Tag:

revelation from God

Is The Glass Half Empty Or Half Full?

by Sarah Crockett October 20, 2022

While at a work conference the keynote speaker was sharing on leadership. I don’t remember the exact topic of his presentation, but something he shared with us really stuck with me. The presentation started out with one of those get-to-know-you-no-one-really-wants-to-do-this conference team builders to break the ice. Our tables were tasked with debating the question, “Is the glass half empty or half full?” He eventually reeled us all back in and shared his answer to this question. His answer is what stuck with me. Is the glass half empty or half full? YES! How profound! You see the glass is both half empty and half full. What determines how we see it is our perspective.

Ephesians 2:4-6 gives us perspective about our position in Christ, “But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ, even when we were dead in our trespasses. It is by grace you have been saved! And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus”. Is our current position on earth or in heaven? YES! The question becomes where are we living? Do we live from our circumstances (earth) or do we live from the truth (Heaven)? Again, it depends on our perspective.

God is everywhere

Perspective is one of the tools we can use to encounter God in everyday life. I know, for me, it can be really easy to get caught up in the circumstances (good and bad) of the day. I learned a game a few years back that quickly became an encounter tool I’ve used to cultivate a Heaven-to-earth lifestyle. The game is called “Preach It” and it was created from the truth in Ephesians 4:6 that there is “one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all”. God is everywhere. We just have to tune in to see Him and hear what He is saying. The game is simple, pick a visible object and use it to share the Gospel. For example, there is a lamp on my desk that is currently turned off. Using the lamp to share the Gospel could look something like this…

“We are the lamp. Lamps need electricity in order to fulfill their function of giving off light. Jesus is like electricity the source of energy that gives light. In order for the lamp to access the electricity, it has to be switched on. We can be “switched on” and give light to the world when we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior”

Half Empty or Half Full?

Boom! It’s as simple as that! I’ve used this game over the years to help me live from Heaven to earth. I’ll see an object and asking Holy Spirit to reveal what heaven is saying. He’s all around. Heaven is here. We can have Heaven on earth now. We just need to tune in.

Do we live on earth or in Heaven? YES! What determines where we live from is our perspective. Where are you living from?

October 20, 2022 1 comment

Articles

New Covenant Clarity

by Bill Vanderbush May 16, 2022

written by Bill Vanderbush

Everything from the Old Covenant needs to be interpreted through the New Covenant. In the New Covenant we have 1 Corinthians 13 (Love keeps no record of wrongs, never fails, etc), 1 John 4:7-8 “…Love is of God and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.” And the words of Jesus leading up to the cross, “Love your enemies” Luke 6:31.

The New Covenant didn’t change the nature of God, but it did shift how He deals with mankind. “Now, in Christ, we who were afar off have been brought near by His blood” Eph 2:13. The blood of the New Covenant abolished the old covenant (detailed in Ephesians 2) and brought us into adoption as heirs of God, joint heirs with Christ.

We now revisit the old simply to celebrate what the cross and resurrection accomplished. We don’t throw away that glorious New to re-embrace the blind fearful foreboding of the old. I don’t view Old Testament verses on hate as elevated above the New Covenant verses on love. Ephesians 2. The Old Covenant was nailed to the cross. Romans 8. The law of the Spirit of life in Christ has set us free from the law of sin and death. I don’t know what was happening back then to cause them to interpret what they were getting as the hatred of God towards man, but in Christ we get a different picture. If He commands us to love our enemies, what do you think He does with His?

Hebrews 1:3 says Jesus is the exact representation of the Father’s nature. So anything I find in the old covenant that I can’t substantiate in the life of Jesus Christ, we have reason to question. The Old Covenant was one big question to which Jesus is the answer. John 5:35. So I’ll never exalt an old perspective of God over the clear representation of Christ. When you have a contrast between the old and the new you don’t have to try to reinterpret the old, rather simply align with the new and thank Him for it.

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Rely On God’s Love

by GOD TV April 12, 2022

written by GOD TV

I have a verse that I want to share with you today and encourage you with. It’s out of 1 John 4:16. I’m going to start in verse 15: “If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in him and he in God.” Verse 16, “And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.” I want to encourage you today to rely on the love God has for you.

Think about that word ‘rely.’ This is what I love to do when I’m reading scriptures, is pick out a verse like, God, what does it actually mean to rely on you? Holy Spirit, give me wisdom and revelation to know you more. Like what does it mean to rely on God? And so think about that. When you go out, some of you may go out boating, you wear a life preserver and you’re relying on it to keep you safe if you go in the water. What does it mean when I sit on a chair? I’m relying on that chair to hold me up. And so what does it look like? This is what I want to ask you and to invite you to ask the Holy Spirit in your own way is, ask Him, “What does it look like for me to rely on you more, to rely on your love?” You know, I’m using practical examples, but to rely on love, that’s an intangible thing, and so we’re going to need the Holy Spirit’s help to understand what this verse means. His word is living and active.

And so I want to pray for you right now, that Holy Spirit, would you release revelation? Would you release insight? Would you release practical ways. That He would show you how to rely on His love more and more, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

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40 Day Challenge Day #4 – Kindness And Compassion

by Navigator Jo February 29, 2020

written by Navigator Jo

Shakespeare once said, “the milk of human kindness”. The dictionary explains this phrase using words such as kindness, compassion, care, generosity, warmth, consideration and concern in our thoughts, feelings and actions toward each other. It’s curious how resonant this is with Kingdom values.

The Gospels are full of examples of how Jesus responded to people where His predominant emotion was kindness and compassion – it motivated Him to act. There are numerous examples of Jesus setting this example found in the book of Matthew alone! See Matthew 5:45, Matthew 9:36, Matthew 14:14, Matthew 15:32, and Matthew 20:34. As we see through Jesus’ life it’s a “heart” thing and not a “head” thing!

It’s one way of manifesting our authentic “followship” of Jesus. Uncomfortably, for us, this compassion is unconditional and inclusive. It not only extends to the poor and those who are unkind, but even to our enemies. Ouch!

The Gospels On Kindness And Compassion

The Gospels encourage believers to show kindness and compassion:

Luke 6:35 – “Love your enemies and continue to treat them well. You will receive a rich reward and you will be known as true children of God, having His nature. For your Father is famous for His kindness to heal even the thankless and cruel.”

Luke 6:36 – “Show mercy and compassion for others, just as your Father overflows with mercy and compassion for all. ”

Luke 11:41 – “If you free your heart of greed, showing compassion and generosity to the poor, you have more than clean hands; you will be clean inside.”

Ask yourself, what is one way I can be more kind like Jesus? How can a I show compassion to a loved one, acquaintance, and stranger today?

Let’s be more like Jesus!

– Navigator Jo

— Read also: Time To Wake Up Your Potential

February 29, 2020 0 comment

Faith

Let Him

by Cassie Upchurch September 23, 2019

written by Cassie Upchurch

I had an encounter in September of 2018 that sticks with me consistently. It’s one that I don’t have to be reminded of. I hadn’t been feeling so hot, emotionally speaking. Physically I was fine, but I was discouraged. I had been waiting so long, it seemed, for breakthrough and promises fulfilled. I imagine it’s what Abraham may have struggled with in theyears that he waited for the promised son.

As I sat there, I laid all the hurt, frustration, and tears where I always do…at Jesus’ feet. I cried, vented, prayed, and journaled all the feelings and all the prayers. Then I picked up my Passion Translation Bible to read Song of Songs. Ever since reading it in the Passion Translation, it has been my go-to when I feel unloved or undesirable. It is a staple of sorts in my romance with Jesus.

As I began to read, the beginning of 1:2 smacked me between the eyes: “Let Him smother me with kisses-His Spirit-kiss divine.”

“Let Him…“

Those two words grabbed hold of me and wouldn’t let go. “Let Him...”

As I pondered these two words, I tried to understand why the Shulamite would say them in the first place. As I meditated, memories from my past of loving and not being loved in return began to cross my mind. Suddenly, I had a revelation that the worst feeling in the world wasn’t unrequited love. The worst feeling in the world was loving someone and not being allowed to express that love to them.

You see, when you truly love someone and they don’t reciprocate, it sort of binds your hands. Your feelings may not change, but you have to hide them so you don’t make the other person uncomfortable. You don’t want to force your love on them. Love always offers a choice. Forced love isn’t love at all; it’s rape.

Permission to express love

As I pondered this, I realized that I had never given God permission to express His love for me. Oh, He loved me. NOTHING could stop Him from loving me (Romans 8:39). He will not force us to accept the expression of that love. This truth left me somewhat flabbergasted. (Let me be clear: no one but you can stop the expression of God’s love toward you. His love never ends, but He will respect the boundaries that YOU set.)

Tired, frustrated, lonely, and desperate to FEEL His love, I prayed a simple prayer, “Jesus, I give you permission to express Your love toward me in any way You desire.”

Encountering Jesus’ love

Immediately I found myself in an encounter. I saw myself with Jesus in His house and I was getting spa treatments -the whole shabang! As I went through the beauty treatments, Jesus never left my side, but just watched with a smile. I was confused by the lavish treatment. Suddenly, I found myself dressed in a Disney-style ball gown (if you know me, you know I’m a tee and jeans kind of gal) and Jesus was giving me jewelry. It seemed so excessive to me! These were elegant and extravagant things that I’d never even desired and, honestly, felt I didn’t need.

“I don’t need these. I just want to be with You,” I said.

He replied, “You don’t understand. I’ve waited so long to love you like this.”

His response silenced any protests I had and I started weeping. The vision continued through a truly Cinderella-type scene, but His words….those words have followed me.

Just receive

So often we stifle the expression of God’s love in our lives because of feelings of unworthiness, guilt, shame, or fear of rejection or vulnerability. Meanwhile, He’s waiting for any and every moment we allow Him to express that extravagant love He has for us. He is overjoyed when opportunities arise.

Today I want to challenge you to pray the same simple prayer that I did, “Jesus, I give You permission to express Your love for me in any way You desire.”

Then to receive. Why? You are worthy. (He announced that when He died for you.) He will not reject you-ever.
It’s safe to be vulnerable with Him. His love won’t change because He discovers something new about you.
He wipes away all guilt and shame.

Hear Him calling to you from Song of Songs 2:10, “Arise, my dearest. Hurry, my darling. Come away with me! I have come as you have asked to draw you to my heart and lead you out. For now is the time, my beautiful one.”

September 23, 2019 0 comment

Articles

The Unsung Women Of The Bible: Revelations From Their Stories

by GOD TV May 9, 2019

written by GOD TV

The Bible is the inspired Word of God and everything written within it has been included for a reason. Hidden within each chapter and story are revelations applicable to our lives today. Have you ever noticed the stories of the nameless women in the Bible? Nameless women are some of the unsung women of the Bible whose stories contain revelation for our Christian lives today.

The Woman with the Issue of Blood – Matthew 9:20-22

This woman is one of the unsung women of the Bible because she pushed past cultural norms to actively live out her faith in Jesus. This woman was considered “unclean” because of her physical condition and was forbidden in the culture of her time from interacting in public. Her faith in Jesus’ ability heal propelled her beyond the limitations of culture. She took a risk, fought through the crowded, touched the hem of His garment, and was healed!

Revelations

Faith accesses breakthrough. This woman’s faith is what drove her to overcome the physical barriers of her medical condition and the crowd to get to Jesus. Her faith also drove her past the condemnation of being labeled “unclean”. Her breakthrough happened because of her faith. Use faith to access your breakthrough!
We have access to healing through Jesus. The woman had been bleeding for twelve years, had spent all she had, and no doctor could help (see Mark 5:26). Jesus was her only hope and He was able. He is able to heal you too!

The Canaanite Woman – Matthew 15:22-28

This woman is one of the unsung women of the Bible because she persevered through testing, even from Jesus. The disciples urged Jesus to send her away. Jesus, Himself, told her it was not right to take the children’s bread and give it to dogs, but she kept focus and pressed through. She agreed with Jesus, but found a loop hole in that truth when she reminded Him that, “even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.” (Matthew 15:27)

As one of the unsung women of the Bible she stayed focused on her mission to see her demon-possessed daughter set free. She fought past the disciples discouraging her. She didn’t skip a beat when Jesus insulted her cultural heritage. Her focus helped her find a way to present her request to the One who heals and in the end, her request was granted. Her focused effort in receiving prayer helped set her daughter free!

Revelations

Persevere in prayer. When you run into a hurdle keep putting yourself before the Lord. Keep asking. Stay focused. Don’t give up.
To gain freedom we have to let go. The Canaanite woman had to let go of her reputation and push past the disciples discouraging words. She had to let go of pride and humble herself before Jesus. It was her faith in the “crumbs” of Jesus that freed her daughter. She let go and leaned in. We can do the same!

The woman at the Well – John 4:7-16

The woman at the well is a really powerful unsung woman of the Bible because she helped ignite revival that swept across an entire city. She encountered Jesus and humbled herself to receive the living water He was offering her to drink. She could have crumbled under the weight of shame from her colorful love life, but instead, she chose to believe and receive the gift of eternal life.

This woman is an unsung woman of the Bible because she shared what she was given. She could have thanked Jesus for transforming her life and continued on as usual. Instead, she chose to give away what she had just received, and a great revival broke out with many coming to repentance. The power of this unsung woman of the Bible was spark enough to fan the flames of revival across an entire city!

Revelations

Revival starts with one. The woman at the well had an encounter with Jesus and shared it with others. Just like it only takes a spark to start a fire. Revival starts with you and me!
One moment in God’s presence can change everything. She went to the well to get water. What she found at the well transformed her life forever. She went from an adulterous woman to an evangelist after she encountered Jesus. Transformation is waiting for us in God’s presence!

These unsung women of the Bible are just a few of the women whose stories made history and continue to bring wisdom and revelations for living the Christian life!

This article was written by Sarah Crockett.

May 9, 2019 3 comments

Articles

Brian ‘Head’ Welch of Korn Shares a Revelation from God At Tim Tebow’s Movie Premier

by Jared Laskey February 25, 2019

written by Jared Laskey

Brian ‘Head’ Welch, guitarist and founding member for the nu-metal band Korn, attended Tim and Robby Tebow’s movie premier of ‘Run the Race.’ Before watching the movie, in an interview with Jeannie Law of Christian Post, he said, “This generation can smell a phony a mile away. We have got to be real and raw. And I am looking forward to this movie because I heard it is real…Tebow, everyone loves Tebow.”

Brian then mentioned his upcoming movie release which is set to be released on June 2. He said, “Me and my daughter’s movie ‘Loud, Crazy Love,’ it’s real. It’s raw. It’s a little edgy just because we want the people that don’t know Christ to see a real story from the messy beginnings to what it is now. Which is amazing.”

He also added, “We just got to step back out of the religious things and just think about who Jesus hung out with. The fisherman, the prostitute, all kinds of people. And I fit right in that little group. That’s who He goes after and saves. He loves everybody. We’re a story. But the thing is, He cleans us on the inside.”

Stating that God doesn’t mind anyone’s appearance and hearing that ‘Run the Race’ deals with identity, Head said, “The beautiful mystery of Christ in you. That’s our identity…I can look like this. You can look like your beautiful self. It’s about Christ in you, the hope of glory.”

Watch Brian’s interview with Jeannie Law:

Brian ‘Head’ Welch’s movie is releasing in theaters on June 2:

LOUD KRAZY LOVE | Official Trailer | an I Am Second film | Brian "Head" Welch, Jennea Welch, KoRn

Watch this video on YouTube

February 25, 2019 1 comment