 Sharing the Revelation
Many times people will ask me why I don't teach a certain revelation. "Mike don't you know about this? This is powerful and you should be teaching it. " Chances are I have heard about it, read about it and maybe even studied over it. But the reality is that I try to teach or share only those things the Lord has instructed me to share. It's not that those other things are not valid, many times they are, but it is someone else's job to teach that particular thing. When I first began to really teach certain things I talked to my friend Bruce and asked him "Is it ok if I share this because I got it from you?" He asked me if I was walking in it or just sharing it as something someone might be interested in hearing. "I'm walking in it" I answered. "Then it's fine" he said. " If you are walking in it you can teach from a position of authority that you won't have if it's only a theory to you." We don't have to be everything to everybody... Everyone has their part in the body... Just share those things the Lord tells you to share and do those things the Lord tells you to do.
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 There is a framework by which we have been taught to think and reason that is not meant to free us but is meant to imprison us. It is supported and fostered by education systems, schools, TV, media outlets and culturally accepted norms and behaviors. It is meant to cause us to believe in certain ways and desire certain things.It is the framework that causes people to examine the scripture and create religion and not relationship. It is the framework that leads us to justify sin and accept the morality of the group instead of the word. It is the framework of this world.
When we become born again, through the power of the Holy Spirit, that framework begins to shatter. The more time we spend in the word and in prayer and the more we yield to God's spirit, the more we are conformed to Christ and see the mind of Christ manifest in us. The process by which we think and reason becomes redeemed and looks so different from those in the world and in religion that many cannot accept you as being or thinking "normal" and that's ok... we are not called to be "normal." If we are to do the things of the kingdom, we must have the mind of Christ.  Why aren't they nice to me? Why don't they treat me with respect? Why don't they at least treat me normal?
I remember one day arriving late for a small party our division at work was having. I was last to arrive and everyone else was already seated and in conversation. It was immediately obvious that something was off... no one was really speaking to me and those who were, were not being very pleasant. Later, after it was over one of my friends took me aside and told me. "Before you came in everyone was talking about you and saying what a religious phony you were." Well... that cleared that up. It is difficult to manifest hate and then even pretend to be nice to someone. I understand that. Since that time I have experienced this same scenario many times over. It should not surprise us that those who do not really know God or reject Him, may reject you as well. Jesus concluded his instructions to the seventy with these words: “Remember this: Whoever listens to your message is actually listening to me. And anyone who rejects you is rejecting me, and not only me but the one who sent me.” (Luke 10:16-18) Don't be discouraged by this! The Lord redeemed us and He can do it for them as well! Keep lifting them up in prayer and watch as God moves in their lives! Let this be a confirmation that the "salt and light" that you are is working. Keep showing God's love and the power of that love will draw them like a moth to the flame. Jesus said "If I be lifted up. I will draw all men to myself." Although it isn't easy to experience these things, particularly the times when family is involved, take your comfort in Him and know that He is with you always. Continue to let your light shine!  We need to Keep the Flesh out of it...
It's entirely enough to raise the dead and heal the sick and cast out devils... That in itself will stretch the people around you. No need for theatrics that draw attention upon us to show people we are supernatural... the miracles will let them know... we have to walk in the supernatural of God in such away that people walk away thinking about Jesus... not us.  Forgiving those who don't applaud you...
When I left my regular full-time job, my current boss at that time ordered a cake and threw a little party for me. Several people from my department came to say goodbye and talk a bit, have some cake and wish me well. It was very nice. There were several people who had the opportunity to come but did not. They were people I had helped in various ways over the years so on one hand I could have been quite sad about it... except I had come to know them.... Someone came up to me at the party and tried to shame me that certain people didn't come. They told me that their friends would all come to show respect to them. They kept trying to rub it in and wouldn't let it go. You know, those certain people who the enemy uses to try to suck the life out of your joyful state. I explained as simply as I could... I don't want people to be with me that don't really want to be there, regardless of what anyone thinks. I don't want to be invited to parties or other functions where I'm not really wanted. I have never seen the sense of having a desire to be a part of a group that doesn't want you. I didn't and don't care that they didn't show up. It was for the best in my opinion. The person was upset that I was not shamed. It never works out well to chase after people to accept you or love you. There are many that don't know how. Just grieve the loss if you must but press ahead, forgetting those things that are behind. God has people that will be true friends to you. Those are the ones you build relationship with. Father give us true friends that make our hearts glad.  I was speaking last night with someone who was sharing a situation I see quite often in the lives of believers. That is helping and honoring others and then being trampled for it. I understand. I really do understand. It hurts and it's not fair and sometimes the Lord allows it to accomplish a bigger plan or even do a work in us but He will bring you through it.
Many times we have to walk through things that are difficult such as this. I'm reminded of the Lord being reviled and spat upon by the very people He came to save. They mocked Him as He sacrificed Himself for them. It's demonic and unholy. Going into this new year can I tell you.... don't change. Don't become hard and don't become like them. Your humility and the way you have honored others above yourself has not gone unnoticed by the Lord. It’s that very character of Christ that qualifies you, (if you will) to be promoted in this season. I know you have heard it many times... but watch for the hand of God to move now. You are going to see it.  Growing up I had the great opportunity of being around people in business at varying levels of success, from multi-millionaires to people who were "well-off." I noticed a factor that was quite common among many millionaires. They were never trying to impress people. They knew who they were. They would never spend money to impress anyone. The businessmen my grandfather introduced me to when I was young used to have lunch at a small diner in Indianapolis where the meal was cafeteria-style and only a couple dollars. They drove nice cars but nothing flashy. They were not looking around to see if people noticed them... They didn't care.
Then there were those who wanted to appear rich. They took special care to look what they considered the part. As polished as they were however they didn't have the goods. They only had an appearance of wealth. Many people get sucked in to what they present however. My grandfather told me about a friend of his who was looking to buy a new car and the salesman kept directing the conversation to his driver because he was dressed sharply in a suit. You just can't tell by appearances I learned. It's the same in ministry. There are people who just do what they're supposed to do, not making any claims about how great they are. Someone like Heidi Baker comes to mind... They actually move in the power of God and they dont care what people think. They have to please an audience of one. Then there are those who shout so loudly about their gifting and power and titles and importance it gets peoples attention. Sometimes they abuse the people around them to demonstrate their power. They are aloof and rude as people, preferring not to soil their hands with the great unwashed masses. They speak humbly into the television cameras as if they care for you so much but trust me you couldn't get within ten feet of them. I have met them. But that is entirely ok... They are the ones pretending to be rich. the reality is that they probably don't even know that they are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked-- Be the real deal...  Casting your Pearls...
I know you are kind... You are loving and you have a lot of grace for people. I've seen you explain things to people who show you no respect and you handle it so admirably... But... Those people who are always disrespectful and nasty are sometimes just fulfilling their "ministry" to steal people's joy. Sometimes you have to move on and stop casting your pearls... I learned this the hard way when I first started ministering. I was at a church and dealing with 3 people after the service in the prayer room who were frantic for my help and kept talking and telling their problems to me so I would know how to pray for their deliverance... They kept me occupied for an hour and a half until all those who were waiting to be prayed for had finally given up waiting and left... As soon as that happened that everyone else was gone, all three abruptly left as well with no explanation and no prayer. When I prayed about it the Lord told me they were just there to fulfill their assignment to take up and waste my time so I wouldn't have time for those who really wanted my help. Yes it happens on Facebook too... *I don't say things like this lightly. I give people every opportunity but we need to exercise wisdom...  A woman about 20 years older than I came to me after the meeting and gave me a big hug. "I know this may seem strange to you but I feel as if you are my dad." She said. The truth is that now it doesn't seem strange at all. After I began to earnestly ask for the heart of the Father, I began to see everyone more as sons and daughters no matter their age.
With all the people and situations I have had to deal with these last few years, what I've found is that I make better choices, give better advice, pray better prayers and love in greater measure as I ask myself "What if they belonged to me? What if they were my own?" It puts me in a profoundly different place. Just something to ponder... I believe the Lord is raising up spiritual fathers and mothers. The Lord values family. |
Michael Van VlymenMichael Van Vlymen is a man who is passionate to teach that all can learn to see in the spirit and walk in the supernatural things of God Archives
August 2020
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