.000-07:00

Mission in the Marketplace

By Jim Haman www.cckirkland.org

Matthew 20:1-7
The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard
1"For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire men to work in his vineyard. 2He agreed to pay them a denarius for the day and sent them into his vineyard.
3"About the third hour he went out and saw others standing in the marketplace doing nothing. 4He told them, 'You also go and work in my vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.' 5So they went.
"He went out again about the sixth hour and the ninth hour and did the same thing. 6About the eleventh hour he went out and found still others standing around. He asked them, 'Why have you been standing here all day long doing nothing?'
7" 'Because no one has hired us,' they answered.
"He said to them, 'You also go and work in my vineyard.'
Introduction: We here at Christ Church Kirkland have taught about the priority of the family and sowing into it for generational transfer -------- we have taught about commitment to the local church and having a real covenantal relationship together, but it seems now the Lord is showing us the necessity of teaching in a comprehensive way on our vocational life in the Marketplace. The Church must truly see and deeply realize its role and calling in the Marketplace --------- this is more than showing up for work. We must be there “On Mission”.

In the New Testament we have listed for us the occupation of numerous men and women. For instance Peter, James and John are fisherman. Matthew is the tax collector. And then in the gospels Jesus uses such metaphors as seed and soil in regards to being a farmer. Then he spoke over and over again about vineyard keepers and the importance of foundations for homebuilding. In the book of Acts, written by Dr. Luke, we meet others in numerous occupations like Paul and Aquila and Priscilla being tentmakers. Simon the tanner, Cornelius the army captain and military man, and the jailer in Philippi who comes to Christ with his whole family. As well we read the interesting story of the Ethiopian treasurer and government officer who comes to faith. Then of course we cannot forget our blessed Savior who was the carpenter of Nazareth. The mentions of these vocations speak to us of Father’s intense interest of us representing him well in the Marketplace.

We need to honor God in every sphere of life, and especially in this neglected sphere of our occupational life. Wayne Grudem in his new book, Business for the Glory of God, states the following: “When people ask how their lives can glorify God, they aren’t usually told ‘go into business’. When students ask how I can serve God with my life, they don’t often hear the answer ‘go into business’. When someone explains to a new acquaintance, ‘I work in such and such a place,’ he doesn’t usually hear the response, ‘what a great way to glorify God.’”

I realize that to most people the expression of “glorifying God” ----- well, it just sounds like it belongs in the Sunday morning meeting. This way, to glorify God, has been overlooked -------- it is our occupation or working in the Marketplace.
God uses our vocational calling to form Christ in us and to bring us to full stature in Christ. Our work takes truth out of the conceptual and is an instrument to bring it into incarnational reality ---------- this happens by the demands and challenges of work, and daily dealing with people. Then the workplace provides such and opportunity to represent Christ in so many, many ways. We have the privilege to influence impact and be a change agent as we are “On Mission”, living and working for his glory.
This morning I want to do more than fireproof your work or job. At this time of meltdown and economic crisis ----------- my desire is to help you become one “On Mission”.

Illustration: Johann Sebastian Bach, the noted composer, inscribed the letters SDG on the bottom of all his compositions, standing for “Sola Deo Gloria” meaning “Glory to God alone.” Wow! Isn’t that amazing? As he was using his vocational calling to bring honor to the Lord.

I need to clean up some unbiblical terminology, to provide a context for where I want to go. We have created a vocabulary and a system that hinders a greater release of the purposes of God in our church communities. The church culture unwittingly fosters a religious way of thinking and speaking. Our verbiage can rob people individually and corporately of their destiny. We need to think new and talk new. Terminology does create certain nuances.

We need to clean up terminology in our usage of the word “church”. The church is a group of people who have encountered Christ and are called by a sovereign God to walk together under government in a geographical area for the purposes of God. We are the church gathered, and we are the church scattered during the week. We are fully the Church on the job or in the home as when we are assembled in the Sunday meeting place. Indeed our Christian living, work and ministry must go beyond the walls of the Sunday gathering. The church is neither a place nor an event. It is the Body of Christ. Christ’s body does not shift into a state of suspended animation after the benediction is pronounced at the end of the Sunday morning sermon. His body, like any human body, is continually functioning. We must stop talking about “going to the church” or referring to the building as the church. This talk has far reach philosophical ramifications. Praise God! We are the “seven days a week church” in our vocational calling and at home.

We need to clean up our terminology in the usage of the word “minister.” In the scripture the word minister referred to all the brothers and sisters who took part in the local church. The word never just applies to those who function in the 5-fold ministry or eldership. A concept of a minister was used for anyone actively working and serving the Lord ------- it was used as a verb, an action word. Gradually through time the meaning and usage of the word has changed. The word “minister” is now used to refer to the name, title, or position to those few involved in church leadership. In other words “minister” or “ministry” is now used as a noun for a title, rather than a verb for action. Every church should have as many ministers as born again believers, using the Marketplace, home and gathering place as our opportunity for service.

We need to clean up our terminology in the usage of the phrase “full time”. This is another unbiblical phrase that conveys the thought that there are full-time and part-time Christians. The usage of the phrase has to do with those employed by the church, or other Christian organizations versus those who make their living from other sources. We are all to be in full-time Christian service and ministry, functioning the various spheres and jurisdictions of life. Some simple draw their living or salary from the church as workers, and other do not. We all must be “On Mission”.

In your lifetime you will spend about 40% of your waking hours in your vocational assignment. Will those hours be spent in frustration or fulfillment? This will depend largely on the biblical worldview that you have. So many believers feel unproductive and second class because their work is not in some totally Christian context. I would like to share the truth, that serving God in business or vocationally is no less spiritual than serving God in some totally Christian environment. This is the mindset or work ethic we need to have:
1. We need to see our work as sacred or spiritual unto the Lord. (Not secular)
2. We must see what we’re doing vocationally is a full time calling to bring honor and glory to God.
3. We are contributing to the Lord’s grand overall scheme ----- representing His interests on earth by our posture and ways in the Marketplace.

In the opening pages of scripture we see God pictured as a worker. Let’s look at Genesis 2:1-2. This is one of the first significant revelations of God. What does that mean to you? Then Adam was given an assignment by God to tend the Garden of Eden and name the animals. (Genesis 2:15 & 20) Adam’s assignment involved physical and mental labor, and this was all before the Fall. Work is not the product of God’s judgment on man, but the creative plan of God ------- “6 days you shall labor and do all your work”, that’s the commandment. Meaningful work is a fundamental dimension of our existence. Work is surely something we need to build character and make us people of substance. Work is not a necessary evil. Our attitude towards work needs to be positive and enthusiastic. We must stop talking in a negative fashion about vocational life --------- with such references as work being the “salt mine” or the “sweat shop” and “blue Monday”, or the off the cuff comment, “oh its Monday you know.” My My! Let’s bring into harmony our attitude with the Word of God.

This might startle you, but let me inform you, heaven is not the ultimate retirement plan, which follows Florida or Arizona or Palm Springs. We don’t just float around on fleecy white clouds and play harps. In short, heaven will be a place of responsibility and work, ruling and reigning with Christ.

Jesus, who was called the last Adam, was given an assignment as a carpenter and he worked 15 years in Nazareth at his trade. I see him as a master craftsman with excellence carrying out his work. Making tables, chairs, beds, plows and yokes – he was “On Mission”. Then before one public message or miracle, the Father said, “This is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased.” What had he done? No dead were raised, no sick were healed, no demons were cast out – what had he done? He had excelled as a responsible worker, charging a fair price for his labor. Doing the will of God, providing for his mother and family, he please Father greatly in his occupational life. Jesus was the great pattern man for the Marketplace, a man always “On Mission”.

Take a look with me at the man called Daniel, whose life in ordinary work brought much glory to God. Living and working as many of us do in an ungodly environment, he was described by his Babylonian friends as a man in whom is the spirit of the holy gods. (Daniel 5:11) Though Daniel worked under earthly supervisors, he served only one master. He didn’t serve men during his work time and God during his off hours. This was recognized by King Darius, who said that Daniel constantly served his God. He was always “On Mission”. Jesus said, “No man can serve two masters.” In other words, Jesus Christ is to be the Lord and master over every sphere of living, and that includes the Marketplace.

Illustration: Several years ago I heard this story about a Lebanese man named Sameer. He was hired by a Kuwait chemical firm. His boss told him on the first day at work, “Sameer, the first thing I want you to understand is this job is to be your god. We require this of all our men.” Sameer shot a quick prayer up to the Lord and looked his new boss in the eye and said, “Sorry, but I already have a God, but I will make a bargain with you ------- if I can’t sell more than the other men serving the Living God, you fire me.” He went on to greatly prosper and became in charge of all contract negotiations in Asia for his firm. God will honor you if you put him first.

There is much we can learn from this godly man, who single mindedly served the Living God, while vocationally served in the government of Babylon.

Most of us familiar with church life are acquainted with the term “called of God”. We read in the New Testament about Paul, called to be an apostle. Then we have heard about the calling of various church leaders. Yet rarely do we hear of Christians telling of being called of God to his or her vocational life. Thus we assume those in gospel work have been called, while those in ordinary employment have not been called. So we separate God’s people into those with a calling, and those without. The result of this is a false division between secular and sacred ------ a tragic dichotomy.

The scripture tells us Daniel was highly esteemed by God. Yet the Bible does not record any dramatic call of God like what happened to Moses or Paul. Daniel and his friends didn’t go to Babylon because they saw some great spiritual need. The truth is, Nebuchadnezzar King of Babylon, laid siege to Jerusalem and carried off many of its citizens, including some very sharp, brilliant young men, to be part of a “brain trust” or “think tank”. From all natural appearances, this transfer from Jerusalem to Babylon seemed to be far from the call of God. But, but! We must note some significant verses found in Jeremiah 29:4 & 7. This passage throws light on the whole matter. Nebuchadnezzar was only a tool or instrument for God to send and call Jewish people to Babylon. Daniel and others were sent to Babylon to fulfill a destiny and specific call of great value to God. Our God uses “many means” to position his people; some methods are dramatic, others very commonplace. The calling of the typical Christian who works in the field, factory or office often is there only through the outworking of circumstances rather than some spectacular experience. To the eye of flesh it may appear that one’s work in the Marketplace is explainable in terms of natural causes and effects. Yet the scriptures tell us God causes ALL circumstances to work together for good ---- he is sovereign.

God wants to open your eyes to his calling, and not have you diminish in any way or play down his placement of you in the Marketplace. Amen! This is where your destiny is to be walked out for the glory of God. Have you settled the issue once and for all of the call of God? Get excited about your placement! With intentionality, this is the area to incarnate truth, to make a difference, to be productive, to be creative, to do excellent work, to reform and change the culture by the grace and power of God.

Daniel had his assignment in Babylon, do you see your assignment in Greater Seattle? It might be your work takes you into education, government and law, media and communications, arts and entertainment, or business and finance. All of these fall under the heading of a Marketplace calling. Please note with me this powerful, encouraging verse in I Thessalonians 5:24,“Faithful is He whocalls you, and He also will bring it to pass.” This verse tells us God will grace us to be successful in our placement vocationally. (Enlarge)

God is using me this morning as a delivery system to challenge and impact you with truth. Now you must take it and do something with it. The question is, what level do you want to play the game at? Do you really want to be “On Mission” 24/7? Do you want to be “On Mission” in your vocational life in the Marketplace, or are you content to just work for a paycheck? We can be reformers, igniters, history makers. Yes, ALL things are possible!

Conclusion: We can be changed in mindset and we can be an agent to change mindsets. Part of the branding of Christ Church Kirkland is equipping men and women to count and influence in the marketplace big time. We have already hosted Marketplace conferences, and have groups meeting about ministry in the marketplace. This is where we’re going!

We want to create an expectation for our young people to be winners in life and excel in the Marketplace. We are committed to our young singles and married couples to pray for and work with them to excel and achieve great things for God in all areas of society. We’re not going to tell our young people that anti-Christ and the forces of hell will rob you of a future. No! No! The Kingdom message is one of hope and we’re a people “On Mission”.

The Strength of Seeing

2009-07-17T19:24:00.000-07:00

The Strength of Seeing
by Chip Brogden
“And when the servant of [Elisha] was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, ‘Alas, my master! How shall we do?’ And he answered, ‘Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them’. And Elisha prayed, and said, ‘Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see’. And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha” (II Kings 6:15-17).
“Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world” (I John 4:4).
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We look at the world and we see many things which hinder and distract. We look at the Church and we see many things which disturb us. We look at our own circumstances and become frightened, depressed, and anxious. We see the enemy coming to kill, steal, and destroy. We see angels of light presenting themselves as the servants of the Lord when they are, in fact, messengers of satan. We see many false visions, many false words, many false teachers and teachings. Alas! What can we do about it all?
From our point of view, these things seem like huge issues. It takes a considerable amount of effort to stand against these things. At times it seems we are sinking under the weight of so many burdens and things coming against us. We wonder if perhaps we will be completely swallowed up and overwhelmed by it all. When we look at the facts of the situation it does appear that we are hopelessly outnumbered and surrounded.
HOW SHALL WE OVERCOME?
There is a secret to overcoming, and the secret is seeing. If we can only see, then we will overcome. Living follows seeing. We cannot live as overcomers until we see it. But once we see it, living it becomes natural. Doing follows being.
The problem is not “out there”. The issue is not the great host which has surrounded us. We would like to make that the issue, but the size of the army is irrelevant. I do not have to know what the enemy is doing in your life, because it does not matter. I only have to know what you see. When you look out from where you are, what do you see? If you see correctly, then nothing can defeat you. If you do not see correctly, the tiniest thing will quickly subdue you. The difference between victory and defeat is not in what the devil is doing or the direction this world is going, but in what we see when we look.
Most people look out and see themselves surrounded by an enemy. That is why they live their lives in desperation and fear of what may happen next. They see the devil everywhere they look. They are full of stories about what the devil is doing to them (or what he might be doing). But the overcomers look around them and see something different. They do not see as other people see. That is why they overcome.
To be an overcomer does not mean that we deny the existence of the enemy. We are not going to overcome by pretending we are not really surrounded. Denying the existence of the adversary will not make him disappear. We acknowledge and admit that there is a real enemy, a real spirit of Antichrist, that is out to destroy the Remnant and hinder the Testimony of Jesus. We also acknowledge and admit that more often than not, this spirit of Antichrist seems to get the advantage over us.
Even so, the issue is not the enemy. We may look at the enemy, study him, and build an entire movement around different ways to fight him. We can write books and hold seminars on “spiritual warfare”. But when we look out from the mountain, what do we really see? Here is the difference between those who overcome and those who are defeated: it is not in their ability to fight, but in their ability to SEE, and this seeing is not of themselves, but is of God.
OVERCOMERS HAVE HAD THEIR EYES OPENED
Now Elisha’s servant looks out, sees a great host about to attack them, and cries out, “Alas! How shall we do?” Elisha looks out, sees a great host about to attack them, and says, “Fear not.” What a study of contrasts. Everywhere it seems people are crying, “Alas, alas, what shall we do, where shall we go, what’s to become of us”, etc. etc. Where are the ones who can say, “Fear not”?
I hope you will understand that the problem OUT THERE did not change. Both men faced the same army, both men faced the same circumstance, but one man said, “Alas!” and one man said, “Fear not.”
How is it that two people, looking at the exact same situation, can reach two completely different conclusions? The difference is in what they saw when they looked.
Some people become upset with me because they think I make it sound so “easy”. “But you don’t understand what I’m going through…” Brothers and sisters, maybe no one can understand what you are going through, and you may never understand what I am going through, but that does not matter. What matters is whether or not our eyes are opened. We should not spend time studying the problem when the Solution is right in front of us.
I can offer you nothing more than what Elisha offered, and that is, clarity of vision. “Lord, open his eyes that he may see.” Now the difference is just here: some people have had their eyes opened to see, and some people have not. It is quite easy to tell the difference. The first group is saying, “Alas!” while the second group is saying, “Fear not.” Now that is not a condemnation or a criticism, just a statement of fact. All of us are blind until someone prays, “Lord, open their eyes”. One day we will ALL see, and we look forward to that day when everything is made clear.
What must we do? How long does it take? It is not a question of spiritual growth, maturity, wisdom, or gifting. Elisha’s servant did not gradually begin to see more clearly. He did not study the situation for many months and finally hit upon the truth. No, one moment his eyes were closed, and the next moment they were opened. Either your eyes have been opened or they have not. If they are open then you can pray for the Lord to open the eyes of others. If they are closed, you can pray to have your own eyes opened.
People sometimes ask me what they have to do to obtain this great revelation of Christ. They think it is God’s way of rewarding us for a lot of hard work. Nothing could be further from the truth. To have one’s eyes opened is simply an act of grace, and God alone can do it, and will do it, if we will only ask Him. At the risk of making it sound “too easy”, I dare not make it any more difficult than that!
When the servant’s eyes were opened, he saw what Elisha saw. When Elisha said, “The ones with us are greater than the ones with them” it must have sounded like lunacy. It cannot be understood with words alone: the eyes must be opened. If words were enough then Elisha would not have prayed for the eyes to be opened. We should spend less time trying to understand “words” and more time praying for God to open our eyes. When our eyes are opened, then the words will make sense. Until then, words are like hieroglyphics - we know there is something significant there, but we cannot understand what it means.
Thirty seconds of seeing is worth thirty years of studying and listening to teachers. Five words of revelation are worth more than ten thousand words gathered from flesh-and-blood.
Someone asked me if I know “everything”. The answer is no, but I have seen enough to know what I am talking about. Testimony follows revelation, and the testimony consists of what we have seen and heard, not what we “think” we know, but what we KNOW we know.
It is the illumination of the heart that brings forth the knowing. It’s when we finally “get it” and we can say, “Oh, NOW I see it!” We do not mean, of course, that we actually had a vision, but we mean that what was previously hidden from us has now been made known to us. This is not reserved for apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. The Holy Spirit leads every disciple into “all truth” (John 16:13,14).
Elisha did not argue with his servant, or try to convince him at all. He just prayed for God to open his eyes. What a relief it is to know that it is not my duty to “defend the faith” or convince everyone of what I know to be true. I can just pray for their eyes to be opened, and God will reveal. It is so much better that way!
THE WEAPONS OF OUR WARFARE
I want us to see that in this particular instance Elisha did not pray for protection. He did not pray for victory. He did not ask God to supply him with an arsenal of weapons. Why not? Because he saw that he was already surrounded by the chariots of fire and the hosts of heaven. When the victory is ours already we do not have to pray for victory. That would be like trying to enter into a room in which we are already sitting. No, if victory is mine then all I need is to have my eyes opened to it. If I have already OBTAINED it, I do not have to ATTAIN it.
How would our lives and our individual testimonies be different if we really saw into the heavenlies? Do you think it would change our words? Do you think it would change our actions? Do you think it would change our thoughts? Do you think it would have an effect on our surroundings?
Do you see yourself seated with Christ in the heavenlies (Ephesians 2:6)? Paul saw it, and prayed the Ephesians would see it. When the Lord showed me that I was raised together with Christ and was made to sit (past tense) in the heavenly places with Christ, do you think it changed the way I saw the world? Absolutely! No more was I looking at things from “ground level”, but from the heavenly realm. Things look decidedly different when viewed from above.
Elijah saw differently, and so he thought, spoke, and behaved differently. So often we try to adopt a certain way of thinking, speaking, and acting in hopes of becoming victorious. If this is your intention then you are already defeated. If victory lies in something you must do then you will never be able to do enough. “Acting spiritual” does not produce victory, for victory is not what I do or do not do: Victory is Christ.
GREATER IS HE THAT IS WITHIN YOU
We who are the Lord’s Body are told, “Greater is He that is within you, than he that is in the world.” This is practically the same thing Elisha said to his servant: “The ones that be with us are greater than the ones that be with them.”
The situation is the same. The apostle John says a great deal about Antichrist, false doctrines, and false teachers. He sees the Church is surrounded by a great host of wolves who want to gain access to the flock and tear them to pieces. But he also sees what Elisha sees, that is, the One within us is greater than the one in the world.
John declares that no matter what comes against us, the One within us is Greater. It does not matter what you feel like, what you see, what you hear, what people say, or what the devil does. It does not matter if Lazarus is dead for four days and is beginning to stink. It does not matter if the girl dies before Jesus can get there. It does not matter if the waves are about to capsize the boat. It does not matter if Paul is stoned and left for dead. Lazarus will be raised, the girl will be brought back to life, and the storm will be silenced, and Paul will preach again.
The Greater is always Greater, and the Lesser is always Lesser. We only have a problem when see everything else as “greater” and see Christ as “lesser”. Remember, the difference between “Alas!” and “Fear not!” is in having our eyes opened. When you look, what do you see? May the Lord open our eyes to see Him as He is!