Finding Gods will

Heb 13:21Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

There are few things that Christians pray more about than Gods will. We want to know Gods will for our lives. We are eager to know his will for our future, and what plans he may have for us. We pray and say we want his will for our lives. We pray, Your Kingdom come, and YOUR WILL be done. But then we tend to forget that the first step to finding Gods will is to give up our own will. Many cant see Gods will because they are blinded by self will. The key to finding Gods will, and the key to Apostolic Ministry and authority is Selflessness.

Rom 12:1I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

2And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

When I sacrifice my own self, and my own will, God will transform me and renew my mind so I can know Gods perfect will.

We are cursed with a generation where everyone wants authority, but no one is willing to give up control or to submit…
We are cursed with a generation where so many wants to build their own Kingdom and legacy, but no one wants to seek Gods Kingdom first…
We are cursed with a generation where everyone wants God to change their situation, but no one is willing for God to change themselves…

We are cursed with a generation where everyone wants to receive, but no one wants to give…

You want to recive? Start by giving! You want authority? Start by submitting! 

You want to find Gods will in your life? Start by giving up yours!

Three levels of sin

2 Cor 7:10For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.

I remember I learned in sundayschool about sin, that its like a triangle in a cirkle. When you sin, the triangle turns. The sharp edges on the three corners cut to the side of the cirkle. But turn the triangle many times, and the edges gets round like the cirkle its in, and you become num to the sin.

In my teenage years, I backslid, and remember every night I went to bed, I felt remorse, repented, and asked for forgiveness. The next day I did the same thing again and again. Until one night, I didn’t feel anything. I then remembered this analogy from Sunday school. You see in the beginning, you sin, and naturally know something is wrong. Your conscious hits you, and you feel bad.  But if you then continue, there is yet another level of sin. Romans says this about this level of sin: Rom 1:32Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them…

As I see it there is three levels of sin

1)    Sin and you know its wrong, and feel bad about it

2)     Sin and you don’t really care, and feel nothing about it

3)     Sin and demand respect for it

Three levels of Christian living

In our Christian walk there are three levels of living. One level leads to the other. It is Gods intention we grow in our relationship with him, and reach the next level of lifing. These levels are:

Level 1) Servants. 

1 Cor 4:1 “Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.”

In this level we do what is required of us. This is the least level you can ever be. There are certain things that are required of us. Repenting is required. To be baptized in Jesus name is required. Receiving the Holy Ghost is required. 

Level 2) Friends

John 15:14  “Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.

15  Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends…”

If we are faithful as servants, he will reveal his will to us, and we can do what is expected. As friends there are certain things that are expected. It may not be required, but it is expected. As friends, we seek to find his will. And as our friend, he reveals his will to us.

Level 3) Spouse

2 Cor 11:2 “For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.”

The highest level of Christian living is to live like his spouse. To be in love and do what we do not because it is required of us. We do what we do, not because it is expected of us. We do it because we LOVE him. People that are on love do the unexpected. We surprise our loved ones with things they did not expect. My goal is not only to get to heaven. Its not only to do what is expected of me as a good Christian. I want to do the unexpected. Because I am in LOVE… 

Dont avoid it

Mark 13:45  Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls:

46  Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.

The Bible likens the church to a pearl. Another place we are likened to gold, and another place again we are likened to precious stones, or diamonds. There are some things to learn about the process of how these are made. A pearl is made out of small particles that irritate the soft tissue inside the hard shell of an oyster. As the oyster tries to limit the irritation, it starts to put hard smooth layers over the particle, making a pearl.

Gold is often stuck and mingled together with other rock materials that needs to separated from the gold. This is done by heat. Since Gold can take more heat, they heat up until the gold is separated from the other material. 

Diamonds is believed to have formed in the mantle of the earth. Here where temperatures boiled above 2000 degrees Fahrenheit, and pressure exceeded 725,000 pounds per square inch. Under this heat and pressure diamonds are made.

What is it to learn from this? 
Do not avoid irritations. God will turn it into a pearl.
Do not avoid the heat. God will purify you into gold.
Do not avoid the pressure of life. You are a diamond in the making.

Praying for our city

Gen 18:32And he said, Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak yet but this once: Peradventure ten shall be found there. And he said, I will not destroy it for ten's sake.

This is the end of Abraham’s prayer for Sodom. The reason he prayed for Sodom was that his family was there. Because of his family he prayed for the whole city. Do you pray for your city? You have family there. There are brothers and sisters there waiting to be saved. There were two things that was needed to save Sodom. Somebody to pray, and a group of righteous people. Abraham started to pray that God would save Sodom from destruction if there was 50 righteous there.  He kept on all down to 10 people. God promised he would save Sodom if there were only ten righteous there. I think sometime we underestimate the power and influence we have over our city. We may be a small church, but if ten could save the city of Sodom from destruction, what can a church do? You may feel your church or bible group is small, but we are the salt of the earth that is hindering the enemy from taking complete control. Paul says we are holding back so the Anti Christ should be revealed. I wonder if Abraham had continued to ask for five, if God would have said yes to that also. Maybe Abraham thought he was safe asking for only ten. But there was not even ten righteous there. Let us keep on praying for our city, and not give up.

We often tend to focus on the judgment of Sodom, and how much God hated their sin. That is true of course, but think about his grace. He would have saved the city from his wrath if there were only ten righteous there.
Don’t be discouraged by the number of your church. You are making a difference for your city. Keep on praying and keep on serving God. We are blocking and hindering the enemy. 

And to all you prayer warriors out there. Pray for the city. Pray for the church. Pray for our future family that now are lost in the city. There is power in prayer.

Expecations

Acts 3:5 And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them. 

This verse is taken from the story of the paralyzed man at the gate, asking for alms by Peter and John. While Peter and John told him to look on them, the Bible records he EXPECTED to receive something from them. That is what the Christmas is for many people, in one short word. Expectations. Expectations of the perfect food, or the perfect celebration. If in my family, it’s the expectations of the perfect Ribs. It is the expectations of all that goes with it, like Christmas sausages, meatballs and sauerkraut. I personally have expectations of some of the cakes and candies I had when growing up. Kids have expectations of gifts, and of certain cartoons on TV. Many will be disappointed, and not having their expectations met. So it was with this paralyzed man this day. He expected to receive something from them. But the answer from Peter was, silver and gold we don’t have…. First disappointment. Maybe he wanted to look for someone else right away. Someone else that could give him the siver and Gold he expected. But the word from Peter was, look on us. Just wait. Give it some time. Because, we may not have what you expect, but God has something far better for you. He will heal you.
The Bible says that he is able to do exceeding abundantly above all we can ask or think… You may have your expectations in life. You may have your goals and expectations, but instead of only focusing on them, look on Jesus. He has something far better for you. Even though he may not meet your expectations, he can do exceeding abundantly above all you can ask or think.

Ruth expected food, but God gave her a husband. Saul expected to find lost donkeys, but God made him a King. The prodigal son expected to be made a servant. God made him a Son.
So put your expectations aside, and trust the One that can do exceeding abundantly above all you can ask or think.

Do I HAVE to?

Mark 10:17And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?

This rich young man came to Jesus with a question so many people today ask themselves. What do I HAVE to do to be saved? Jesus gave him the “I HAVE to list”, but then presented him to the “I want to” list. It was soon evident he was only interested in the have to, and not the want to. 

I am so tired of all the debates among Christians based on the question; do I HAVE to?

Do I HAVE to go to church?
Do I HAVE to pay tithe?
Do I HAVE to be baptized?
MUST it be in the name of Jesus ?
Do I HAVE to receive the Holy Ghost?
Do I HAVE to pray every day?
Do I HAVE to be holy?

In the first church they didn't do things because they HAD to. They did it because they WANTED to. If you don't want to be baptized, if you don't want the Holy Ghost, if you don't want to give, and if you don't want to live holy etc etc. The question remains: Do you really WANT to go to heaven. Because the truth is: You don't really HAVE to

Are you offended?

Acts 2:37Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?

The first time the Gospel was preached, it pricked their hearts. It brought an uncomfortable feeling. The same feeling is described when Stephen preached. They were also pricked in their hearts. But instead of asking "what shall we do?", they took great offence. Many people today are offended by the truth. They don’t like the feeling it gives. They don't like to be pricked in their hearts. Instead of asking what they should do, the gnash their teeth against the messenger. They are offended.
But really, when we do not believe and receive the truth we are offending God. 

Israel offended God when they did not believe they could take the promised land. Sarai offended God when she laughed and did not believe she could have a son. Jesus was offended in his ministry by the lack of faith, and asked, “oh faithless generation, how long shall I suffer you…”
When we are offended by God, it leads us to salvation. But when we offend God, it leads to judgment. Swallow your pride and repent. Swallow your pride and receive the truth. Better to be offended by truth, than to offend truth.

The mirror of life

1 Cor 13:12For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

A glass or mirror back at the time of Jesus was not as the ones we have today. It was actually not made of glass, but of steel. The reflections were far from perfect, but you could see the shape and an imperfect and blur reflection of yourself. The amplified version says it like this:

12 For now [in this time of imperfection] we see in a mirror dimly [a blurred reflection, a riddle, an enigma], but then [when the time of perfection comes we will see reality] face to face. Now I know in part [just in fragments], but then I will know fully, just as I have been fully known [by God].

We view life down here through an ancient glass or mirror. Paul says that the things we see and experience here are not the whole story. Not the real picture. What we see and experience down here are just a blur reflection of reality. The word translated “darkly” means a riddle. We get some clues, but some things don’t seem to make sense. But one day, we will see the perfect and real picture. One day it will all make sense. One day we will get the answer to our life’s riddle.
But when things are difficult to understand, and hard to get, Paul goes on to say we have three things to help us in this imperfect understanding: “Faith, Hope and Love.” 

Hope is knowning what you CAN believe in

Faith is knowing WHAT you believe in

Love is knowing WHY you believe in it

Looking unto Jesus

James 3:16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.

When you focus on others, you will be envious. The Psalmist said it like this in Psalm 73:3 ”For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.”
When I focused on the wicked, I became envious. Envy comes when you focus on others. And the next it brings is confusion. The Psalmist was confused. Why does everything seemingly go so easy and well for the wicked? 

The word strife here is translated self-seeking in the Norwegian Bible. “NIV” uses selfish ambitions. Self-seeking, or selfish ambitions comes when you focus on yourself. And when you focus on yourself, you will be confused. How am I going to make it? Do I really have what it takes?
Envy (looking on others) and self-seeking (looking on yourself) brings confusion and evil work. So what do I do? I do what Heb 12:2 says: “Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. So stop looking on others, and stop looking to yourself. Instead, lift up your eyes, and focus on Jesus. Then you will not be confused.

When the enemy is messing, God is blessing

Psalm 23:5Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over

I believe we many times miss to see the blessings of God, because we are too busy focusing on the enemy. We are too busy focusing on the battle, so we don’t see the Table he has prepared for us. But right there, in the midst of the battle, in the midst of our enemies, God prepares a table of blessing. That tells me that when the enemy is at the closest, Gods blessings is also at its closest. So next time you feel the battle is hard, and next time you feel the presence of the enemy, you need to lift up your head, and look around you. Somewhere close, there is a table of blessing for you. Just take a timeout from the heat, and sit down with your Master and fellowship. It is almost as God is saying, I didn’t intend for you to stay in the enemy’s presence. I have called you, and intended for you to stay and walk in my presence. 

One of the things the enemy will try to do, is make you focus so much on the storm, and on the wave so you don’t see the one standing right by you to bless you. Don’t allow your storm to steal your blessing. Lift up your head and look around you. He is there to strengthen you. He is there to bless you.

When the enemy is messing, God is blessing 

Fear not

Luk 1:30But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God.

The Christmas story in the Bible is full of the phrase ”Fear not”. First we find the angel telling Zacharias, fear not, for your prayer is heard. Then the angel told the shepherds; fear not, for I bring you good tidings. Mary was told not to fear, for she had found favor or grace with God. The angel said Joseph should not be afraid for the one to be born should save his people from their sins. This good tidings, was for ALL the people. The message of "fear not" is not just for Mary and Joseph. It is not only for Zechariahs or for the Shepherds. It is for all the people. Why should we not be afraid? Because we have found grace in the sight of God, and our sins have been forgiven. 

I have read and heard many times that the phrase “fear not” is in the Bible 365 times, so there will be one for each day. I am afraid that is a myth. But one thing I know is in the Bible, and that is that his mercy and grace is new every morning. The angel told Mary fear not, for you have found favor / grace in the sight of God. We know the reason for her to not be afraid was that she had found grace. We also know that grace is new EVERY morning. That is why we know that there is a FEAR NOT for every day, even though it is not listed 365 times. If the Bible tells me that I don’t have to fear, because his grace is new every day, I don’t need it repeated 365 times. Every day I wake up to a brand new grace, so that every day I can wake up with a fear not.

A willing God

Matt 8:2And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.

3And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.

If you will, you can… He knew Jesus was able. There was no question of Jesus being able to heal. There was no doubt about the power of Jesus. No the question was if Jesus was willing. For if Jesus was willing, he knew he could do it.
I believe that’s the issue for many Christians today. They know and believe he has the power to heal. But we are not so certain about his willingness. Jesus settled the question for this man, when he said; I WILL, be though clean.

The Psalmist says it like this: “Psalm 73:1Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart. 2But as for me…”

In other words, I know and believe God is good and willing for everyone else. Those that has a clean heart. BUT as for me… I am not so sure about me. It’s not God I am doubting. Its not Gods power I am doubting. Not even his goodness. No, it is myself I doubt. I don’t think I deserve it. I don’t think I am good enough. I don’t think I am clean enough. 

When Jesus met the woman at the well, he said: If you knew the gift of God, and if you knew who talked to you, you would have asked and he WOULD have given you living water. The reason you don’t receive it is not that I am not willing, nor that I don’t have the power. It is because you don’t ask. And the reason you don’t ask is because you don’t know me. I am a WILLING God. Just ask, and is SHALL be given. Knock and it SHALL be opened up. Because I am able, and I am willing.

Are you prepared?

Matt 17:21  Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.

The disciples of Jesus had just tried to cast out this Devil. Jesus lets them know that this kind only come out through prayer and fasting. There are many things in the Kingdom of God we never see or experience because we are not prepared for it. It was too late to run and pray when the need was there. When the challenge stood right in front of them, it was too late to fast and pray. That should have been done before the need arrived. Jesus however was prepared. He had fasted and prayed, and was ready for the challenge.

Are you ready to be used? Have you prayed and fasted?  Joshua told the people to sanctify themselves, for tomorrow… When tomorrow arrived and they stood in front of Jordan, and when they stood on front of Jericho, they were prepared.

Have you allowed God to prepare you for tomorrow? Are you ready and prepared for the battles and revivals of tomorrow? Have you spent time in Gods presence, and been molded into his image, so that when people in darkness are looking for the light they see you? Have you spent time in his word, so that when the question arise you have the answer? Have you spent time in prayer so that when the need is there, you have the faith it takes?

God will not and cannot use an unprepared vessel. He will not use an unclean vessel. We must do the praying and fasting today so we are ready for the Devil tomorrow. We must do the sanctification today so we are ready for the revival of tomorrow.

Sanctify yourself, for tomorrow...

Joshua 3:5And Joshua said unto the people, Sanctify yourselves: for to morrow the Lord will do wonders among you.

Joshua and Israel was on their way to the Promised Land. They were on their way to great miracles and wonders. Rivers opening up, walls coming down and great victories were waiting on them. 

Oh how many times we have read this, and proclaimed the promise of tomorrow. Tomorrow God will do wonders. Tomorrow God will do miracles, and send us revival. We believe and proclaim the promises God has given us for tomorrow. But we too often forget that the wonders of tomorrow is predicated on the sanctification of today. It is easy to forget the “sanctify yourself” today because we only focus on the wonders for tomorrow. “TODAY if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.” (Heb 3:15)
That was the first time they were suppose to take the promised land. THey missed what they were suppose to do TODAY, so they missed the wonders of tomorrow.
Let us sanctify our self, let us consecrate and prepare ourself for the wonders of tomorrow. We don’t want to miss it like they did the first time. It was lack of faith that stopped them. But faith also includes obedience.

2 Cor 6:17Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,

So let us in obedience to Gods word, be separate and Holy as God is holy. Then, we can expect wonders and miracles of another level.

Bring your wood

Neh 10:34“We—the priests, the Levites and the people—have cast lots to determine when each of our families is to bring to the house of our God at set times each year a contribution of wood to burn on the altar of the Lord our God, as it is written in the Law.

Prov 26:20 Without wood a fire goes out;

I am aware the text from proverbs is talking about gossip. But I would like to put it  in another context. 

Every fire needs wood to keep it going. The job and responsibility of the priests was to make sure the fire never went out. In order to keep the fire burning there is a need for constant supply of wood. Every family among the Levites and priest, was to bring their contribution of fire.
Are you enjoying the fire of the Holy Ghost in church? You enjoy the presence of God and the powerful atmosphere in worship? Then my question to you is this: Do you bring your share of wood to the fire? Without wood a fire goes out. Do you pray? Do you sacrifice? Are you hungry? Are you a worshipper? 

The reason there is a fire is because somebody has provided the wood. Prayer before church is a good place to come and bring your wood. Worship time is a good time and place to bring your wood. Tithes and offering time is a good time and place to bring your wood. During the preaching, every Amen, and getting with the Pastor as he preaches is a good way of giving your wood. Altar call is also a good place to bring forth your wood.
You see, a church needs a constant supply of wood. Do you enjoy the fire? Then make sure it doesn’t go out. 

True freedom

John 18:39But it is your custom for me to release to you one prisoner at the time of the Passover. Do you want me to release ‘the king of the Jews’?”

40They shouted back, “No, not him! Give us Barabbas!” Now Barabbas had taken part in an uprising.

I don’t know how much Barabbas heard of the commotion going on here. Maybe from his cell he heard them cheer for his name. He was aware of the custom, and was aware that this was the time that they would choose someone to be set free, but I am sure he didn’t have much hope for his name to come up. But suddenly he could hear them shout “GIVE US BARABBAS!” I don’t know what thought that went through his mind. Maybe pride rose as he thought they really fought for his freedom. Maybe he thought that they wanted him free because of love for him. I don’t even know what went through his mind when Pilate set him free. Having the power to set him free, he could mistake that maybe Pilate thought he was innocent after all? But really, Pilate set him free out of FEAR for the same people Barabbas thought loved him. He may not have been aware that the motive was not love for him, but hate for Jesus. I am sure he found out, when he was released thinking that he was popular now, that surely this people do not love me anyway. No one invites me for dinner, and no one wants to hang out with me. 

The Devil fools many people into believing they are blessed because of love and popularity. They have what they have because he wants to “bless” them. But sooner or later the truth will come to the surface. The Devil is not driven with love, but rather with hate. His only goal is to kill, steal and destroy. 

The interesting thing in this story is that the one that caused Barabbas to be set free, is the one that came to set people free. But he did not come to do it this way. The ones he sets free, becomes really free. Barabbas came to find out he was not free, even though he technically was free. Following the voice of the Devil, you can be bound even though you are free. But if you follow the voice of Jesus you can be free, even though you are bound. Just like my friend in prison here in Norway. As God forgave him of his sins, he ran out from his cell, shouting I am free, I am free. He still had five more years to serve… That’s true freedom.

This gift is for YOU

Luk 2:10And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

This wonderful great gift that came down from heaven, was given to ALL people. The Angels said; Unto YOU… This gift has your nametag on it. Whatever he came to do, he did it for you. Whatever he came to give, he gave it to you. 

Isaiah wrote: “Unto us is born, and unto us is given…” You can switch us with me. Unto ME is born a savior. Unto ME is born a Wonder. Unto ME is born a Counselor. Unto ME is born the Mighty God. Unto ME is born the Everlasting Father. Unto ME is born the Prince of Peace.
Whatever he is, and whatever he gave. It is for you.
Have you received what he came to give you? 

Better to be filled with the Spirit than drunk with wine

Eph 5:18Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit,

Acts 2:15These people are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning!

The bible likens to be filled with the Holy Ghost to be drunk. There are many similarities between being drunk and filled with the Spirit.

·     You become more loud

o   It is almost impossible to make a drunk person keep his silence. It is the same with one filled with the Spirit. It makes him shout and praise God with a loud voice.

·     You become more bold

o   When you are drunk you do things you normally would be afraid to do. So it is with a Holy Ghost filled person. You start to tell people about God, and do things you earlier would have been ashamed of

·     You will tell the truth. 

o   There is a saying in Norway that you will hear the truth from either a child or a drunken man. Hard to keep a secret when you are drunk.

o   Paul made it clear that we cannot do anything less than telling people of what we have heard and seen.

·     You start loving everyone

o   I was working with an alcoholic some years ago. Whenever he got drunk, he started to hug everyone, telling them how great they were. When you are filled with the Spirit, you love everyone in a much deeper, greater and more honest way than any drunk person

·     You walk different

o   When you are drunk, you can easily see it on the walk, and that is one of the things a Police officer will check when suspicious of alcohol. When you are filled with the Spirit, it will affect your walk. You start walking with God, and its easy for all to see there is a difference from before and after

·     Your personality changes

o   For one that is drunk, its not always it changes for the better, but for one filled with the Spirit, your personality always changes to the better.

·     You are not afraid

o   Fear goes, as you get drunk. You stop thinking of consequences. It is the same with a Holy Ghost filled person. 

·     You become happy

o   A drunken person laughs of the most silly thing. Because he is so happy. Joy is one of the characteristics of anyone filled with the Spirit.

·     Makes you forget the pain

o   As a drunk person it is but for a moment. But for one filled with the Holy Ghost it is permanent

No wonder Paul advised us to be filled with the Holy Ghost rather than be drunk with wine.