The Outward Journey.
“Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.” Matthew 10:8
The outward journey is all about helping and encouraging others. The more time that you spend in God’s presence, the easier you will find it to not only feel His presence but to “hear” His voice. God wants to bless others through you. He wants to reveal and trust you with things that he wants to show you concerning others and their situations.
How many times have you been blessed by another person's encouragement? The word they gave you, the need that they meet, the healing you received from their prayer or the revelation from the message. All of that is good and it’s so good to be blessed by another, but don’t you long to be the one praying, giving the prophetic word, healing the sick, preaching the gospel, encouraging others, even casting out the demons?
Whenever we take a journey it involves a risk - crossing the road, driving a car, taking a plane, making new friends, buying a house, getting married, starting a family. Risks we consider worthwhile! Jesus was addressing all believers in Mark 16:15-20. To fulfil this commission involves taking risks, with the stakes being far higher. The risks I have already mentioned are temporal and although they have some major benefits to us we cannot take them with us when we leave this earth. To brighten someone's day, to heal the sick and cast out their demons, to raise the dead or lead a lost soul to Jesus isn’t temporal but has eternal significance. There will come a day when each of us must give an account of our lives. We won’t be judged as Jesus didn’t come to judge the world but to save the world (John 3:17) but we will give an account of what we have done with the talents we have been entrusted with. (Matthew 25:14-30) A sobering thought!
Risk Taking.
The Lord wants to inspire you! The definition of inspire is to: stimulate, motivate, encourage, persuade, influence, rouse, stir, goad, incite, or compel. To ignite you for more and to re-ignite the weary! To let Him use you by partnering with Him in whatever way He wants to use you.
David had so inspired Jonathan, King Saul’s son, that we find in 1 Samuel 14:1-23 the story of how Jonathan and his armour bearer changed the course of a battle that in the natural world would have wiped out the army of Israel. To read it in context read the previous chapter.
Chapter 14 starts with these words,.”One day Jonathan said to his armour bearer…… ”All it takes is one day when we suddenly desire to take a risk, to put into practice what we have read, seen, heard or talked about! It doesn’t matter whether you identify with Jonathan or the armour bearer (whose name was never mentioned) - both played a significant role on that day.
When you’re ready to take a risk, be careful who you tell. Jonathan didn’t inform his father King Saul as Saul’s own fears may have negatively influenced Jonathan and maybe stopped him from going. We all need someone to encourage us when we make that decision to step out in faith. It’s interesting to note that God didn’t tell Jonathan to take on the Philistines, but there was something in his heart that moved him to do it. Maybe the words of David, “Is there not a cause?” just before David fought Goliath and defeated him with a slingshot were swirling around in his mind. Whatever it was it certainly caused Jonathan to get out of the boat and walk on the water! There will always be a cause; someone’s sin, sickness, fear, addiction, lack. Maybe your own shortcomings! We are meant to be supernaturally extraordinary people.
It was said of Smith Wigglesworth that one of his favourite sayings was: “If the Spirit doesn’t move me, I’ll move Him.” This wasn’t an arrogant statement, this was a man who knew God's heart and knew the power of covenant. History is full of countries having treaties through marriage, nowadays we have business mergers and franchises - each making a covenant, a relationship based on strengths and weaknesses for the overall benefit of each other.David was a man who understood covenant, that’s why he could call the Philistines uncircumcised or pagans. In the Old Testament circumcision was a physical sign of covenant with God; as New Testament believers our circumcision is of the heart.
We are under a greater covenant because Jesus’ blood and sacrifice at the cross was the once and for all payment for sin and sickness, and Jesus made it possible for us to have a personal relationship with God with all of Adam's authority and power returned to us. (Gen 1:26) The wonderful thing about our covenant with God is that we get all the benefits, even when we don’t deserve them! Both Jonathan and his armour bearer went to where the enemy would eventually see them. Again Jonathan spoke out, “Perhaps the Lord will help us, for nothing can hinder the Lord. He can win a battle whether He has many warriors or only a few!” Notice Jonathan said “...help us”. He included his armour bearer; Jonathan wanted him to be part of it. Jesus didn’t need the 12 disciples, he was more than able to fulfil His ministry on the earth without the involvement of anyone. But, He chose to involve first the 12, then the 70, then the 120 and, after His resurrection in Mark 16, Jesus told them to go and make disciples to continue establishing the kingdom of God on this earth.
“Do what you think is best,” the armour bearer replied. “I’m with you completely, whatever you decide.” (They only had one sword between them). That word of encouragement caused Jonathan to say “alright then….we will cross over and let them see us.”) We should never be fearful of the enemy seeing us, because when he does and when we know whose authority we stand in, the enemy trembles with fear. That is because he knows that when a Christian stands in the power and authority given to him/her through the name of Jesus, then nothing he does or says can withstand the one who lives inside of the believer! Jonathan went on to say, “If they say to us, stay where you are or we will kill you, then we will stop and not go up to them. But, if they say, come on up and fight then we will go up. That will be the Lord’s sign that He will help us defeat them.” Jonathan didn’t take any notice of their threats; he only heard the words ‘Come up here!’ That was enough for Jonathan to tell his armour bearer to follow him saying, ”For the Lord will help us defeat them!”
That one day they killed 20 men and as a result panic broke out in the Philistine camp, an earthquake happened and the vast Philistine army melted away. That was 3000 chariots, 6000 charioteers and as many men as the grains of sand on the sea shore. The Philistines were killing one another!
Sometimes we think what we do is insignificant - what’s 20 men compared to the size of the army? That one act destroyed an enemy's whole army!
God must have been so proud of those two men that day! It’s as you do, that God turns up with the supernatural provision. The battle belongs to the Lord, but the victory is ours!
A lady’s testimony of taking a risk for Jesus!
My name is Jackie. My life was full of fear and insecurity. The cruel words that were spoken over me crushed me on the inside. I would agree with anything negative said about me. I was never encouraged, always put down at home. Told I wasn’t wanted, which led me to not want to live. Whenever I was out, I would always look down at the floor. Life continued and I grew up married and had a son.
One day when at the doctors, I picked up a little booklet. It was called “The Word for Today”. I read through it and prayed what was called the sinner’s prayer. I took a note of the phone number to call but somehow never did. However, I made a friend who was a Christian and she began to teach me and be an example to me of what it was to be free, to have a life without fear. I was in my late 50’s when I became a Christian. Over the years I received ministry to get rid of all the rubbish that I carried. My self-esteem went from hating myself to finally liking and loving myself. It was so good to be free of all that self-loathing!
I’m not an extrovert, but I asked the Lord to make me a risk taker, like going somewhere and not being noticed. To be able to go somewhere I wouldn’t normally go and my “invisibility” would give the Lord an opportunity to use me. He gave me the wonderful opportunities to lead many to the Lord, in places like Morrison’s Cafe, in my own garage with a neighbour, at the train station, wherever I went!
One day before I was due to go on holiday as I was walking to the train station, I said to the Lord, “Would you come shopping with me?” As I was walking along Jesus put it in my heart to buy some knickers! I thought to myself, why do I need these as I have a drawer full at home! Jesus went on to say, “Go to Marks and Spencers”. So I went and as I was about to pay for them He said, “Use your Sparks card.” I got a 20% discount on them! I stayed in Birmingham and continued to shop. Before catching the train home, I needed the toilet. Jesus directed me to use the ones in St Martins in the Bullring. As I walked into the toilets there were two women, the one was helping the other who had had an embarrassing mishap. I heard the one woman telling the other woman that she needs to go and buy her some fresh underwear. The lady in distress was crying. It was at this point that the penny dropped as to why Jesus had told me to buy the knickers.
I opened the pack of underwear to show the lady the size and she said they were perfect for her friend. At this point the friend began to cry and couldn’t thank me enough. I had never been led to do something like this before and it came as such a shock that Jesus would use me in that way. He knew that was going to happen to that lady and He used me to meet her need. His compassion for her overwhelmed me.
I’m so thankful that I took a risk to act upon what He told me to do that day. It would have been so easy to dismiss it as I had plenty of knickers at home. It blew me away to find out that she was the same size as me!
It all started through me taking a risk and stepping out to do whatever I believed that He told me to do, despite my doubts! The more I stepped out, as difficult and uncomfortable as that was in the beginning, the more opportunities He gave me. Now I’m always on the lookout to tell someone about Jesus and it has become as natural to me as breathing! Each day is an adventure with Jesus.
I am so thankful to my friend who brought me to Jesus and mentored me. All the testimonies of others who had taken risks also inspired me with their exploits. Their testimonies gave me the courage and hunger to ask for my own. I thank Jesus every day for the opportunity to encourage another human being. Jackie
Right now why don’t you ask Jesus to make you a risk taker and have your own adventures?
Maybe you have read Jackie’s testimony and it’s inspired you, but you feel trapped in some form of depression. Do what she did and get some help to rise above it or allow Isaiah 60 to give you enlightenment to be the overcomer that Jesus says you are!
“Arise from the depression and prostration in which circumstances have kept you - rise to a new life! Shine be radiant with the glory of the Lord for your light has come and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.” Isaiah 60:1 Amp
Arise, which suggests that we are sitting down in some area of our lives. Arise – Hebrew - Quwm; it is written in the imperative so is an ‘order’. It also has a sense of meaning - arise to make good, to strengthen and accomplish something. To ascend, mount up or move to a higher place; as vapours arise from humid places. To get out of bed; to leave the place or state of rest; or to leave a sitting or lying posture. Even as Christians, sometimes our circumstances can overwhelm us and they become the main focus of our attention. We can forget past victories and answered prayers and allow the enemy to take us places in our minds that are dark and become ensnared in our own thinking!
Jesus said: “ In this world you will have trouble, tribulation, trials, distresses and frustration! But, be of good cheer, take courage, be confident, certain, undaunted, for I have overcome the world. I have deprived it of its power to harm you and I have conquered it for you.” John 16:33 AMP
Maybe this is the last thing that you want to hear at this moment. You’re facing a serious health issue, the death of a loved one, loss of a job, marriage breakdown, financial ruin and life at present is depressing. Notice Isaiah is telling us that it’s life circumstances that is the cause of the depression. Sometimes things happen beyond our control, that are not our fault. Bad things happen to good people! Sometimes it’s the choices we make that contribute to those circumstances. We can’t dwell on our situations because if we do we fall further into depression and that is exactly what the devil wants us to do. All across the UK we hear of more and more stories of young people, young children experiencing mental health issues, and without the proper help we will have a society that will struggle to enjoy life. That isn’t the kind of legacy that people want to leave. Life is meant to be enjoyed, especially by young children. It’s not right that people are unable to function properly, needing medication that can become addictive. Thank God for the medical community and all they do. However, I believe that the church should be showing the thief has only one thing in mind—he wants to steal, slaughter, and destroy. “But I have come to give you everything in abundance, more than you expect life in its fullness until you overflow!” Jn 10:10 The Passion Translation
Our focus must shift from the problem to the solution, and the solution is a person - Jesus! A thief is someone who steals things from other people, he doesn’t care if it causes distress or hurt or even death, he wants our stuff. He doesn’t care how he gets it; he’s no Robin Hood!
The thief will lie, cheat and deceive to take what is rightfully ours! Take your time to read over the words of Jesus…”I have come to give you everything in abundance, more than you expect, life in its fullness until you overflow.”
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ [that is, grafted in, joined to Him by faith in Him as Saviour], he is a new creature [reborn and renewed by the Holy Spirit]; the old things [the previous moral and spiritual condition] have passed away. Behold, new things have come [because spiritual awakening brings a new life].” 2 Cor 5:17 AMP
We’re in the 21st Century and whatever we’re in plays a part in shaping our future. We are all in something - good, bad or indifferent. I’m in a team, I’m in credit, I’m in good shape, I’m in love, in a mood, in crisis, in debt, in trouble, in transition, in need! We all want to be in something good. Whatever you find yourself IN can suddenly change, like the weather - particularly British weather! However, we go through it, but the good news is that we aren’t alone in the journey. We are in someone - Jesus, who can never change. He is the same yesterday, today and forever! Making the transition from the old nature to the new can be difficult from time to time. Often our old nature sabotages the reality of this due to fear. Whatever way we think determines our actions. Our thinking must line up with God's word. We can accomplish much in our own strength, look at what is happening in our world today. However, there are many limitations, no complete cure yet for cancer, blindness, deafness, and a poor quality of life for many. Your present life, as good as it may be, falls well below the abundant life Jesus came to give us. In Christ, we have access to His thoughts, creativity, faith, boldness, joy, peace, health and freedom. When we make new year resolutions it becomes about our ability to make them work, our strength. But, knowing that we’re in Him, Jesus, causes us to rest, it’s about assurance.
There was a day a few years back, where I had a choice to make, stay in the “depression” that life’s circumstances were keeping me in or “arise” and make a better choice! I made a great choice that day. My love of reading the word came flooding back, I fell in love afresh with Holy Spirit. What the enemy meant for destruction in Jn 10:10 the Lord turned it to my good.
Have you sat down in some area of your life? Repent for doing that.
Who do you need to forgive? Ask Holy Spirit to fill you afresh with fire and power.
The Anointing changes you into another man/woman.
Saul went from searching for lost donkeys to becoming the first King of Israel. Saul was a shy introverted young man who didn’t have a very good self-image. I imagine it was all very overwhelming for him, to say the least! He was given further instructions by Samuel (1 Sam 10) where to go, who he would meet and that, “Then the Spirit of the Lord will come upon you mightily, and you will prophesy with them, and you will be changed into another man.” 1 Sam 10:6 AMP Note, as Saul turned to go God gave him a new heart.
The presence of God changes our hearts. The power of God changes our actions. The presence of God will cause us to be………………………
The power of God will cause us to do…………………………………… We need both the presence and power of God.
In the Old Testament the Spirit of God came upon.
In the New Testament the Spirit of God lives within.
The disciples were radically changed after the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Jesus breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” Jn 20:22
They received His presence, not His power.
In Acts 2:4 They were all filled, and the anointing changed the whole 120, not just the 12, into another man/woman.
The fear of man was conquered.
They experienced a new boldness.
They shared good news.
There was an increase in the prophetic.
They spoke in other languages.
There were miracles, signs and wonders.
There was church growth, 3000 added in one day!
There was an increase in unity, love and generosity.
There was an increase in authority.
The buildings and floor shook in the prayer meeting.
Persecution followed from family, friends and government.
How do I know that I’m anointed.
“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed and commissioned me to bring good news to the humble and afflicted; He has sent me to bind up [the wounds of] the broken hearted, to proclaim release [from confinement and condemnation] to the [physical and spiritual] captives and freedom to prisoners. To proclaim the favourable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance and retribution of our God. To comfort all who mourn, to grant to those who mourn in Zion the following: To give them a turban instead of dust [on their heads, a sign of mourning], the oil of joy instead of mourning, the garment [expressive] of praise instead of a disheartened spirit. So, they will be called the trees of righteousness [strong and magnificent, distinguished for integrity, justice, and right standing with God], the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified. Isaiah 61:1-3
For those who would say this is just referring to Jesus, look at 1 Cor 6:17
“He who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him.”
Therefore, the anointing on Jesus is in and on you and me! It’s part of the new covenant. Re-read the above scriptures and insert your own name!
God’s presence, power and gifts reside on the inside of the believer. Our job is to stir that gift up. Paul said to Timothy stir up the gift that’s within you. He had to do it for himself despite his discouragement.
For those that have a creative streak, music, art, writing, photography and the like, the anointing multiplies your talent. God filled Bezalel and Uri with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of crafts. God also gave ability to all the skilled workers to make everything that He had commanded. Those guys had the anointing upon them, but we have the anointing within, 24/7! He took what skills they already had and gave them more! The closer to the source the greater our creativity can be.
Why are we anointed?
In 1 John 2 it tells us that we are in the last hour. If they were in the last hour, then we must be in the last second of the last hour. It goes on to tell us that we have an anointing from the Holy Spirit and that he will teach us all things.
There is a purpose, it’s two-fold, for us and others.
Another testimony of stepping out!
Sharing my faith on a one-to-one basis was not part of my Christian upbringing. However, the leaders of the church I now attend see sharing your faith as an essential part of being a Christian - disciples making disciples. My experience prior to this was that the church would bring in a specific team, usually enthusiastic bible college students, to organise a week of events and door knocking, and do the evangelism for you.
The approach that telling people about Jesus is everyone’s responsibility, all year round, has been quite challenging to me.
However, I am now in a place where I can more comfortably talk about Jesus. I happily engage my work colleagues in God conversation and will ask If I can pray for them when a need arises. I also find that being a known Christian, as opposed to a closet one, in the workplace causes a shift in the environment around you.
At times I sense an anointing on my prayers as words have flown to them. But mostly I pray as an act of obedience, believing that, “The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective” (James 5:16b), knowing I am made righteous through the blood of Jesus.
If I have experienced “breakthrough” in this area, it has not been of the instant type, but has come after many years of preparation by our Pastors, through teaching, example and encouragement. Helen
We are both anointed and commissioned! Anointed = qualified, to preach good news to the meek (the teachable), to the poor (those in need of money), and the afflicted (those oppressed by the devil). To bind up and heal the broken hearted, to proclaim liberty to the physical and spiritual captives and the opening of the prison and of the eye of those who are bound. But I haven’t been to bible school or had much education. I’m not in leadership, we say! I was just hungry to see God at work in people’s lives. Paul asked the Lord three times (2 Cor 12:9) to take away his satanic torment. However the Lord replied, “My grace is sufficient, it’s all you need; My power works best in weakness”.
I was doing this stuff before I’d had the teaching and before I spoke in tongues! Bible schools are great for those that can go, but if you can’t go, that’s no problem as the teacher, the Holy Spirit, lives on the inside of you.
The anointing is to heal the sick, whether spirit, soul or body. His name, our hands! Our faith, His power!
Paul said that his message and preaching were very plain, and rather than using clever and persuasive words he relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit.
William Branham grew up dirt poor; he couldn’t read or write, yet God used him mightily in the healing revival of the late ‘40s America. Having no bible knowledge to match it, a lot of his doctrine was disastrous. Despite it all, God used him. God sees our potential and our hearts; there’s nothing that can take Him by surprise. Jack Coe was another healing revivalist whose mother dropped him and his brother off at an orphanage and when he was in the army he was sectioned with religious mania! His ministry was marked by miracles and healings. He never allowed his past to hold him back. The past might have influenced his attitude, but it never stopped him from serving God. All of God’s generals had their issues and character flaws, just like you and I, but it doesn’t disqualify anyone.
The dream team!
Twelve disciples, men from various backgrounds. Peter and Andrew, James and John, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, James, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot. Some of these men we know little about. Of all of them Peter is one of my favourites. He was impulsive, prone to putting his foot in things, strong willed and talked too much. He was also bold, the only one to walk on water and the one when Jesus asked him, “Who do you say that I am?” responded, “You are the Christ, the son of the living God.”
Judas was the treasurer, the one in charge of the finances, the one who wore the mask of a friend.
Thomas, a bit of a pessimist, the doubter who had to see before he could believe. James and John were called sons of thunder, both quick tempered and quick to judge others. They wanted to bring down fire on others outside of their group who were preaching about Jesus. Matthew was seen as bad among the people because he worked for the Romans as a tax collector. He was self-centred and dishonest. Simon the Zealot who was a fanatical Jewish National who hated the Romans.
Do you recognise yourself in any of these disciples’ character traits? We are in good company! The good news is that He can turn these traits into greatness for the Kingdom.
God sees the potential for greatness in each one of us.
Peter’s denial tore him apart; his shame and his fear caused him to go back to his old life. When we mess up and open the door to disappointment, mainly at ourselves, we withdraw. Jesus looked beyond their faults and saw their potential. He looks beyond our faults also and sees our potential! That isn’t to say that character isn’t important. Jesus didn’t pick Peter for his skills and abilities; in many ways Peter could have been seen as a liability. When Jesus rose from the dead he said, “Go tell my disciples and Peter”. God is in the restoration business!
But on the day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit fell upon them, those 120 were changed to such an extent that it affected a whole city! Peter’s first sermon saw 3000 become believers and gave birth to what we know as the church. Our character gets refined as we act on the truth we read and by staying filled with the Holy Spirit.
In Matthew 20 we find an account of James and John with their mom asking Jesus if they can sit next to Him in His Kingdom, which made the other disciples indignant. Imagine bringing your mom as a grown adult to speak on your behalf! The stick you’d take from your co-workers. Nevertheless, Jesus never berated them or said who do you think you are? He didn’t point out their character flaws or selfishness; He never said you’re too immature, I’ve made a mistake. Instead, he took the opportunity to acknowledge the desire of greatness within them and channelled their thinking into not being like the world. Wherever you find yourself in the workforce, bloom because you might be the only one there who brings the kingdom of God to that place. Every believer is called to demonstrate the kingdom. Be the best Nurse you can be, be the best bus driver, accountant, teacher, shop worker, mom, dad etc. that you can be. Fulfil your potential and bless others along the way!
Character is important but it’s not a disqualification! Jesus used imperfect vessels to co labour with Him.
You have a BA (born again) and a PHD (preach, heal, deliver) from the University of the Kingdom of God!
“Real fire radiates heat; God created the human heart to be a fireplace. The mighty rushing wind had to come first to blow out all the ash and trash and then the fire followed. Real fire radiates heat. Fish have the same temperature as the water in which they swim, and some Christians are just like that. They have the temperature of the godless environment and wonder what is wrong! When our fire grate is filled with fire, we are hot, we change the temperature of our surroundings. That is what the Holy Spirit does”. Reinhard Bonnke
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