Some Thoughts on Discipline – 14th January 2009

As much as we may want to, discipline cannot be drowned, or made to disappear. It lifts it’s head every day in the growing stubble on our faces, or in the overflowing garbage can, or in the fine film of dust that accumulates on our furniture. When the heart is tired, discipline will even haunt a man until he either cracks completely or he submits himself to it’s incessant demands – only then perhaps he might see, not it’s punishments, but it’s purpose in shaping a man. Then perhaps too when all it’s well known constraints have been buffeted to no earthly effect, we may discover “behind the dim unknown, standeth God within the shadows, keeping watch over His Own” (James Russell Lowell, in The present Crisis). O Lord, what is man that you care for him, the son of man that you think of him? Man is like a breath; his days are like a fleeting shadow (Psalm 144)! God’s rhythmic symmetry is seen in the presence of constancy in all created things. The relief one feels at the constancy of day and night ought at least to be matched with a readiness to learn of it in our daily schedules, and who knows, that we are not being taught the lessons needed to rule angels. The man who looked after his 10 talents was soon applying the fruit of his discipline to 10 cities. Pulling the blanket over our heads in times of duty is no sensible catharsis. A man discovers soon enough that joy comes only from willing obedience, which reminds me of that  line in Clint Eastwood’s Gran Torino that says, “The things that haunt a man the most are the things that he isn’t ordered to do.” God guards the course of the just and protects the way of the faithful, as Solomon wrote, “Then we will understand what is right and just and fair – every good path. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul… wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men… Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil… My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline and do not resent his rebuke, because the lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in” (Proverbs 2:8 – 3:12).

A Family Adventure

While Sharon convalesces, I am getting to grips with the container cupboard. Two weeks of scrimmaging has produced a necessary result: The Law of Containers!

The Law of Containers:

Round with round, square with square, and lid on container. Wash container and lid together. If not, then lids go to the bottom and the container will never be used. Like washing socks together, wash matching lids and containers together so that the monster can be held at bay. The lid monster hides lids at the bottom to undermine the container cupboard’s foundation. Throw out a container for which you do not find a lid, but handle more carefully a lid for which you cannot find a container. It might sound simplistic, but a damaged lid is less serious than a damaged container – anyone with an ounce of Scottish blood in them could not bring themselves to throw anything away anyway – but take a reality check – if there is a hole in the container larger than one millimeter throw it away. A bit of advice – hang onto an expensive lid just a little bit longer – like something marked Tupperware® on it. Do not hoard aluminum bases, yogurt, and cream cheese containers – they are like mischievous cats and dogs in a cooped up area – they complicate the process and will keep you busy – well, maybe just one 2-liter ice cream tub but no more. No empty Powerade® bottles, they are the demons sent to create chaos, they just don’t ‘fit!’ They are individualists and too demanding – they need to stand alone and side-by-side like soldiers standing guard outside the cupboard. Oven gloves are a no-no also. Oh, and don’t forget to put a sign on the cupboard door that says, “Teenagers KEEP OUT!”

An Apostolic Adventure

Apostolic adventure

What has been done in our sphere (through others and us, and in us), has been done in part because our apostolic leaders saw something in us, they trusted us, and encouraged us, and risked with us! The second side of the apostolic leadership action coin that has provided an authority in the spiritual realm, is that there have been in some ways many  “Acts 13” moments where the apostolic was recognized… that there came (and will continue to come) moments of actual release… when God releases, He gives apostolic\kingdom minded people the authority to recognize those who are being released… a mantle came upon Paul and Barnabas when they were recognized in their gifts… they did not appoint themselves. As Dudley has built away from himself we have all sought to build away from ourselves… and have given the same instruction and training to others so that we might all enjoy an ever developing apostolic adventure. This is perhaps what our present ‘conversation’ is all about.[1]  Viewed in this light, the Jerusalem gathering was not principally about a re-ratification of Paul and Barnabas, but rather about a vital apostolic conversation that would radically transform their future. [2]

While in the Canadian Rockies recently, I made an attempt to get my car up a mountainside. The only way to the top was to go back and forth as each twist and bend took me nearer to my objective. The apostolic adventure may contain many similar twists and bends portrayed by the different emphases that emerge at each turning point, but wise travelers do two things, first they never lose sight of the direction from which they came, and second, they are not discouraged by the changes they need to make to get to their destination (E.g., working out truths in tension – wine and wineskin, ‘go’ and ‘stay,’ focus and flexibility, rootedness and release, foundation and fluidity, grace and truth, mercy and sacrifice, ‘among us’ and ‘beyond us,’ making decisions and inviting opinions etc..) – they are egged on into deeper maturity, into constant adjustment, until they are “transformed into His likeness with ever-increasing glory” (let us not lose our hair at the hairpins)

Some introductory points of our journey:
o    Nothing will shepherd our unfolding journey better than a revelation of enduring apostolic and prophetic relationships. Any system (even a very organic one) cannot do that.
o     A revelation of enduring relationship with God and through Him with one another (in the case of this conversation perhaps more specific to the ‘tribe’ than universal) is what has grown to a common set of biblical values, and it is in those values that we each choose to identify and invest. Determining those biblical values is what has developed the close friendships that a long journey will require of us… we will be tested in these!
o    16 key values that we know are essential to our future journeys (some which may be similar (or overlap) have been shown separately for emphasis)

• No hierarchies – an example of non-hierarchical fluidity is evident in the Jerusalem apostolic gathering.[3]  And again at a local gathering of apostles and disciples to choose deacons.[4]  Paul clarified this value also in the third chapter of his first letter to the Corinthians.[5]  We see throughout Scripture, the pattern of circles within and alongside and away from circles in a fluid expression of similar\like hearts operating with the breadth, depth, length and width of God’s Love in diversity.[6]  Non-hierarchical leadership applies in every context including our view of evolving apostolic spheres – in the local and in the trans-local! Which begs the question: Why would we accept many church leaders in relationship through a common set of values, and not accept many apostolic teams in similar functional unity of values in one organic tribe?
• Non-imposed leadership, but invited – Paul, who could have ordered Philemon to do what he ought, chose rather to appeal to him on the basis of love.[7]  This is borne out also in Jesus’ response to John who had questioned the anointing in someone who “was not one of us!”[8] Jesus replied, “Do not stop him… for whoever is not against us, is for us!”  And again when Jesus heard that his disciples were baptizing more people than John the Baptizer’s disciples he left Judea and went back once more to Galilee – He exemplified a model of openhandedness – His hope was in the Father [9] … and he had done everything in his power not to dishonor his relative. Separating from John the Baptizer in that instance did not translate to a breakdown in either His relationship with or His love for him! What we are looking for is a revelation of relationships that does not close the circle down on any sphere, but keeps the doors open, as everyone prefers others, and opens doors, and continues to build away from themselves… [10]
• “Flexible, organic, biblical wineskins that facilitate an ever expanding kingdom” (Dudley Daniel) – “The seed on good soil grew up…”[11]  Flexible wineskins are not claustrophobic – i.e. carnal, comparing, contained, compressed, critical, or ‘concerned.’ They should instead create space! Flexible wineskins are not a toned-down version of the papacy – such as a charismatic papacy! A friend suggested a model that launches planets rather than creating a planet around which moons revolve.  The first church I planted almost 30 years ago was submitted to a centralized apostolic team of relationships built around a central dogma – the trouble was that the moment anyone stopped supporting the dogma the relationships were gone!

I can think of three cautions that will help the language of the kingdom to continue to be flexibly expanded and developed, first, that we do not forget Dudley’s teaching of “to some I am…” (If we adhere to it, I sense we will continue to safeguard against ambition). Second, to avoid the excessive facets of the “THE team” and the “MY team” mindsets (overemphasis in these will create mistrust in our relationships, and hinder our fluid partnering), and third, where it concerns our friendships, that we steer clear of the “in or out” and the “us and them” mindsets (they are judgmental, stifle breadth of vision, and will hinder our engagement in new and fantastic co-laboring initiatives under God’s expanding kingdom)). God will favor whom He chooses, and increase what He chooses. If we keep our hearts pure and devoid of ambition we will be fine, if not, we will soon be fragmented! To the disciples ambitious for position Jesus said, “But you are not to be like that…” [12]

• Real, relevant, radical and relational community [13]
• Radically Word-based [14]
• Centrality of Christ as King,[15]  and of the Cross [16] – where Christ gets the preeminence, and not our techniques – where we say “It’s not I that lives, but Christ in me!” Not trying to make things happen anymore at every level.
• God bringing the local church to center stage [17]
• Living in the sustained Presence of God
• Doctrinal purity and practice.[18]  Sound theology does not build a whole theology around one verse
• Family roles and gender distinctives [19]
• Truth before friendship [20]
• Friendship before function [21]
• Covenantal relationships [22] – Honesty and integrity based relationships  – not “if things do not work out, I’ll play my guitar elsewhere…” – not “I want you to speak into my life” and when we do they defend, or attack. A people asking, “what is best for the church,” and not “what is best for me.” A team-minded people in every way.
• Eldership led churches (All bible New Testament churches – Dudley Daniel) submitted to apostolic teams led by apostles. No self appointed ministry (local or trans-local). Walking in the authority that comes when leaders\teams are in submission (not ‘get a ministry and go and do it’)[23]
• Ongoing input of apostolic teams (with proper recognition of the distinctive functioning of each of the five ascension gifts – each 20%, all together 100%) into elders and churches. [24]
• Effective Church strategy that is bible based – not: “if it works do it, but New Testament!
• Preparing all believers for leadership to the 4th generation and beyond [25] – not an exclusive thing – they can all be leaders – all our preaching is to bring them through (”Every believer a leader” Dudley Daniel). Not looking for ministry, but equipping others for ministry.
• Going to the nations – the message of the Kingdom – Acts 1:8 (“Go, unless God has told you to stay” – Chris Wienand) [26]

o    To avoid the “prodigal syndrome” (leave when dissatisfied), or the “older brother syndrome” (endure even if I disagree), we will need to remember our values. These values (wine and wineskin) emanated from our relationship with God and are confirmed by his Word. At a ‘fathers’ time’ with Dudley seven years ago we asked Dudley what he would like to see after he is gone. Dudley replied that he would like us to get these values to such a degree that the next generations get it more and more, and not less and less…
o    In every house are the pioneers and the settlers (and almost everyone else in between). Jesus shows the proper attitude of a father when faced by the worst possible relational consequences (Luke 15) – the father waits for both the prodigal (impatient pioneer), and the older brother (frustrated settler), to come to understand the meaning of a father’s love. That father’s love did not vary despite the fact that neither of his sons understood it – it was their perceptions that changed in the end. The most important lesson of the parable, however, is that the father never imposed his love on either of his sons, and yet he never stopped loving them… what kind of a father is this? It is the kind of leaders this world is waiting to see! We’re learning, it’s painful, it’s precious, but it’s important.
o    If we hold tighter onto what we have built than onto the values that helped us build it, we may find our spheres reducing. E.g., the facilitation and recognition of their needs or talents was less than what both the impetuous pioneer and the frustrated settler of Luke 15 needed – they needed to understand their father’s love (the value is in intimacy, and not allegiance)! In the last verse of the Old Testament, God makes a declaration that He would turn the hearts of the fathers to their children (Hebrew: Bën – son\daughter, descendant, offspring, a term of endearment), and the hearts of children to their fathers, or else he would strike the land with a curse. [27] This astounding statement highlights two things. First, that God intends to place all that He builds into family (the word “their” signifies specific covenantal relationships), and second, that He would hold Himself to account to fulfill the prophecy, since He had said that if He failed He was committed to cursing it – in other words, there was NO chance He would fail. Though the concept of “fathers” is not new,[28]  one should not lessen the view that in a major way the word is used to explain what they were “doing” (verb), and not on being named “father,”[29]  or on their position.
o    God’s dealings over us will help us choose a revelation of relationship over a relationship with our particular revelations. In this process patience is key, since it determines timing. Lot had correctly seen the Promised Land, but failed in that he chose it at the wrong time, and at the expense of his relationship with Abraham. [30] Abraham’s “father” heart, on the other hand, never wavered in the rescue of his nephew. [31] Fathers view those who “leave” very differently, and because of it, they are usually the first able to celebrate a returning son…

About the different facets of our developing adventure
If I may have the liberty to use the three options (in and under, in but alongside, and out but alongside – Chris Wienand), adding a fourth (out and away), and looking at them in a different (not better) way representing what Sharon and I are personally seeking to build in this new season in our sphere (which includes you). At the outset it needs to be said that the use of “in” or “out” terminology to describe the functioning of friends, is problematic, and is thus used here only to describe the sociology of apostolic community making. The apostolic ideal is that accountable friendships and relationships are allowed the freedom to evolve and become in time all that God wants, irrespective of wineskin (our definition of what in truly is, and what out truly is, will change over time – we need to be patient), even if there is disagreement and differences of interpretation (the clearly unbiblical excepted). The overriding criterion of any apostolic conversation has to be to keep a firm eye on what God says and does! God is jealous over those biblical values we hold dear, and will hold us to them! [32]

What are they?
In and under (Like the older brother, or even like Silas or Timothy and others who were happy to serve on Paul’s team as ‘sons’ (1 Corinthians 4), or as “fellow workers” such as Luke etc…)

In and alongside (Like Peter and Paul at Antioch (Galatians 2) and again in Acts 15) (since their respective spheres crossed, their values needed to be elucidated through confrontation, encouragement or other accountable responses)

Out and alongside (Like Paul and Apollos (1 Corinthians 3, Acts 18) (obvious mutual respect while making allowances for differences, and different relational circles etc…)

Out and away (Like the prodigal perhaps, or by those leaving the “tribe” with more legitimate concerns such as Barnabbas did Paul for a season, and also by those called to build differently, in diverse places, and with different values, but that are no less legitimate)
o    To concretize stages or facets and use them to define structural consequence is for me less than helpful, since no one facet contains within itself either the power to derail our adventure or to ensure its continuance. Needless to say, too tight a definition of right and wrong leads to unrighteous or premature judgment (such as, in some instances, the “in or out” thinking). Can anyone say that they are fully right on any subject? Paul reminds us that knowledge puffs up (‘revelation’ without relationship), but love builds up (revelation of relationship). [33]
o    Fluidity of spheres predicate\require a fluidity of ideas – being stuck in our ideas will result in us being stuck in our ways… (i.e. one size fits all is not reality). The value of continual growth in Christ (effective change) will consequently require an ongoing reexamination of the efficacy of the vehicles that support it to prevent them becoming hindrances rather than helps.
o    Not one of the above facets of various unfolding apostolic journeys is right or wrong in itself… i.e. can definitely skew our apostolic adventure… e.g. “in and under” is not necessarily for me indicative of a slant toward denominationalism (though a possibility, if it is “required”), but a wrong relational heart is more likely to do that… (“For out of the heart come…” [34] )
o    Whether each of the above facets results in denomination, fragmentation, or more happily in transformation (I agree that the facet most likely to facilitate ongoing development for us presently on this apostolic journey together is the “in and alongside” – though this, and its vehicles, should not be imposed on anyone), will depend on our revelation of relationship with each other. A revelation of relationship is both the spark and sustainer of following the indispensable characteristics described as: accountability, a culture of referencing (inviting input, multiplicity of counsel), of preferring others, of humility, of respect, of bold leadership, of sacrificial service, of honor of what God is doing through others, of opening doors, and of creating a healthy environment whereby leaders can be equipped and released, of administering to instances of differences in opinion and interpretation of Scripture, of walking with allies, of not stumbling in our mandate to fulfill the Great Commission – none of these characteristics can be legislated to by system, or by rule and regulation.

Final comments:
Paul honored the past, and built into the future. He did not preserve the past at the expense of fighting for the future. The Scriptures teach that honor begets honor.  Jabez’s success was less due to the details of his prayers, than that “he was more honorable than his brothers” and that he prayed with faith…. [35] Paul showed the value of honor through his efforts in Acts 15 to work together, but not under those leaders whose testimony he respected but did not necessarily agree with.[36]  He made every effort, however, in as much as it was in his power to do so, to take the past with him into the future.[37]   It may be that this is what Jesus meant for us today when He stated that heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old. [38] The challenge for us will be to find greater liberty in our steps without losing the loving relationships that safeguard that liberty. We have to see what is “freeing” among us and encourage everyone. Why would any of us want to take what is freeing and confine it into what is bound… we all need to get on with what God has called us to do… What some “do” or “do not do,” therefore, may still be part of our continuing apostolic adventure, and we each ought to continue to carry the responsibility of serving our relationships as God leads us, both with Him, and with all those God has called us to be with in various kinds of relationships.

There is no way to systemize relationships – Dudley taught us not to do what is best for us, but to do what is best for the sheep\church… I hazard a guess that the days ahead will reveal that what we disagree on will do more to test our revelation of relationship than what we agree on, but we should never forget the reason why God has brought us together! I am reminded of the wise words spoken by Oswald Smith (People’s Church in Toronto). He said that any church (or any flow or sphere – italics added by me) that is not seriously involved in fulfilling the Great Commission has forfeited its right to exist!

God is saying: “I am opening up doors for you… but you have to do it well!” let us do it well, both in the areas “among us” and in the areas “beyond us!” [39] It is perhaps stating the obvious, but of the three signs of an apostle evident in 1 Corinthians 9 and 2 Corinthians 12, the third trumps the first two – ‘children born,’ and ‘signs and wonders’ both depend, in my opinion, on our ‘perseverance.’

Love you all. Loys
10th October 2008

Notes
[1] 4 keys to building an apostolic architecture: First, consecrate – beginning with God, and prayer. Second, consider – finding our identity, clarity, prophecy, information, settling issues in the heart, examination, reflection, and considering our way carefully. Third, converse – engaging the right people, at the right time, seeking truth, speaking truth in love. Fourth, construct – deciding on distinctives and specifics, proper application, partnership, works, building the pattern set out in Scripture, equipping, releasing, and going.
[2]Acts 15
[3] “The apostles and elders, with the whole church decided to choose some of their own men and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas” Acts 15:24
[4] “Choose seven men from among you…” Acts 6:2-3
[5] “For when one says, “I follow Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos,” are you not mere men? What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe — as the Lord has assigned to each his task. I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow” 1 Corinthians 3:3-7
[6]  Roman 10:12, Acts 8:18-19, John 14:4-16, John 8:14-18, John 5:36, Luke 19:12-27, Luke 12:13-15. Numerous other examples of hierarchical thinking exist particularly in the books of Numbers, Deuteronomy and 1 and 2 Chronicles
[7]  Philemon 8, 1 Corinthians 3:5-9
[8]  Mark 9:38-40
[9]  John 4:1-3
[10]  1 Corinthians 3
[11]  Mark 4:8-28, and also: Luke 5:37-38, Ephesians 4:16, Colossians 2:19, 1 Corinthians 3:6-7, Ephesians 2:21, Acts 12:24
[12]  Luke 22:26
[13]   1 Corinthians 12, Ephesians 4, Galatians 2
[14]  Micah 2:7, Matthew 22:29
[15]  Ephesians 3:11, Luke 4:41, Acts 9:22, Acts 18:28, Mark 1:24
[16]  Matthew 10:38
[17]  Ephesians 3:9-10, 2 Corinthians 10, Hebrew 10
[18]  John 1:1, 14, Revelations 22:18-19, Matthew 5:17
[19]  Ephesians 5, 1 Corinthians 7, 1 Timothy 3, Matthew 18-19
[20]  2 John 7-11
[21]  Philemon 8
[22]  1 Corinthians 4, 12-14, Roman 12, John 17
[23]  1 Timothy 3, Titus 1, 1 Peter 5, Hebrews 13, Acts 19-21
[24]  Ephesian 2:19-22, Acts 13-14
[25] Timothy 2:2, John 17
[26]  Matthew 28 balanced with Luke 24
[27]  Malachi 4

[28]  1 Corinthians 4, Malachi 4

[29]  Matthew 23:9

[30]  Genesis 13

[31]  Genesis 14

[32]  “So neither he who plants, nor he who waters is anything but only God, who makes things grow” 1 Corinthians 3:7, also Matthew 25
[33] 1 Corinthians 8
[34]  Matthew 15:19
[35]  1 Chronicles 4:9-10
[36]  Compare, for example, the words of acts 15:20 with the following Scriptures: Roman 14:14-18, 1 Corinthians 8:1-13 and 1 Corinthians 10:23-33
[37]  Romans 14:19
[38]  Matthew 13:52
[39]  2 Corinthians 10

Living in Front of the Wave (Follower – Part 2, Chapter 6)

A church leadership team that had experienced an extremely difficult situation in their church, and had lost a lot of people as a result, asked Bill Johnson what they should do about it. His response was liberating. He said, “all you need is one – find the one whom the Holy Spirit is touching and invest in that person, and God will build the fire and grow the community…” there was such encouragement released in that statement to all of us present.

The same applies to our worship and also to every facet of church life. In the case of worship, the songs we sing need to be by people who are themselves in front of the wave (by both leaders and led) – in other words, those who have been set free and are walking in the new covenant life; who are familiar with the Holy Spirit; and who have been revived by Jesus to become great followers!

Those who have been genuinely touched by the Lord are different. They are the best evangelists because they are fearless; full of encouragement; and full of joy – they radiate His love. The old covenant of judgment has been broken from them. Jesus is their propitiation. Their burdens have been cast off, and they have taken on Jesus’ burden, which is easy and light…

The Holy Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness, but He came out 40 days later full of the power of the Spirit! This same Jesus is now in us, and we are in Him. We carry that same anointing that raised him from the dead. From in Him we move in a power that is stronger than what Elijah moved in, since there is no name greater than Jesus.’ He will raise the dead as we walk; He will bring sight to the blind; and hearing to the deaf.

Such a company of released Holy fire believers will not need to push others forward, to force anything, or anyone, or to rush at anything. They are at rest. Their worship will reflect that rest. The King of Kings fights their battles!

Living in front of the wave can be described as a wave rider riding a wave as it rises under his board. Many natural board riders live to experience the thrill, the power, and the ease with which they are propelled forward by the motion of a wave. Keeping in step with the Holy Spirit is like that. It is the most exhilarating thing that a believer can do. It is a place of anticipation and of great expectation. It is a place where God’s miraculous deeds are witnessed often, and God’s stunning love is seen at work everyday and in every way.

As this story about the making of great followers draws to a close, the example of worship might explain how born again believers prepare to live out the full benefit of a transformed life in revival. Revival worship is a Godly fire that is first fed in a person’s personal walk with God. What is built in the personal then spills out into the public place, through telephone calls and emails, through conversations and encounters, through reaching out, and through the journey of enjoying to walk together with what the Lord is doing! To those that Love God, every word can be a ‘song’ of sorts, and music to God’s ears! Paul writes, “Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord,” Worship is the language of love between God and us that facilitates prayer, preaching, preparation, partnership, participation, prophecy, praise, and God’s power! True revival thus begins in us first, and not in a public meeting!

That said, in a meeting context:

1. The worship leadership team does not overpower the people.
2. The worship leadership team is not afraid of repetition, as long as the anointing is flowing, and people are being drawn into the Lord’s presence.
3. The choice of songs makes it easy to be released into God’s arms, to be attentive to the voice of the Holy Spirit, and to tune into God, such as, slower songs; songs with easy words; and songs that honor Jesus.
4. The language of revival songs is not full of concepts of old covenant thinking. They do not promote conditional grace, or benefits that come from God as a result of our effort to be pure, or righteous etc.
5. The words in their songs use the language of revival. Here are some examples:
a. “Take the world, and give me You”
b. “Saturate us Lord”
c. “Baptize us with the Holy Spirit”
d. “Baptize us with fire” – Jesus Himself said, “I have come to bring fire on earth, how I wish it was already kindled” Luke 12:49
e. “I give myself to you”
f. “Light a fire in us, Lord”
g. “Burn in us”
h. “Teach us to live in your presence”
i. “We don’t want to settle for yesterday’s glory”
j. “Unveil for us what the secret place is”
k. “I want to gaze at you Lord, I want to feast my eyes on you”

6. Revival worshippers do not worship for what they can get out of it, but because they are hungry for God. They do not just come into the presence, but come out of it carrying the glory…
7. Revival worshippers have a mindset of adjustment – they align themselves to wherever the Holy Spirit positions himself…
8. Revival worshippers are large of Spirit, gentle of hand, and generous of heart…
9. What revival worshippers have soaked up, God squeezes out over the nations… Yahoo! God says “they stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land…” (Ezekiel 22:30)
10. The songs rarely address God or Jesus in the third person. In other words, they shepherd a present moment-by-moment relationship with Jesus. They celebrate that relationship with every word. They cannot tolerate procedures and processes, even the process of writing a good song from outside the arm of Jesus. It is clear that life, for them, has no meaning without Jesus, and they cannot countenance even good or ‘holy’ or ‘righteous’ behavior outside of that relationship. They care for nothing outside of that relationship; they have no desire to function, even in a talent or gift, outside of that relationship.
11. Revival worship breaks the fear of man. It has no fear. It does not bow its knee to the person who wrote the song. It is not fearful to change the rhythms of any song, nor its pace. When worshipers connect with God, they are not afraid to pause. “NO FEAR” is written all over them – their Jesus is not meek and mild. The Lord has broken a Spirit of timidity in them. The key to the power of God in them is adoration!
12. When the people are not where the worship leadership team is, the latter start with where the fire is. They do not pander to where the people are at – they do not fear man, or worship to please man.
13. Revival worship leaders instinctively know to stay away from songs that are behind the wave, and also when to bring in old songs that will help the people to run in front of the wave.
14. Revival worship leaders listen to the Holy Spirit first, then their team, then look to see what He is doing among the people. They look to see what the Holy Spirit is doing all the time, and serve him first – they are devoted to Him. If he says be silent in the middle of a song, they are. If He says stop the instruments and continue to sing, they do. If he says just hum, they do. I witnessed a miraculous transformation of people in a meeting once when Heather Clarke simply started humming under the anointing. The fire of God broke out in such a way that healings were released, and lives were changed. Likewise, the people do not look to the worship leaders, or to their talents, but to God!
15. Revival worship leaders have learnt to let go of their vocal chords, and of their instruments in a private place with the Lord, so that it is easier to do the same under the lights.
16. Revival worship is sometimes more easily facilitated by worship leaders using electronic equipment such as the electric piano and electric guitars (this may not be a popular suggestion – it is only my personal opinion, and does not preclude the incredible power that can be released by the anointed through any instrument whatsoever). It is however, in my opinion, easier to administer to what the Holy Spirit wants done when the atmosphere of heavenly sound is released outward by the right instruments. This is perhaps why Elisha specifically asked for “a harpist” (2 Kings 3) – it facilitates continuous heavenly sounds… or why also continuous shouts and songs of God’s people together is so effective in warfare (Acts 4, Ezra 3, 2 Chronicles 20)
17. Revival worship is not afraid to improvise. It always follows the Holy Spirit, and not programs and procedures.
18. Revival worshippers receive their songs from inside Jesus’ arms. The songs they sing are to Him. They cannot contain themselves. Their love for Him is palpable. It spills out. It is contagious. It sets people free from fear; from sin, from the past, and from religion (See for example the songs written by: Kim Walker, Roy Shields, Heather Clarke, Courtney Clarke, Brian Johnson, Melissa Wise, and Chris Quilala).
19. Revival worshippers know that a good heart, and an anointing from God, is more important criteria than a right song.
20. Revival Worship leaders do not expend their energy trying to get the people to where God wants them, they are already where God wants them, and their attractiveness in the Holy Spirit will draw others into the same fire. They minister first to the Lord.
21. When revival worship leaders pick up their instruments, they are already listening to the wind of the Holy Spirit. Songs or programs do not rule such people. They do not sing songs for the sake of singing them. There is a clear sense that the Holy Spirit is leading. A practical help to worshipers in this process is not to be afraid, to lift their face during worship and to listen singularly to where the wind of the Holy Spirit is… all those being touched by the Holy Spirit will “rustle” like leaves in the wind…
22. Revival worship leaders are in no rush… they are not afraid to linger… they do not lead the people, the Holy Spirit does… the sense is not that they are now singing a song, but that they are yielding to the lord’s leading – they pull the anointing down
23. Revival worshippers can be both wild and surrendered
24. Revival worship leaders are not always swimming in someone else’s worship field – they can enjoy those juicy grapes, but they need to be producing their own as well. Songs that grow from our own tilled fields encourage the most, since they result from our own responses to God – they are the testimonies of God’s grace to each one!

We are privileged to be walking in Him together. There is a fountain and a reservoir that has been mined by his love in each of us, that is ready to sprout and to nourish and refresh the nations, the broken, the lost, our communities, and our friendships. His breath brings instant resurrection life. I was alone on the slopes of Castle Cragg in California recently, and suddenly shouted, “Spirit of death I’m coming after you from inside Jesus’ arms.” A few moments later I found a dead “Admiral” butterfly cupped in a water lily. I took it in my hands and began walking. That is when I heard God say to me, “There is a butterfly in every person waiting to be released Loys.” So I prayed, “Lord, raise up the butterflies to fly.” The power of God hit me, and I fell into the undergrowth, and began to sob and to sob. When I eventually got up, the atmosphere in the forest had completely changed, even the sounds and colors were different.

What will hold back those whose souls he has blasted with his love? We can no longer look at anyone in the same way, the lost, and even our enemies. The fear of man has been broken over those who have tasted of heavenly treasure. They cannot be kept silent. There is nothing in this world that will hold them back.

These runners are coming out in this day. Even the day of trouble will fail to rob them of their peace, for they have tasted of the Divine. They are a company who believe in His promises. The ground they stand on is sure, and unshakable, because it is the foundation laid in Jesus Christ! Their stunning beauty invokes a good envy for the pursuit! These are sons and daughters that, when the breakthrough comes, have learnt to carry their instruments, or their talents and voices through the breakthrough in wild surrender… there’s none of them in it! There’s no stopping them! They pull the lost from hellish lives with their songs, their dances, their words… they have all they need – they have Jesus! Lost in their past is the illusion of control, which has been long swallowed up by intimacy. It is the father’s good pleasure to give them the kingdom. Why would they not be delighted to stay in front of the wave?

Bless you all. Loys

The Moral Quotient – Excerpt Part 2, Chapter 8 (a paragraph)

A paragraph from Chapter 8 – Thinking and Action

Awakening thought for social action

The purpose of arousing thought is twofold, first, to point people to the Source – God, and second, to generate the kind of powerful response (through the agency and action of that Source) that will contribute to the posterity of their children. Can we imagine what our world would be like today without Athanasius’ Contra Mundum or without the socio-political force of a William Wilberforce? We too have our own battles to fight. May people arise with wisdom and the accompanying response required of them to do what they are each called to do in their respective spheres of influence. The true heroes of today will look different and be different. They may be persons such as Bono or others whose social actions are fuelled by godly morals and the presence of MQ, or even of other naturally moral persons. Since the Scriptures indicate that much of what we enjoy as freedom today has sprung from God’s thoughts and actions, our ongoing Christian responses is doubly necessary. There is nothing to suggest in the socio-political, socio-economic, and socio-biological areas that any other means can produce better results. Therefore, the starting point people all share is how what they each choose to do will affect the future. The horror of the French Revolution, the devastation of Communism, the death camps of Nazism, and the rampant veins of modern racism have been just a small sample of what alternative social actions devoid of MQ (or of natural moral law) have done in recent history. Professor Muelder writes on what it will take to survive as a communitarian whole, “Without a system of world political cooperation and economic planning the quest for a rising standard of living through industrialization is now clearly impossible. The future of science itself now depends on a cooperative crusade for social justice and integral personal values in all phases of community living. The interdependence of justice, law, politics, economics, science, and technology in a communitarian whole should now be obvious.” Ideas, shaped by Christian ethics, await actions, so that as signposts to the next generations, on the roads already built and traveled, hope is engendered for anyone that might feel called to venture past the point where they have been brought.

A Vision of a Different Multitude (Excerpt from Follower Part 2, Chapter 4)

A Vision for a different Multitude is gripping us

Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt. Daniel 12:2

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 2Peter 3:9

Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision! For the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision. Joel 3:14

The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life. Revelation 22:17

God is breaking the mindset of “some survivors only“ (“a small remnant” Isaiah 1:9 – KJV), to a ‘many’ mindset – it was Isaiah who also prophesied of Jesus that “of the increase of His government and peace there would be no end.” There is only one way to turn back a lie – by repentance. The old way of thinking that says that the remnant is small has to go. That was the reason why Jesus came. The truth is that God is not willing that anyone should perish, or that He ever did. Isaiah’s accurate prophecy of an old covenant future event should not be mis-interpreted! Many today have lost sight that through Jesus Christ God desires to reach the many, but yes, from Isaiah’s point of view, it did come down to the Love of One – Jesus Christ. But now, through Him it has become about everyone. The reasons for opposing the view that God wants the multitudes to come to Him might be fear, myopia, resignation or indifference.

The small remnant of 120, after three and a half painstaking years, went quickly to 3000, and then 20,000 and has gone from Jerusalem to Judea, to Samaria to the uttermost parts of the earth and has become ‘many’ today! We have to smash any hindrances and obstacles to a vision of many in prayer. We have to smash that heresy of limitation – that foul demon of intimidation – there is only one way to do that – with boldness and with loudness… refusing to be silent!

God’s vision for us is a vision of more. That is why Jesus said, “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.” A heart for more, waits for us to give more of ourselves, as Paul writes, “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.” For the same reason that Jesus looked for fruit from the fig tree back then, he is looking for it from us now. It is obvious that God intends more for everyone, and not less. That is why He came to bring a fire on earth. It is that fire that is still in us today. If we were to catch His heart for the lost we would be drawn into the secret place to keep that fire kindled and growing until it rages against the battlements of hell; consumes disease, death, and despair forever, and delivers all in its path into freedom!

A crowd of many thousands had gathered, and was being given an opportunity to enter into eternity with Him. He had pressed them with these words spoken against the fear of surrendering themselves to God, “But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him. He showed them how much they were loved and valued with these words, “Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”

He is stunning! To everyone who has, He says, that they will be given more… both in character and context, both individually and corporately… because his love is awesomely contagious…

Creativity through photography

Celebrating God’s creativity through Photography

Photographers do not create the best photography merely by their relationship with their subject matter – though that is exciting, photography is much more than that! What sets the material on fire and brings out true passion for beauty is the realization that God created it all, and put each in its proper place. The best photography is therefore a journey into the unknown matched by the creator’s desire and delight to reveal it all to us. As the Scriptures say, “it is the Glory of God to conceal a matter, to search it out is the glory of kings” (Proverbs 25:2). Loys

Sent to the Sinner’s Door (excerpt: Follower – Part 2/Chapter 3)

A great release comes to every saint when they understand God’s heart for people – both saved and unsaved, but especially when they see how God sees every sinner, and what God feels for every broken relationship, and every sick person! It causes them to align their bodies to fulfill God’s desire to reach them, to save them, to rescue them, and to invite into the eternal dwellings all that would welcome and hear the message that the kingdom of God is near. Bringing the kingdom near is tied together with the choice to “go and make disciples,” since to tell them “the kingdom of heaven is near you” is also a request that we be the ones to go and tell it. Paul explains the need for our ready sacrifice to “go” as follows, “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”

Saints are being awakened out of sleep all over the world, as fresh fires are being stoked on knees everywhere. A new sense of urgency has gripped the hearts of many toward work produced by faith; labor prompted by love, and endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ!
I have set out some keys of that evangelistic journey as follows:

• The fire of evangelism is the Holy Spirit’s compassion released into the world. Jesus explains compassion at work in the parable of the Samaritan, Levite and priest, where the Samaritan was commended for his compassion.. God’s love is stunning. He heals all those who come to him, and He reserves the works of Christ for those who walk in Him (in purity; have clean hands, and are righteous in Him).

• No one has to perform for God’s love – He freely gives himself to all who will choose Him. As a song says, “What can I do for you beautiful King, coz I can’t thank you enough… (Jesus responds) you don’t have to do a thing, simply be here with me, and let those things go… this moment is too sweet, stay here with me…”

• God’s anointing is contagious – it will cause a person not to want to take their eyes off Him. God loves to use those who have caught the fire of His love. People on fire for God, are the best evangelists – they do not fear men, and will go anywhere to find a lost person who needs Christ. Elisha refused to take his eyes from Elijah, and received a double mantle. It is the same today for those who will not allow their situations to remove them from God’s presence. It is that relationship that pulls heaven’s jewels down – someone said that God does not hide them from us, but for us!

• There is no hard ground that cannot be overcome by a soft heart. Those who meet hard ground, learn to go deeper into God. Jesus went in (led by the Spirit) different to how he came out – “in the power of the Spirit!” We each learn to mine the fruit down from the father’s lap. We take responsibility to set aside our distractions, to press in, and not to be content to live off the ‘grapes’ of others! The first idol that probably has to go for each of us is the “clock” idol!

• The waves of God’s revival fires that are sweeping the globe will include both wine and wineskin before the bride can be prepared for Jesus’ return – in other words, the wisdom of the wineskin (God’s family) melded together with the wonder of the wine (God’s fire)!

• When we experience breakthrough, we should not build a “booth” there, but we should keep pressing forward to the next and to the next victory… and let us testify to someone about what God has done, because when we do we establish a lifestyle of the supernatural.

• We should not fear the pressure of the call, for the fruits of the kingdom are made available to those who forcefully lay “hold of it.”

• All that we need in order to do our work in God’s field is received in prayer and in the Word of God. I have set out some keys that I find helpful, as follows:

i) Begin the day in the Word of God
ii) Write down the ideas and thoughts that come to mind, and the Scriptures that the Holy Spirit highlights
iii) Expecting God to speak will create anticipation for what God is planning for you for that day. It will make you eager to see all that God has, and provide direction for your steps.
iv) Take what God has told you into your prayer time. Let it fuel the passion in your heart
v) Take what God has spoken into action that day. Remember that if you keep what God gives you for others inside you, it may die there – so, give it away! It is better to risk making a mistake than never to try!
vi) Do not give up as you seek God. Someone said that one person and Jesus are a majority. Keep going, and you will break through a little more each day… God waits full of wonderful things for each of us.

• Always prepare for more than you think is possible. Remember that God exists beyond the realms of our prayers and imagination. If you have faith for one, trust God for 10, if you have faith for 10, trust God for 100, if you have faith for 100, trust God for 1000 and so on. Ask God for an increased “measure of faith.”

• Ask God for boldness in the face of every situation. Remember that the fear of man is a snare, but those who trust in God are kept safe.

These principles are not conditions – they are divine instructions designed to make more certain our walking. God does not speak them to us at the heat of the day (in anger), or in the dead of night (in guilt), but, as He did to Adam, in the cool of the afternoon (in grace).

Click here for a short clip from Bethel Church, Redding, CA

Call to a supernatural life

Francois Botes prophesied on Wednesday 28th May at the Canada Leaders Training in Toronto, on His first ministry visit to Canada, that the power of indifference was broken from our land. If this word is indeed true (I believe it to be so) let us imagine the significance of this for this nation and for the world. If it was spoken to a church that would have been amazing, but for a city, and then for a nation! Wow! if we saw the immensity of that prophetic transaction we would not be able to get off our chairs of intercession, or off the floor. My heart is truly glad today at the beckoning voice of Jesus to come into the secret place to hear His voice, and to delight to remain there. after 30 years of ministry I have never been more convinced that nothing will build the kingdom outside of God’s presence and our responding prayers. It had also become more clear to me that our joy does not come from our efforts, but by the swell of love that surges when He beckons us and calls us into His arms, so that we can say “Oh Lord I am spending time with you, because you have captivated me with your love” – let us not wonder whether God has spoke so clearly, but rather embrace it for it is a word worthy of believing, and acting on. March on Dear Soldiers of Christ! Loys

PS: the audio of this astounding 9 minute prophecy is well worth listening, we have added the link in the left side or click here. Love you all.

 

The Danger of Envy to Unity

In the 680 News this morning it was reported that 77% of people envy others in the workplace. They envy perks, titles, promotion, office space, the size of people’s pods, what they drive etc. It was reported that this accounts for most of the problems occurring in production. It seems that these days people are looking in the wrong places…

Prior to receiving the above news report this morning from a friend, I was up early to prepare for the Wednesday team training time, and as is my custom, I had asked God to help me, and us. He took me directly to the story of Pilate at Jesus’ judgment in the book of Matthew: “For he knew it was out of envy that they had handed Jesus over to him. While Pilate was sitting on the judge’s seat, his wife sent him this message: “Don’t have anything to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered a great deal today in a dream because of him (she had to have been either a Christian, or immensely influenced by them). But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus executed… When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that instead an uproar was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. “I am innocent of this man’s blood,” he said. “It is your responsibility!”(1)

The story is made more glaring by Pilate’s refusal to heed a proper warning from his wife. It may shock some to know that it was probably not God’s intent to seal Pilate’s name forever in infamy and notoriety! His own choices shaped his legacy. Here are the ingredients of the problem caused by his failure to acknowledge the danger of envy…

The rest of this article can be accessed on the Freeway Church website (via “Resources”)