Thursday, January 26, 2012

The Jonathan Principle




We are called to preach the Gospel to the world but the world can be so cold and hard.  Sometimes we refuse to come towards the broken; we are unsure how to assist them.  As they curse, have explosive anger, or refuse to share we don’t realize the depth of pain they hold.  Pain comes to be their closest friend without any room for vulnerability.  It’s hard to allow anyone near, trust has been severely broken.  Should we shake our heads or should we extend a hand to them?  The hurting desperately need healing, the source is God.
     Yet, do we realize the wealth of riches we possess as Christ as our Savior?  If we really understand the wealth we possess, we wouldn’t hold on to it.  While in college, I had the honor of sitting at the feet of Dr. David Watson.  One of my favorite courses in college with Dr. Watson was called Personal Evangelism.  Still after so many years, I will never forget some of the heart changing words I experienced.  It wasn’t long to grasp he heartbeat of Dr. Watson which should be the heartbeat of the church or every Christian-to mend the broken.  As we went through the semester we discussed several truths: why we hate witnessing, how to be prepared for “God’s divine appointments” and realizing the depth of the broken heart.  Yet, we learn a truth Dr. Watson entitled “The Jonathan Principle.” On an outing with his family, he took the family out boating.  We left the boat at the dock but a man felt he was wrong for parking in “his spot”.  So, he decided to approach Dr. Watson “to discuss the matter”.  Dr. Watson was walking with his son, Jonathan as he came towards him.  At the time, Jonathan was only eight years old but they were getting chewed out with very colorful language.  They unknowingly docked their boat in someone else's spot. As they were walking away Jon looked at his dad and asked Dad that man is really hurting isn't he?” Jonathan principle - see the need
     What drove Christ to the cross was to mend the brokenness of our spirits; we were complete drowned in sin.  Satan’s deceiving power, our selfish ways, and sin’s blinding power rob us of our identity, life, and a relationship with God.  Sin binds the feet of the sinner entrapping their soul to lies.  As our Heavenly Father watched this world groan and ache for deliverance, He came to our rescue-Christ came.


     As our souls bleed for love, ached for healing, and cried for deliverance our Heavenly Father heard our cries for relief, He didn’t ignore them.  Although it was prophesied by Isaiah the prophet of Christ’s coming in Isaiah 61, Christ knew His mission.  As He read this chapter before the tabernacle, (Luke 4:18-21) Christ said, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”
The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,
because the LORD has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners,[a]
2 to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of joy
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the LORD
for the display of his splendor.
4 They will rebuild the ancient ruins
and restore the places long devastated;
they will renew the ruined cities
that have been devastated for generations.
5 Strangers will shepherd your flocks;
foreigners will work your fields and vineyards.
6 And you will be called priests of the LORD,
you will be named ministers of our God.
You will feed on the wealth of nations,
and in their riches you will boast.

7 Instead of your shame
you will receive a double portion,
and instead of disgrace
you will rejoice in your inheritance.
And so you will inherit a double portion in your land,
and everlasting joy will be yours.

8 “For I, the LORD, love justice;
I hate robbery and wrongdoing.
In my faithfulness I will reward my people
and make an everlasting covenant with them.
9 Their descendants will be known among the nations
and their offspring among the peoples.
All who see them will acknowledge
that they are a people the LORD has blessed.”

10 I delight greatly in the LORD;
my soul rejoices in my God.
For he has clothed me with garments of salvation
and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness,
as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest,
and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
11 For as the soil makes the sprout come up
and a garden causes seeds to grow,
so the Sovereign LORD will make righteousness
and praise spring up before all nations.

     Today is the day of salvation, this very moment is your opportunity to know Christ.  So, if you never made this choice, I plead with you-“Don’t turn away!”  All of the pain doesn’t have to haunt your soul or cause you to live in fear.  God is there, He wants to help you.  Call upon his Name, He will answer you.  No matter what you have done or what’s happened God will help you.  If you need someone to pray with you, please contact me on the blog or my email anointedmanna77@gmail.com

Sunday, January 15, 2012

Close To The Broken Hearted

       God still performs miracles, it’s amazing when it manifests in your life.  When it occurs God captivates your heart with such awe and wonder.  What just happened?  Did you see what God did?
     When we think of “miracles” we often recall the miraculous healings of Christ.  Whether it was the lame, the blind, or the deaf person being healed, we are complete amazed.  All of the sick people who encounter Christ left changed, they were made whole.  Life was completely RESTORE.  There weren’t any side-effects from medications or scars but only proof of a miracle.  What about a healing for broken hearts?  Does God care about a broken-spirit?  Yes, He cares for the broken, He is near them.

Psalm 34:18, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” 
Psalm 147:3 “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”
Isaiah 61:1 “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good new to the poor.  He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.”
      Can you forgive someone who abused you?  Whether it was physical, emotional or sexual abuse?  It’s only possible through Christ’s help, we can forgive.  The greatest miracle of one’s life who suffered abuse is being able to forgive the person.  Of course, this is the hardest part of healing but it proves life is restored. 
     Christ said, “But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:44) 
  Sometimes our enemies are members of our own family.  It’s not only shocking but the pain can destroy relationship with our spouses, children, and co-workers if it’s not dealt with.  As the pain festers it corrupts our self-esteem, prevents intimacy with others, and peace within.
     Can you image being hunted down like a wild animal?  Of course if you committed a crime we would expect to be hunted by the law.  But what if you are innocent?  How do you explain someone trying to harm you?  Especially if they invited you in their home, gave you a job, and allowed you to marry their eldest daughter.  (I Samuel 16:14-23; 1Samuel 18:18)Who wouldn’t feel loved or honored by this person?  Well, if anyone could relate it would be King David.  Once favored in the King Saul’s site for his music abilities, honored for his military victories, and marriage to Michal, he is wanted dead or alive.  It wasn’t one occasion, it was several accounts.  His father-in-law is chasing him, a member of his own family!  Who would want a father-in-law like Saul? 
     Forget family reunions, Thanksgiving dinner, or barbeque parties with family, a feud broke out.  It wasn’t over who took grandma’s last piece of homemade apple pie, it was serious.  Saul’s jealous, anger, and unwillingness to obey God destroyed his life.  Saul lost the kingdom, love of his family, and respect of others. Yet, David never desired to touch God’s anointed with his words or actions.  When the opportunity came for vengeance David never took it.  When he became king, he could have wiped out the previous dynasty.  Who would have blamed David?  When a new king took the throne, it wasn’t uncommon.  Yet, David desire to bless Saul even after his death. (2 Samuel 9:1-13)
     Recently, I was on the phone with my mother who started sharing an account of a recent church service.  After her pastor taught a powerful lesson, my mother testified to the truth of his lesson: the power of forgiveness.   As she testified how God used my mother and me to lead my father to Christ, it wasn’t anything but a miracle.  All of our lives were destroyed from my father’s addiction to alcohol; the side effects didn’t help either.  Make-up can only cover the bruises but the scars are left permeate.  After the divorce my mother hated my father for the physical abuse she suffered.  She only communicated with my father for my sake but it wasn’t her desire. 
     When I was in college my professor said, “Hurting people will hurt people, they don’t know how else to respond.”  It’s true.  It’s only through the scared hands of Christ, my mother and I was made whole.  After my parents divorced, all parties were broken but I never dreamt that healing would come.  All of the years of praying were not in vain, God heard them.  Maybe God was preparing me for a miracle, a personal one.
      My father is currently battling third stage cancer, so he is making strides in his health.  When I learned the news, I quickly came.  When I flew home, I always stay with my mother.  So, she drove me to my father’s house.  Upon arriving to my dad’s house my heart was completely filled with compassion, my father was frail.  So, I would clean his house, keep him company, and watch television with him.  While visiting my dad I started sharing the Gospel, he was finally receptive to it.  Yet, I was more shocked of his request.  My father said, “If your mother will pray with me, I will accept Christ.”      
     When my mother’s car pulled into the driveway I wasn’t expecting anything.  “It will not hurt to ask,” I said to myself.  What happened next still chokes me up, she came.  She was willing to extend forgiveness to the man whose hands hurt her.  As we held hands together, my mother and I lead my father to Christ.  Instead of hands hurting him, we brought healing to his. 
     Besides my father’s salvation, a miracle occurred within mine-my life was restored completely.  My life wasn’t destroyed by bitterness, hatred, or vengeance.  It wasn’t an overnight experience; it took years for this day to come.  Sometimes we wonder if we are really growing in Christ.  That day proved to me, I had.  What a wonderful realization of God’s grace!  God’s grace is truly amazing, it’s endless.  As I left my father’s house my heart rejoiced with the old hymn, “There is a new name written down in glory.” 
     Miracles don’t just happen for the physical but the broken-hearted.  He longs to bind those wounds with love.  One touch of God’s love restores the deepest scars.  It’s transforming, beautiful, and a miracle. 

   

Saturday, January 7, 2012

A Mouthful Of Blessings



    how_to_heal_a_broken_heart_0011.jpg image by luckless15 Words have the ability to either destroy or lift someone’s spirit, so they must be chosen wisely.  A timely word can change someone’s life, a simple encouraging word.  Encouragement has the ability to lift the broken from the ashes to make them stand secure.  The heart can be mended if it's healed with grace, love, and mercy.  God's has plenty of it; He gave it to the world.  Since God is bountiful to supply to us, we should be able to extend the same to others or ourselves.  Well, why don’t we extend love to others or give words of encouragement?  Sadly, we don’t see the value of ourselves; we forget who we really are.
     Whether, I believe what God says or not, His words are true.  It’s only when we renew our mind with truth, we can overcome the lies.  Whatever anyone says or what negative things we believe about ourselves, it can be truly washed with the Word.  We can’t allow harmful words to enter our spirit; it dulls the heart from being.  I admit the hardest person to love is myself, it has been a struggle all of my life.  It’s only through God’s loving grace; I am able to walk in confidence.  My confidence comes from God, He is the only One who has lifted my head.  God doesn’t want us to walk in condemnation or defeated.  God didn’t send His Son to condemn the world but to redeem it.  (John 3:17) Our enemies may speak lies about us but God is our defense.
      God will not allow our enemies to speak hellish lies or to curse us, so why do we curse ourselves?  Or we listen to the curses of Satan?  For example, “You are a failure, you will never measure up?”  “Dirty, you will always be dirty, if everyone only knew your past.”  “They will never receive you.”  “Did you hear what your father said, “You are stupid, unwanted, and ugly.”  “Why would God want you?”  If we continue to meditate on these lies, we become chained to their words.
     When we come to Christ, we arrive as sinners but we leave as a saint.  Although our faith hasn’t fully developed, a seed is planted.   Our faith is being developed but our identity has been changed completely.  We are adopted into the family of God; we are His chosen people who are a royal priesthood.  When I look in the mirror, sometimes it’s hard to see anything royal or priceless.  As I have grown in the Lord, this truth changed my perspective of myself.  It’s only through the eyes of God; I could lift up my head.  Satan will always be an accuser of the brethren; God will be the one who always justifies.            
     When the children of Israel settled outside the Jordan across from Jericho, it brought fear to the king of the Moabites, Balak.  Balak was afraid of the Israelites because he saw what they did to another tribe, the Amorites.  Nothing was left or the Amorites, so Balak was fearful of the same fate.  Keep in mind, what Balak said about the Israelites in Numbers 22:5b-7, “A people has come out of Egypt; they cover the face of the land and have settled next to me. Now come and put a curse on these people, because they are too powerful for me.  Perhaps then I will be able to defeat them and drive them out of the country.  For I know that those who bless are blessed, and those you curse you curse.” 
  From the mouth of the enemy, Balak said, “They are too powerful for me.”  Also, he was hoping to defeat them with damaging words, a curse.  He wanted to drive them out of the land, so he could overtake them.   Satan wants to speak a curse into your heart to defeat you and keep you from the promise.  If he can get you to believe it, he has defeated you.  Yet, he knows the moment we walk in truth, WE ALWAYS DEFEAT HIM!  He knows we belong to God, we are blessed.    
     As the story continues, Balak peruses Balaam to curse the children of God on three separate attempts, he didn’t give up.  Yet, he was defeated at every turn.   Balaam was able to overcome Balak because he sought the face of God, didn’t follow others opinions, or accept a bride to harm anyone.  As he was willing to walk with God, the Lord placed the words within his mouth, he spoke a blessing.  Beloved, God speaks blessings over us, He doesn’t speak a curse.  Jesus was sent on the cross to break every curse, so we could be free.  Numbers 22:12, “But God said to Balaam, “Do not go with them.  You must not put a curse on those people, because they are blessed.”  Also, I would encourage you to highlight or memorize the passages found in Numbers 23:19-24.
    Words have no power until we believe them.  What do you believe about yourself?  Does it line up with the Word of God?  If it doesn’t, it’s time to cast it down and bring it to the obedience of Christ.
We are not a product of our past, we are transformed from it.  God doesn’t hold our sinful past against us, He has forgiven it.  We are forgiven!  God has a mouthful of blessings to declare over us, it’s time to embrace them.


Thursday, January 5, 2012

One Voice

 Sometimes, it's hard to stand up for what is right BUT I choose to stand even if it's alone.  A voice can't be heard unless words are spoken, so it's important for our words to be anointed by the Holy Spirit.  As a minister, people expect for me to have "a word" from the Lord on a regular basis.  Nevertheless, it's important for the church to be a voice of truth with the anointing of the Holy Spirit.  In one account, the disciples were recognized for being with Jesus for the words they spoke.  Acts 4:13 when they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.  TO BE WITH JESUS!  It's a powerful statement but can the same be said of us?  The early church or disciples only followed what Jesus taught them.  These men walked with the same anointing as Jesus, the sick were being healed.  Although it was a miracle of God, those of authority question it.  As these bold men shared the Gospel, the officials question whose authority or right they had?  Yet doesn't the world today question everything to do with God?  Nevertheless, these disciples spoke the truth through the boldness of the Spirit.  A decision was to be made; they choose to be a voice despite the opposition or ridicule.  Not only were these men heard but their lives showed evidence of being with the King of Kings.  May it be said of us, these men or women were with Jesus!  
     John the Baptist was called to be a voice to prepare the way of the Lord.  Although John was chosen, he still had a choice to obey or disobey.  If the church is to be a voice, we have to share the Gospel.  If we speak, we speak the Word of God. "I Peter 4:11, "If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen 
     I am one voice but I will declare the truth of God's Word without compromise, with power of the Holy Spirit, and with my life.  I can't do everything but I am a voice.  Someone can't hear the Gospel unless it's preached, so be a voice.  If one voice stands for truth, it will impact this world.  If one voice touches one heart to follow God, it can change a family, a community, a church, or this nation.
     I am one voice who will speak to impact one, so it will not only start a reaction but a spark.  If a spark is all that needs to start a fire, I pray God places a spark within me so I will light this world.  If you think about it, the church was founded on the Day of Pentecost after a command from Christ to wait until they received the Spirit.  It wasn’t only a command but it was a gift from the Father to empower them to do what Jesus instructed.  Keep in mind, the early church didn’t have television, computers, or telephones.  It was only with their feet could the Gospel be proclaimed.  We have a world hurting in desperation for hope, healing, and deliverance.  As the church, we declare the message but we don’t allow God to move.  It’s in the presence of God where joy is found. 
     Maybe it’s just because I am just tired of church being about our agenda instead of God’s.  If we want the hurting to enter our doors, we have to have the oil, love, and servant’s heart to meet the physical.  Our nation has seen enough religion but they haven’t seen enough of God’s power.  The early church walked with the boldness of the Spirit because they were filled with the Spirit.  We can’t impact a spiritual world without the spirit.  A gun doesn’t have the ability to shoot unless it’s armed with ammunition, it’s powerless to function.
     It’s time to be a voice, to prepare the way of the Lord.  Our nation needs revived but are we willing to sacrifice our time, our monies, and hearts to see it.  Regardless of whom you study in scripture: Elijah, Elisha, Paul, Peter, Deborah, Samson, Miriam and David.  Each person made an impact through being a voice with an anointing of God to conquer kingdoms, heal the sick, destroy kingdoms, walk on water, and transform their world.  It’s time to be a voice not only with word but with the Spirit.

Sunday, January 1, 2012

Cry Out To God

Sunrise.jpg image by Donavon751

As the morning sun glistened in the shadows of the trees, it brought a comforting truth-God is faithful.  Absolutely nothing can prevent His faithfulness to reach me; it’s what keeps my faith solid.  At times, I am not faithful to Him.  It truly breaks my heart the moments, I fall.  Yet, God always remains faithful to me.  God doesn’t just see my weakness, He sees my potential. 
In the cleft of the mountains, the children of Israel lived for their disobedience to God’s Word.  They could visually see the bountiful land God promised, it was beneath them.  As their powerful enemies steal their land and their harvests, it stole their lives.  A grueling heart break of regret was encountered daily at sunset; they are on the outskirts of the promise.  How could they defeat their enemy?  Oppression of the enemy’s lies brought fear, doubt, shame, and poverty.  What are they to do? (Judges 6:1-6)
     When all hope seems lost, it isn’t.  It’s at this moment we must make a decision: it’s time to CRY OUT TO GOD.  It’s time to get on our knees and seek His face.  Satan will come to speak lies of accusations about your life.  Yet, it’s time to break the cords of death with a shout, a heart cry out to God.  As the children of Israel cried out, guess what?  God heard their cries and sent his word through a prophet.  As the prophet proclaimed the truth, he reminds them of God’s faithfulness to His covenant and His people.  God would rescue the children of Israel again but they had to listen to Him.   
     I have read this account Judges 6:1-16 on several occasions, it always ministers to me.  As the children of Israel cry out, God’s preparing deliverance through an unlikely fellow.  According to the Word, the Midianities were so powerful because they were numerous, like swarms of locusts. (Judges 6:5)  All of the countries around them invaded their land.  Absolutely nothing was left, hope was diminishing before their eyes. 
     When we bring destruction upon ourselves, God will come to us if we call out.  It’s only through calling out, we have hope.  God will never ignore the cries of His children, He listens intensely to them.  A broken heart will always grasp ahold of the heart of God, it quickly gets His attention.  A heart cry will never be quenched it will be embraced with hope.  We have to quit hiding behind the excuses, the lies we believe about ourselves.  We have to embrace the truth of God’s Word to break free.  It’s time to make a decision about our lives: excuses or deliverance.  What do we want?  Do we want to live on the cleft of the mountain of excuses or do we want our life back? 
     God wants us to rely on His truth, so we can be strengthen for life.  God is always with us, He will never leave us.  As the enemy comes, we must be prepared for battle.  Our enemy is mighty powerful until God arrives.  As Gideon works to prepare a harvest to feed his family, God calls him.  Honestly, why would God call Gideon?  If you look at Gideon, he isn’t much to look at, he admits it.  Gideon comes from the weakest clan of Israel and the least in the family. (Judges 6:15)  Besides of being from the worst family line, Gideon has absolutely no experience in the military.  Zero.  If you want to talk about wheat, Gideon could tell you anything.  Gideon brought all of the excuses to God; he brought what he believed about himself to God.  Do you know what God saw?  God called Gideon, a mighty warrior.  (Judges 6:12)  The secret of Gideon’s victory was accepting the truth, God is with him.  With God on our side, our enemy has no power. 
Judges 6:16 The Lord answered, “I will be with you,
and you will strike down the Midianites together.”
  walkinginsnow.jpg image by JesusLovesYouAlwaysn4everIt’s only through God’s grace, we are anyone.  All of our mistakes, our shame, and sin cover our soul with tormented lies.  Lies can only hold us if we believe them.  As regret whispers our mistakes, shame comes calling, God’s love comes reaching with hope.  When we cry out to God, God comes running out to us.  We will only become mighty warriors if we realize God is with us.  God has been with us, He will always be with us.  So, what excuses are you bring to God.  Is it your past?  Is it your shame?  We can't grasp the future if we are holding on to the past, we need to embrace God's plan.  We must realize God's plans will be complete if we allow Him to lead us.  We can't change the past but we can be forgiven for it.  God wants to give you a new beginning, so come to Him.  He will receive you!!
I cry out to the Lord; I pray to the Lord for mercy. – Psalm 142:1


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