Developing Intimacy With God

I would like to begin with my favorite old hymn:

And He walks with me
and He talks with me,
and tells me I am His own,
and the joy we share,
as we tarry there,
none other has ever known.

This hymn will be the basis of my discussion on intimacy with God. Let's look at it phrase by phrase...

"HE WALKS WITH ME, AND HE TALKS WITH ME"

1. We Are His Pleasure And Delight

   God has had us in His heart before the foundation of the world. He chose us!! Paul writes in Ephesians 1:3 "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ. According as He hath CHOSEN US IN HIM BEFORE THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD."

   Have you wondered why God did that? He wanted to Walk and Talk with us.. glory!! We are His pleasure and delight... we must walk in that knowledge, we must ponder as we walk uprightly before him, and say I am His pleasure and delight.

   Rev. 4:11 "Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power, for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created"...See yourself!!

2. We Were Made For Fellowshipping With God

   We can see clearly in Gen. that Our Father desired fellowship with man and woman. God walked in the cool of the day with Adam. He talked with Adam and Eve. It was a Father-son Father-daughter relationship. There's no scriptural evidence of these two ever discussing "spiritual" things, they talked about life as Adam was discovering it in Eden, and this seemed spiritual enough, since God was the source of all that life. It has been my experience that God loves life and loves to talk about it with us. Even our troubles, our concerns, our questions. For as we know He alone is our answer. He will answer. As I read the gospels, Jesus, always answered when someone asked Him.

   One man asked, Jesus what must I do to be saved? Jesus answered. A disciple asked, "Show us the Father", Jesus answered. Another asked, "When will the end of time come?" Jesus answered. That shows me that God who has all the answers, will answer us if we will only ask.

3. As We Commune With Him, He Reveals Our God Given Authority

   As God walked and talked with Adam and Eve, He made known His covenant:

   Gen 1:26-28

   Let us make man in our image, after our likeness, and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him, male and female created he them, and God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.

   God wants us as his own to know our God given authority, "Behold I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and OVER ALL THE POWER OF THE ENEMY; AND NOTHING SHALL BY ANY MEANS HURT YOU." Luke 10:19.

4. He Reveals His Direction For Our Lives

   It's not hard for man or woman to hear God. To hear instruction or direction for our lives. Faith is the key that unlocks.. "He that cometh to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those that diligently seek him." Heb 11:6.

   The Lord said in Matt.7:7 "Ask and it shall be given you, seek and you will find, knock, and it shall be opened to you." We live in a society that denies the very existence of God, and yet as we look into God's Word we see how He had spoken to generation to generation. "God said to Noah, 'Build an ark to the saving of your household. Build it according to My pattern. And take thou unto thee of all food that is eaten, and thou shalt gather it to thee; and it shall be for food for thee, and for them.' Thus did Noah according to all that God commanded him, so did he." Gen.6:21-22. Wow!! God saved a whole family, and told them how to be delivered from the destruction!! What a protecting God. Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Joshua. And the names go on.... and on... We see a Holy God, speaking to his people giving explicit directions for their lives. God has not changed, He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

   Let us pray:

   Father, I am so excited that I am your delight. Thank-you for choosing us before the world began. That your desire for fellowship is my desire also. I want to walk and talk with you Lord, continually, Reveal to me more and more You. Your destiny and plans for my life. I choose to follow you. I choose to be taught, by You. Open my understanding of my God given authority to have power over all the enemy. May your divine grace continually influence my life. And just as You have spoken clearly to all generations past, speak to me Father. I want to glorify you in this earthen vessel. Thank-you Lord.

"AND HE TELLS ME I AM HIS OWN"

1. Spirit Of Adoption

   How many times have you cried while in prayer? Groanings out of your belly? That's the spirit of adoption or intercession. Expressing love towards Our Father, or interceding. "And because ye are sons, GOD HATH SENT FORTH THE SPIRIT OF HIS SON INTO OUR HEARTS, CRYING ABBA FATHER." (Gal 4:6)

   ABBA means- Father or Daddy. Just like a child to their Father. God takes pleasure in telling us that we are His own. "Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you??" (I Cor 3:16)

   He assures us that it's no longer we that live but Christ liveth in us. "I was crucified with Christ nevertheless I live YET NOT I BUT CHRIST LIVETH IN ME, and the life which I now live I LIVE BY THE FAITH OF THE SON OF GOD. WHO LOVED ME AND GAVE HIMSELF FOR ME.." (Gal 2:20) Glory to God, He tells us we are one spirit with Him!!! For he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit with Him.

   "He loves to be glorified in us. For ye are bought with a price, therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which ARE GOD'S. We are His, and we abide in him. For IN HIM WE LIVE, AND MOVE, AND HAVE OUR BEING; as certain also of your own poets have said, FOR WE ARE ALSO HIS OFFSPRING." (Acts 17:28) We will hear from God that we are His own!!!!! As abiding as His own, His spirit enables us to commune with Him. Just like Jesus did.

   Let us pray:

   Father thank-you for the Spirit of your Son in me, I do cry Abba, My Father. I thank-you that it is no longer I who live in this body, but Christ the anointed one lives in me. And I thank-you also Father that I am living by the faith of the Son of God. It's not mine but his. I am yours. And as I live In You, and move in You, and have my being in You, You are being glorified in me. Thank-you Lord.

"AND THE JOY WE SHARE, AS WE TARRY THERE"

1. Manifests His Presence

   Oh what joy we share!! As we tarry there, WHERE? IN HIM. In HIS PATH OF LIFE. "Thou wilt show me the PATH OF LIFE; IN THY PRESENCE IS FULLNESS OF JOY, AT THY RIGHT HAND THERE ARE PLEASURES EVERMORE." (Ps. 16:11) His INDWELLING Presence!! Notice I said IN-dwelling, Paul said, "To whom GOD WOULD MAKE KNOWN what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, WHICH IS CHRIST IN YOU, THE HOPE OF GLORY," (HIS DIVINE PRESENCE). Before we can enjoy the JOY OF HIS PRESENCE we must awaken to where His presence is. And that is IN US!!!

   At numerous times God's presence indwelt His disciples to such a measure that they became drunk.

   Acts 2:12-13 - And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, 'WHAT MEANETH THIS?' Others mocking said, 'These men are FULL OF NEW WINE.' God reveals to us that His desire is that we BE FILLED just like drinking WINE IN EXCESS!!! I like that!! And He goes on to say, 'And be not drunk with WINE, wherein is excess, but be filled with the SPIRIT.' (In excess) glory!! Wonder why God didn't say lemonade? I believe His point lies within the description of WINE. Why? excess of wine will make you happy, joyful, a little tipsy, you would tend to do things you normally wouldn't do if you were sober. A boldness rises up within you. Cares that seem to be at times overwhelming disappear. It brings great joy when experiencing HIS PRESENCE. And He also rejoices over us and gets Happy!! He also sings over us... Can you hear Him singing? "The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty, he will save, HE WILL REJOICE OVER THEE WITH JOY; HE WILL REST IN HIS LOVE, HE WILL JOY OVER THEE WITH SINGING." (Zephanish 3:17) Do you get a picture of God singing over you with great joy? What a beautiful sight!!! To know He is SO EXCITED OVER US!!! does that not make us excited and filled with joy over Him. Yes it does!!! As He fills us with His joy, He is seen on our countenance. "Thou hast made known to me the ways of life, THOU SHALT MAKE ME FULL OF JOY WITH THY COUNTENANCE." (Acts 2:28)

2. Manifesting Joy In The Midst Of Opposition

   As we keep our minds and hearts stayed on Him "He shall keep us in perfect peace." (Isa 26:3) Even in the midst of persecution we can still experience His joy. Look at Paul and Barnabas: "the Jews stirred up persecution against them and as they went out of that city, shook off the dust of their feet against them, The disciples WERE FILLED WITH JOY, and with the Holy Spirit." (Acts 13:50-52) "And at midnight Paul and Silas SANG PRAISES UNTO GOD..." and everyone's bands were loose.. (Acts 16:25). That is some supernatural praise in such adversity. They were bound, yet their Joyful praise released them... set them free and everyone else. Praise God!!

3. Tarry In Him Continually

   To TARRY THERE, is to ABIDE IN HIM. "ABIDE IN ME, AND I IN YOU." (John 15:4) Jesus prayed; "Father I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, BE WITH ME WHERE I AM; THAT THEY MAY BEHOLD MY GLORY, which thou hast given me, for thou lovedst me BEFORE THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD." (John 17:24)

   God sent His Son Jesus, to pay the price of redemption for mankind. And whosoever believeth on Jesus would receive His spirit inside their mortal bodies and then God would reveal the Spirit of His Son through them. Paul is an example: To REVEAL HIS SON IN ME, THAT I MIGHT PREACH HIM AMONG THE HEATHEN, immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood. Walking by faith, believing His Word, that we abide in the secret place of the Most High. Psalm 91 says "He who dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. UNDER HIS WINGS, HIS FEATHERS..." -- what a secure place!! glory!!!

   "One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God, and Father of all, who is above all, AND THROUGH ALL, AND IN YOU ALL." (Eph 4:5-6) Do you think Father is a little southern ("you all")... Just kidding!!!

   Let us pray:

   Father thank-you for Your presence abiding in my mortal body.. I thank you for making my body your habitation. I yield all my members unto you, Be Lord of My body and my mind. Reveal your son in me... I pray that I may preach Him throughout the world. Father fill me again with Your wine of Your presence, Your joy, to overflowing. Lord will you fill me again just like you filled your disciples then, get me drunk I pray. And as your joy fills me up -- thank-you that the joy of the Lord is my strength, to overcome all opposition. Glory to Your name Jesus... May I always walk in a conscience of abiding under the Shadow of You, Your Wings, Your feathers. You are my refuge, My fortress, My God in whom I trust. I love you Father God.

"NONE OTHER HAS EVER KNOWN"

1. We Are Not Another

   "I am the Lord, that is my name, and MY GLORY WILL I NOT GIVE TO ANOTHER. Neither my praise to graven images.." (Is 42:8) I asked the Lord, "Lord in John 17, you said you gave us Your glory, but here you are saying You will not give Your glory to another, what does that mean?" He told me so clearly, "You are not another!!!" I shouted!! "Glory to your name forever and forever!!! Thank-you Father."

   Our Father has imparted His glory to us.. In John 17:22-23 He says "AND THE GLORY THOU HAST GIVEN ME I HAVE GIVEN THEM, THAT THEY MAY BE ONE, EVEN AS WE ARE ONE. I IN THEM AND THOU IN ME, THAT THEY MAY BE MADE PERFECT IN ONE; AND THAT THE WORLD MAY KNOW THAT THOU HAST SENT ME, AND HAST LOVED THEM, AS THOU HAST LOVED ME." God calls us a CHOSEN GENERATION!! "We are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people, that ye should show forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvellous light." (I Peter 2:9) "We have been given His spirit His glory, that we may know the things that are freely given to us of God." (I Cor. 2:12) "The others are the fools who hath said in their hearts there is no God." (Ps. 14:1) It is a shame, that if remaining as a fool, they will never experience God's glory. "AND THIS IS LIFE ETERNAL, THAT THEY MIGHT KNOW THEE THE ONLY TRUE GOD, AND JESUS CHRIST WHOM THOU HAST SENT." (John17:3).

   Let us pray:

   Thank-you I am not another. But you have given your glory to me. May I never take you for granted. I stand in awe of your marvellous works. Thank-you that we are one, You are living in me, and I'm abiding in You. It is Your desire that I be made perfect in one. That the world may see your son in me, to know you have sent me just as You have sent Your Son. And that You have loved me as much as You have loved Your Son. Help me to show forth Your praises; To walk in Your marvellous Light.

   Yes, Father, also to understand all things that You have already freely given. May I walk in a consciousness of being a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people, that I will continually show forth praises Of YOU!!! May Your eternal life continually spring up a well within my soul and spirit, as I behold Your Glory, and seek to Know Thee, and Jesus Christ. Bless Your wonderful Name. Jesus. As for me, "I will behold thy face in righteousness, I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with THY LIKENESS." (Ps. 17:15)

Worship and the Prophetic

And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, SAYING, Alleluia: for the Lord, God, omnipotent reigneth, Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honor to him; for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white; for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints; and he said unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb, And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God. And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, "See thou do it not, I am thy fellow servant, AND OF THY BRETHREN THAT HAVE THE TESTIMONY OF JESUS; WORSHIP GOD; FOR THE TESTIMONY OF JESUS IS THE SPIRIT OF PROPHECY." (Rev.19:6-10)

Here John hears many people in heaven, worshipping God. Words of Prophecy throughout this chapter. But in verse 10, John falls at this mans feet who prophesies. "Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb," AND HE SAITH UNTO ME, "THESE ARE THE TRUE SAYINGS OF GOD."

Here this man is worshipping God then prophesying, and John thinks it's Jesus, because he falls at his feet to worship him, and he says, "See thou do it not, I am thy fellow servant, and of the brethren that have the testimony of Jesus; Worship God," he says.

This man says the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. If you have been born again, the true spirit of God is within you and you hold the spirit of prophecy. You say, "hold?", yes hold. Lots of people do not want to let the spirit of prophecy out. They hold it in. They quench the spirit, And it is the very life and breath of Almighty God flowing out to accomplish that which it is sent to do.

Zechariah worships God and prophesies over his son John:

And his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying, "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people, And hath raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David," (Luke 1:67-69, and following).

Throughout these verses we can see worship and prophetic coming forth.

As we worship God our focus is on Him. He the Spirit of truth in us opens our eyes to behold "the King of Glory. The Lord strong and mighty. The Lord mighty in battle." (Ps. 24)... It is when we come into that place of intimacy, that Our Father floods us with more light and truth. Overwhelms us with His love. Joy begins to bubble up, "In His presence there is fullness of joy"... Christ in us ... experiencing the anointing ... or the anointed one in us .... Just like Elizabeth did ... "And it came to pass, that when Elizabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb." (John in the womb praising God swimming in the river.. glory!!) "and ELIZABETH WAS FILLED WITH THE HOLY GHOST: AND SHE SPOKE OUT WITH A LOUD VOICE, AND SAID, 'BLESSED ARE THOU AMONG WOMEN, AND BLESSED IS THE FRUIT OF THY WOMB. And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in my ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. And blessed is she that believed; for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.'" (Luke 1:41-45). Again we see worship, and then the spirit of prophecy.

Again in the book of Acts we see worship and prophesying... "When Paul laid his hands on them to receive the Holy Ghost, THEY SPOKE IN TONGUES (WORSHIP) AND PROPHESIED..." (Acts 19:6). "When we speak in tongues we are not speaking unto men but unto God." (I Cor 14:2).

In our local assembly it has been our experience that when we come together in corporate praise and worship, it almost never fails we receive prophetic words in our midst. We have also found that the word of the Lord spoken was a forth coming word for us to live by for circumstance that followed in the week. Jesus said "man shall not live by bread alone but by EVERY WORD THAT PROCEEDETH OUT OF THE MOUTH OF GOD." (Matt 4:4) ... 'The word proceedeth' means (go forth out) it is a Rhema word-a God breathed spoken word (prophesying).

"But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, exhortation, and comfort." (I Cor 14:3). True prophecy will bring:

When we prophesy, the Holy Spirit is breathing life into us with words that create, and establish. When we receive His words they will "build, strengthen, comfort, encourage, us in the faith .... Also God is building His building in us. Only His words can create and establish His kingdom in us. God wants to grow us up; to mature us; so we will walk in the light as Jesus is in the Light, Full of confidence in Our Lord. Knowing who we are IN HIM and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and PROPHETS, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building FITLY FRAMED TOGETHER GROWETH UNTO A HOLY TEMPLE IN THE LORD; in whom ye also ARE BUILDED TOGETHER FOR A HABITATION OF GOD THROUGH THE SPIRIT." (Eph 2:20-22).

The Spirit (Rhema spoken word or prophesying) will build the temple of God and bring us to maturity. I like to put it this way: God's word is the seed, prophesying is the rain. When we read God's word (seed) God will come along and confirm by the mouth of his prophets (Rain) and as we receive His Words we will get a HARVEST (spiritual growth).

Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lifted up, ye everlasting doors; and the KING OF GLORY shall come in. (Ps. 24:7). Worship is also like a vapor that ascends into the heavenlies. When it goes up it causes the Spirit of God to move like lightning to release His Words (prophecy) which blows away (His Wind) all lies and deceptions of the enemy and strongholds. "He causeth the vapours to ascend from the ends of the earth; he maketh lightnings for the rain; he bringeth the wind out of his treasuries." (Ps 135:7). "You inhabit the praises of Your people." (Ps 22:3).

Moreover David and the captains of the host separated to the service of the SONS OF ASAPH (WORSHIP LEADERS) and Heman, and of Jeduthun, who should PROPHESY WITH HARPS, WITH PSALTERIES, AND WITH CYMBALS, and the number of the workmen according to their service was Of the sons of Asaph, Zaccur, and Joseph, and Nethaniah, and Asarelah, the sons of Asaph under the hands of Asaph, which prophesied according to the order of the king. (I Chron 25:1-2).

Here we see, God assembling praisers and worshipers to worship with instruments, which in turn opened the door to prophecy. Glory to God!! We have also experienced prophesying of instruments which caused the flow of the prophetic to move so easily. We must be prepared to move and change our form to God's. Especially as we are seeking His will, His desire is to move in our midst.

One time in particular we were gathered in a home meeting, we had no instruments. The Holy Spirit directed us to go into the kitchen and look for items we could use to praise the Lord with. We gathered cups, spoons, boxes of macaroni and cheese, pots, and other items that made noise. We offered our instruments up to God, and yielded ourselves unto Him. As I led in song, the instruments followed, the sound was incredible. It sounded like an African beat. We praised and worshipped a long time. Spontaneous songs flowed out of our hearts. Praise and worship to Our King Jesus was overwhelming us as different ones began to magnify the Lord. Joy flooded the place, His glory flooded the place, prophecy sprang forth. We were like little children, and felt the wonderful presence of Our Lord. It was as though He were saying to us, "I receive such praise and worship my children, I am pleased.." Different ones expressed how they never experienced such a thing, ever. We came out of natural form into the unknown. How glorious it was!!!! How glorious it is when it comes from our hearts!!!

We have been asking ourselves for a long time, what is wrong with our present day churches? Why can't we seem to get a breakthrough in our assemblies? Why does dryness come? God has given us a pattern to follow. His name is Jesus. He's given us a way to assemble: In the unity of praising and worshipping Our Jesus. I believe that as we will lay everything else aside and praise and worship Jesus, we will see His Glory!

God has created us for His Glory!! John 17.

The Prophetic in Evangelism (Part 1)

Jesus Our Example

Jesus is our example... Souls of men were Jesus' heart. To reach the lost, to let the oppressed go free, to bind up broken hearts, and set at liberty those who have been bruised. To heal the sick, raise the dead. That was the life our Jesus lived and taught. And He commanded his disciples to do likewise.

"Follow me, and I will MAKE YOU FISHERS OF MEN." (Matt 4:19)

When we follow Jesus ... not men, not doctrines, not traditions ... we will become fishers of men. God's heart is people. Many people start out by asking God what is His will for their lives. It is plain, FOLLOW ME, AND YOU WILL BECOME A FISHER OF MEN.

When you become born-again you have a ministry birthed inside of you. That is the MINISTRY OF RECONCILIATION. "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature, old things are passed away, behold all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and HATH GIVEN TO US THE MINISTRY OF RECONCILIATION." (2 Cor 5:17-20)

We are to be just like Jesus; He had a ministry to reconcile. Now so do we.

The ministry of reconciliation is birthed inside of you, just like a new-born baby's nature is to nurse. Reconciliation means: ability to change or reconcile from a state of enmity to friendship. (Ability to take someone from the wrath of God that is against them, to a state of repentance, union and communion with God.)

You, my brethren, have that ministry inside of your being. We must exercise it. "To who?" you may ask. To whosoever will. You say, "Is it that easy?" Well its like fishing, if you have never been, it will take you a little time to get familiar with everything you have to fish with, the rod (Holy Spirit), tackle or bait (gifts of the Spirit and the Word of God in your mouth). Then just get in your boat (your body) and GO!!!!!!

Jesus said, "As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world." (John 17:18) God has sent us just like He sent Jesus: To preach to the lost, heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the leper.

Jesus said "GO YE INTO ALL THE WORLD AND PREACH THE GOSPEL TO EVERY CREATURE, He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved, but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe, IN MY NAME THEY SHALL CAST OUT DEVILS, THEY SHALL SPEAK WITH NEW TONGUES. THEY SHALL TAKE UP SERPENTS, AND IF THEY DRINK ANY DEADLY THING, IT SHALL NOT HURT THEM; THEY SHALL LAY HANDS ON THE SICK AND THEY SHALL RECOVER." (Mark 16:15-18)

I remember my first time I went fishing for souls:

I went by myself. I couldn't get anyone to go with me. So I prayed and asked Jesus to lead me where he wanted me to go. (I don't recommend you going by yourself but I was young and zealous.) I went to the park and talked to many, many people about Jesus but no one was hanging on my leg begging to meet Jesus. I came home very disappointed. I asked Jesus why no one got saved.

He told me "because you were not listening to me."

I said "what Lord?"

He said "you went where I lead you, now you must listen and I will speak to you."

So I was very excited about that and I went back to the park the next Saturday morning. I was lead to this man, and as I asked him if he knew Jesus and he answered yes. I asked God if he really knew Him and the Lord said "no he doesn't." So I asked the man again, "Do you really think you know him?" And the man answered "Oh yes, I know the Lord." I asked God again, "Lord he said he knows you. But you tell me he doesn't?" The Lord said "that's right, he does not know me. He thinks he knows Me, but He doesn't." So this man rambled on and on about his times of going to church. He was bragging about all the good things he has done. He looked to me to be homeless; in much need.

As he was talking I began to converse with the Lord. I said, "Lord he really thinks he knows you, and he's going on and on about it. You led me to him for a reason , so Lord what is it?"

And about that time the Lord said "He's bragging about knowing me, he does not know My power to save or to deliver. He has a bottle of whiskey in his left pocket in his trench coat. He drinks and I want to deliver him."

So while this man continued to talk I repeated his saying. "You really know the Lord do you?" He had a smile from ear to ear while I questioned him. And then I asked, (as my hand began to move toward that bottle) "the Lord wants to know why you think you need this?" And I then hit the bottle behind his trench coat with the back of my hand.

All of a sudden he was not smiling any more, his eyes got big around, and he asked "How did you know that?"

I told him I didn't but that the Lord had showed me, and it was because the Lord wanted to help him because he really did not know His power to deliver and save him. God got his attention that day, and God saved him.

In John 14, Jesus teaches us that He left earth (ascended to heaven) so that we could participate with God in preaching the good news here on earth! He says, "In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going." Then Thomas said to him, "Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?" Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:2-6)

Jesus could have stayed on earth after He was resurrected from the dead. Sure He could have. He did not have to ascend into heaven to keep His resurrected body physically alive. He could have chosen to stay here on earth with us. But if He did, then we would not have the opportunity to be His witnesses, for He Himself would be present and would not need to send us to represent Him because He would be representing Himself. When He says, "I go to prepare a place for you," Jesus did not mean that He was going to the Father's house to get a room ready for each of us in it. He meant that He was leaving earth (and going to His Father) so that there would be a place on earth for us to witness for Him. He was making room for us to do kingdom work.. to represent Him and share the good news. (This is the same work He did when He was here on earth.. He did exactly what the Father was doing and spoke only His words.. now Jesus sends His disciples ... us ... to do what the Father is doing and to speak His words.. and His words are about how He made a way for man to be reconciled to God through what Jesus did for us on by dying on the cross and being raised from the dead. We are to be imitators of Jesus, to do His work here on earth... to share God's message.) Jesus tells His disciples that they know the way (v4) and when they ask Him for clarification, He says that He is the way (v6). He makes a space for us to go and share Him. That is our assignment. That is why we are here on earth right now instead of in Heaven with Him.

He promises He will come and get us later ... when we have finished our assignments (verse 3). He desires us to be present with Him for all eternity and He will bring us to be with Him. But before He takes us there (to His Father's house) He gives us an opportunity to God be His ambassadors here on earth. He is the way to the Father, and He wants us to go share that wonderful truth with others so that they can enter into a personal relationship with the Father as well.

Let's back up, and look at what leads up to John 14:2-6. In John 13, Jesus tells the disciples that He is going away. He tells them, prophetically through a word of knowledge that one of them is about to betray Him. He knows His time is short and He will be leaving soon. In this setting, He gives a new commandment to His disciples "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." (John 13:34-35) Some have intrepreted this as Christians are to love other Christians and when unbelievers see the love that Christians show to each other, the will realize that these people really are Christians. But that is not the whole impact of what Jesus is saying here. Jesus is saying we are to love other people and because of that love, we will be compelled to share the good news of Jesus with them, especially with those who do not know Him. As we witness in His love, as His love for them is made manifest to them through us, and they will be drawn to Him because of God's love. People will know that we really are His disciples.. that His spirit and His fullness dwells in us, because they will see and experience His love manifesting through us.

Peter did not quite get it. He says to Jesus, "Lord, where are you going?" Jesus replied, "Where I am going, you cannot follow now, but you will follow later." Peter asked, "Lord, why can't I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you." Then Jesus answered, "Will you really lay down your life for me? I tell you the truth, before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times!" Here Jesus speaks propheticly to Peter of what is going to happen. He does not condemn Peter, but He lets Peter know what is about to happen. Jesus goes on to encourage Peter by saying, "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me." (John 14:1). Jesus just finished propheticly telling Peter that he did not have the boldness to be an effective witness for Him. Peter is sad and devastated, so Jesus immediately goes on to encourage Peter (and the other disciples). He says, in essence, yes you are going to be in a situation to witness for Me and you are going to blow it. But don't be discouraged and don't give up. Keep your faith and focus on God. Don't give up.

Have you had an unsuccessful evangelism experience? Take heart.. so did Jesus's early disciples. Peter's first outreach, by the campfire in the high priest's courtyard, was a total disaster. Peter went in his own strength (instead of being spirit led), and he backed down and did not speak out for Jesus at all. In fact, he had three blaring failures on his first outreach and left in tears. But Jesus did not disqualify Peter for this unsuccessful outreach. Instead, He commissioned him again, including Peter with the other disciples in commanding them to be in the right place and await His instructions and empowerment:

He [Jesus] appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit." (Acts 1:3b-5)

Peter, instead of giving up, listened to God and did it God's way. Yes, God had commissioned and sent him, but he had found that going out for Jesus on his own strength simply did not work. He had to take his orders from his Commander-and-Chief and listen to God for directions, and then follow those directions. It may have seemed counter-intuitive to Peter to sit in an upper room waiting for God's empowerment instead of going out and doing the work. But Peter listened to God and did as God told him. Then, after a short wait, God showed up with power. Immediately after that, Peter had his first sermon to the masses.. and "about three thousand were added to their number that day." (Acts 2:47) What a change... Peter went from a total failure as a witness to leading 3,000 people to the Lord in a single outreach. Wow!!

What accounted for this difference? Peter entered the venue of prophetic evangelism.. of listening to God and finding out what God was doing and then participating with Him in it. And that is what God wants from each of us. He doesn't just want us to go out blindly and witness.. He wants us, like Jesus, to hear and see what the Father is doing in evangelism and then do that with Him.. no more and no less. That is prophetic evangelism, and that is what will make us effective.. hearing from God and doing with Him what He is doing in sharing Jesus.

Jesus is the Saviour of the world. He saved the world, now he wants the world to receive His salvation healing, and deliverance. They can through you. You are the vessel. You are the preacher of the good news. As you become available for the Lord to move through you, He will manifest Himself and reveal His heart through you. Kathryn Kulman said, "It's not golden vessels He wants, its not silver vessels He wants, but YIELDED VESSELS."

Choose right now to become a yielded and available vessel.

The Prophetic in Evangelism (Part 2)

• Jesus Our Example [brief review from last week]

Jesus is our example..Souls of men were Jesus' heart. To reach the lost, to let the oppressed go free, to bind up broken hearts, and set at liberty those who have been bruised. To heal the sick, raise the dead. That was the life our Jesus lived and taught. And He commanded his disciples to do likewise.

We are to be just like Jesus; He had a ministry to reconcile. Now so do we.

Jesus said, "As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world." (John 17:18) God has sent us just like He sent Jesus: To preach to the lost, heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the leper.

Jesus said "GO YE INTO ALL THE WORLD AND PREACH THE GOSPEL TO EVERY CREATURE, He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved, but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe, IN MY NAME THEY SHALL CAST OUT DEVILS, THEY SHALL SPEAK WITH NEW TONGUES. THEY SHALL TAKE UP SERPENTS, AND IF THEY DRINK ANY DEADLY THING, IT SHALL NOT HURT THEM; THEY SHALL LAY HANDS ON THE SICK AND THEY SHALL RECOVER." (Mark 16:15-18)

• The Samaritian Woman

In John chapter 4, Jesus goes to a rejected woman, a woman who you know was probably the talk of the town. One who was very unhappy with life. She probably was known as a loose woman. She could not get her life together and was a broken hearted woman. But Jesus heard her silent cry... Jesus said, "If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, 'Give me to drink,' thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water" (John 4:10)

The gift of God is eternal life, here all she had to do is ask for a drink? Her whole like would change. She didn't have to come down to an altar call. She didn't even have to be in a building. Jesus wanted to impart eternal life inside her mortal body. That's all Jesus was interested in. Her physical body to have life within. Then her whole life would be changed.

"But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst, but the water that I shall give him shall be IN HIM A WELL OF WATER SPRINGING UP INTO EVERLASTING LIFE." ETERNAL LIFE WATER, IMPARTED INTO YOUR WELL(your body) that will never run out. SPRINGING UP SO OTHERS CAN COME AND DRINK (eternal life) FROM YOUR WELL AND BE BORN-AGAIN. CHANGED... GLORY!!!!

This is the gospel of good news, the gospel of the Kingdom, that anyone can receive eternal life NOW, AND BE CHANGED NOW, AS THEY BELIEVE ON JESUS CHRIST. THIS IS WHY WE ARE HERE!!

"The woman saith unto him, 'Sir give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw.' Now Jesus knowing all things asks her a question, 'Go call thy husband and come hither.' The woman said, 'I have no husband.' Jesus said to her, 'Thou hast well said, I have no husband, For thou hast had 5 husbands and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband in that said thou truly.'" (John 4:15-16)

Here Jesus releases a Word of Knowledge to win her heart; that she would know that God Almighty knows all; but that He still loved her and wanted to change her life. This is compassion. No matter what sin you are involved in, Jesus will still give eternal life if they ask. Some people would not even approach a woman who had 5 husbands and living with a man, much less want to see her life changed.

But glory to God Jesus did!!! and her life was changed completely. She left her waterpots and went into the city and preached about Jesus. Would you choose from you church, a woman who had 5 husbands and living with a man, to go evangelize your city? Well Jesus did!!! She had the ministry imparted to her that day. She didn't need to sit in the temple and learn before she went out. She didn't need some pointers on how to win the lost. She didn't even need a bible. She didn't have one. She didn't even need to be asked to go. She went. Something supernatural was bubbling up inside her. She didn't preach this Jesus before she met him. It was impossible to shut her up. Why?

Her life was changed by Jesus' love and compassion. His words of truth set her free. Jesus knew who He was, why He was here, and what He had to impart to people. SO MUST WE, WE MUST KNOW WHO WE ARE, WHY WE ARE HERE, AND WHAT WE HAVE TO GIVE.

Jesus said, "Freely you have received freely give." (Matt 10:8) "Know ye not that you are the temple" (His dwelling place) "of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth IN YOU." (1Cor 3:16) It is Father wanting to impart Life eternal to the lost. And you are the ones he wants to use.

It has been my experience, if the water in my belly that Jesus imparted to me, does not pour out to people, it has become stagnant. A well not used can become dry. The way to unstop it is to begin to pour out. If you put a glass of water on a shelf and leave it for a few days, it will stagnate. This is sad to say, but that is what has happened to some of our dear brothers and sisters. They have become stagnate. We were created for signs and wonders. But the people who know their God shall be strong, and do exploits. Daniel 11:32.

I have experienced sitting in a church and waiting for God to move mightily in our midst, And many times He did; mostly to the same people over, and over again. Now I'm not saying that there is anything wrong with that. But I felt God also wanted to touch the lost. Even more so!!! As you read the gospels you will see that Jesus spent most of his time outside the temple... preaching, and teaching... touching lives outside the four walls of a building. In fact Jesus begins to teach us how important and vital it is to Go into the harvest, IT WAS HIS MEAT. AND MUST BECOME OURS. After He just imparted eternal life to the Samaritian woman, He told his disciples why He did it.

"In the mean while his disciples prayed him, saying, Master eat. But he said unto them, 'I HAVE MEAT TO EAT THAT YE KNOW NOT OF', Therefore said the disciples one to another, 'Hath any man brought him aught to eat?' Jesus said unto them, 'MY MEAT IS TO DO THE WILL OF HIM THAT SENT ME AND TO FINISH HIS WORK." (John 4:31)

Jesus said His very Life was doing the will of His Father. Then He explains God's will for us, THE HARVEST. "SAY NOT YE, THERE ARE YET FOUR MONTHS, AND THEN COMETH HARVEST? BEHOLD I SAY UNTO YOU, LIFT UP YOUR EYES, AND LOOK ON THE FIELDS, FOR THEY ARE WHITE ALREADY TO HARVEST." (John 4:35)

That is the key. Don't put it off. We must stop making excuses why we are not outside the four walls of our church. No more trying to get ready. The key is lift up your eyes and look on the fields: (your town, your city, your grocery store, your school, your prisons, your jails, your convalescent homes, your alleys, your market places, your parks). JESUS SAID "THEY ARE WHITE ALREADY TO HARVEST" ... The good news is all you have to do is purpose in your heart to go and God will take care of the rest. NO PROGRAMS ON HOW TO GET IN THE HARVEST, NO SEMINARS ON HOW TO GATHER THE HARVEST, NO AGENDAS. JUST PURPOSING TO GO AND WATCH GOD MOVE... MIGHTILY. POWERFULLY.

I FEEL THE LORD, HIS PRESENCE. We went out recently and 99% of the people we spoke to received the Lord. Some lifted up their hands (in Wal-Mart parking lot) to receive the Lord Jesus as their personal Saviour. We saw harvest like never before. We didn't have to speak long. We went up to some and said this, "Would you like to know Jesus Christ?" and they answered quickly and simply "Yes, I would." We then took their hands and led them to Him in a simple prayer. We watched as their countenance changed right before our eyes. One young man said "I know The Lord sent you. He has been dealing with me strong..." He gave his life to Jesus. You say: is it that simple Victoria? Yes, I'm here to tell you it is.

One other time, this lady came with us, for the first time we all gathered together and began to pray, and she began to panic, she started saying, "I can't do this, I have never done this, I don't know what to say, what do I say?" she asked. I spoke peace to her heart and mind, I said "its ok, relax, Jesus will give you any words you need to say. Be still and know He is God." We broke up into partners 2 by 2. It wasn't long before, as I looked, there was that same lady laying hands on people and praying for them. She said, "I became so excited, I started witnessing before I knew it. Someone told me they were sick and I began to pray for them and then everything started moving, coming out of me." We experienced the joy of the harvest.. If you have never experienced it... get ready its about to happen to you!!!

"And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal, that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together. And herein is that saying true, 'One soweth and another reapeth.' I SENT YOU TO REAP THAT WHEREON YE BESTOWED NO LABOR, OTHER MEN LABORED, AND YE ARE ENTERED INTO THEIR LABOURS." (John 4:36-38)

"Labour not for the meat which perisheth, BUT FOR THE MEAT WHICH ENDURES UNTO EVERLASTING LIFE. which the Son of man shall give unto you, for him hath God the Father sealed." (John 6:27)

This is what Our Father says our labor should be. For meat which endureth unto everlasting Life. Jesus just told us what His meat was, THE HARVEST. THE MEAT IS THE WILL OF GOD, AND THE WILL OF GOD IS FISHING FOR MEN.

• Prophetic Preaching, Prophetic Praying

As we become a yielded vessel for Him on the streets, the river will flow out there also. While you are out there, if needful, imagine them in your church, maybe at the altar, standing there wondering what next ...talk to them from your heart. Tell them the heart of God. You know it. You really do. You know God loves them. Let your heart talk to them. As you move with compassion, and love, the river of prophecy will automatically flow. Here is an example... And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishers. And he saith unto them, 'FOLLOW ME AND I WILL MAKE YOU FISHERS OF MEN.' Here I see Jesus prophesying to these men who have never been churched before, and right then the power of prophesy changed their direction for their lives. Jesus taught us where to preach and teach. He is our example. Outside. I know it sounds strange, but we must follow Jesus. That is what Paul said, "Follow me as I follow Christ. For even hereunto were ye called; because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps." (I Peter 2:21) Paul said "yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel." (1 Cor 9:16)

The woman caught in the act of adultery, set free by the prophetic word of Jesus. "When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, 'Woman where are those thine accusers? Hath no man condemned thee?' She said, 'No man, Lord.' And Jesus said unto her, 'Neither do I condemn thee, go and sin no more.'" (John 8:10) Jesus imparted the ability to go and sin this sin no more. Eternal life was hers now, by Jesus saying neither do I condemn thee. Here was salvation.

After Jesus resurrected, He appeared to his disciples ... "THEN SAID JESUS TO THEM AGAIN," (notice Jesus had to tell his disciples again) "PEACE BE UNTO YOU, AS MY FATHER HATH SENT ME, EVEN SO SEND I YOU. And when he had said this, HE BREATHED ON THEM, and saith unto them, RECEIVE YE THE HOLY GHOST, WHOSOEVER SINS YE REMIT, THEY ARE REMITTED UNTO THEM, AND WHOSOEVER SINS YE RETAIN, THEY ARE RETAINED."

Here Jesus gives his disciples power to forgive sins. When you say to an individual your sins are forgiven you, you are releasing what Jesus told his disciples to do: forgive sins. That is why they called Jesus a blasphemer. "But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power of earth to forgive sins." (Matt. 9:6) In Matthew chapter 9 Jesus says "Son be of good cheer, thy sins be forgiven thee." He was a crippled man, and he became healed. Here is prophetic praying.

One night I was in the Mobile County Jail preaching to the ladies. The Lord said to me tell them they all are forgiven. I obeyed the Lord. I began to shout it. "You are all forgiven Jesus has forgiven You. Come to Jesus you are all forgiven." That was my sermon. I had heard from God. This lady fell on the floor and wept profusely, screaming "he won't forgive me, I have done something awful, I'm in hell, he won't forgive me!" She kept screaming out and crying deep groans. I motioned for the ladies to bring her to me. I told her Jesus just said to tell everyone He forgives you!!! "No she said He will not forgive me." She spoke loudly and cried "I killed my baby! I aborted my baby! He won't forgive me." I laid my hands upon her and prayed "Dear Jesus come now and bring upon her your forgiveness, show it to her, reveal your lovingkindness to her now Jesus." And I thanked Him. About that time she went from yelling "please forgive me Jesus," to "OH THANK YOU JESUS FOR FORGIVING ME!" SHE REPEATED IT OVER AND OVER AGAIN. We all watched her transform right in front of our eyes. We all wept. Many had crowded the front of the jail on their knees, on the floor, weeping and receiving Jesus. I had witnessed, for the first time, the power to forgive sins; prophetic praying and seeing new converts.

One night I was led to go to this church. It was mostly Catholics. As I stood listening to the speaker, the power of God was on me, I began to shake uncontrollably, I was really becoming a spectacle. This dear lady that knows me, came and brought be up toward the front, she said God has something to say to us. While I was shaking and could barely stand up, the word of the Lord came and God said, "The greatest revival in history that we will ever see will be on the streets". ON THE STREETS, ON THE STREETS!

While I was praying recently the Lord gave this to me I would like to share this with you as I believe it to bless you.

For what I am doing shall not be contained within a wall
For the world shall begin to see, that I am Lord of all
For as they bow their knees unto the Lord of Glory
I will come in and sup with them.
My freedom and redemption shall be their story. Look out into the fields of My harvest
For as you go, you will reap your harvest
Many souls you can hardly count them
They will be converted so fast it will make your head swim. You may ask, Is this the end?
And I will say to You, No, It will now begin.
My church as one, a militant army
United together in complete unity. Many vessels gathered unto Me
Doing My work, evangelizing their countries. A Holy Fire set Ablaze by Me,
In the hearts of my true laborers
working with Me. For they have no walls , For Only Me.
For I am covering the earth with MY GLORY.

You may ask what is the prerequisite for going into the harvest? Has Jesus breathed on you His Holy Spirit? Have you been filled? Jesus breathed the power of His Spirit on them. (John 20:22-23) If you have then can you go? God will be with you. You will work with him. Let's be the ones that did the will of His Father. What is his will?

"A certain man had two sons, and he came to the first, and said 'Son, go work today in my vineyard.' He answered and said, 'I will not,' but afterward he repented and went. And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, 'I go sir', and went not. Whether of the twain, did the will of his father?" They said unto him the first'. Jesus said unto them "Verily I say unto you, that the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you. For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not, but the publicans and the harlots believed him. And ye, when ye had seen it, repented not afterward, that ye might believe him." (Matt 21:28-32)

It really is easy my brothers and sisters. Fear is only :

Fake Evidence Appearing Real.

The devil doesn't want you out there. He knows that you have the keys to the kingdom. He knows the greater one lives in you. He knows that you have all power and authority. He knows that the testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of Prophecy. You get there and you will be destroying his works, his darkness, his kingdom. "Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses." (Joshua 1:3)

"ASK OF ME, AND I SHALL GIVE THEE THE HEATHEN FOR THINE INHERITANCE, AND THE UTTERMOST PARTS OF THE EARTH FOR THY POSSESSION." (Psalm 2:8)

BRETHERN: It is Time to ASK!!!

[Previous Lesson] [Next Lesson]

Support Gateways of His Light by sharing this page on social media