If anyone knows Melissa…

And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein.

² But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months. ~ Rev. 11:1-2

I don’t really know all of what this verse means, but I do know that it tells us that the Spirit of God is measuring worshipers. He is looking for those whose treasure is in Heaven and who abide in the “inner court” of God’s temple.

Consider: in our world of terror, pressures, trauma, our only refuge exists in the living presence of God. We must not accept a religion where we only know about God and assume it is the same as living in the presence of God. If we are to truly dwell in the Presence of the Lord, we must become true worshipers of God.

Jesus taught that “true worshipers” are those who worship “the Father in spirit and truth.” In other words, their worship to God flows freely regardless of difficult situations or challenging conditions or even good times…they still worship. The Bible says, in John 4:23 that “the Father seeketh such to worship him.”

God is seeking worshippers. In fact, God’s first priority isn’t for us to be miracle workers or great preachers and teachers or singers. What does He seek? He is seeking worshipers. If we focus on being true worshipers, everything else will fall into place; the miracles will follow.

If we focus on making our worship true, whatever ministry we do and whatever Words we say will be anointed, and our walk with God will be true. If we bow in worship before studying God’s Word, His Word will sink deeper into our soul; our fruit will be abundant and enduring. If before we open our mouths in prayer, we spend time honoring God in worship, our intercession will reach Heaven and our trust and faith will GROW!  Jesus told us to begin our prayer with worship. “Pray, this way,” He said: “Our Father which art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name” (Matt. 6:1). You see, before we even lift our voice in prayer, He instructs us to bow our hearts in worship.

True worship rescues us from the mundane and the routine; it takes our minds off ourselves and burrows us into the depths of God.

Indeed, whether the outward form of our worship is expressed with tears of joy or in silent awe, worship unites us with love to the heart of God.

The Story of True Worshippers

And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. ~ Matthew 2:11

We know them as the Wise Men. Some call them by other names: Kings, Visitors, Travelers, Magi. But rarely do we hear them called Worshipers.

We don’t have a lot of details about these Travelers from afar, yet their story is a part of the story of Jesus birth and recorded in the pages of the Bible. The Wise men were compelled to seek for this one “that is born King of the Jews” (Matthew 2:2) so they could worship Him. With each step, they made a choice to continue a journey estimated to be around 1,000 miles and likely took at least 25-30 days.

These men were diligent and eventually reached Jesus. When they arrived, they didn’t begin by asking lots of questions or telling about themselves. No, first they bowed down to worship. The Wise Men recognized Jesus’ majesty, and before they gave earthly gifts, they offered Him their greatest treasure – their worship.

How often do we worship Jesus just because He is Jesus? The truth is sometimes I’m guilty of selfish worship. Rather than glorifying God for who He is, I quickly sing a song of praise and then begin my list of what He can do for me. But here we have these Wise Men…these travelers, who sacrificed much. Unlike them, my worship too often costs me nothing.

Right now, as we head right into this Christmas season where we will celebrate and remember Jesus’ birth, let us follow the example of these Wise Men and pay the price to get ourselves into God’s presence so that we too can offer our greatest treasure. Then let us choose to worship the King with all that we are…holding nothing back.

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Lord, come into my life and fulfill Your promise of transformation. Create praise on my lips, and help me to worship You in spirit and in truth.

There is much debate today concerning the modern day existence of apostles and prophets. I find this quite interesting since Ephesians 4:11 says And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers.

And I Corithians 12:28 says And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.

There is no place in Scripture where it says that He removed any of the gifts of the Spirit nor the ministry gifts which includes apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. God knows how to build His Church. In Mathew 16:18 Jesus said He would build His Church and the gates of hell would not prevail against it. What He has set in the Church cannot be voted out by a deacon board or any man. I have heard where denominations have voted and decided there are no apostles in the Church today. The problem with that is that Jesus didn’t say it and He didn’t do it; and it’s His Church!

There is also an order mentioned in I Corinthians 12 which says that the Apostles are set in first. This word is the Greek word, “prōton” which means firstly (in time, place, order, or importance): – before, at the beginning, chiefly, at the first (of all). It comes from the word, “prōtos,” which means, foremost (in time, place, order or importance): – before, beginning, best, chief (-est), first (of all), former.

After the apostles come the prophets and the teachers. Then it says something very enlightening. It says, after that miracles. Could it be that one reason we see so few miracles is that we are all out of order?

My opinion is that there have always been apostles in the Church that Jesus builds. They may not have been called that by people or even known exactly what they were themselves, but there has always been apostolic anointing in the Church somewhere.

There were only 12 “apostles of the Lamb.” We are not referring to the original twelve who walked with Jesus when He was on the earth, but to the others that have been set in the Church.

The problem today is that we call everyone who leads a ministry a pastor and everyone who travels an evangelist. We are confused. We seem to be afraid to use the very terms the Bible uses and instead prefer words man has made up. We have been told that it is pride to know that you are called as an apostle or prophet, but ok to know you are a evangelist, pastor or teacher. All the ministry graces come from Jesus, no one earns any of them.

I understand that on the flipside there are those who run around using “titles” with no substance or identification. When someone is called to be an apostle or prophet, they will be confirmed and affirmed by other apostles and prophets. It takes some time for that to develop but when someone is true, they will eventually be identified if they walk faithfully with the Lord. They should not identify themselves, but wait on God’s timing. He knows when we are ready. There will come a day when we can acknowledge that we are what we are.

1Co 3:10 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. 1Co 3:11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

What we do in the Body of Christ should always be according to grace. Part of the definition of grace is the ability to do what you have been called to do.

The apostle Paul said he was a “wise masterbuilder.” This word, “masterbuilder” is the word, “architektōn”. It is where we get or word, “architect”.

So, apostles are builders. They lay the foundation of Christ for others to build upon.

Eph 2:19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; Eph 2:20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; Eph 2:21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: Eph 2:22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

These verses tell us that apostles and prophets are foundational in the “temple of the Lord” with Jesus Himself being the Chief Conerstone. How is it that we have cut them out of the Body for so many years? What a disaster!

We need apostles today to impart according to Rom 1:11 For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established.

Apostles strengthen the Church. Apostles are pioneers, messengers, ambassadors.

They have a very specific call from God.

Rom 1:1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God.

Eph 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God…

Gal 1:1 Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;)

2Ti 1:11 Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.

2Ti 1:12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

Paul knew for sure who God had called him to be. So if we are in pride when we know we are called as an apostle, was Paul also in pride? I have only placed a few of the Scriptures where Paul says he is an apostle. You can study more about it for yourself.

Paul said he was a preacher or a herald of the gospel. He said he was an apostle. This word is

“apostolos” and it means, a delegate; specifically an ambassador of the Gospel; officially a commissioner of Christ (“apostle”), (with miraculous powers): – apostle, messenger, he that is sent. And he said he was a teacher or instructor. He was confident in his heavenly mandate. He said he was suffering some things because of his calling. Apostles are familiar with suffering in some fashion. We are not all called to suffer the same things in the same way, but apostles are acquainted with suffering.

Apostles are sent one’s. They are sent by God with a mission. Their lives are a direct mandate from God. They can tell you details concerning how God has called them and know they are called beyond any doubt.

Luk 6:12 And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. Luk 6:13 And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles;

Apostles are sent to release the supernatural power of God.

Mat 10:7 And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Mat 10:8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.

2Co 10:4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)

This word “warfare” is the Greek word “strateia”. It means, military service, that is, (figuratively) the apostolic career (as one of hardship and danger).

When someone is called to be apostle, they cannot expect everything in their life to always be smooth sailing. They have a career of warfare.

2Co 12:12 Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.

The Bible in Basic English says it this way – 2Co 12:12 Truly the signs of an Apostle were done among you in quiet strength, with wonders and acts of power.

One meaning of the word patience is consistency. Apostles are constant. They are not easily swayed. They are focused on their assignments. They move in the power of God with signs and wonders. They preach the Good News, heal the sick and cast out demons among other things.

1Co 9:2 If I be not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you: for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord.

Apostles train others. They pour their lives into those who are connected to them. They do not expect to have the same relationship with everyone in their lives. They are very relational and know those who are connected to their apostleship.

1Th 2:7 But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children: 1Th 2:8 So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.

Apostles are parental in the Body of Christ. They have traits of a nursing mother. They love deeply, even though many times they are accused of not being loving. They take relationships very serious. It is their life.

The English Standard Version says – 1Th 2:7 But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children.

And they have the traits of a father.

1Th 2:11 As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children, 1Th 2:12 That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.

Apostles expect those who are with them to grow and walk in holiness. They teach and train in Kingdom living. If you are looking for someone who views Christianity as “going to church” won’t be comfortable with an apostle as a leader. They will think that too much is being required of them. Apostles focus on raising up leaders.

Mat 28:18 Then Jesus came up and told them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Mat 28:19 Therefore, as you go, disciple people in all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Mat 28:20 teaching them to obey everything that I’ve commanded you. And remember, I am with you each and every day until the end of the age.”

The world view of an apostle is that all nations are to be discipled. They are not only locally minded, but have a heart for all nations. They are aware that wherever they are, they are there because God has sent them. Apostles also want to see others sent into their own divine assignments.

If you are looking for someone who is full of vision, will challenge you to grow in Christ, give you opportunities to move in the gifts of the Spirit, release impartation to you and expect you to develop in your God given purpose, then you will love being with a true apostle.

“I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.”  ~ Ephesians 4:1-6

Definitions of “endeavoring.”

• to exert oneself to do or effect something; make an effort; strive:
• To attempt, to try, a strenuous effort

Definition of “keep.”

• Hold on to.

Definitions of “unity.”

• The state of being one
• A whole or totality as combining all its parts into one
• Absence of diversity

 

Before God, unity will not be defined as just how well I get along with my friends. It will be defined as how well I get along with them and that one that grates on my nerves just a little or that one that is needy or that one that has issues with me or vice versa. How well did I walk alongside them? Before God, unity is not defined as how well we talk unity or seem to walk in unity. It will be defined as that and the unity present in your own heart. You say I walk at peace with all men…well, it didn’t sound like it when you were talking to your friend the other day. It didn’t sound like it when you were complaining and murmuring. It didn’t seem like it in your thought life. God knows. He sees the issues of the heart.

You say it is Thanksgiving week…why are you bringing all of this up? We should be thanking God for all His many blessings. Yes, we should, but God has begun dealing with me with this Word. A couple of days before Thanksgiving. So for me, this is His Word for this week. I am talking about it because at Thanksgiving we talk about the blessings of God and how thankful we are for them. We are thankful for……. I am thankful for the greatest blessing of Jesus and His gift to me of eternal life. My salvation paid for by the sacrifice Jesus made when He died on that cross because of my sins. He stood in my place. He died that I might live and I thank God for that blessing. I am sure you thank God for that blessing. But in His Word, He had a few verses that were Rhema Word for me about my blessing and I don’t want to miss it this Thanksgiving or next. Why am I talking about unity? Because of this next passage – Psalm 133.

“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron’s beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments; As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: FOR THERE the Lord commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.” ~ Psalms 133

Definition of “dwell.”

• To live or stay as a permanent resident; reside.
• To live or continue in a given condition or state.

PRAY for those you feel you don’t have unity with.

– Give thanks unto the Lord

– Cry unto the Lord

– Receive from the Lord

– Praise the Lord

“O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.

Then they cried unto the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses. And he led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city of habitation. Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!

Then they cried unto the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them out of their distresses. He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and brake their bands in sunder. Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!

Then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and he saveth them out of their distresses. He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions. Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!

Then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses. He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still. Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven. Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!

Whoso is wise, and will observe these things, even they shall understand the lovingkindness of the Lord.”

~ Psalms 107:1, 6-8, 13-15, 19-21, 28-31, 43

I have been back from Tanzania for almost a week. I have not fully recovered from jet lag and I am weepy and having a bit of a hard time processing some things. I want to take a minute to address something though. Women caught up in human trafficking are exploited on so many levels by just about everyone they come into contact with. Because of that, I did not feel the release from the Holy Ghost to take even one picture of a person on this trip, whether it be a lady, a child, or a team member…so I didn’t take any. I just couldn’t. I prayed for miracles, signs, wonders, salvations. I prayed that I would express the love of Jesus and that I would represent Him well. I pray I accomplished that. I know I attempted to plant lots of seeds.

The team I was a part of talked to many, many girls each night. From 8pm to midnight we walked and talked. We hugged and were hugged. We laughed and we cried. We shared the gospel on every corner and every dark alley of the red light district. For us, we did not have any girls come to the house. Some of those I prayed extensively for at the house have since run away or been sent away because of issues we couldn’t have known. The team as a whole had success and of the seven brought in during our time on the streets, three have stayed. Cecelia, Lena, Neema. They also brought with them 2 precious little boys into the house. At our banquet many responded to the Gospel message and testimonies. Seeds planted.

It would be easier to share and process with pictures but all I have now are the pictures planted in my heart – pictures of lots of darkness but even more pictures of light. I met some of the sweetest and most beautiful and intelligent young girls in that darkness. I have nothing now to even prove it except a heart ripped open by the promises of God I saw in their faces and on their lives as they made their choices each night and walked away. And so here I sit back in NC asking our Father…what do I do with this now? What about the girls I talked to every single night…Happiness, Jackie, and Lina. What is to become of them? I am weepy…but I believe He weeps even more than I do. These are His daughters. His “Binti.” And He says to me the same thing He has been saying since He set me on this journey. He says, “Pray!”

Hebrews 13:7 – Remember them which have rule over you, who have spoken unto you the Word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.

Jeremiah 3:15 – And I will give you Pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.

The Lord has raised you up to feed this flock with knowledge and understanding. He has seen your heart and recognized Himself in you. God has appointed you as pastors, because you are shepherds after His own heart.

1. I love my pastors because they study and preach the Word faithfully.They are consistent every week.
2. I love my pastors because they are people of prayer.They know they cannot lead and shepherd our church in their own They choose to be totally dependent on God.
3. I love my pastors because they are always on call.Workweeks are long. Vacations and days off will often be interrupted by crises and deaths, but they don’t complain. They views it as a part of the call.
4. I love my pastors because they are there to celebrate my victories and to comfort me in my difficulties.Their own life is a roller coaster of emotional events, but they remain constant and strong for our church.
5. I love my pastors because they leads our church with a vision.And they constantly seeks to make certain it is God’s vision and not their own.
6. I love my pastors because they endure criticism.And though the critics hurt, they persevere and love  anyway.
7. I love my pastors because they are authentic.They don’t act superior or condescending. The pastor I see in the pulpit is consistent with the pastor I see in other settings.
8. I love my pastors because they bear the burdens of leading many people without complaint or self-pity.They hear of so many challenges and problems in others’ lives, but that does not deter them from listening and praying for us.
9. I love my pastors because they are sacrificial.They seek to put us church members before themselves. Selfless and grateful..
10. I love my pastors because they love to share the gospel and the power of the resurrection.Truly passionate about seeing those without Christ become followers of the Savior.
11. I love my pastors because they disciple and mentor many.They understand that their role is not to do all the work of ministry, but to equip others to do the work of ministry.
12. I love my pastors because they love our congregation with a Christ-like love.Though they can get frustrated and discouraged, their love for us does not wane. Indeed we get a glimpse of the love of Jesus Christ through the love of our Pastors.

Word of God in you is my portion and my inheritance. I don’t take it lightly when you speak…or when the enemy works to prevent you from speaking. Much, much more valuable and precious than an earthly inheritance is the Word of God He entrusts to you for me!

Isaiah 40:8 – The grass withers the, the flower fadeth: but the Word of our God shall stand for ever.

Matthew 24:35 – Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my Words shall not pass away.

1 Peter 1:25 – But the word of the Lord endures forever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.

This year…tough for you, tough for your family, tough for the church family. Trials expose…

Job 23:8-10 – Behold, I go forward, but he is not there; and backward, but I cannot perceive him: on the left hand, where he doth work, but I cannot behold him: he hideth himself on the right hand, that I cannot see him: but he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.

Pastors, you will come forth as gold. To everyone who is struggling for what seems unending season you may not perceive His presence, but He is here, and you will come forth as GOLD.

Church, it is their assignment to shepherd and lead but it is our assignment to step in and help in whatever way is needed and it is our assignment to be like Aaron and Hur to hold up their hands when their hands start to fall from the weight….but not only that READ

Exodus 17:12 But Moses hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.

They took a stone and put it under him so he could sit and they held his arms up and steady!!!!

How do we do that? Through prayer, warfare prayer when needed…fasting (Matthew 17:21- howbeit this kind of go with not out but by prayer and fasting), through encouragement to them and to their families, and also (maybe most important) through growing in the Word. In knowledge and understanding. By learning to get a Word from the Lord and stand on a Word from the Lord on our own so that you can stand firm while helping hold their weight. They can only stand for us because of the Word of the Lord in them. We can only stand firm for them and their ministry because of the Word of the Lord in us.

Pastors, we love you. We honor you. We thank God for you. And we bless you today…in the Name of Jesus!