Then why you sleeping on cardboard, if you all about Jesus?" A man recently asked me.
Short answer: Occupational hazard.
In order to accurately divide scripture, it must be kept in context. However, people often misinterpret and misappropriate scripture because they lack understanding. For instance, the following text is oftentimes misused as declaration to suppress God's praise. Matthew 6:1 (NIV) "Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven." But, that passage is not about public praise. It serves a command against performing our "good works" for our own recognition; for such impedes rewards.
Whether the message is one of salvation or prophecy, it must be proclaimed from the rooftops—for all to see and hear. For it is all "good news" to those who don't despise it. Luke 8:16 (NIV) "No one lights a lamp and hides it in a clay jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, they put it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light."
2 Timothy 1:7 (KJV) For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. A sound mind is not just keeping your composure or making smart choices by man's standards. The sound mind, of which Apostle Paul so eloquently referred, primarily embodies the ability to recognize SOUND DOCTRINE. Wherefore, we are no longer drawn away by religious trends. Rather, with POWER, we publically praise and proclaim the gospel of Jesus without fear, shame, or timidity. We must be willing to do the will of the Father even when absolutely no one else stands with us.
Therefore, Revelations 1:19 (NLT) “Write down what you have seen—both the things that are now happening and the things that will happen."
This I have also seen: Though many point the finger at God's servant for their city's lack of reward; it is their own behavior that prevent those rewards. Engaging in activities like taking pictures, making videos, and other forms of public showcasing while serving to the poor can forfeit rewards. God knows if an individual's service is meant to honor Him or is just to boost their own reputation (Matthew 5:16). When the intent is self-serving, a sound mind discerns it as contradiction to sound doctrine. Consequently, scripture warns those who give to "exercise caution." Don't be incensed by the truth, be forewarned by it.
God's ministries must never be hindered. That quenches the Holy Spirit; which grieves Him. Prophecy is not about sports; but, always speaks to dismantle structures—whether physical or theoretical (Ref. Matthew 24:2). When God's ministries are advanced—His Kingdom is advanced for the benefit of ALL of His daughters (cities).
It's funny how those who don't know what is actually written in the Word constantly seek me out, convinced that I personally have a blessing for them. Talk about self-serving.
Again, God cannot be deceived. To mistreat, exploit, or manipulate those He sends, in attempt to force a specific outcome, constitutes corruption and extortion against God. It's never wise to try to extort the The Source of your resources. Therefore, while I continue to extend forgiveness for grievances against me, I have no authority to forgive man's atrocities against God nor the Holy Spirit. God knows how to avenge Himself.
I L
VE MY ASSIGNMENT
Reflection:
This is my job, which means that Jesus is my "manager." He dispatches His workers to the field without provisions. He sends us out as sheep among wolves, commanding us, "Take nothing for your journey." If correctly counseled by the church, the city's role is to extend hospitality; unbegrudgedly, dispersing the resources that God has provided. In that, God evaluates the city's countenance. That is the essence of the assignment. It is not God's will that benevolence be motivated by the expectation of a reward. Both reception of messenger and message, as well as your giving must be in accordance with God's stipulations—simply because He commanded it. Oh, the cardboard box? That's part of my hometown's offering to God.
Despising and mocking your own opportunity for reward is crazy work.
Short answer: Occupational hazard.
In order to accurately divide scripture, it must be kept in context. However, people often misinterpret and misappropriate scripture because they lack understanding. For instance, the following text is oftentimes misused as declaration to suppress God's praise. Matthew 6:1 (NIV) "Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven." But, that passage is not about public praise. It serves a command against performing our "good works" for our own recognition; for such impedes rewards.
Whether the message is one of salvation or prophecy, it must be proclaimed from the rooftops—for all to see and hear. For it is all "good news" to those who don't despise it. Luke 8:16 (NIV) "No one lights a lamp and hides it in a clay jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, they put it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light."
2 Timothy 1:7 (KJV) For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. A sound mind is not just keeping your composure or making smart choices by man's standards. The sound mind, of which Apostle Paul so eloquently referred, primarily embodies the ability to recognize SOUND DOCTRINE. Wherefore, we are no longer drawn away by religious trends. Rather, with POWER, we publically praise and proclaim the gospel of Jesus without fear, shame, or timidity. We must be willing to do the will of the Father even when absolutely no one else stands with us.
Therefore, Revelations 1:19 (NLT) “Write down what you have seen—both the things that are now happening and the things that will happen."
This I have also seen: Though many point the finger at God's servant for their city's lack of reward; it is their own behavior that prevent those rewards. Engaging in activities like taking pictures, making videos, and other forms of public showcasing while serving to the poor can forfeit rewards. God knows if an individual's service is meant to honor Him or is just to boost their own reputation (Matthew 5:16). When the intent is self-serving, a sound mind discerns it as contradiction to sound doctrine. Consequently, scripture warns those who give to "exercise caution." Don't be incensed by the truth, be forewarned by it.
God's ministries must never be hindered. That quenches the Holy Spirit; which grieves Him. Prophecy is not about sports; but, always speaks to dismantle structures—whether physical or theoretical (Ref. Matthew 24:2). When God's ministries are advanced—His Kingdom is advanced for the benefit of ALL of His daughters (cities).
It's funny how those who don't know what is actually written in the Word constantly seek me out, convinced that I personally have a blessing for them. Talk about self-serving.
Again, God cannot be deceived. To mistreat, exploit, or manipulate those He sends, in attempt to force a specific outcome, constitutes corruption and extortion against God. It's never wise to try to extort the The Source of your resources. Therefore, while I continue to extend forgiveness for grievances against me, I have no authority to forgive man's atrocities against God nor the Holy Spirit. God knows how to avenge Himself.
I L
VE MY ASSIGNMENTReflection:
This is my job, which means that Jesus is my "manager." He dispatches His workers to the field without provisions. He sends us out as sheep among wolves, commanding us, "Take nothing for your journey." If correctly counseled by the church, the city's role is to extend hospitality; unbegrudgedly, dispersing the resources that God has provided. In that, God evaluates the city's countenance. That is the essence of the assignment. It is not God's will that benevolence be motivated by the expectation of a reward. Both reception of messenger and message, as well as your giving must be in accordance with God's stipulations—simply because He commanded it. Oh, the cardboard box? That's part of my hometown's offering to God.
Despising and mocking your own opportunity for reward is crazy work.
