The Leadership of the Holy Spirit

I want to always come back to that sweet assurance that God has a better plan, he is looking into my heart. This is the essence of leadership from the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:14) So what has God placed on my heart today? That I want His love regardless of circumstance.
What does this look like, it looks like rolling round in balls of laughter when a circumstance is too big and then daring to say "I give you another chance to do it your way" - The problem I find is that we are so used to doing it our way!

We need a heart transformation before we go leading others. As many know but I need to get this out there. There are two things to be aware of in this day:
What connects "the salvation of all Israel", "the pouring out of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost", the "wanting of God's love" and "wanting God's love regardless of circumstances"? It is one thing: My Husband, my Bridegroom.

the second thing is this: Luke 17:22 says "The days are coming that you will desire to see one of the days of the Son of Man and you will not see it" This is a terrifying verse. Many people play down the awareness of the days that are coming, they say "it will be worse for the people that do not know God" which sounds right, the problem is it doesn't fit with reality, If someone loves a person little, and if someone loves a person alot, who is more affected by the loss of that person? the one who only loved Him a little? no, it's the one who loves Him alot. God will make the tears, the crying, the pain, the sighing, calculated so that no one who loves Him will be able to live without Him, there will be a fire that comes upon people because of this lack of his voice, and this lack of his presence, that forces Him to come, just as in the days when Israel were in captive in Egypt. They will cry out in bondage before their taskmasters and God will have compassion. The same things are coming upon our generation!

The reason we don't know the book of Revelation is because we ought not to know! the contents are disturbing! Am I capable of handling this level of trauma and pressure to myself? to my flesh and blood? this is exactly what is going to happen. It says that if the days had not been shortened, no one would be saved, it says that false prophets will rise up and deceive many, it says that the love of most will grow cold, it says (I believe) a time of great tribulation having it's focal point in emotions and feelings, that people will be led astray because they do not have confidence in their emotions and feelings. Mark my words!

The Son in Me just Comes out

This is something that I feel needs to be said before anything else, because me being a Son takes pre-eminence over anything I do. my destiny is NEVER EVER EVER EVER EVER WHAT I DO! I love that, that I do not need to do, act or produce anything for me to be a Son. A part of me asks the question, "then why does it even to be mentioned" - a pertinant question. Why do I need reminding as to being a Son, that has nothing to do with works? is that is what is being asked.

I find it very difficult to stay confident in this particular area, ESPECIALLY when my whole nature is steered towards being an orphan, looking out for number one, and reproducing anxiety, stress and disillusionment, why do I need reminding of this ever pertinant question? God's presence is our home. It is the place we are re-energized in who we are, remembering what is most important, this ought to be the most desirable place on the planet. It ought to be the place that gives us the desire and urgency, and EXCITEMENT, to get those creative juices flowing, it ought to be the only place that we enjoy in the whole world. This somehow does not need to be said, but it does, because Jesus died so that I would be a Son, that I would be found, that His death would bring in me a revelation of His ultimate goodness and kindness for me, reminding me, "I am Your Beloved Son with whom I am well-pleased"

There is no lack in this place, folks, I may be stretched in any other place, but there's everything that we are needing in His presence. This is the place where I dream. His courts are where I belong. O, his joy! my childhood, it just comes out of me. It needs to be said: "Children cannot look after themselves" O Father, may the hearts of the Father's return to the children. That is why when others take the credit I have to say "well, I'm a little child, so i'm so little that I don't take offence" - my identity lies in the bosom of the Father. That is why I have to constantly re-evaluate my position - I am a Son, am I behaving like a Son today? It's okay to say "i'm hurting today, I'm lost today, I've forgotten how to be a Son today" because he's not looking at the t's and i's he's made the heart perfect. I tell you no greater joy in the world than being the favourite Son of my Father! That he is revealing His Providence over me in making me a Son, every part of scripture, the Father is glorious. I respond to the Father because He is the blessed Potentate, the source of life, Alpha and Omega, dwelling in unapproachable light, Rock of the Ages, Ancient of Days, King of the Universe

Living Waters (5)

I have felt very tender today, and feel that this change is something God wants me to share.

I remember while preparing sermons for our little health and fitness group in February that if there was one thing that I wanted to share and broadcast to the world it is the Love of Jesus. What a wonderful opportunity that God has enabled me to not only testify to this, but has made it real to me! I will share the things surrounding this decision.

When I came back from travelling the North Island with my friend Steve Coe, I arrived in Christchurch to find out that I would not be going back to Oxford (not immediately anyway) I had a debt to pay off before I would come back to base and live there. However, I wanted to come into Oxford initially to find out my financial position to see if I could pay it off as well as visit my friends. While in the time of worship on Monday morning I knew God wanted me to speak on the fact I have not been at YWAM, and give them encouragement, "I have never been more full of love for Jesus and his worth than I do this day, even though my heart is in a spin" He's totally worth everything, every moment, every circumstance, every work he does, every word he speaks to my heart, all of His love.

I actually found out that I had enough money to pay off my debt at YWAM. thoughts were flashing across my mind, but I decided seeing that I was only coming out for the day, that I would go back to Christchurch. I would be able to come back soon enough (it later turned out to be the best decision because I needed to chat with Jeremy and let him know what was happening - and the plan I had - very precarious questions but God in his grace gave me the right answers)

Wow, what a thing to be able to say. I think that it's God's grace that I can say "Jesus is worth everything!" Be reconciled to God. Put Him the first place in your heart. He loves you dearly -

Though I have had many things happen in the last two months, I made a decision recently that the only thing that I was after was this - like David, I did not want to be moved by promotion. The most wonderful feeling comes from being in a place with no money - and no responsibility, and without peace, anxiety, commotion, for His peace to reign in my heart that my heart flourishes and shouts out "You are the one that I love!" I admit that my whole-heart is absolutely his right now, there's only peace in my thoughts, and I have more desire and delight in Him. He is what moves my heart!

This is the place of living waters that everyone desires and is designed to live from (Isaiah 55:1-3) It's available right here, right now, to anyone! In fact, it is most for the person that is going through unpleasant circumstances, this comes from the Spirit of God, wrought by a work of God's love, and giving glory to the Son.

My heart wants none of the glory, it has to goto Him. I will not be tempted by the glory of riches and of hearing people say "well done!" The only reason I say these things is because I want you to enter into the joy of which I have become a participant. The thought of speaking this to others terrifies me - i am looking out and thinking how incapable I am of doing this - this is where I am at right now. Does that give you assurance? Does that give you peace? Do i need to say that again? The thought of sharing this with anyone is what terrifies me the most, I am totally dependant on God to make this work. You do not need to put up with anxious circumstances any more, you can have peace, with the anxiety! Just open your heart and be filled with His love - His words for You.

Living Waters (4)

From Jonathan Edwards unpublished essay on the Trinity:
If a man could have an absolutely perfect idea of all that passed in his mind, all the series of ideas
and exercises in every respect perfect as to order, degree, circumstance and for any particular space of time past, suppose the last hour, he would really to all intents and purpose be over again what he was that last hour. And if it were possible for a man by reflection perfectly to contemplate all that is in his own mind in an hour, as it is and at the same time that it is there in its first and direct existence; if a man, that is, had a perfect reflex or contemplative idea of every thought at the same moment or moments that that thought was and of every exercise at and during the same time that that exercise was, and so through a whole hour, a man would really be two during that time, he would be indeed double, he would be twice at once. The idea he has of himself would be himself
There is just one thing that I want on this earth, that is humility.
There is more at our disposal than you can possibly imagine, what you can't see, and is vast and expansive, immeasurable riches available to us. And the Spirit which made all things lives inside of us. What you can see is not as real as what you cannot see. We have so little because our view of God is based on nature, but if we did not have judgments of God then we would ask Him to open our eyes and to give us the beauty of Himself which is more valuable than anything that we can possibly imagine. Welcome to the first day of your life.

Living Waters (3)

I have to refrain a little. But normally I do not take scriptures out of context. But the need of the hour and the situation beckons that I do share something rather puzzling or perplexing but for the sake of it, will make things easier to understand for everyone. Just be ready to use your spiritual eyes rather than your natural ones,

"Can a woman forget her nursing child, And not have compassion on the son of her womb? Surely they may forget, Yet I will not forget you."

The issue actually has profound implications if the verses are taken in context, to the nation and people of Israel. It's not the first time God has used spiritual things to bring prayer and love for Israel.

The question I have to ask, is, "Have you given birth to a child?" These are the symptoms

1. You cannot forget it. What would it be like to have a child that you never looked after? One of the first names of God mentioned in the Bible is, "El Shaddai" or in the Hebrew "Many-breasted one"

2. Things are happening around and through you that you do not have words for.

3. You have come out of indecision and know exactly what is important. You know that prayer is exactly what is important.

I have to share something, This is what has happened to me. I cannot forget it, this is the only thing that matters right now, I am thinking more about families and children than I ever have, either by revelation or by experience. God wants to shatter peoples expectations of what they think life is about, he wants people to taste what is good and share it with others. This means stepping out and being vulnerable at times. But it's completely worth it.

There is a scripture that the Lord gave me last week while walking to the fish and chip shop. Isaiah 8:18

Here am I and the children whom the LORD has given me! [We] are for signs and wonders in Israel From the LORD of hosts, Who dwells in Mount Zion.

I have been chosen to be a sign to others so that they may follow.
These children that I have reared are healthy babies that need feeding, they need to be fed well, nurtured, taken care of. What am I talking about?
I'm talking about the Holy Spirit. He was given to us as a deposit for an inheritance, the point is, He is the Spirit of Revelation and Wisdom - it's not for just a joy ride. This is all about being free from the reign of sin, and experiencing the deep pleasures of the Holy Spirit giving you superior pleasures - to the glory and praise of God.

Living Waters (2)

I think one of the greatest pleasures in life is simply to go back and remember the works of God. No greater excitement has entered my heart than to realize that God himself wants me to remember the miracles that he performed to allow me to stay at YWAM earlier this year. How is this related to last year? Well, because I recognize that God has been working on my heart.

There is a scripture in John were Jesus makes a small excursion to a Samaritan village, he begins by describing the kind of water that He gives, if only she would ask Him for it. I remember hearing the story that this is what it is like when the patriarchs would find a well - digging for water. Even thinking of it, digging in the middle of the desert, and then all of a sudden, water! Living water, or active, flourishing water, that you can drink. I have to admit, i've yet to taste that kind of water (as much as the water comes out of the tap all the time, it does not taste alive to me yet!)

Remember.
Psalm 77:11
I will remember the works of the LORD; Surely I will remember Your wonders of old.
Psalm 105:5
Remember His marvelous works which He has done, His wonders, and the judgments of His mouth,
Psalm 143:5
I remember the days of old; I meditate on all Your works; I muse on the work of Your hands.

This I pray, that you may give to us the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Jesus

Living Waters (1)

Let me share with you what has happened in the last few weeks, which has a very exciting fulfillment in reflecting/contemplating on a day a year ago.

When I came back from Whangarei earlier this year, God opened up the opportunity to speak to a congregation regularly, preparing a short sermon to share each week. Well my friend Steve once asked me "What if no one shows up?" to which I replied "but God has opened the opportunity to up" that is enough.

So while thinking about what it was to prepare, a desperate need came to me, that I ought to be giving living waters to those who would listen - coming from maturity and knowledge of God's word. This theme "Living Waters" I did not know much about. But while contemplating today, I was gripped by the need to share about how whole-hearted abandonment and Sonship, through the prayers and reflections I wrote last year, needed to be the reason I was writing today. As a result, God has opened up wide a spring of water which I am aiming to draw from and give to you. Well here goes

You will know that when you talk to a child, and listen to them, about anything, they will be excited about sharing what they have. Just ask them about icecream, dancing, growing flowers and playing video games.

Did you know that God feels the same way, He wants us to be excited. Now I know that excitement has eluded us. God's excitement comes from us. In fact, I have to be honest with you, I have a far bigger addiction to God than any of you have for anything in life. My only desire in life is to be filled with still greater dreams and visions, my biggest dream is to have the biggest dream in the world. I want to be so filled with the consciousness of God's presence that no matter where I am, walking down to the fish and chip shop (it has happened just last week actually!) or talking in front of you, my heart is excited and fascinated.

But we do things that really grieve God. It is because His heart is far more sensitive than ours. Do you know what grieves God? it is when we steal, murder, lie, want what some one else has.

But this is why Jesus came, because He demonstrates perfectly who the Father is - that is who God is - he created us, we are his children. The secret to being in His presence is doing what pleases Him (Ephesians 5:10) This means, the attitude of a Son to His Father. As it is written: "Honor your Father and your Mother" (Ephesians 6:1-4) also "I always do those things that please Him" (John 8:29) In other words, the Father is the only one that Jesus thinks about because He is totally consumed with the Father's delight in Him. Yoke yourself to Jesus today and find out what pleases God the Father.

The Book of Isaiah: A fountain of Restoration opened up (Isaiah 12:1-6)

I have really enjoyed reading Isaiah 12 today. I wanted to share my gleanings and the things that I like about it. It's such a small chapter I'm going to quote the whole thing! (New King James Version)

1And in that day you will say:
"O LORD, I will praise You;
Though You were angry with me,
Your anger is turned away, and You comfort me.
2Behold, God [is] my salvation,
I will trust and not be afraid;
'For YAH, the LORD, [is] my strength and song;
He also has become my salvation.' "

3Therefore with joy you will draw water
From the wells of salvation.

4And in that day you will say:
"Praise the LORD, call upon His name;
Declare His deeds among the peoples,
Make mention that His name is exalted.
5Sing to the LORD,
For He has done excellent things;
This [is] known in all the earth.
6Cry out and shout, O inhabitant of Zion,
For great [is] the Holy One of Israel in your midst!"

In the first verse, I had an amazing realization after Praying "God I want to see the Lamb in this Chapter" so I'll quote it again:
1"O LORD, I will praise You;
Though You were angry with me,
Your anger is turned away, and You comfort me."

Isn't it true, that when Christ offered up himself for me, that the wrath and anger that was spent on me was removed, and instead I became the one in whom is all His delight.

In fact, I wouldn't want to stop there. In the second verse:
2Behold, God [is] my salvation,
I will trust and not be afraid;

That is a declaration to declare. it will become my new prayer to God, "I trust in you, I will not be afraid" - Among many other things, I take it personally as showing me that God's intentions towards me are without mixture, and that whatever number my fears are, there is sincerity in Him that is bigger than my fears. In fact, I would go further than no fear, I would say "I want to taste the grace coming off from your words" - because only that satisfies me.

I can hear the dancers gathering their tambourines in the 6th verse:
6Cry out and shout, O inhabitant of Zion,
For great [is] the Holy One of Israel in your midst!

As a request for the entire congregation, this comes from the hearts of those that truly know Him.

When I begun thinking about the Chapter I began at this verse. If you notice the two phrases in Verse 1 and 4 "And in that day" you would need to find the previous Chapter. Collectively, the nation responds, Individually, the hearts are transformed. God begins and ends in this Chapter. He is the substance, the form, and the vibrancy of their celebration. Whose? Zion, of course, (coming back into covenant bond with Her Husband) those who have had God's wrath poured out only to find that His desire is to comfort them.

The thing I like about their response, is that they don't need God to give them a push along, their celebration comes from deep in their hearts (which is shown in Verse 4 and 5) the beginning of the great commission to reach the world with the glory of God - His works being manifest in all the earth!

Verse 3 is very significant. If you want Jesus look no further than here
3Therefore with joy you will draw water
From the wells of salvation.

If you want to find out the full story, search for it on the internet, for now I will give an abridged summary. These verses are recited during the Feast of Tabernacles. The feast of Tabernacles is the premier feast of the year on the Jewish Calendar, in it we believe that the Messiah will appear to us. If there is any time of year that He will appear it is this time (for further information, and interest, the calendar year is also in 6 month cycles)

As part of the Feast the priest will draw water from the pool of Siloam, which is about 150 metres from the temple mount (Yes, you've read it in the New Testament) they will carry large vessels of water up from the pool to the temple Mount, where they pour out the water. As part of this, they eagerly await the coming of Messiah, who will show Himself at this time. It is this "Living Water" that they are earnestly desiring.

If you find it, in the Gospel according to John, flick to chapter 7, and goto verse 37-39

On the last day, that great [day] of the feast,
Jesus stood and cried out, saying,
"If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink.
"He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said,
out of his heart will flow rivers of living water."
But this He spoke concerning the Spirit,
whom those believing in Him would receive;
for the Holy Spirit was not yet [given],
because Jesus was not yet glorified.

NO ONE HAD EVER SPOKEN LIKE THIS MAN!

That is the only thing I'm desiring right now, JOY from deep within me. Who is the well of salvation? who is the fountain of life? My Jesus, my Salvation from God! when they say "God is my salvation" they are literally calling His name. because He is my personal salvation. They are basically saying, "Jesus my joy!" I drunk from YOUR LIFE, inexhaustable, fully satisfying, GLORY They want to drink from this well. So, if you haven't already, DRINK.