Fathers vs. Teachers

As we mature in faith and disciple others, it's important that we grasp the concept of being a spiritual 'father'. The attitude of being a spiritual 'father' has more profound impact on someone rather than just being their 'teacher'. This can be clearly illustrated in the life of Jesus when compared to the Pharisees (religious leaders) of the day.

Fathers With Power  (Jesus)	Vs.	Teachers With Only Words (Pharisees)
Lifestyle – Imitate Fathers		Lifestyle – Gather around ideas (divisive)
Attitude – Humility		Attitude – Pride (puffed up)
Ministry - Power		Ministry – Many words
Focus – Kingdom		Focus – Teachings

* Table taken from Heaven Invades Earth by Bill Johnson

As we continue to 'father' and disciple younger Christians they need to see our words be a reflection and demonstration of the Holy Spirit's power working in our life. I've learned along the way, that words without the backing of God's power usually turns out to be fruitless. God's written (logos) and living (rhema) words are inseparable and cannot do without the other.

Spiritual Vision Through Personal Purity

A higher state of mind and spiritual vision can only be achieved through the higher practice of personal character. If you live up to the highest and best that you know in the outer level of your life, God will continually say to you, “Friend, come up even higher.” There is also a continuing rule in temptation which calls you to go higher; but when you do, you only encounter other temptations and character traits. Both God and Satan use the strategy of elevation, but Satan uses it in temptation, and the effect is quite different. When the devil elevates you to a certain place, he causes you to fasten your idea of what holiness is far beyond what flesh and blood could ever bear or achieve. Your life becomes a spiritual acrobatic performance high atop a steeple. You cling to it, trying to maintain your balance and daring not to move. But when God elevates you by His grace into heavenly places, you find a vast plateau where you can move about with ease.

Compare this week in your spiritual life with the same week last year to see how God has called you to a higher level. We have all been brought to see from a higher viewpoint. Never allow God to show you a truth which you do not instantly begin to live up to, applying it to your life. Always work through it, staying in its light.

Your growth in grace is not measured by the fact that you haven’t turned back, but that you have an insight and understanding into where you are spiritually. Have you heard God say, “Come up higher,” not audibly on the outer level, but to the innermost part of your character?

“Shall I hide from Abraham what I am doing . . . ?” (Genesis 18:17). God has to hide from us what He does, until, due to the growth of our personal character, we get to the level where He is then able to reveal it. 

An excerpt from My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers

Monumental Movie

 

This film comes highly recommended. Felt inspired by just watching the trailer! Looking forward to the DVD coming out!

Is It Worth The Prayer?

Each week, I visit a local university student village late at night, park my car and start to pray for the students. I personally feel that late nights are sometimes the best time to pray and intercede for something. In this case when I go, most of the university students are well asleep, and I feel this is where God can really start working in their hearts and dreams. Sleeping also tends to be a time when a person's mind is least resistant.

I recall hearing many testimonies growing up, of how parents would kneel beside their children's bed and pray for them throughout the night. You would later see how this positively impacted them.

Admittedly, I do sometimes let doubt creep in and wonder if this is all worth the time and effort (and loss of sleep), as I don't seem to see the immediate results. I'm yet comforted in scripture in how both Ezra and Jeremiah prayed and wept for the people of Israel.  Scripture also says in Psalms 2:8 "Ask of me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession". How fitting for a university with so many international students!

A few benefits I've experienced in this quest to keep on praying for the university students: 

• You start to feel more of God's heart and compassion for them to a point where it sometimes overwhelms you.
• You start to see things more from an eternal perspective. Souls, evangelism and discipleship become more of a focus for you. You see yourself carrying a greater responsibility to contend for another person's soul.
•  It's a good way to finish the day. You'll have no trouble sleeping that night. Guaranteed!

I'm also reminded about how great revivals like Azusa Street, Welsh, Argentina and Toronto were all founded on the back of much prayer and intercession (some taking years before any real fruit was seen). 

Are these university students worth the prayer time? Absolutely!