Amen

“And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, ‘These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God:”

-Rev 3:14

Jesus is the very form and embodiment of AMEN!! Wow---I love this—He is speaking here to John and refers to Himself as AMEN!! Wow---I never stopped to think about this…this word is so common now we lose the value of it.  According to Blue Letter Bible the word means the following: verily--a) at the beginning of a discourse - surely, truly, of a truth b) at the end - so it is, so be it, may it be fulfilled. It was a custom, which passed over from the synagogues to the Christian assemblies, that when he who had read or discoursed, had offered up solemn prayer to God, the others responded Amen, and thus made the substance of what was uttered their own.

Jesus is verily---He is the substance of what is spoken!! Since we don’t understand this today its easy for us to laugh when someone says it out of place according to us---or when someone overuses it. But only God knows the heart of the person saying it.  AMEN is Jesus---Amen is the essence of Jesus’ truth and promise!!  Jesus is THE AMEN!

I like what someone wrote about AMEN (read below):

The word "amen" is a most remarkable word. It was transliterated directly from the Hebrew into the Greek of the New Testament, then into Latin and into English and many other languages, so that it is practically a universal word. It has been called the best known word in human speech. The word is directly related -- in fact, almost identical -- to the Hebrew word for "believe" (amam), or faithful. Thus, it came to mean "sure" or "truly", an expression of absolute trust and confidence. -- HMM

Why are you looking there?

“Why are you looking for the living among the dead?”—Luke 24:5b HSCB

This was a verse spoken to my spirit last night right before going to bed….I wasn’t thinking about this passage nor had I read it, in fact I am preparing for the prayer seminar next week and none of my preparation has me reading this passage or anything close to this topic.  So right away I knew God was speaking to my spirit about something He wants me to grasp---this morning the verse I was led to is Ps. 143:8—“Let me experience Your faithful love in the morning, for I trust in You. Reveal to me the way I should go because I long for You.”  Last night it was a  wakeup call for me---God knows the area(s) I needed to hear His direction in but sometimes I insist on going and moving in my own direction.  It doesn’t always have to be for the bad—it can be something good and positive but God doesn’t have “life” for me there.  In trusting in God I can rely on His direction and He will show me the way I should go---the verse this morning was right on as well. 

Through His word God pieced a message for me:  hey, why are you looking for something good (life) among what is dead? There’s nothing of what you are seeking there---what is there is dead.  Leave it. Let it be.  Instead trust in me to reveal my direction to you. Let me guide you where you need to go and there you will find what is alive—because of my love in the morning you will trust me! Trust me to guide you where you will find life!

Wow I love God’s word!! And I love how He speaks and guides us…

Maybe this is something you needed to hear/read:  let it speak to you!

Adelante!

Bea

Generation Glory

Iglesia Cristiana Adonai

Youth/Young Adults Pastor

CAN YOU HEAR HIM?

“God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets,  has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds…”Heb 1:1-2 NKJV

I was directed to this passage this morning when studying about character and how the Holy Spirit stamps Christ’s character in our lives.  In reading this something caught me right away.  In Old Testament times, God “at various times and in various ways spoke” and in “these last days” He speaks to us through “His Son.”  He has appointed Jesus “heir of all things.”  Ok what does this mean???? This means Jesus speaks for God the Father and this means according to the text if the Father spoke “at various times and in various ways” to our Fathers---today Jesus speaks similarly and probably even more frequently since we’re living by grace and not the law.  In the Old Testament, the prophets spoke to the fathers---but we’re living in days where anyone who gets close to God and seeks His face can hear from Him---not only can but will hear from Him. How can we not?? It’s impossible to get into the Word and fervent prayer and NOT hear from Jesus.  According to this text, Jesus speaks to us in these last days. How? Would you know? Jesus speaks to us every day.  Sometimes we put Jesus in a box---we say He can only speak in this method or in that method.  Sometimes we only “hear” Him speak to us when we want to hear a specific message or when a message tickles our ears or heart.  At times when we are confronted or exhorted in a manner we don’t like we immediately put it into the “It’s not Jesus” box.  I say this because I am guilty of this!!  But before we put something in that box let’s take a minute to realize Jesus speaks to us in these last days---and if His father spoke at various times and in various ways let’s realize Jesus could be trying to speak to us. It’s in our best interest to listen!!  Sometimes He speak so loud we have to lower the volume and other times it will be a soft whisper.  Whatever the case its always different!! To brush it off because “it’s not to MY liking” is not only prideful and arrogant but foolish! We’ll miss a message, direction, insight---I want neither—I want to walk in revelation!! And revelation comes from Jesus who is speaking to my all the time---or at least trying to speak to me!!

So today---perk your ears to every situation---what is Jesus trying to say? In what “various ways” and “various times” is He trying to speak to you??

Listen up!! And then Act!!

Push forward!! 

Bea Z

Generation Glory

Iglesia Cristiana Adonai

Youth/Young Adults/Singles Pastor

Are your actions saying "I'm READY"

Read Acts 8:26-35 NIV

We’ve all heard this story about Philip being sent by God to the Ethiopian---if not, read it the passage is above J  In reading this passage I realize the Ethiopian was Philip’s treasure and the Spirit gave Philip the clues needed to find him.  If you notice in the passage once Philip got to where the Ethiopian would be passing there had to be action on Philip’s behalf to approach the Ethiopian or address him.  Vs 29 tells us the Spirit told Philip to approach the chariot and stay near it--- even though the Spirit told him that Philip still had to speak.  Vs 30 tells us finally Philip asked him, “Do you understand what you are reading?”---then the Ethiopian replied no I need someone to explain it to me.  Here’s the thing---if Philip wouldn’t have asked, the Ethiopian wouldn’t have answered---how else would Philip have gotten onto the chariot? God calls us all to ministry, but in our answering there should be action.  It’s not like “ok, God called me here I am—do your thing God!!”  Hey, yeah He can do anything, but there needs to be action---preparation, movement, faith to do what God has called you to do!! If Philip was a man who didn’t know how to explain the Word of God or what it said—then guess what?? He was in trouble in this session!!  God was reminding me how important it is to know Biblical truths in the context of the Word.  Also, how important it is to know the whole Bible!! And to know the meanings of the Word---why?? Not everyone God sends me to is going to be an emotional mess needing to hear about God’s love---there will be people that it will be the knowledge of God that will draw them.  It will be God’s wisdom that will draw them and that wisdom will be made manifest through me!! Steven in Acts 7 impressed his enemies because of how he spoke and all he did was share the Old Testament and quoted the prophets!! 

We need to be preparing ourselves and allowing ourselves to grow in knowledge of the Spirit and Word.  We can’t put one ahead of the other---but more importantly if we want revelation we need to realize with revelation comes action!! God reveals us someone what are we going to do about it?? Philip moved and acted!! He was ready for God’s ministry for him because he showed it in his action!! 

May our actions tell God I’m ready for your calling!!

Adelante!

Bea Z

Generation Glory

Iglesia Cristiana Adonai

Youth/Young Adults/ Singles Pastor

Jesus said "GO"

I have been in a quiet time with the Lord and man I’m seeing so many things clearly---one of them is how I am and have not been advancing the Kingdom. Jesus said GO!  Go and be my witness. Go and make disciples.  And I because of my work in the church have let so much Bible knowledge and experience in ministry get in the way.  I am too busy, or I am already praying etc.  But today it was a set of lights that went on through Acts 1 and 2.  I’ve been reading Romans since the year started and this weekend it just clicked too.  Jesus said GO.  What pleases the Father more than anything? What touches the heart of the King? That we bear much fruit; that we do what Jesus did, talk about the Kingdom.  40 days Jesus was on earth after His resurrection and all He did was speak about the Kingdom.  The disciples shared with Him but they didn’t hide there---I have been hiding behind Christian service, work, and prayer. Don’t misunderstand me all is good and I do it with love for Jesus, but if this all keeps me from being a witness then how is that pleasing God???? Jesus said GO.  Go doesn’t means go only on mission trips.  It means go out to the mall, park, store etc.  We live in LA a salad bowl of culture.  The nations are here.  We are to be a House of prayers for all nations—my life is a house of prayer.  I can’t hide in prayer room/closet any longer. I don’t need to be told to go out by my pastors, I don’t need to wait to plan an event, I need to do this on my own.  Why? Simple---it’s about Jesus in me. And its about me wanting to be alive in the Kingdom.  John the Baptists was the greatest in the Kingdom during Jesus’ time.  What was his biggest job? Announcing the Kingdom.  What is our job today?  Same as John the Baptist

There is and has been such dissatisfaction in my spirit life for the past months. It’s not that I need to meet new people, change groups, do something different. I need to do what God has called me to do: Be a witness. His witness.  I need to do it on my own, without sounding a horn, and just see the kingdom expand.  If every one of us leaders, church servers, or any true Christ follower were to take this challenge seriously we would have much more people than we do---the thing is I’ve always relied on someone else doing the job.  And today it’s so clear---it’s my job. It’s everyone’s job.  God is not looking for much just a heart willing to expand His kingdom.  Seek first the Kingdom---this means expand the Kingdom first, put Kingdom matters first---I can do this because I received the Holy Spirit power already.  Everything else is details.  Everything else besides the Kingdom outside of the Kingdom is details and details will be added unto me by the King.  My job/role is to expand His kingdom. 

Every weekend at House of prayer I am to recharge/refuel and then go out during the week. Empty myself, refill, empty, refill.  A great cycle of power!

Join me in this challenge—this is when we start living and start living our true destiny and calling.

Adelante!

Bea Z

Generation Glory

Iglesia Cristiana Adonai

Youth/ Young Adults/Singles Pastor

Be HIS Witness

He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or periods that the Father has set by His own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”—Acts 1:7-8

This was Jesus’ response after His resurrection to the disciples.  What was the question you ask? “Are you restoring the Kingdom to Israel at this time?”  Jesus pretty much tells them look God in His own authority has periods and times set and these times and periods won’t always be something you will know or should know etc.  God has times and periods already in motion from the beginning of time to the end of time.  What is my role and function in this?? Jesus tells them after His initial response--- your role and place in God’s times and periods is to be a witness, and for this you will receive some help—my Holy Spirit. This might seem very Christianity 101 but how come it’s so hard to do that one thing? Be a witness. 

I’ve been pondering upon this for about three weeks now. I think sometimes too much knowledge of theology or the Word gets in the way of the supernatural pure power of the Holy Spirit. We want to explain everything by the theories and interpretations of the Bible. Don’t get me wrong I’m not saying we need to put aside the pure gospel. What I am saying is sometimes like the Bible says; too much knowledge puffs up.  Too much theology gets in the way of me walking in the pureness of God’s spirit and simply being a witness.  On my way to work this morning something spoke to my spirit: “be my witness.”  Just that…and then it kept ringing in my ears—“you will be my witness.”  Sunday at church we heard pastora say “forget about representing the church, REPRESENT JESUS!” This is very true.  We are not called to be Jesus’ attorney and defend Him, he can do that on His own. We are called to be a witness.  It’s so true how easy it is to play church and just attend a church meeting and use only that meeting time to worship God in song and raising of my hands.  Nothing wrong with this—not at all, but God and Jesus His Son called me to something big— that as I do that something, I’m worshiping, investing in the Kingdom, and touching heaven!! Jesus’ answer is clear to all of us---the Kingdom isn’t just for Israel the Kingdom is for everyone and when you are a witness you are taking the Kingdom to the ends of the earth and to mankind. “Be my witness”  Jesus says.  He says this every day and until He returns.  That’s my calling---to be His witness. That’s the reason to fill myself with Holy Spirit power to—Be His Witness.

Remember, until we fulfill the purposes of God  we will be truly at peace with ourselves and our life.  The main purpose we are here is to be His witness. When we tap into this I promise we’ll find the answer to our questions.  And we’ll be at peace and rejoice that we’re a part of that question and answer Jesus had with His disciples thousands of years ago.

So go now and BE HIS WITNESS….

Chasing the Mysteries of the Kingdom.

And the disciples came and said to Him, “Why do You speak to them in parables?” He answered and said to them, “Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given.”—Matt 13:10-11 NKJV

In this chapter Jesus is on a roll telling parables especially to explain what the Kingdom is like…the disciples are there and hearing these parables.  Obviously they ask Jesus why He spoke to the crowds in parables?? Jesus’ answer is pretty much; ‘you all have the opportunity to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven and they don’t’---now from this phrase we can conclude Jesus considered the disciples people either in the Kingdom or well on their way to being a part of it---the funny thing is this---in vs. 36 after Jesus has told about 4 parables about the Kingdom the disciples come to Him and pretty much say “ok, can you explain yourself?”  I love that Jesus goes right into the explanation—what I love even more is after He explains the first parables He goes on to tell them 2 more parables and then asks them, “Have you understood all these things?” (vs 51)  This is where the disciples were given the mysteries Jesus spoke about—not during the parables part but during the extra time spent afterwards explaining them!! You see Jesus didn’t speak and then BAM they got it!! They had to spend extra time with Him, walk with Him in order to GET it! DO YOU GET IT????  Is it clicking now?? Many a times I was the kind of Christian that thought I would grow in knowledge and mysteries of God and the supernatural by just attending church and/or a one hour prayer meeting.  These things aren’t wrong and they definately help in our growth but that’s not where most of my knowledge of the Kingdom will come from---it will come from Jesus Himself.  Jesus revealing His plans, ideas, thoughts, lessons etc.  It will happen in time spent outside of the regular “preaching/teaching” time. 

The disciples already had the promise of knowing the mysteries, but they had to go after the mysteries.  The mysteries didn’t come to them and land on their laps.  If they had decided to keep, the doubts/confusion to themselves about the parables, there would be no knowledge released…notice their questioning of Jesus wasn’t so they could prove something about Him.  They questioned to learn and grow.  Once He answered, they received and believed…it’s not like one question led to 10 more questions.  Sometimes our questions come out of a place of doubt or criticism of what God is doing---and in that case, they don’t honor God.  When Job and God went at it, God’s reply to Job was pretty much who are you that you need to be throwing all these questions at me??  I am God and that is that---now this won’t always be the case but we must make sure our questions are coming from a place of humble submission and a burning desire to grow. 

So today I ask myself, Am I chasing after the mysteries of Jesus?? Am I going into a session with Him expecting to come out with insider knowledge? I have to admit sometimes I do and other times I don’t—other times I do just to meet my devo obligation.  Nothing worst then spending an hour reading your Bible and coming out with nothing mysterious or revealed and just head knowledge---Jesus is ready and willing to release the mysteries…they are ours for the taking.

One thing is for sure once Jesus explained Himself He told more parables to test them.  He wanted to see if they got it.  I believe we are and will be tested even while in Kingdom to see what we know and if we’re really listening etc.  Jesus wanted to make sure these folks got His message about the Kingdom.  The Kingdom is so important to Jesus He spent most of His parables on it!

Adelante---

Bea

Generation Glory

Iglesia Cristiana Adonai

Thinking Like Jesus

In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;--Phil 2:5-6 NIV

This morning I was able to make a situation better by simply being humble---I didn’t realize it until later in the day it worked to my own advantage.  When I read the passage above I realized,  “hey, these type of outcomes are Biblical—it happened to Jesus.” Humbling himself and being equal to humans worked to “his own advantage.”  Who would have thought? The one thing we oppose and rebel against so much—humbling ourselves all the time, making ourselves equal to NOTHING, and not feeling we’re owed something---this will all work to our advantage and if it works to our advantage will work to God’s advantage. If something is God’s advantage then its mine too J

The verses after the ones above go on to tell us how far Jesus went in His humbling himself.  Even to death!! Wow…how far can I go?? Till death!! “Till death to us part” says the wedding vows.  Death is the ultimate ending and sacrifice.  It’s something we won’t do for just anyone---but Jesus did---why? Not only out of obedience but Humble Obedience!! WOW!!  In dealing with each other it says, “have the same mindset of Jesus…”  If my mind isn’t on board with Jesus and humility my actions won’t be on board.  If in my thoughts I don’t think others better than me I won’t treat them as that---if in my mind I don’t think myself equal to everyone (including those who don’t like me or are against me) I won’t treat them the way Jesus treated His enemies: with love and forgiveness.  What I think about others is made evident in my treatment of them, in my way of speaking about them, in my forgiveness of them, in my investing time and money with them.  Jesus didn’t just say I love these people He showed it.  My problem in the past is I only say things and then come action time I fall short of God’s glory in this area.

I was reading a blog today about how single women can start being the Prov 31 woman in the way we serve.  Being a servant!! This isn’t just to find a husband but this is the Jesus model.  He made Himself a servant. We know this, we read this---but let’s embrace and embody it!! Not just one day but every day---quite the challenge right?? For me it is! J  But the best thing about this is this works out to my own advantage---like Jesus in me doing this others come to know God the Father.  Just like with Jesus.  In having humility be to His own advantage it meant more miracles, more open hearts, more salvations, more people knowing the Father!! God is not unjust---He won’t allow us to serve in vain. I’m sure there’s also things and blessings He has in store when we use the key of servant hood and humble obedience. 

Vs 9 says because He humbled and lowered Himself God exalted Him.  “Therefore,” I love that word.  Because He did this God did that.  Basic Bible Math!!  Why is it so hard to humble myself? Why is it so hard to change my thoughts to servant ones?? Because my flesh doesn’t want to honor God in this area---but my flesh isn’t in charge of me—the Spirit of God is—and therefore I am “more than conquerors.”

Conquer this area everyday by having the same mindset of Christ!!

Push to be a NOBODY for JESUS!

Bea Z

Generation Glory

Iglesia Cristiana Adonai