MISSION ACCOMPLISHED: FIVE SECRETS OF MILITARY STRATEGY
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MISSION ACCOMPLISHED:
FIVE SECRETS OF MILITARY STRATEGY
SUB-TITLE: ACCURATE FULFILLMENT OF THE LORD’S MANDATE
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MISSION ACCOMPLISHED: 5 SECRETS OF MILITARY STRATEGY
SUB-TITLE: ACCURATE FULFILLMENT OF THE LORD’S MANDATE
The other day I was reading some ministry results of a wonderful brother in Messiah. My first thought was, “God is using him so mightily . . . he is reaching so many people for Messiah!” And . . . he has NO synagogue or church support.
Like most of us in God’s work, he was one of the most unlikely prospects for God to use. Like you, and like me, people never guessed he would one day become a believer in Yeshua! When I reflected upon how God is using him, I thought, “What a great reward he will have in Heaven!”
I thought, “God, he is doing so much for You.” After a while the Lord prompted me, and The Holy Spirit reminded me that I was blessed to have part in his Christian growth; and to help disciple him to become a powerful follower of Yeshua. He took our Free Bible Studies course and we corresponded and communicated at times.
That is exactly what I shared in The Apostles Newsletter a few weeks ago: the disciples you teach should be used more greatly than you are. They should be disciples of MESSIAH and NOT disciples of men … IF you are doing your job right.
At the University of Excellence, of which I am President and Regent, we study five (5) secrets of military strategy for the accomplishment … and the continuance … of successful mission:
• Vision to reach the world for Messiah.
• Logistics and starting new synagogues and churches.
• Anointing of multiplication.
• Mission parameters.
• Resurrection and a new vision
VISION TO REACH THE WORLD FOR CHRIST
I want to teach you something that will help you win the world for Christ!
If you could win 1,000 people to Messiah every day, how long do you think it would take to evangelize the whole world? At this time, the population of the world is about six (6) billion people. It would take you 16,427 years to reach every person (even at 1,000 every day!).
However, if you would lead only one person each year to Christ, and would really train them, here’s what would happen:
At the end of one year there would be two of you to take the “Good News” to others. If each of you would lead one person to Christ that next year, there would be four of you at the end of the second year to go tell the “Good News”. At this rate, it would only take you a little over 32 years to reach the rest of the world! (Even if the population increases to 8.5 billion, it would take only one extra year, or 33 years.)
This is why Jesus said, “Go, then to all peoples of the world and make them my disciples: baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teach them to obey everything I have commanded you. And remember! I will be with you always, to the end of the age.”
Now, here’s how to train a disciple: Ask God to lead you to someone who really wants to grow in the Lord (it may be someone you lead to Christ or someone who already knows Jesus.) Take them “under your wing” (like a bird does her babies) and pour your life, as well as the Word of God, into them.
You will have to “live” the life you are teaching about. Take them preaching on the streets or witnessing at the market with you. Teach them how to lead others to Christ, and to baptize them in water. Their training may last from one week, or until Jesus comes back!
Sometimes you may want to train more than one person at a time. However, never get so busy that you do not have time to spend with each person privately. When a person you are training starts training others for Christ (it may be the first week), then spend some time for “feedback”. That is, let that person discuss with you about the people they are training: get “feedback” about progress or problems, and try to answer their questions. Pray with them!
Be sure to tell the people you are teaching that Jesus said, “The field is the world!” Not just their village or city: but every nation, tribe, tongue, and dialect. Pray that God will send out workers to the nations … and be willing to go yourself. Teach them to do the same.
Obtain a map of the world (and of your country). Lay your hands on the different countries and cities and pray for them. Ask God:
To pour out the Holy Spirit on them;
To send out Christian workers to them; and,
To raise up “Spirit-filled” churches in them and all over the world.
While praying for cities and nations, always “bind” the devil and his demons and cast them out in Jesus’ name. Then, “loose” the Holy Spirit into the cities and nations! Jesus said, “Teach them to obey everything I have commanded you.” This includes his teaching about love, repentance, healing, forgiveness, casting out demons, prayer, baptism in the Holy Spirit, and our “one-ness” with other believers in Jesus.
Some of the people you train may be from other countries (students or visitors). Or, some of those you train may someday go to other countries to study, tour, or work. They will then be able to preach the Gospel there. This is another way you will be reaching nations!
Finally, teach the ones you are training to teach the people they teach “to teach others.” (Notice the four groups, or “families,” of disciples in 2 Timothy 2:2.) The first family is YOU: you are a disciple, or a “follower,” of Christ. The next family is the person you are teaching to be a “follower” of Christ. Notice something very important: the four families are NOT your disciples, they are Christ’s!
Read this message again, and again, and again. There are “seven keys” to help YOU win the world for Christ!
LOGISTICS AND STARTING NEW SYNAGOGUES AND CHURCHES
The provision and supply necessary for ongoing ministry growth will come about as new synagogues and churches are raised up. After the process of true biblical discipleship – making disciples of Messiah and NOT of men – is established, along with a vision of reaching the world for Messiah, the next step is to establish synagogues or churches. The people, the money, the resources for current and subsequent ministry to the community and the world will emanate from the local synagogues or churches established. Tithes and offerings will help in material and financial support. Each leader must be honest and ethical in their allocation of resources, and thereby be an example for those to whom they serve.
There are basically three (3) ways to start synagogues and churches:
1. Start cell groups, OR house churches;
2. Visit neighborhoods;
3. Hold public miracle and healing meetings.
START CELL GROUPS
Start cell groups, or home Bible studies, from an existing church. They will then be centers in each neighborhood or community for people to come for Bible study and prayer, and from which new churches can be raised up.
VISIT NEIGHBORHOODS AND BARRIOS
Visit the surrounding neighborhood. This is the probably the most effective and can also be used in conjunction with a cell group. Get people interested in the vision God has given you. Meet together for prayer, fellowship, and Bible study.
Win souls in the neighborhood or local community where you will have your synagogue or church – START there first! Visit and pray for the sick. Baptize converts and then TRAIN them:
• To win others.
• To study the Scriptures.
• To fast and pray.
• To tithe and give offerings.
• To follow the principles described above in “Vision To reach the World for Christ.”
Impart a vision of the world. Teach them to enjoy Messiah Jesus and their work with Him!!!
Pray daily for God to:
• Open the hearts of people;
• Pour out His Spirit upon the area where you are (or will be)working for Him; and,
• Lead you to people who are seeking for God and His salvation.
Look for needs to meet:
• In people;
• In the community; and,
• In the government.
Go door-to-door within a reasonable distance of the synagogue or church you’re starting and ask people if there is anything for which they would like you to pray. Tell them you’re meeting in about an hour at a certain location (give them the address). Go back in a week and follow up on them. Note: they may also have sick people in the house that they want you to pray for.
Tell people: “If you can find 10 other families who want to start a church, then organize a meeting in your home (or one of their homes) and invite these other 10 families. I will then come and tell them about the church we’re starting. At the same time, we will minister to the people’s needs, if they desire. Expect miracles!”
WARNING:
Never go to be a new head rabbi at a synagogue or pastor a church that someone else started unless the people at large give you complete control before you start. You will just be taking over someone else’s problems! Also, when miracles start the previous leaders will become jealous. Start NEW WORKS where the anointing is honored and God can get the glory!!
TESTIMONY:
Here’s a testimony from a Pastor and General Overseer who followed the instruction described above for starting new churches. “The lessons and the questions are the best I have had in my life, especially since I started preaching the Gospel under the power of the Holy Spirit. Please help me to learn more and be a better worker for the Lord. With the lesson well studied, God has started blessing the work here. Prayer cells have sprung up in all places. God is adding souls to His kingdom.” [Bishop Harrison]
Do diligence to follow the steps in this lesson like Bishop Harrison and God will do MIRACLES for you!
HOLD PUBLIC MIRACLE AND HEALING MEETINGS
There is probably no more effective way to start a new synagogue or church, especially in unevangelized areas, than by means of public meetings: both indoors and outdoors. Here is a proven and successful format for holding such meetings:
1. Start each meeting with 30 minutes of singing and “selected” testimony.
2. Preach 20 to 40 minutes.
3. Begin message by announcing: “We are going to pray in a few minutes and God is going to heal the sick.”
4. During the message, tell the people WHO Jesus is and WHAT He did. Tell them:
“I wouldn’t ask you to believe in a dead god! Jesus Christ is ALIVE!”
“Since Jesus is alive, He will do what He did when He lived on earth before!”
“If He does – and heals you – will you serve Him the rest of your life?”
(Before you pray) “If Jesus heals you, how many will come up and tell of it?”
5. After the message, pray for the sick to be healed. Do NOT go out into the crowd and do NOT pray for individuals at this time, but pray for the crowd “as a whole” from the place where you have been preaching. (Let God do His work!)
6. (During prayer) Tell the people, “Now, begin to praise God for healing you.”
7. (After prayer) Tell the people, “Now do what you couldn’t do before.”
8. Ask for those who have been healed to come and testify. Make sure you have workers who are trained to examine testimonies.
Eliminate those testimonies which aren’t for real or don’t glorify Christ. Train the workers to bring to the front at once ONLY miracles of healing. Also, make sure you have workers who are trained in crowd control.
Don’t let the devil bring confusion to your meeting at this point.
NOTES:
A) The first day of the meeting let God heal a few. Then go out to the neighborhood or villages and tell them what God has been doing; invite them into the meetings.
B) The second day of the meetings, and thereafter, pray for specific cases, such as the deaf and blind, as God leads. You may want certain cases to come to the platform for prayer (where you are ministering). This way the crowd can see the miracles. Do ONLY what the Spirit says and finish when He tells you to!
C) Always meet with your workers before the meeting. Review the previous days meeting and pray for the current one. Ask God for the anointing of the Holy Spirit and pray for unity.
D) Establish a synagogue or church from the new believers (baptize them). Make plans to teach them regularly and to train them.
SUGGESTIONS:
Read and study “Health and Healing” (Parts 1 through 5) in the Archives of The Apostles Newsletter (September 15 through September 29, 2002). Also, read and memorize “How To Be Healed” in the Archives (June 28, 2002).
For a sample healing message to preach, go to: http://www.realmiracles.com/healmessage.htm
ANOINTING OF MULTIPLICATION
Lay hands on and pray over EVERYTHING and EVERYONE you send out or produce: ministers and workers; DVD’s, literature; podcasts, social media postings (MySpace, Twittter, etc.), YouTube videos, films; mp3 files; websites, prayer cloths. Ask God to put His power on them. Ask God for the “apostolic power of Christ” to invade the earth through them. Pray for MIRACLES to magnify Christ.
Pray for people to be saved, healed, delivered, baptized in the Spirit, prospered, and sent out to do the work of Messiah Yeshua. Ask God to raise up a great Holy Spirit synagogue or church in every village and neighborhood of the earth … and a great Holy Spirit witness in every house, home, or family of the earth through the WORK and the PEOPLE you send out! Believe!!
Thirty (30) years ago I asked God for a confirmation about a piece of literature I had written and was to be sending out. It was Lesson Four, “How To Receive the Power of God” in the Free Bible Studies course. I wanted God to show me if I should include this lesson in the series and I received three (3) confirmations within about one week.
The very first person who received that lesson was baptized in the Holy Spirit the day they received it in the mail. Then a Jew wrote from New York and said, “You wouldn’t believe what came out of my mouth when Jesus baptized me in the Holy Spirit” (as a result of the lesson). Thirdly, another man wrote saying that as soon as he took his lesson out of the envelope he read one sentence and was knocked down by a strange force and another language came out of his mouth.
“Believe! All things are possible to him that believes.” [Mark 9:23]
If you are not available to lay hands on the materials – or the people – then commission others to do it. Lay your hands on them and pray over them so the apostolic power of Christ will flow through them. At times, when I have not been able to be present for an ordination service in a distant place, God would instruct me to send a prayer cloth over which I had prayed, and to have the prayer cloth laid on the minister.
If the Holy Spirit can supply the resurrection power of Christ to heal in this manner (Acts 19:11-12), then He surely can impart the gifts of the Spirit and enablement for ministry in the same manner. These should be “special” cases, however, because the normal Scriptural pattern would be to personally lay hands on those being ordained and sent out.
Ask God for ‘an anointing of multiplication’! The kingdom of Heaven is like leaven (or, yeast): it grows and spreads. Yeshua (Jesus) still multiplies bread, and He can multiply the work, the workers, and the Word of God!
MISSION PARAMETERS
Be led by the Spirit of God! Follow the plain teachings of Jesus. Preach and teach the simple Gospel, apart from which there is no other gospel [1 Corinthians 15:1-5]. Obey the commission of Jesus in Matthew 28 and Mark 16. Adhere to the “Apostles’ Creed”. Use the pastoral writings of Paul and Peter and John as examples for church order and discipline and obey the Word of God as revealed in the Holy Bible.
A three-fold cord is not easily broken. Buildings designed in triangulation or with three-sided segments are stronger. Jesus sent out his apostles to:
1. Preach and teach;
2. Heal; and
3. Cast out demons.
Whether you are involved in ministry to governments, to the homeless, to the military … on television or the Internet … keep your ministry “triangulated” in balance with Jesus’ authority that he gave you: to preach; to heal; and, to cast out demons!
Then you won’t have to worry about false doctrines . . . because no one can copy the works God is doing through you. The Lord will confirm the Word of God you preach with signs following . . .and people who are really seeking God will come to the TRUTH! The cults have all have at least one of the three errors (if not all three!).
The cults and false religions teach:
1. Jesus was NOT God in human flesh;
2. You can work your way to Heaven;
3. Hell is not real (or, if it is, it only lasts for a short period).
No false teaching in the world can do all three … present the Good News, heal the sick, and cast out demons! Especially like you are doing when you’re anointed with LOVE! False teaching is usually “lop-sided” with emphasis on either of two large errors: either you’re saved by your works only; or you can sin all you want to and get away with it!
“Faith without works is dead.” [James 2:14-26]
“For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision; but faith which works by love.” [Galatians 5:6]
RESURRECTION AND A NEW VISION
If you are used in creative, powerful, and productive works by God then I have a warning for you. Just about the time you put the “stamp” on your ministry and declare “Mission Accomplished” there will come a time of discouragement. It is nothing more than a demonic attack assigned by Satan to discourage you, to get you to slow down, to get you to lose excitement, to get you to think you can’t do any more great works, and to get you to quit!
Immediately after the victory for which you have fought, prayed, and believed in faith, will subtly appear one of your most dangerous attacks from the enemy. It will NOT be like the attack(s) BEFORE your conquest: to discourage you, to make you afraid, to cause loss of integrity, loss of a loved one, or loss of possessions. All of which attacks you can defeat . . . and withstand . . . by living holy and living a life of faith and trust in God.
But this attack will be so delicate or precise as to be difficult to analyze or describe. You will not be capable, without discernment from God, of making fine distinctions as to the source of the attack. It will be covert and delicately complex. There will be put in place clever and indirect means by the enemy to achieve your downfall: spiritually, socially, materially, physically, and mentally . . . in that order.
Read and prayerfully study The Apostles Newsletters titled “What to Do After the Victory” (Parts A and Part B) published September 14 and 21, 2003. Login to The Apostles Group and you will find them in the Archives.
This two-part newsletter was written to instruct you as to how to offset this kind of attack, and to guard against it; also, to augment and solidify your recent victory, and to go on to higher and more productive accomplishments.
King Solomon tells us in the Book of Ecclesiastes that a threefold cord is not easily broken. (Ecclesiastes 4:12) There are three things you can do to assure your maintenance of the victory and your own personal integrity. They are as follows:
1. Guard Against Pride
2. Monitor the Victory
3. Plan for the Future
After your victory is the time the enemy will do his best to allure you with:
• Fame;
• Fortune;
• Lust; and,
• Deception of any kind
Don’t let your guard down! You are at your weakest point of defense right after your victory:
• Rest;
• Stay under the anointing;
• Plan, stretch out in faith; and,
• Start implementing your plans for the NEXT victory. It may be related to the harvest of your present (recent) victory.
Rest for a short period. Use this time to reflect and give thanks to God, and those people who assisted you, for the victory. Pray God’s blessing on those who assisted you!
Stay in the Word of God and prayer. Stay under the anointing. Use this period of rest to listen to God for the “skeletal” outline of your NEXT project. Receive your plans from the Spirit. Praise and thank Him in faith for the next victory!
Don’t wait for everything to be perfect before you implement your next assignment. Don’t wait until all the conditions are right before you start. Count the cost, but use faith. You can refine after you implement.
God is getting ready to use you MORE GREATLY than ever before! He has given you the “eye of the tiger” . . . you will never be taken captive by the enemy. You will be stronger and more productive for the kingdom of God. The Master will say to you: “Well done, thou good and faithful servant; enter into the joy of the Lord.”
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!
Your friend,
Prince Handley
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STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS AND CONTINUED VISION – FINAL PART
APOSTLE TALK - Future News Now!
WWW.REALMIRACLES.COM
with Prince Handley
EIGHT (8) TWIN STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS AND CONTINUED VISION - PART D (FINAL)
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EIGHT TWIN STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS & CONTINUED VISION (PART D – FINAL)
In previous teachings in this series we discussed the FIRST FIVE TWINS for success and continued vision:
- Enthusiastic Desire PLUS Faith;
- Decisive Nature PLUS Virtue;
- Specialized Knowledge PLUS Spiritual Knowledge;
- Quest for Excellence PLUS Temperance; and,
- Organic Spiritual Endeavor PLUS Patience.
In this final teaching of the series we will cover the LAST THREE TWINS:
- Principles of Value PLUS Godliness;
- Like-minded Associates PLUS Brotherly Kindness; and
- Vehicle for Attainment PLUS Love.
When you combine your good desires with faith . . . ENTHUSIASTIC DESIRE PLUS FAITH . . . you have an unbeatable combination. You can begin to PLAN your future prayerfully based upon the God given desires of your heart. That’s one reason it is important to read and meditate upon the Word of God daily so you will KNOW and develop the will of God for your life.
Remember . . . you can CREATE with your faith. Hebrews 11:1 tell us, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Faith is the underpinning or support . . . a title deed (as in property) . . . that lets you KNOW you have the objects or affairs you do not yet see.
It is a wonderful thing to have FAITH, but if you have a PLAN incorporating your desires to go along with your faith, it is even better! Here’s a SECRET that will allow you to SEE many MIRACLES:
If your PLAN fits into God’s plan
. . . . . . . you will have God’s FAITH
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . and God’s faith ALWAYS WORKS!
You need to be able to make decisions based upon knowledge and quality input. Once again, this is where it is important to read and meditate upon the Word of God daily. You need DIRECTION in the many matters of life that face you now . . . and also about future planning. God has given you everything you need for LIFE and GODLINESS through His PROMISES and the KNOWLEDGE of Christ.
In ministry and in business you need to draw upon quality research, marketing, and experience (sometimes the input of others). And you need to KNOW when to act. Timing is KEY to success in many courses of action. Bill Gates, founder of Microsoft, says that when he knows that something is right, and that the timing is right, he goes into it with MASSIVE ACTION. However, without VIRTUE a decision can have disastrous effects eternally and with no substance temporally here on earth.
The Greek word for VIRTUE in the New testament is arete: it means excellence and valor. We need to be people of EXCELLENCE. Our nature should be to make excellent DECISIONS based upon VIRTUE. If we are following Jesus and listening to the Holy Spirit, we will be able to accomplish this continuously.
“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men. Knowing that of the Lord you shall receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.” [Colossians 3:23-24]
Make your decisions based upon the fact that God is watching you!
We are living in a day like the prophet Daniel described where “knowledge shall be increased” and we should take advantage of that knowledge to advance the kingdom of God. Daniel, in a passage of scripture dealing with the end times, tells us ” . . . but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.” [Daniel 11:32] Exploit, in the sense used here, means literally “to do successively unfolding bold, courageous works!”
There are many ways to influence society and to reach the world for Messiah. And there are many NEW ways to help yourself gain SUCCESS! Pray and ask God to reveal these to you. Then, obey Him and be diligent to study in order to prepare yourself to be used by the Master: to be a good steward.
No amount of SPECIALIZED KNOWLEDGE, however, will be of significant time value without SPIRITUAL KNOWLEDGE. No matter how successful we become in life, it will not be of any time value unless we know God personally. If we know God through His Son, Yeshua (Jesus) the Messiah, then we have eternal life. [Brit Chadashah: John 3:16]
When you study the Bible, ask the Holy Spirit to speak to you, and to teach you so you can teach others. The scripture instructs us, “Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” [2 Timothy 2:15]
Combining SPECIALIZED KNOWLEDGE with SPIRITUAL KNOWLEDGE will provide you a powerful impetus for ongoing success and continued vision. To be really successful we need to share our success with others: our family, our brothers and sisters in Messiah, our community, and the world.
THE MORE YOU KNOW . . . THE MORE THE HOLY SPIRIT CAN USE! This applies not only to mental knowledge but also to knowledge gained through the acquisition of physical skills or craftsmanship.
Practice excellence in your CHARACTER. Be transparent and keep your word. Psalm 15 is a good start for practical living and developing excellence in character. Also, loving our neighbor as we do our self, and doing unto our neighbor as we would have him do to us, is the guideline our Gadol Cohen (Great Rabbi) set before us.
Practice excellence in your WORK. Be a good steward for your earthly employer and your Heavenly employer. Colossians 3:22 instructs us NOT to do sight-labor: that is, work that needs watching.
In your quest for excellence, develop your skills to the BEST of your ability. Be a good manager of what God has given you and over which God has placed you. Keep improving and growing in your knowledge base, your acumen, and your skills. Study Part ‘A’ of this teaching to help develop excellence in acumen; particularly study the section on “Decisive Nature and Virtue.”
Along with the quest for excellence you need to partner with temperance, or self control. Many people, on their quest for excellence, do NOT allow for rest or leisure. This is vital to SUCCESS and CONTINUED VISION.
Rest, and also quietness, is necessary for wholeness. A key scripture and principle that I have tried to practice in my life for many years is found in Isaiah 30:15:
“For thus says the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel: In returning and rest shall you be saved; and in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength.”
Leisure is more than just non-work. It is when we PERMIT ourselves time for rest, growth, and development. Leisure is BOTH the embryo and the catalyst for creativity, and for NEW experiences, people, play, and places.
We have to permit ourselves the time to rest . . . to re-create . . . and to create! Isaiah 58:13-14 tells us about an ADDED BONUS when we honor the Sabbath of the Lord.
“If you turn away your foot from the Sabbath, from doing your pleasure on My holy day, and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the LORD, honorable; and shall honor Him, not doing your own ways, nor finding your own pleasure, nor speaking your own words:
Then shall you delight yourself in the LORD; and I will cause you to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed you with the heritage of Jacob your father: for the mouth of the LORD has spoken it.”
We need to have TOTAL success in life: in this life on earth and in the eternal beyond; and God has provided just such means to attain that goal. God has given us EVERYTHING WE NEED for: LIFE, and GODLINESS.
“According as His divine power has given unto us ALL THINGS that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that has called us to glory and virtue.” [2 Peter 1:3]
He has given us PROMISES so that we can share or partner with Him in His divine expansion – or growth of descendants – after we have escaped, by His saving grace, the ruin that is in the world through lust. In other words, after we are born again and start serving Messiah, we can partner and be a companion with God in successfully bearing fruit: that is, growing other seed-descendants. These include our own children who are born again while also reaching out to the rest of the world.
“Whereby are given to us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these you might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” [2 Peter 1:4]
How can we involve ourselves in powerful, prolonged, and productive effort that will be self multiplying and profitable, not only temporally here on Planet Earth but also eternally in Heaven?
The answer: be actively engaged in organic ministry growth! Be involved in a work that is propagating living, continuous development of the Kingdom of God.
The definition of the word propagate is “to breed by natural (or supernatural) processes from a parent origin; to promote an idea or knowledge widely; to transmit in a particular direction.”
There are around 60,000 people groups on Planet Earth, with Messianic believers and Christians in most regions of the earth. With the expansion of global trade, internet access, social networking, and communications, many – if not most – of these groups understand and view themselves as one worldwide synagogue or church in an interconnected world. To be involved in Kingdom Work is to be involved with the heart and purpose of God. It is to be involved LOCALLY and GLOBALLY . . . and both TEMPORALLY and ETERNALLY.
The earth is getting smaller with regard to travel, communications, and interfacing of cultures. At the same time the Body of Messiah’s people is becoming more inter-tribal. We see the horizon of the fulfillment of Yeshua’s prophecy that the Good News will be preached, proclaimed, or published before the time of His return to Planet Earth.
“And the gospel must first be published [preached] among all nations.” [Mark 13:10]
The word for nations here used is “ethnos” – as in ethnic group – meaning “a race of the same habit, or culture, or tribe.”
Read and study the Biblical pattern of synagogue and church growth in the Book of Acts. Certain things are evidentiary and these same patterns are manifest in any POWER GROWTH synagogue or church today.
1. When people believed in Yeshua (Jesus), and after they took part in mikvah (were baptized in water), a group was formed for: worship; teaching; prayer; helps; and, evangelism.
2. Prophets and teachers were raised up by the Holy Spirit.
3. The Christians prayed and fasted.
4. The Holy Spirit called out apostles.
5. These apostles were sent out (NOT “released”) by the believers after hands were laid on them.
6. As the apostles went to different areas they preached the Good News.
7. Other churches were raised up as a result of the preaching and the work of the apostles.
8. The churches grew and ministered to the believers, the community, and the world.
Notice, in Acts 13:1-4, it was the Holy Spirit who CALLED the apostles (verse 2) and it was the Holy Spirit who SENT them (verse 4). In between the calling and the sending was the ratification by the elders with the laying on of hands (verse 3). The apostles were NOT “released by men” . . . it was the Holy Spirit who called and sent them.
Notice, this is the NORMAL PATTERN of church growth. This is to be expected today! It should be a regular practice of a local church to SEND OUT workers: both for long term commitment and for short term service.
We should always be willing to make changes for the Lord; that is part of discipleship. However; there are times we have to wait . . . because God is developing things or situations where we are going to be sent . . . or because He is developing things in our lives . . . or both!
But if you wait for an EXTENDED period of time, then examine yourself to make sure you are willing to leave your comfort zone. God may be speaking to you and redirecting you, but you may not be listening because it is NOT what you want to hear.
Patience is really cheerful, or hopeful, endurance. True biblical patience, as expressed by the Greek word “hupomone” is constancy. It is the kind of enduring patience, or patient continuance in well doing. It is knowing the will of God for this season of your life, and looking forward to being used by God in SPECIAL SERVICE in the future, also! Be involved in ministry that is sending out the workers, birthing or planting new synagogues and churches, preaching and teaching to facilitate the MIRACLE working power of God. Yeshua (Jesus) sent out his followers . . . and He is sending YOU out to:
Preach and teach;
Heal the sick;
Cast out demons.
This threefold ministry, or triangulation of mission, will empower you and your ministry; it will keep you FRESH under the anointing of the Spirit. You will be continuously creative, causing you to be more successful and to have continued vision!
Now, if you add to your patience PRINCIPLES OF VALUE and GODLINESS, you will have the spiritual and physical mechanics to add other people, like-minded associates, to your asset bank for success and continued vision.
PRINCIPLES OF VALUE plus GODLINESS
One of the great aspects of reading and studying – as well as meditating upon – the Holy Bible daily is so we can learn precepts and principles. We can learn HOW God thinks about certain things and WHY He wants us to behave in a particular manner. Situations vary in life; we may not always come up against situations that have been codified. However, if we know HOW God thinks about certain things and WHY God expects certain responses from us, then we can transfer those principles into every arena of life.
We need to know both the Jewish Old Testament (Tanakh) and the Jewish New Testament (Brit Chadashah) so we can navigate successfully through the issues of life and have continued vision. There is an association between the Law of God and vision from the Lord.
“The law is no more; her prophets also find no vision from the Lord.” [Lamentations 2:9]
“Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keeps the law, happy is he.” [Proverbs 29:18]
It is the same way in our personal lives and ministries. If we adhere to the teachings of God; that is, live by the principles we learn about HOW God thinks and WHY He expects certain behavior, then we will not only have SUCCESS but also continued VISION.
Actually the combined traits of PRINCIPLES OF VALUE and GODLINESS will be concomitant factors. Here again is the key: knowing and obeying the Word of God, which is His Will!
LIKE-MINDED ASSOCIATES plus BROTHERLY KINDNESS
You need to have strong relationships with God and with those people to whom God will lead you to work. Appreciate the people with which God has chosen you to work. However, don’t try to “force” relationships: don’t make commitments to every person you meet. God will show you those people to whom you should be committed when you are FIRST committed to Him!
Give positive support, or “reinforcement” to those people you’re committed to …
Whether they are OVER YOU in a position of authority;
You are OVER THEM; or,
You are on the same level (working or ministry associates).
Remind each other that “God will fight for us!”.
Give your associates REWARDS from time-to-time for:
The good work they do;
Their consistency and faithfulness; or,
Their availability.
These rewards do not (always) have to be monetary. Sometimes a “pat on the back”, or a “word of encouragement”, is really meaningful: letting them know the good they are doing is not going unnoticed. Let people KNOW you are THANKFUL and APPRECIATIVE of their association with you.
Maybe an invitation to dinner, or just spending time alone with them or their family, whether it’s a few minutes or a day or two. It is also important for a man to give positive support to his wife. There are so many ways a wife serves a husband in his ministry that may go unnoticed by him.
Simple brotherly kindness to and among your group will go a long way to impacting the world with Messiah’s love and power! This is the reason I started The Apostles Group seven years ago, and the reason I write this newsletter and provide our world services free.
We need to appreciate those nearest to us, and never to take them for granted. This is where “family altar” is so important: don’t neglect ministering to your own family! They may be your GREATEST DISCIPLES!! Read and discuss the Holy Bible together, and then pray together.
It is good to spend time refreshing your mind thinking about all the successes God has given you in the past. God has NOT brought you this far to make you fail. God is FOR you! One time the disciples of Jesus were in a ship in the middle of the sea where the waves were rough and the wind was strong. They became fearful until Jesus came to them on the water and told them not to be afraid. They FORGOT that the Lord had commanded them to GO to the other side.
He did NOT intend them to sink or to fail. Jesus intends for you to SUCCEED! He wants you to make it to the “other side.” Take time to study in the Holy Bible how others have succeeded: Abraham, Joseph, Daniel, Esther, Mordecai … and the Apostles.
Associate with like-minded people who SHARE YOUR VISION (or who know what you’re about) . . . people who are POSITIVE. You want to be able to brainstorm with these people, and not to have ideas – no matter how ridiculous – be shot down as soon as they are verbalized.
IMPORTANT: This group of like-minded people with whom you will share your vision, goals, and new ideas, is NOT an accountability group. This is NOT a group of people to whom you decide to be accountable for your personal life, your ministry, or your finances. This is a group of people with whom you need to have OPENNESS for CREATIVITY:
To dream;
To plan;
To get feedback; and,
To implement.
We have seen that when we add to our patience the twin gifts of GODLINESS and PRINCIPLES OF VALUE, we will have the spiritual and physical mechanics to add other people, LIKE-MINDED ASSOCIATES, to our asset bank for success and continued vision. Next . . . you can select your VEHICLE FOR ATTAINMENT.
VEHICLE FOR ATTAINMENT plus LOVE
What is the means by which you will arrive at your goal? What is the vehicle which will transport you to the attainment of your dream?
When an athlete in a championship game scores the winning goal, he is merely manifesting a composite of the years of training, wins and losses, experience, exercise, and mental conditioning that have preceded this moment. Likewise, the composite of major decisions in our lives are usually the summation of the smaller minor decisions and habit-patterns we have formed along the way.
To some people, the vehicle for attainment of their goals is a multilevel marketing plan. To others, it is a business and investment plan. To many, it is a retirement plan. To the ULTIMATE WINNER, it is the vision and the miraculous arrived at through seeking God in prayer and fasting: combining ENTHUSIASTIC DESIRE and FAITH with DIRECTION from God.
God will reveal YOUR vehicle for attainment as you spend time alone with Him. Shut off your television and your video / DVD player . . . spend time with the Creator of the Universe. Talk to Him . . . listen to Him. God is NOT stupid. The Heavenly Father knows the person who wants to be used by Him . . . the person who wants to spend time with Him. And, He doesn’t need anyone: no matter how great our talents, skills, and possessions!
The Creator will reveal by His Spirit the vehicle for you to use in the attainment of your goal(s) . . . and when to CHANGE that vehicle. God, the creator of the goal-desires in your heart, knows the methodology by which to bring them to pass. He knows the vehicle by which, when coupled with FAITH, will bring the goal-desires into fruition.
There is an amazing spiritual truth we find in Genesis 11:1-9. Before the nations of the earth were scattered on the face of the earth, the earth was of one language and one speech. The people had decided to make a city and a tower, whose top would reach unto heaven; they wanted to make a name for themselves so they would not be scattered abroad upon the face of the earth.
“And the Lord said, ‘Behold, the people is one, and they all have one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do.” [verse 6] “Let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another’s speech.” [verse 7]
Archaeological records show us that these were wicked and idolatrous people. Yet we see in verse 6 that God said, “nothing will be restrained from them”. Notice they had ONE goal and ONE speech. They were unified in purpose and language.
If this principle of “oneness” works in unbelievers … for ungodly, wicked people … how much more will it work for believers … for God’s people … who have ONE goal and ONE speech: a common vision and a common language! Especially spirit-filled Christians who have a common objective and who can pray and decree a thing (or a set of objectives) in not only their common earthly language(s), but also their heavenly language: tongues!
In Job 22:28 we read, “You shall also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto you …” In the original Hebrew language the word “decree” is a primitive root form of the word “gazar“, which means “to cut out exclusively, or to decide“. In its primitive form it is used also as a “quarrying” term … as in cutting out stone from a rock quarry.
It means more than to “say” or “speak”. It conveys the meaning of “cutting something out in your mind’s eye”; that is, “to envision [to make a vision], to decide upon it, and confess it” … and then it will be established unto you! If you and your Christian brothers and sisters have a common vision or goal, and decide upon it, confessing it in a common language, speaking it … “nothing will be restrained from you which you have imagined (or, envisioned) to do!! [Read again Genesis 11:1-6.]
The SECRET . . . the capstone to the whole process . . . without which you will not be the ULTIMATE WINNER . . . is LOVE.
The vehicle for attainment of your goals, no matter how intense your desire, your faith and the other twins we have studied, cannot bring you into success and continued vision without LOVE. Love is the channel through which the gifts of the Holy Spirit work. “Faith works by love.” [Galatians 5:6]
Remember … if you have LOVE, then FAITH can work.
I trust this series on The Eight Twins for Success and Continued Vision has been a blessing to you, and that it will help you accomplish your God-given desires! To resource other parts of this series (this is Part D – Final), go to: Part A, Part B, Part C.
Prince Handley
P.S. – Write and let me know how God has spoken to you through these messages. You may email me personally at: princehandley@gmail.com
STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS AND CONTINUED VISION – PART C
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EIGHT (8) TWIN STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS AND CONTINUED VISION - PART C
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EIGHT TWIN STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS & CONTINUED VISION – PART C
In the previous two newsletters we discussed the FIRST FOUR TWINS for success and continued vision:
Enthusiastic Desire PLUS Faith;
Decisive Nature PLUS Virtue;
Specialized Knowledge PLUS Spiritual Knowledge; and,
Quest for Excellence PLUS Temperance.
In this newsletter we will discuss the fifth twin:
Organic Spiritual Endeavor PLUS Patience.
The remaining twins for success and continued vision will be discussed in subsequent newsletters.
ORGANIC SPIRITUAL ENDEAVOR plus PATIENCE
ORGANIC SPIRITUAL ENDEAVOR
To be really successful we need to share our success with others: our family, our brothers and sisters in Messiah, our community, the world . . . and Heaven.
We need to have TOTAL success in life: in this life on earth and in the eternal beyond; and God has provided just such means to attain that goal. God has given us EVERYTHING WE NEED for: LIFE, and GODLINESS.
“According as His divine power has given unto us ALL THINGS that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that has called us to glory and virtue.” [2 Peter 1:3]
He has given us PROMISES so that we can share or partner with Him in His divine expansion – or growth of descendants – after we have escaped, by His saving grace, the ruin that is in the world through lust. In other words, after we are born again and start serving Messiah, we can partner and be a companion with God in successfully bearing fruit: that is, growing other seed-descendants. These include our own children who are born again while also reaching out to the rest of the world.
“Whereby are given to us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these you might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” [2 Peter 1:4]
Now . . . how do we use the precepts we have learned in the previous two teachinngs so as to be involved in ORGANIC SPIRITUAL ENDEAVOR? In other words, how can we involve ourselves in powerful, prolonged, and productive effort that will be self multiplying and profitable, not only temporally here on Planet Earth but also eternally in Heaven?
The answer: be actively engaged in organic ministry growth! Be involved in a work that is propagating continuous development of the Kingdom of God.
The definition of the word “propagate” is “to breed by natural (or supernatural) processes from a parent origin; to promote an idea or knowledge widely; to transmit in a particular direction.”
My purpose in this section is to tell you the SPECIFICS of how to accomplish this.
There are around 60,000 people groups on Planet Earth, with Messianic believers and Christians in most regions of the earth. With the expansion of global trade, internet access, social networking, and communications, many – if not most – of these groups understand and view themselves as one worldwide church in an interconnected world. To be involved in Kingdom Work is to be involved with the heart and purpose of God. It is to be involved LOCALLY and GLOBALLY . . . and both TEMPORALLY and ETERNALLY.
The earth is getting smaller with regard to travel, communications, and interfacing of cultures. At the same time the Body of Messiah is becoming more inter-tribal. We see the horizon of the fulfillment of Yeshua’s prophecy that the Good News will be preached, proclaimed, or published before the time of His return to Planet Earth.
“And the gospel must first be published [preached] among all nations.” [Mark 13:10]
The word for nations here used is “ethnos” – as in ethnic group – meaning “a race of the same habit, or culture, or tribe.”
Read and study the Biblical pattern of church growth in the Book of Acts. Certain things are evidentiary and these same patterns are manifest in any POWER GROWTH church today.
1. When people believed in Yeshua (Jesus), and after they took part in mikvah (were baptized in water), a group was formed for:
Worship;
Teaching;
Prayer;
Helps; and,
Evangelism.
2. Prophets and teachers were raised up by the Ruach ha Chodesh (theHoly Spirit).
3. The Christians prayed and fasted.
4. The Holy Spirit called out apostles.
5. These apostles were sent out (NOT “released”) by the believers after hands were laid on them.
6. As the apostles went to different areas they preached the Good News.
7. Other churches were raised up as a result of the preaching and the work of the apostles.
8. The churches grew and ministered to the believers, the community, and the world.
Notice, in Acts 13:1-4, it was the Holy Spirit who CALLED the apostles (verse 2) and it was the Holy Spirit who SENT them (verse 4). In between the calling and the sending was the ratification by the elders with the laying on of hands (verse 3). The apostles were NOT “released by men” . . . it was the Holy Spirit who called and sent them.
Notice, this is the NORMAL PATTERN of synagogue and church growth. This is to be expected today! It should be a regular practice of a local church to SEND OUT workers: both for long term commitment and for short term service.
WARNING #1: It is not enough just to see new churches being raised up. This is where many POWER CHURCHES become deceived into complacency and become spiritually diffused. There are two (2) main causes for this effect:
1. They see many new churches being raised up, but begin to lack clarity or conciseness of mission or vision.
Over time they become spread out and increased in numbers but diffused in power. Sometimes this is because of pride, or due to comparing themselves with other regional churches. Sometimes it is because of lack of sacrifice they were willing to render at their outset.
2. They do NOT bring NEW POWERFUL LIFE back into their parent body.
This can be prevented and offset by sending out short term mission groups for a period of three to six weeks. These groups may go to a nearby region or they may go far away overseas to another country. They may combine evangelism, medical, and help ministries. They may go to non-evangelized territories, or they may go to assist those who have previously been sent out by the parent church; or they may go assist missionaries and Christian workers from other church groups.
This will result in a TRIPLE blessing: It will inject LIFE back into the parent church when they return from their short term ministry and share their testimonies; it will also inject LIFE into the area where they are sent; and, it will inject LIFE into the ones sent, influencing their future discipleship for the Lord.
WARNING #2: It is of great spiritual detriment for the new churches – or individuals – being raised up to feel, or be instructed, that they are UNDER THE COVERING of the parent church.
1. They may be accountable to the parent church, or other bodies, but their covering is CHRIST AND HIS BLOOD! To teach otherwise is to cause them to lean on men and not the Lord, and to become disciples of men and not Christ! This is one of Satan’s tricks to quench TRUE evangelistic and prophetic ministry, and to lure them into a false sense of safety or covering.
2. This teaching will usually be prevalent where potential candidates for ministry or the mission field are taught that they are not ready to be “released” from the parent body. To be “released” is implying that they are being held in “bondage.” Who the Son sets FREE is free indeed . . . absolutely! [John 8:36] They may not be ready to be sent out, but they surely should not be held in bondage, nor have that thought implied.
“Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty!” [2 Corinthians 3:17]
Be part of organic synagogue or church growth . . . or organic ministry growth. Not indirectly . . . but DIRECTLY. It is often said, “If you can’t go in person, then go by your prayers . . . or go with your money.” Surely we can share by any of the three means: going, praying, and giving. But be involved in ALL THREE. Now, if you are elderly, or constrained in some way that you can’t go yourself, the Lord understands. But be involved as much as you can: for your sake, for your synagogue or church and ministry’s sake, and for the sake of those to whom you could or should be ministering.
If you are very busy in your business, ministry, or family life, try to set aside vacation time to go on a ministry trip overseas or to some area in great need. If you are in a geographic area where there are no power churches or ministries, then pray for the Lord’s direction. He may want you to START such a ministry. There are lots of good ministry groups who need help. You can contact them on the internet. Here are a few:
Voice of the Martyrs www.persecution.com
Messianic Bible Prophecy Project www.messianicbible.com
Y.W.A.M. – Youth With A Mission www.ywam.org
Samaritan’s Purse www.samaritanspurse.org
If you can, let your family be involved with you. Young children should not go to some areas because of sanitation, dehydration, and other risks. There is a great need in many countries for water and for wells to be drilled. There is a big need in many areas for other helps such as medical missions. Whatever you do, combine it with preaching the Good News. Some groups do lots of social work but never share the Gospel. Others do lots of evangelism but never help meet needs of the local people. Do both!
Be involved in ministry that is sending out the workers, birthing or planting new churches, preaching and teaching to facilitate the MIRACLE working power of God. You may be a business person that God has anointed to help reach the world for Christ; but minister personally, as well as through your business. It will keep you creative, and help you to be even more successful while maintaining continued vision. The anointing will keep you vibrant! Jesus sent out his followers . . . and He is sending YOU out to:
Preach and teach;
Heal the sick;
Cast out demons.
This threefold ministry, or triangulation of mission, will empower you and your ministry; it will keep you FRESH under the anointing of the Spirit. You will be continuously creative, causing you to be more successful and to have continued vision! These things began Jesus both to DO and to TEACH . . . and these things He would have us to DO and to TEACH! [Acts 1:1]
PATIENCE
Most of the people reading this teaching are already in ministry or thinking and praying about it. My advice to you is this: “Go big or stay at home!” In other words, don’t make ministry a hobby or an avocation. Your whole life should center around God’s will for you. Or rather, your whole life should be in the CENTER of God’s will. If not, start praying to that end.
We should always be willing to make changes for the Lord; that is part of discipleship. However; there are times we have to wait . . . because God is developing things or situations where we are going to be sent . . . or because He is developing things in our lives . . . or both!
Patience is really cheerful, or hopeful, endurance. True biblical patience, as expressed by the Greek word “hupomone” is constancy. It is the kind of enduring patience, or patient continuance in well doing. It is knowing the will of God for this season of your life, and looking forward to being used by God in SPECIAL SERVICE in the future, also!
OTHER RESOURCES TO HELP YOU:
To learn more about being used in SPECIAL SERVICE for God, study: The Power of a Separated Life.
To learn more about COVERING, ministry protection, and authority, listen to the podcast (or study the Show Notes of): The Covering. Also study: The False Covering Movement.
To resource other parts of this series (this is Part C), go to: Part A, Part B, Part D (Final)
STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS AND CONTINUED VISION – PART B
APOSTLE TALK - Future news Now!
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with Prince Handley
EIGHT (8) TWIN STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS AND CONTINUED VISION - PART B
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EIGHT TWIN STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS & CONTINUED VISION – PART B
I guarantee you success and continued vision! You will not be barren or unfruitful, if you practice what I am teaching you in this series. Also, you will have an abundant entrance into Heaven. Remember, there are rewards in Heaven for your labor of love and faithfulness here on earth.
Jesus wants to be able to say to you when you enter Heaven: “Well done, you good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things; I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of the Lord.” [ Matthew 25:21]
You need continued vision for vitality. The Bible says, “Without a vision, the people perish.” [Proverb 29:18] To be successful in this life and to prepare for life in Heaven . . . and to maintain continued vision so we will be fresh and vibrant . . . there are eight (8) TWIN STRATEGIES to help you.
In the last newsletter we discussed the FIRST TWO TWINS for success and continued vision:
Enthusiastic Desire PLUS Faith; and,
Decisive Nature PLUS Virtue.
To review these first two twins, see Part A.
We will discuss the next two (2) twins in this newsletter. They are as follows:
Specialized Knowledge PLUS Spiritual Knowledge; and,
Quest for Excellence PLUS Temperance.
The remaining twins for success and continued vision will be discussed in subsequent ezine teachings.
SPECIALIZED KNOWLEDGE plus SPIRITUAL KNOWLEDGE
If you are going to be used greatly by God, then you will have to make up your mind ahead of time that you are willing to do things . . . and exploits . . . that are out of the ordinary. Yeshua (Jesus) did not fit into the normal mold of man, even though He was God in human flesh. He was a perfect man . . . but he was focused on doing the will of God . . . not the will of man.
Likewise, if you make the decision to do the will of God during your time here on earth, then neither will you will fit into the normal mold of man: you will seem eccentric to the world. The definition of eccentric is as follows: 1. Unconventional and slightly strange; 2. Not placed centrally or having its axis placed centrally. But you see, this definition is from the perspective of what is “normal” and God did NOT call us to be normal by the world’s standards. Rather, the normal Christian life is abnormal to the world.
The origin of the word “eccentric” is from the Greek “ekkentros“: “ek” meaning “out of” plus “kentron” meaning “center,” therefore the meaning of: “out of center.” John Steward Mill gives an insightful comment of truth concerning this:
“Eccentricity has always abounded when and where strength of character has abounded; and the amount of eccentricity in society has always been proportioned to the amount of genius, mental vigor and moral courage which it contained. That so few men now dare to be eccentric marks the chief danger of our time.”
Specialized knowledge is highly dependent upon genius AND mental vigor. The second of these two, mental vigor, can complement what may be lacking in the first of the two: genius.
What is that GREAT THING you want to do for God? Do you have the SPECIALIZED KNOWLEDGE to attain that goal? Are you willing to sacrifice, study, and research to obtain the knowledge required to complete the task? Don’t be a lazy follower of the Lord. God did not call us to complacency, but rather to excellence. I have been on this planet for several scores of years, and I still spend much time studying and researching to find NEW, BETTER, and MORE PRODUCTIVE ways to reach the world for Messiah and to help my fellow man. Don’t be afraid . . . and never get too old . . . to go back to school for more formal education.
One of the best schools for people to learn MEDIA PRODUCTION, and one which I fully endorse, is Full Sail Real World Education based in Orlando, Florida, USA. They may be contacted by phone at 800.226.7625 or 407.679.6333. FAX to 407.678.0070. You may contact them on the web at WWW.FULLSAIL.COM. Some of their major fields of study are:
Film;
Digital Media;
Recording Arts;
Computer Animation;
Entertainment Business;
Show Production and Touring;
Game Design and Development.
We are living in a day like the Prophet Daniel described where “knowledge shall be increased” and we should take advantage of it to advance the kingdom of God. Daniel, in a passage of scripture dealing with the end times, tells us ” . . . but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.” [Daniel 11:32] “Exploit,” in the sense used here, means literally “to do successively unfolding bold, courageous works!”
There are many other ways to influence society and to reach the world for Messiah other than through the internet and social media. And there are many NEW ways to help yourself gain SUCCESS! Pray and ask God to reveal these to you. Then, obey Him and be diligent to study in order to prepare yourself to be used by the Master: to be a good steward.
No amount of SPECIALIZED KNOWLEDGE, however, will be of significant time value without SPIRITUAL KNOWLEDGE. No matter how successful we become in life, it will not be of any time value unless we know God personally. If we know God through His Son, Jesus the Messiah, then we have eternal life. [John 3:16] The measure of a man’s success in life is how many of his children make it to Heaven. If we know the Lord, we are living part of our eternal life NOW, while here on earth, and then in Heaven. It will never end!
Yeshua taught us, “What does it profit a man if he gains all the world, and loses his own soul? Also, what shall a man give in exchange, or to buy back, his soul?” [Mark 16:26 - Mark 8:36]
We need to have TOTAL success in life: in this life on earth and in the eternal beyond; and God has provided just such means to attain that goal. God has given us EVERYTHING WE NEED for: LIFE, and GODLINESS.
“According as His divine power has given unto us ALL THINGS that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that has called us to glory and virtue.” [2 Peter 1:3]
He has given us PROMISES so that we can share or partner with Him in His divine expansion – or growth of descendants – after we have escaped, by His saving grace, the ruin that is in the world through lust. In other words, after we are born again and start serving Messiah, we can partner and be a companion with God in successfully bearing fruit: that is, growing other seed-descendants. These include our own children who are born again while also reaching out to the rest of the world. “Whereby are given to us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these you might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” [2 Peter 1:4]
We should BELIEVE this and EXPECT it. Our children should be our greatest disciples. If not, something is wrong, or out of place.
Learn the PROMISES in Gods Word; believe them and appropriate them by faith. Take quality time daily to study and meditate in God’s Word. I usually separate my “study time” from my “devotional time.” In the morning, before I start my active day, I have my devotional time where I just want God to speak to me and minister to me through His Word, even before I have my prayer time. I made a rule years ago: “No Bible, no breakfast.” Eat the Word of God first. Jesus said, “It is written: Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.” [Matthew 4:4]
When you study the Bible, ask the Holy Spirit to speak to you, and to teach you so you can teach others. The scripture instructs us, “Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” [2 Timothy 2:15]
Combining SPECIALIZED KNOWLEDGE with SPIRITUAL KNOWLEDGE will provide you a powerful impetus for ongoing success and continued vision. To be really successful we need to share our success with others: our family, our brothers and sisters in Messiah, our community, and the world.
THE MORE YOU KNOW . . . THE MORE THE HOLY SPIRIT CAN USE! This applies not only to mental knowledge but also knowledge gained through the acquisition of physical skills or craftsmanship. Bezaleel was such a man:
“And the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying, See, I have called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah: and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship, to devise cunning works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass, and in cutting of stones, to set them, and in carving of timber, to work in all manner of workmanship.” [Torah: Exodus 31:1-5]
When SPECIALIZED KNOWLEDGE is combined with SPIRITUAL KNOWLEDGE, there is a holy anointing upon our lives: our talents, skills, and abilities. Together, they not only complement each other, but they synergize each other.
But always remember: “Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies.” [1 Corinthians 8:1] Temper your knowledge (both specialized and spiritual) with LOVE!
Daniel was a leader, counselor, and basically Prime Minister in three different foreign kingdoms (in which he was captive) partly because of his knowledge base. The Bible tells us concerning Daniel and the three Hebrew teenagers who accompanied him into captivity:
“Children in whom was no blemish, but well favored, and skillful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability . . .” [Daniel 1:4]
QUEST FOR EXCELLENCE plus TEMPERANCE
The Bible tells us another of the secrets of Daniel’s success:
“It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom a hundred and twenty princes, which should be over the whole kingdom; and over these three presidents: of whom Daniel was first, so that the princes might give accounts unto the presidents, and the king should have no damage.”
“Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an EXCELLENT spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm.” [Daniel 6:1-3]
The word here used for “excellent” is “yateer” and in its root form means “preeminent, or very exceedingly excellent.” That’s because the spirit that was in Daniel was the Ruach ha Chodesh (the Holy Spirit). Because of Daniel’s separation and devotion to God, he manifested a quality of excellence in whatever he attempted.
The Greek word for “virtue” in the New Testament is “arete“: it means “excellence and valor.” We need to be people of EXCELLENCE. Our nature should be to make excellent decisions based upon virtue.
“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men. Knowing that of the Lord you shall receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.” [Colossians 3:23-24]
Don’t compare yourself with someone else; just do what you know God wants you to do. Do your best, don’t be satisfied with low quality work or effort. It’s interesting that the origin of the word “mediocre” is from the Latin “mediocris” which means of “middle height or degree” but literally means “somewhat rugged or mountainous.” It is derived from the words “medius” for “middle” and “ocris” for “rugged mountain.”
To do mediocre work is actually harder on you because you are causing your conscience to condemn you. It is like climbing a rugged mountain. The Bible says, “For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things.” [1 John 3:20] The EXCELLENT choice may be more of a sacrifice temporarily, but it will be easier on you in the long term. You will never go wrong striving for excellence!
Practice excellence in your CHARACTER. Be transparent and keep your word. Psalm 15 is a good start for practical living and developing excellence in character. Also, loving our neighbor as we do ourself, and doing unto him as we would have him do to us, is the guideline our Master set before us.
Practice excellence in your WORK. Be a good steward for you earthly employer and your Heavenly employer. Colossians 3:22 (Brit Chadashah) instructs us NOT to do sight-labor, that is: work that needs watching.
In your quest for excellence, develop your skills to the BEST of your ability. Be a good manager of what God has given you and over which God has placed you. Keep improving and growing in your knowledge base, your acumen, and your skills. Study Part A of this ezine teaching to help develop excellence in acumen; study the section on “Decisive Nature and Virtue.”
Along with the quest for excellence you need to partner with temperance, or self control. Many people, on their quest for excellence, do NOT allow for rest or leisure. This is vital to SUCCESS and CONTINUED VISION.
Rest, and also quietness, is necessary for wholeness. A key scripture and principle that I have tried to practice in my life for many years is found in Isaiah 30:15:
“For thus says the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel: In returning and rest shall you be saved; and in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength.”
The word “leisure” comes from the Latin word “licere” which means “to be permitted.” The Latin word for “work” is “negotium” which means “nonleisure.” Most so-called advanced societies today have turned this around and view leisure as nonwork!
Tim Hansel, in his book When I Relax I Feel Guilty, points out that the Greeks stressed the centrality of lesiure, but they added another important facet. The Greek word for “work” was “ascholia,” which means “absence of leisure.” The word for leisure was “schole,” which leads to the English words for school and scholarship. Leisure, then, was a time for growth and development.
Leisure is more than just non-work. It is when we PERMIT ourselves time for rest, growth, and development. Leisure is BOTH the embryo and the catalyst for creativity, and for NEW experiences, people, play, and places.
We have to permit ourselves the time to rest . . . to re-create . . . and to create!
In the last newsletter we discussed the FIRST TWO TWINS for success and continued vision:
Enthusiastic Desire PLUS Faith; and,
Decisive Nature PLUS Virtue.
In this newsletter we discussed the third and fourth twins:
Specialized Knowledge PLUS Spiritual Knowledge; and,
Quest for Excellence PLUS Temperance.
The remaining twins for success and continued vision will be discussed in subsequent newsletters.
Trusting that this teaching will move you forward on your quest for excellence in success and continued vision. To resource the other parts of this series (this is Part B), go to: Part A, Part C, Part D (Final)
Your friend,
Prince Handley
STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS AND CONTINUED VISION – PART A
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EIGHT (8) TWIN STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS AND CONTINUED VISION - PART A
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EIGHT TWIN STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS & CONTINUED VISION – PART A
No matter how successful we become in life, it will not be of any time value unless we know God personally. If we know God through His Son, Yeshua the Messiah, then we have eternal life. [John 3:16]
The measure of a man’s success in life is how many of his children make it to Heaven. If we know the Lord, we are living part of our eternal life NOW, while here on earth, and then in Heaven. It will never end!
Jesus taught us, “What does it profit a man if he gains all the world, and loses his own soul? Also, what shall a man give in exchange, or to buy back, his soul?” [Mark 16:26 - Mark 8:36]
We need to have TOTAL success in life: in this life on earth and in the eternal beyond; and God has provided just such means to attain that goal. God has given us EVERYTHING WE NEED for: Life, and Godliness.
“According as His divine power has given unto us ALL THINGS that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that has called us to glory and virtue.” [2 Peter 1:3]
He has given us PROMISES so that we can share or partner with Him in His divine expansion – or growth of descendants – after we have escaped, by His saving grace, the ruin that is in the world through lust. In other words, after we are born again and start serving Messiah, we can partner and be a companion with God in successfully bearing fruit: that is, growing other seed-descendants. These include our own children who are born again while also reaching out to the rest of the world.
“Whereby are given to us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these you might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” [2 Peter 1:4]
We should BELIEVE this and EXPECT it. Your children should be your greatest disciples. If not, something is wrong, or out of place.
I guarantee you success and continued vision! You will not be barren or unfruitful, if you practice what I am about to teach you. Also, you will have an abundant entrance into Heaven. Remember, there are rewards in Heaven for your labor of love and faithfulness here on earth.
Jesus wants to be able to say to you when you enter Heaven: “Well done, you good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things; I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of the Lord.” [ Matthew 25:21]
You need continued vision for vitality. The Bible says, “Without a vision, the people perish.” [Proverb 29:18] To be successful in this life and to prepare for life in Heaven . . . and to maintain continued vision so we will be fresh and vibrant . . . there are eight (8) TWIN STRATEGIES to help you. The FIRST TWO TWINS for success and continued vision are as follows:
Enthusiastic Desire PLUS Faith; and,
Decisive Nature PLUS Virtue.
We will discuss the first two (2) twins in this teaching The remaining twins for success and continued vision will be discussed in subsequent teachings.
ENTHUSIASTIC DESIRE plus FAITH
If you do not have burning desires and goals throughout life, you will become bored. The English word enthusiasm means intense enjoyment or interest. It has its root in the Greek word enthous, meaning possessed by God.
Josiah became king of Judah when he was eight years old and reigned for 31 years. “And like unto him was there no king before him, that turned to the Lord with ALL HIS HEART, and with all his soul, and with all his might, according to all the law of Moses; neither after him arose there any like unto him.” [2 Kings 23:25]
There is a wonderful promise in Mark 11:24 which Yeshua (Jesus) declared: “Therefore I say unto you, What things soever you DESIRE, when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you shall have them.”
Another wonderful promise in Psalm 37:4 states: “Delight yourself in the Lord, and He shall give you the DESIRES of your heart.”
When you have pleasurable emotion in the Lord, when you delight in Him . . . when you are ENTHUSED in your worship of Him . . . then He will give you the DESIRES of your heart. He first gives them to you by placing them in your heart and mind. And secondly, He gives them to you by granting them . . . bringing them to fruition . . . after you have consistently applied your FAITH. It’s like an engine and a caboose on a train.
These desires will many times be to do GREAT THINGS; and the enemy, the devil, will lie to you and tell you that you can NOT accomplish them. But the devil is a liar and God is truth. This is one way you know that those desires in your heart to do BIG THINGS for Messiah is from God: because the devil is trying to talk you out of it!
When you combine your good desires with faith . . . ENTHUSIASTIC DESIRE plus FAITH . . . you have an unbeatable combination. You can begin to PLAN your future prayerfully based upon the God given desires of your heart. That’s one reason it is important to read and meditate upon the Word of God daily so you will KNOW and develop the will of God for your life.
Remember . . . you can CREATE with your faith. Hebrews 11:1 tell us, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Faith is the underpinning or support . . . a title deed (as in property) . . . that lets you KNOW you have the objects or affairs you do not yet see.
It is a wonderful thing to have FAITH, but if you have a PLAN incorporating your desires to go along with your faith, it is even better! Here’s a SECRET that will allow you to SEE many MIRACLES:
If your PLANS fit into God’s plans
. . . . . . . you will have God’s FAITH
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . and God’s faith ALWAYS WORKS!
DECISIVE NATURE plus VIRTUE
You need to be able to make decisions based upon knowledge and quality input. Once again, this is where it is important to read and meditate upon the Word of God daily. You need DIRECTION in the many matters of life that face you now . . . and also about future planning. God has given us everything we need for LIFE and GODLINESS through His PROMISES and the KNOWLEDGE of Christ.
[See Study Note 1 at the end of this newsletter for further study on Direction.]
In business we need to draw upon quality research, marketing, and experience (sometimes the input of others). And we need to KNOW when to act. Timing is KEY to success in many courses of action. Bill Gates, founder of Microsoft, says that when he knows that something is right, and that the timing is right, he goes into it with MASSIVE ACTION. However, without VIRTUE a decision can have disastrous effects eternally and with no substance temporally here on earth.
The Greek word for VIRTUE in the New testament is arete: it means excellence and valor. We need to be people of EXCELLENCE. Our nature should be to make excellent DECISIONS based upon VIRTUE.
“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men. Knowing that of the Lord you shall receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Messiah.” [Colossians 3:23-24]
Make your decisions based upon the fact that God is watching you!
There are several words for TIME in the Bible, but in our discussion here of DECISIVE NATURE we are talking about a due season of time, or an opportune season of time. It is the meaning which if you miss the window of time presented you . . . or available at this particular time . . . then you will MISS the opportunity! In the New Testament it is the Greek word kairos.
An example of exercising a DECISIVE NATURE along with VIRTUE is in the Old Testament in the Book of Esther when the Jews were facing extermination in 127 provinces from India to Ethiopia. Mordecai told Queen Esther:
“For if you altogether hold your peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but you and your father’s house shall be destroyed: and who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”
[See Study Note 2 at the end of this newsletter for further study on the Book of Esther.]
Ruth is another example of a person who exercised a DECISIVE NATURE and VIRTUE when she decided to go to Israel with her mother-in-law. She said: “Entreat me not to leave you, or to return from following after you: for where you go, I will go; and where you lodge, I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God will be my God.” [Ruth 1:16]
[See Study Note 3 at the end of this newsletter for further study on the Book of Ruth.]
In this newsletter we have discussed the first two twins for SUCCESS and CONTINUED VISION:
Enthusiastic Desire PLUS Faith; and,
Decisive Nature PLUS Virtue.
The remaining twins will be discussed in following ezine teachings.
For additional study to supplement the discussion in this newsletter go to the Archives in The Apostles Group and read the following newsletters:
Note 1 – Direction – How to Hear from God – July 12, 2002
Note 2 – Esther – How God Works for You (Part B) – August 31, 2003
Note 3 – Ruth – Decision, Determination, and Destiny – November 23, 2003
I trust this teaching … and this series … will be extremely profitable to you in the present as well as the future. To resource the other parts of this series (this is part A), go to: Part B, Part C, Part D (Final)
Your friend,
Prince Handley
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