King of Kings: Pentecost Fire

King of Kings: Pentecost Fire

by | May 24, 2024 | Devotionals, Worship Reflections

“And the church of Christ was born
Then the Spirit lit the flame
Now this gospel truth of old
Shall not kneel, shall not faint
By His blood and in His name
In His freedom I am free
For the love of Jesus Christ
Who has resurrected me”

King of Kings, Hillsong

“ Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. “

Acts 2:2-3, NIV

The Church can be defined as an assembly – a coming together. The older Greek roots of the word ‘church’ refers to the place where this congregation takes place – in the Lord’s House.

Christ came, showed us the way, was crucified, resurrected and ascended to the Right Hand of God. After this the disciples assembled – congregated – gathered together in the upper room and waited upon the Lord.

This last week I’ve been seeing, in my mind’s eye, wood being placed like in a fireplace. 

This is what the disciples did. They came together – assembled like wood – in the fireplace of the upper room.

And the Lord sent His Spirit like a flame of fire. 

And we have seen, over decades and centuries, the Lord igniting fires – and in some cases re-igniting fires. And we are in need, as the church, of a spark to set us alight again.

We need revival. 

The fire was lit on Pentecost – but as with any fire, the ash eventually starts suffocating the flames. 

The ashes of tradition, philosophy and bad theology have suffocated the flames of that Pentecost Fire in us – but the Gospel Truth of old will not faint and will not be snuffed out. 

Under the ashes are the red hot embers of Truth waiting to be fanned into flame again.

Under the ashes are the red hot embers of a church waiting to be fanned into flame again.

Sometimes it is necessary for us to add kindling to the fire, to add fuel, for the fire to burn again.

Let us shake off the ashes that suffocate the fire – and let us present ourselves as wood in the fireplace of the upper room waiting for the Spark of His Spirit – let our hearts be the kindling, let our lives be the flame.

Let us become a people of prayer once again – let us assemble and congregate in our Father’s House and wait on Him for fresh fire.

He is faithful.

The Fire of the Holy Spirit kept the steam engine of the Church going in even the darkest times – through persecution, in the face of famine, nakedness and sword – and gave momentum to the propagation of the Gospel and expansion of the Kingdom.

The Fire of the Holy Spirit enabled the church to be a light in the darkness leading the lost back home – a source of warmth and safety to those who had been alone and stuck out in the colder fringes of society. 

The Fire of the Holy Spirit is what purifies us, like silver and gold in a furnace – the Fire transforms us, conforms us more and more into the image of Christ so that we may be the light that the world needs.

 Let us come together. Let us be assembled like wood in the fireplace of prayer. 

 Let us seek the Lord like never before. 

 I want to urge you to find like-minded brothers and sisters to pray with. Let our churches become houses of prayer. Let our homes become altars unto the Lord.  

 Let us pray together and set the world ablaze.

 Prayer: Lord, come and set Your church alight. Come and pour out fresh fire. As we turn to You in prayer Lord, come and heal us. Come and restore us. Help us shake off the ashes of old and be renewed, restored and revived – so that we may be Your light in a dark and dying world. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Son of Suffering

Son of Suffering

by | May 24, 2024 | Devotionals, Worship Reflections

“There’s a God who weeps
There’s a God who bleeds
Oh, praise the One
Who would reach for me
Hallelujah to the Son of suffering”

Son of Suffering, Travis Cottrell

“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.  Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

Hebrews 4:15-16, NIV

In the story of Lazarus we see that Jesus arrived at the tomb of His friend and He wept. This the shortest, but perhaps one of the most powerful verses in the Bible.

Jesus wept. (John 11:35).

There are loads of theological considerations we can get into, and we can get really deep in explaining why Jesus wept – looking at the Greek and the context of the passage – but even a simple reading is enough for us to get a glimpse of the heart of God.

He is the God who weeps with us.

Not only did He suffer upon the cross with us, but He also suffers with us. His heart breaks for the broken hearted.

He is the God who says to the weary, the burdened and the broken: “Come to Me! I will give you rest!”

Jesus lifts our burden. Makes it lighter.

He is a Husband to the widow, a Father to the orphan, and Friend of the friendless. He is Home to those who wander. He sits with the prisoner, the drug addict, the homeless. He is Bread to the hungry and Living Water to those going through desert places.

Jesus carries our burdens with us.

No wonder Peter writes: “Cast your burdens unto Jesus, for He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7).

Are there broader shoulders to cry on than the Shoulder of God?

It is true that believers share in the suffering of Christ (Romans 8) – but Jesus also shares ours.

What is my burden today? Is it depression? Is it infirmity? Is it poverty? Temptation?

Cast your burden upon Jesus.

Just as the author of Hebrews says, in Christ we have a High Priest who is not unfamiliar with our trials and our temptations – but One who is willing to get His hands dirty, stepping down into the muck of this world, the filth of our sin and wickedness, to pull us out of the miry clay.

We have a High Priest who is willing to step down from His Majesty into the swamp of our grief and the slow of our despondency to help us out – pulling us out of the sinking sand of our situations and placing us firmly upon the Solid Ground of His Salvation.

The Psalmist writes: “Cast your cares on the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken. (Psalm 55:22, NIV)

He is the God who weeps, the God who bleeds – the God who reaches out to us!

All we have to do is be willing to surrender to Him – to give over to His love, cast our burdens upon Him. All we have to do is throw ourselves on His mercy and grace – fall into His heart.

Prayer: Lord, things might seem dark – but You are the light in the darkness. When all around me is sinking sand, I can stand firm upon Your love and grace. When it feels like my situations are raging like a flood – I will not be overwhelmed. I will not be shaken – because my trust is in You. I am not alone. I don’t have to do this on my own. You are with me. Help me today to see You working in my life. Overwhelm me with Your presence. Flood my life with who You are. Give me strength to face this day. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Spirit of God: Paraklétos

Spirit of God: Paraklétos

by | May 10, 2024 | Devotionals, Worship Reflections

“We thirst for Your presence
Send down Your rain
Here in this moment, a holy embrace”

Spirit of God, Phil Wickham

“15 “If you love Me, keep My commandments. 16 And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.”

John 14:15-18, NKJV

What a powerful thought: “I will not leave you orphans; I (ME, MYSELF – Jesus) will come to you.”

The Holy Spirit is Jesus alive in us.

Jesus says, comforting the disciples, that the Father will send another Helper. The word Helper here is translated from the Greek ‘paraklétos’ which can also be translated as ‘advocate’ or ‘attorney’.

An advocate presents evidence.

There have been many ‘helpers’ from the Old Testament to the New – evidence of God’s presence in the world. In the Old Testament God would appear to Abraham (Gen 18:1-15), Jacob (Gen 32:24-30), and Manoah and his wife (Judges 13) and Joshua (Joshua 5:13-15). He would appear to Moses and speak from within a burning bush (Exodus 3:2-10). The Babylonian king, Nebuchadnezzar, would see Him as the Fourth Man in the Fire (Daniel 3:16-28) – and all of Israel would see Him as a Pillar of Cloud and Fire  (Exodus 13).

Besides these ‘theophanies’ there were of course also dreams, visions, prophecies, miracles, signs and wonders – other visible manifestations of God’s glory and presence.

In the New Testament God Himself steps down from His throne in Heaven to walk in our midst – the ‘paraklétos’ in flesh and bone. Evidence of God With Us. 

In talking about the Holy Spirit Jesus talks about yet another ‘paraklétos’ – and insists “I will come to you.”

A common misconception, especially in our South African context, is that the Holy Spirit is somehow a different being altogether – completely distinct from Jesus. Biblically we should understand that there is only One seated upon the Throne – and He is the same One enthroned within our hearts, seated there through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. His Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Jesus. 

Jesus was the ‘paraklétos’ – providing evidence of God WITH us.

The Holy Spirit is the ‘paraklétos’ – providing evidence of the same God IN us.

The Holy Spirit is Jesus alive in us.

The proof of His presence. The Holy Spirit is our comforter in times of sorrow, His presence is a balm to the broken heart. 

He is our guide, helping us navigate the storms of life by reminding us of His Word and making it come alive in us. 

If Jesus was, while walking the Earth, the embrace of God made flesh – then the Holy Spirit is the very breath of God breathed into our lungs, the resurrection power of God in our lives.

The Holy Spirit is the resurrection power of God – working not only in us but also through us. In understanding the Holy Spirit correctly, as the Spirit of Jesus – the Spirit of the Living God – in understanding the Oneness of the Godhood and our communion with Him through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, our understanding of our Kingdom purpose is not only enlarged but also becomes more practical.

If the Holy Spirit is Jesus alive in us – the presence of God living and active in our hearts – then the next step is Jesus alive THROUGH us as we become His hands and feet, the tangible evidence of His presence in the world around us.

The Holy Spirit is the ‘paraklétos’ – providing evidence of God IN us but also becomes the ‘paraklétos’ – providing evidence of the same God THROUGH us as His hands and feet, all the more visible as we become more and more conformed to the image of Christ:

“18 And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” (2 Corinthians 3:18)

Through His presence IN us we become His presence IN the world.

Prayer: Lord, as I contemplate Your glory, transform me ever more into what You would have me be. Let me do, all the more, what You would have me do. Through Your Holy Spirit, Lord, empower me to be Your presence in a broken world, Your light in the darkness – so that others might see You in me and through me. Come breathe in me and through me, O Lord. Let Your Kingdom come, Your will be done, here in our hearts and lives. In Jesus Name. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer: Kingdom Come

The Lord’s Prayer: Kingdom Come

by | May 9, 2024 | Devotionals, Worship Reflections

“Father, let Your Kingdom come
Father, let Your will be done
On Earth as in Heaven
Right here in my heart”

The Lord’s Prayer, Matt Maher

“6 Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Acts 1:6-8:

Jesus, in teaching His disciples to pray, starts His prayer with: “‘Our Father in heaven,

hallowed be Your name, Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”

The prayer starts with an emphasis on the coming of His Kingdom. 

Jesus commands His disciples, upon their asking if the kingdom will be restored to Israel, to wait in Jerusalem for the gift of the Holy Spirit.

With the Holy Spirit comes the power, dominion and authority of the Kingdom of God – the power of Christ IN us by which He works THROUGH us to affect the world AROUND us.

God wants to establish His throne within our hearts.

He wants to reign and rule IN us and THROUGH us.

Jesus’ ascension is the crowning of His exaltation – the point at which any doubt of His divinity is completely removed. He very much is the physical manifestation of the Right Hand of God.

Before the ascension Jesus was fully God, and fully man walking on the Earth, leading His disciples through word and deed. After the ascension He is still fully God but now leads us through the indwelling of His Holy Spirit, moving in our midst and enthroned, not only in Heaven, but also in our hearts.

His ascension does not make Him less present in our lives, but rather, makes Him more present as He pours Himself into every vessel willing to believe and waiting to receive.

He commanded the disciples, at His ascension, to wait in Jerusalem.

What are we waiting for?

My social media is full of people talking about church growth and revival – but almost none of them even mention prayer. 

In Bible college we used to sing a song which roughly translates as, “early in the morning, and late in the evening, I will wait for You upon my knees…”

The mistake that many of us have made is that at the first hint of an encounter with God’s Spirit we leave the upper room and stop waiting – but there is always more – more of Him to be found. The waiting should never stop. We should always be waiting on God for a richer, fuller and deeper experience of who He is.

How can we ever get enough of an infinite God?

God moves in prayer. His will and purpose for our life is conceived in His heart and birthed in our prayers. Revival comes forth from the womb of prayer.

I want more of God in my life. I want His Kingdom established here in my heart. I want His will to be done here in my life – and then through me in the lives of others.

I want to invite you today to want the same. 

Whatever we have experienced of God, it is not even the tip of the iceberg. There is more – there is deeper.

Jesus taught His disciples how to pray, saying: “Let Your Kingdom come, let Your will be done in the earth as in Heaven…”

Let us wait upon the Lord.

Prayer: Jesus, be my desire. Let me not look to the left, or to the right, but let me keep my eyes fixed upon You. I pray Lord that You would come and guide me, lead me deeper into Your heart and will for my life. As I wait upon You today Lord pour out Your presence. Let Your Kingdom come, let Your will be done here as in Heaven. In the Mighty Name of Jesus – the Name above every name – Amen!

 

Manger Throne

Manger Throne

by | May 9, 2024 | Devotionals, Worship Reflections

“Glory be to You alone
King who reigns from a manger throne
My life, my praise, everything I own
To Jesus the King on a manger throne”

Manger Throne, Phil Wickham

“Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.”

Matthew 11:29, KJV

In reading the book of Revelation there are some awe-inspiring, intimidating, and sometimes even terrifying images of Jesus.

He is described as having eyes like fire, a voice that roars like many waters, His words coming from His mouth like a sharp double-edged sword (Revelation 1:12-20).

Revelation chapter 4 describes Him as being seated on the throne – surrounded by rumbles and peals of thunder and flashes of lightning on a sea of glass – surrounded by elders and angels crying out holy!

In Revelation 19 we read the following description: 11 I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and wages war. 12 His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. 13 He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. 14 The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. 15 Coming out of his mouth is a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. “He will rule them with an iron scepter.”[a] He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. 16 On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written:king of kings and lord of lords. (NIV)

These glorious descriptions of Jesus command reverence – He is worthy of our highest praise – and there will come a day where every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that He is Lord of all creation.

He is the Name Above All Names, the King Set in Zion.

In the Old Testament we read that Elijah called down fire on the men of King Ahaziah. Certainly Jesus, as the Messiah, at His coming in the Gospels could’ve come with fire and showed the world who He was.

Instead of stepping down with the Hosts of Heaven and the sounding of trumpets, in all His awesome Glory, He chooses to come in meekness – our Dear and Gentle Saviour, our Good Shepherd and the Lover of our Souls.

“Come and learn from Me…” He says, offering us peace instead of judgement, rest for our souls.
The Will of God for humanity has never been calamity or destruction.

It has always been reconciliation.

So He comes as the Olive Branch – the Peace of God comes and walks in our midst. He comes, meek and mild – Jesus comes as the Lamb of God, the sacrifice for our pardon.

At the same time He is very much the Judgement of God, the Lion, the One Called Faithful and True with the eyes of fire, the voice of many waters and the vestments dipped in blood – riding upon a white horse, His Word like a double-edged sword, and accompanied by all the Hosts of Heaven – seated upon the Throne in Heaven. He is the Love of God, but also the Wrath of God.

In Luke 12:54-59: Jesus tells us to wisely discern the times we are living in.

This current dispensation of grace will only last while it lasts.

Jesus says, “learn from Me…”

In this current dispensation we are His hands – extending the Olive Branch of His peace, joy, love and righteousness. We are His feet upon the mountains bringing Good News. We are to be His agents here upon the Earth, ministers of reconciliation.

It is time we take our call seriously.

Charles Spurgeon shared the following thought: “If sinners be damned, at least let them leap to Hell over our dead bodies. And if they perish, let them perish with our arms wrapped about their knees, imploring them to stay. If Hell must be filled, let it be filled in the teeth of our exertions, and let not one go unwarned and unprayed for.”

Let us discern the time we are living in and not waste it. Let us encourage our family, friends, neighbors – any and all who have ears to hear – to turn to the Lord, to take up His yoke of gentleness, peace and love – so that we may all stand together with the Hosts of Heaven behind the One Called Faithful and True, rather than on the other side, upon the Day of the Lord.

Prayer: Lord, give me a burden upon my heart – a need to see revival and restoration among Your children. I pray Lord that You would open doors for me to share the Good News of Your Kingdom. Give me the right words Lord, help me speak truth in a broken and lost world that I might see others come to You. Help me live a life surrendered to Your will. Help me Lord to take seriously my calling as a minister of reconciliation and equip me through Your Spirit to lift up the banner of Your mercy and grace and work for the expansion of Your Kingdom. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen.