Mannaword

“To God’s elect, exiles scattered throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood.” 1 Peter 1:1-3 TNIV

In our last post study, we worked with the very beginning of this letter’s introduction. Today we will look at the testy subject of God’s “foreknowledge.” In the Greek, the word is literally the two words for “for or forward” and the word for knowledge. So we have our English word very accurate to the thought process of the Holy Spirit. 

Our God is awesome in every way. His mind encompasses all of creation, time and eternity. My brain “goes into knots” (as one of my friends says) just to try to think about holding such concepts. Just the thought of that – WOW – more than we can conceive. The thrust in this verse is that our Lord has known us, “in His mind,” before the foundation of the world. I believe this is true both individually and collectively. Ephesians 1:4 is very clear about that fact. 

His “foreknowledge” never interferes with our freedom to choose. I have four precious children, three sons and one daughter. When they were all young children I learned (limited thought I am in my mind) their choices based on who they were and what they usually would choose. When having a choice between ice cream and fruit, everyone would pick ice cream, except my youngest, David. David would always choose fruit. Just because I knew before I asked did not mean I chosen for them. They still had their own minds and choices of the freedom God gave them in their imaging of Him. 

That is a small example of how my mind works with the foreknowledge of our awesome God. He loves us so deeply and knows ahead of time, yet allows us to choose to be chosen. I know it can get really complicated when we study this out theologically. I have done that, and it produces more “brain-knots” for me. This is my simple way to receive and be blessed by my marvelous God knowing and loving and receiving. 

Nothing about me surprises Him. Nothing about you surprises Him. We have been in His heart and mind all along. Awesome!

“To God’s elect, strangers in the world, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling by his blood.”

This is the way the Apostle Peter begins his first letter. I should say, his first letter that we have on record. I am certain he wrote many more letters, both personal and in the line of his apostolic ministry. However, this is the first one we have recorded for us by the Holy Spirit. These beginnings are so revealing regarding the writer and their relationships with those who were the recipients of the letter.

First, it is Peter. Beloved Peter who went from  having his foot in his mouth, to being one of the foremost apostles of all times. Here he is writing to “God’s elect,” a term of fondness to those in the 1st century church. They are the ones who have chosen to believe and follow the Lord in a time of persecution and difficulty. Let’s watch as we study this letter, the terms Peter uses for what we group as “church.” Nothing right or wrong intended here, just an observation.

He also calls them strangers in the world. He returns to the term “strangers” later in the chapter. Again just watching. They are scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia. If you will look at the New Testament maps at the back of some of your Bibles, you will find those designations to the top of the maps above Israel’s area. Many of you will remember that Paul wanted to go this direction on his second missionary journey but was  restrained by the Holy Spirit from going through some of them (Acts 16:6-7). It is thought that Peter visited these areas on his journeys.

The Holy Spirit is the one to govern our actions. If we are to follow Him, He will lead us to do and go where He needs us to go and do. The Holy Spirit is best able to direct us (and all ministry and church work). Our minds, demographics, observations of obvious needs, etc… are very poor substitutes for His direction.

We need to return to listening. He lives within us to lead and guide. Yet, we choose our own thoughts over Him so much of the time. May He help us to be alert to His presence – every moment. Really good to do when God Himself actually lives inside us, don’t you think? More later.

Well, a new face! Thats’ nice. I have chosen to return to Word Press with Mannaword, and have been able to get the domain name. So as you will see, we are now just Mannaword.com. 

This will enable much more, and I am excited about working with Word Press again. Thanks Blogger for the years of holding and publishing. Now it is time to take this step and move further. 

So welcome everyone, to our new home. 

I am taking this blog back to Blogger for the present time. I have enjoyed WordPress, but without investing funds, there is not a way to add video to my posts and I would like to do that. So if you have been reading here, please click: www.mannaword.blogspot.com Thank you.

Here is the final lecture I attended at the Elim Leadership Conference – the last week in May. So sorry to be so late – just hit the ground running – so to speak and then have not returned to finish this.

The speaker was David Ireland and he spoke from Judges 6 on Gideon

God Wants Us To Become Mighty Warriors. 

Judges 6:1-12 v.12 12 – -When the angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon, he said, “The LORD is with you, mighty warrior.’ Gideon is threshing wheat inside when he should be outside. He hiding from his enemies by doing it inside a cave. He was a wimp. Gideon in his state of discouragement hears the words, “You, mighty warrior.” Gideon’s response; Judg 6:13  “Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon replied, “but if the LORD is with us, why has all this happened to us? Where are all his wonders that our ancestors told us about when they said, ‘Did not the LORD bring us up out of Egypt?’ But now the LORD has abandoned us and given us into the hand of Midian.”

We think our questions will release us of the responsibility of doing what the Lord has asked. It comes from discouragement. We become, like Gideon, discouraged by our circumstances. “God where are your miracles, There have been many times we have needed you and you did not show. We are living in caves – where are you and your miracles.” Judg 6:14

The LORD turned to him and said, “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?”

The Lord is the same. He calls us Mighty Warriors – He send us to go with the strength you have. “Gideon, step up to it and take the responsibility.”

You bring yourself to the table. One of the greatest way to discourage discouragement – then challenge God. Step up and tell the Lord, “Here I am, use me.” We wear our discouragement like a badge. We wear our trouble instead of stepping up in faith.

Gideon’s answer: Judg 6:15     “Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon replied, “but how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.”  You’ve got the wrong guy – I’m a nobody – I come from a nobody family – you are mistaken.” God’s answer, “I will be with you.”

When God’s with you it makes all the difference in the world – it doesn’t matter how many are against you. If you look at yourself at being insignificant, then God will never be seen as significant to you. We must see God is a very present help in time of trouble. Gideon all you need is me – we will do great things. The wisdom of God, always baffles people.

Change your paradigm – change your questions and your attitude toward yourself – God is with you – trust Him.

Discouragement makes us complacent, it makes us stop dreaming, sends us into doubt where we doubt God. Shake it off – does not let it light.

Is that really you God – show me a sign. When we allow fear to cripple us – we cannot do anything for God. Gideon, I will help you through your fear.

Isa 35:3-4 (Hebrews 12) 2 Tim. 1:7 Your Goliath needs you to conquer it so you can go to the next level.

Be a trend setter. Don’t wash the car in the garage. Do what you do for the light to shine and for others to know you are standing.

Throw away your excuses – you are a warrior – Get to the work.

The message was very encouraging. Even re-reading it stirs me to shake off the sin and discouragement that so easily gets in my way and press forward toward the goal of the upward call in Christ Jesus!

The conference continues to be very, very good. I attended the Women’s Luncheon on Wednesday and was blessed with meeting new friends and getting to touch base with people I know. After lunch, we gathered for a time of being together and a testimony. A young woman from Africa, Nadine Feser, who is the Artestic Director for Pamoja Ministries in Tanzania, shared her heroic and miraculous recovery from a nearly fatal fall of 262 ft., and her journeys with the Lord in the process of moving toward healing and a new type of life. It was an unusual presentation with her singing her original heart songs through-out the presentation. It was excellent.

We received word Wednesday morning that Ruth Veach, mother of Nancy Clark and long time Elim precious one, went home to the Lord on Wednesday morning. Nancy was at the lunch and shared some of her heart with us. It was a very excellent program.

Wednesday evening, Lisa Bevere was not able to be here, due to her plane being rounded in  Chicago and all flights cancelled due to bad weather. Robert Morris spoke to us once again and I am including my notes below. It, once again, was a precious blessing. I urge you to examine the notes closely and learn much. Bless you and thanks for reading. I know these are a bit longer than my normal posts, but I believe they have great value.

Robert Morris – Wednesday Evening

Luke 15 & Hebrews 4

Luke 15 – Prodigal – a person lacking restraint

Why do we become prodigals – because we are three parts – Gen. 2: 7 -Spirit, soul, body

When God wanted something, He spoke to what He wanted it made of, sustained by and returned to. He both created and made some things – not the same action. Creation = out of nothing; other things He spoke to what He wanted them to come out of; trees, animals come from dirt and are sustained by dirt and return to dirt.

When God wanted mankind He spoke to Himself.  Gen. 1:26. My body was made out of dirt. I was created in His image. What would happen if a plant turned to the dirt and said “I’m pulling out.” It would die. Man said to God, “I’m pulling out.” and his body dies. But the Spirit is not sustained by dirt, but by Him.

He created to my spirit to relate to Him; He created my body to relate to earth; He made my soul to relate to both Him and the earth.

Our spirits were dead when we were born. So we have primarily related to God through our soul: mind=thoughts; will = desires; emotions=feelings. We continually relate the things of God through our soul. We must learn to relate though Spirit.

Have you ever read anything in Scripture that does not applied to you? “God always leads us in triumph.” Just what is our experience with that one? (Several other illustrations given.) Some statements are related to spirit, some to soul, and some to body.

My spirit is redeemed –  it’s done – Ephesians 1 – work that is done.

Hebrews 10:39 – those who believe to the saving of the soul; James 3:21 – word able to save your souls. etc…

Salvation = Greek work – Soso – my spirit has been made whole; my soul is being made whole – renewing my mind; my body will be made whole.

Why would a Christian ever become a prodigal? Because they are relating to God through their soul.

1.The soul is extremely selfish. We relate to God and His creation only through what we can see feel and know. Truth: your mind is far, far, beyond any computer. Your mind has everything that has ever happened to you. The strongholds are things that cause one to make decisions based on past experiences – determines how we relate to people and to the Lord. When our minds become renewed (through and in the Word) then we begin to think His thoughts instead what has happened – now we remember volumes of scriptures that relate to this situation. The renewed mind goes to scripture – not to past experiences.

The soul must submit to the spirit – Romans 9:7 – Jacob & Esau. In the NT – represents the soul and the spirit. “flesh” is the soulish part. The soul must submit to the spirit.We need to feed the spirit and renew the mind. Psalm 131 – “I have calmed and quieted my soul.” He told his soul to be quiet and to bless the Lord. Like a weaned child. 1 Corinthians. 3 – I cannot speak to you as “spiritual” but as “fleshly” Hebrews 5 – you need milk and not solid food; youre unskilled in the word of “righteousness.”  The soul thinks your trying to kill him so he screams and throws a fit. In reality you are trying to kill him. If you let your soul die, you will save it.

The soul must die. It has to die – “I die daily.”

Hebrews 4:12 “For the word of God is living and powerful and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the soul and the spirit and of joint and marrow and a discerning of the thoughts and intents of the heart; and there is no creature hidden from His sight and open and laid bare before Him with whom we have to do.  “open” from Greek = throat/to expose the throat for execution. God has big plans for your soul. That is what He wants to do with your soul – what you think and how you feel about it is of no consequence. Phil 2:5-11. What He did to Jesus, He wants to do to you. The soul must be killed. The sword of the Spirit (word of God) does the action.

Dead men don’t argue with their wives. (explanation – dead men don’t need to be right). If I die to how I think about it, feel about it, my desires in it, then ask Jesus what He wants to think about it. Then I am beginning to relate according to the spirit in me and not my soul.

Is there an area of my life where I am sitting up in a casket? (I am supposed to be dead to much). Lord I ask you to reveal to us in our lives, where have we resurrected ourselves? Then take the sword of your Spirit and kill those areas so we begin to relate in spirit. In Jesus Name. Amen.

The time here at Elim is very rewarding. I am getting to see a lot of folk that I only get to see during such an event. I am totally enjoying myself. However, I cannot attend all the sessions, so I am only able to give you what this body can do. But the reports of folk are exciting and fantastic – even of those I have needed to miss. (If one takes in all the sessions – they must be younger and able to maintain longer times without “time out.” So I lean into those to find out about what I have  to miss. Also I will catch up with DVD’s I will purchase).

The business meeting of Elim Fellowship was a good one. This is one of my priorities because I learn much about what is going on and I am all ears and eyes about how such meetings are conducted – I always want to learn). The president of Elim Fellowship, Ron Burigo, give a opening devotional on the theme (Focus) of the conference that was exceedingly good. The gist of it is:

Change demands Focus. Focus is essential to embrace change. Take God’s word that He has given you and focus on it. Going from glory to glory is the result of focus. To focus is to adjust the lens of the vision. Change requires vision. Hebrews 12:1-4 – to “fix” one’s eyes is to focus. Hebrews 6:10-15 – God is not one to forget our work. “Strengthening the leader, to equip the church, to reach the world” – that is the motto of Elim Fellowship. That is what we are all about.

Robert Morris was the speaker for our evening session and for two sessions this morning that I did not hear. (later) His photo is above. He was exceedingly good and accurate with the Word. Of course that really blessed me. The gist of his sermon:

We are to work with Genesis 2:19 and 1 Samuel 17:4 (both passages – not just the verse) One of his very good comments was “Sin makes us stupid.” Really good. When we work with the Word, He makes us more intelligent that we really are in the natural.

He worked with “theology” and the need for it, especially as we are teaching the next generation. We must teach the truth about God and who He really is. He related a story of when he was on vacation – on a cruse ship – and reading a “fun” book. He looked up at an Alaskan scene that was before him and wonder filled his heart. The Lord spoke to Him, “I need you.” Bro. Morris began to argue because he knows his theology and knows that God needs nothing. Yet, the Lord began to reveal that through-out scripture, except for the creation, He does nothing without man. God in his sovereignty has chosen to need man.

There were three main points: 1) God (in reality) needs nothing. 2) God decided to need you – He does not need me to exist on my own, but He needs me to co-exist with Him. 3) Have you decided to need God. There were three main sub-points under #3. a) God is never going to do our part. b) Our part is never supernatural. c) God has done His work, now He waits for us to partner with Him. He moves after we trust Him.

It was very, very good. I said “Amen” often. Those of you reading who have been attending our Friday Fellowships, know this is right along the avenues the Lord has been leading us to teach. It was such confirmation of where the Lord is leading us in teaching.

This morning I have rested. I will attend the Ladies Luncheon at noon, a workshop in the afternoon and then the evening session with Lisa Bevere teaching. Have an awesome day and thanks so for reading.

Tonight was the worship/concert led by Kim Walker-Smith and her band at Elim Gospel Church. It was a joy and privilege to be present.

Reylene Van Gelden (one of the Psalm 19 Board of Directors and ordained through Harvest Ministries) and I went to Elim Gospel Church for the worship and we are here through the Elim Leadership Conference ending Thursday Evening. I had promised my Prayer Warriors who receive my Prayer Letters via email each week that I would try to blog to conference. So this is the beginning of that.

The building (seats about 1,000) was filled, and we finally found seats. Then it began – much more worship than concert and the young lady did a wonderful job of leading us. (I  know the photo is blurred, but my cell phone at least got something of the setting).The young people there were delighted, excited and could dance in the way I no longer attempt to do. It was well work our time to be there. This is the church of tomorrow and they love the Lord very much. To see them engaged in worship was a delight to our hearts. They loved the music, but that was not their point of engagement. They were worshipping our Lord Jesus Christ. Awesome to be there and to worship with them – even though we did sit some of the time and were much less active than most of them – still we had a marvelous time and were blessed in Jesus. Most of the lyrics of the songs were very good.  There is a new wave of sound theologically accurate lyrics coming. This is getting there.

We will attend the Business Meeting of the Fellowship tomorrow afternoon and then the full conference gets underway with Robert Morris speaking tomorrow evening. Come along. I will try to post the highlights here each evening.