After the Holy Spirit spoke to me about this being the year for our children to know their God and be bold and do exploits, our children's ministry team began to prepare the children for stepping into this arena of boldness and power. To get from where we are now to the realization of our final destination, Daniel 11:32, we knew that we had to prepare the way through teaching.
One of the greatest mysteries to me is to hear children's ministry leaders talk about wanting to see their children flow with the Holy Ghost and when asked about what they are teaching their children to hear them give an answer like the Beatitudes. I know that there is a time and season for teaching on the Beatitudes. But, if you want to see the Holy Ghost show up, then teach on the Holy Ghost! It is imperative that the teaching always establish a strong, scriptural foundation for the manifestation or results that you desire.
So, we immediately began to focus our teaching on dissecting our theme verse, Daniel 11:32, breaking it down using what I call the McDonald's Happy Meal Principle. Almost everyone in the world who has children has been to McDonald's. We all know that McDonald's has made billions and billions of dollars because they understand children. McDonald's has learned to take the same food that they serve the adults and make the meal age-appropriate by taking the adult meal (Quarter Pounder, large fries, and large drink) and serving smaller child-size portions in the Happy Meal (small hamburger, fries, and drink). The McDonald's Happy Meal Principle takes the very same truth that I would share with adults and changes the serving size into digestible segments. It is the same truth, but in smaller portions.
To share the entire teaching overview in one blog entry would be far too lengthy. In the next few blog entries, I will show how we have made Daniel 11:32 into age-appropriate, bite-size meals for our children to meditate upon and set the course of their destinies.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Monday, February 28, 2011
The Foundation of Signs & Wonders
In last week's blog, I stated: "I am convinced that what is read in the Book of Acts can be, should be, and shall be a part of the daily lives of our children. It is a day for the miraculous to be done. The timing of this launching of the signs and wonders is today!"
This week, allow me to use a story found in Acts 3 to establish the foundation for a signs and wonders ministry. You all know the story. Peter and John encounter the lame man at the Temple gate. In ministering healing to the beggar, Peter says, "I don't have any silver or gold, but I do have something else I can give you. By the power of Jesus Christ from Nazareth, stand up and walk!" Acts 3:6 (New Century Version) Instantly, the man received his healing.
When the Holy Ghost manifests His presence, there will always be a need for an explanation. When the Holy Ghost speaks and/or shows that He is present, it will put a kink in the natural mind. Peter and John's explanation is found in Acts 4. The Bible begins the explanation with "Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them ..."
After Peter's anointed explanation, we find the reason for the manifest power of God. The demonstration of the Holy Ghost witnessed in the healing of the lame beggar came because:
"When the Council saw the boldness of Peter and John and could see that they were obviously uneducated non-professionals, they were amazed and realized what being with Jesus had done for them!" Acts 4:13 (The Living Bible)
Are you ready for the great revelation? “… being with Jesus”. The boldness to take the man by the hand and command him to rise up and walk came from knowing Jesus. They walked with Him and talked with Him. He wasn’t a casual acquaintance. He wasn’t Someone with whom they had spoken to occasionally. They knew Him and still communed with Him through the Holy Ghost.
Here’s the foundation for the supernatural. Our intimacy with Christ will give us the confidence and boldness to follow the Holy Ghost’s promptings which will bring about the exploits.
To substantiate this teaching, let’s prove it by intertwining Daniel 11:32 and Acts 4:13. “… the people who know their God shall prove themselves strong and shall stand firm and do exploits [for God]." (Amplified Translation) Because of Peter and John’s time with Jesus (know their God) they had a boldness (were strong) and were used by God (do exploits).
Start today establishing this foundation. Close your books. Turn off the teaching CDs. Push everything aside and go get into your prayer closet and get to know Him. From this will come the ability to "stand firm and do exploits."
This week, allow me to use a story found in Acts 3 to establish the foundation for a signs and wonders ministry. You all know the story. Peter and John encounter the lame man at the Temple gate. In ministering healing to the beggar, Peter says, "I don't have any silver or gold, but I do have something else I can give you. By the power of Jesus Christ from Nazareth, stand up and walk!" Acts 3:6 (New Century Version) Instantly, the man received his healing.
When the Holy Ghost manifests His presence, there will always be a need for an explanation. When the Holy Ghost speaks and/or shows that He is present, it will put a kink in the natural mind. Peter and John's explanation is found in Acts 4. The Bible begins the explanation with "Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them ..."
After Peter's anointed explanation, we find the reason for the manifest power of God. The demonstration of the Holy Ghost witnessed in the healing of the lame beggar came because:
"When the Council saw the boldness of Peter and John and could see that they were obviously uneducated non-professionals, they were amazed and realized what being with Jesus had done for them!" Acts 4:13 (The Living Bible)
Are you ready for the great revelation? “… being with Jesus”. The boldness to take the man by the hand and command him to rise up and walk came from knowing Jesus. They walked with Him and talked with Him. He wasn’t a casual acquaintance. He wasn’t Someone with whom they had spoken to occasionally. They knew Him and still communed with Him through the Holy Ghost.
Here’s the foundation for the supernatural. Our intimacy with Christ will give us the confidence and boldness to follow the Holy Ghost’s promptings which will bring about the exploits.
To substantiate this teaching, let’s prove it by intertwining Daniel 11:32 and Acts 4:13. “… the people who know their God shall prove themselves strong and shall stand firm and do exploits [for God]." (Amplified Translation) Because of Peter and John’s time with Jesus (know their God) they had a boldness (were strong) and were used by God (do exploits).
Start today establishing this foundation. Close your books. Turn off the teaching CDs. Push everything aside and go get into your prayer closet and get to know Him. From this will come the ability to "stand firm and do exploits."
Monday, February 21, 2011
Signs & Wonders
Can you sense what I am sensing? I have such a knowing in my spirit that this is the day of children supernaturally flowing with the Holy Ghost. I am convinced that what is read in the Book of Acts can be, should be, and shall be a part of the daily lives of our children. It is a day for the miraculous to be done. The timing of this launching of the signs and wonders is today!
Why do I say this? At the beginning of the year, I heard so distinctly the Holy Ghost speak to me the words from Daniel 11:32 which says, "... the people who know their God shall prove themselves strong and shall stand firm and do exploits [for God]." (Amplified Translation) As I meditated on His unction, I could sense the Holy Spirit saying, "... the children who know their God ..." Soon, the words "... the children ..." became “... my children ..."
Since that day, I find myself saying the words of this verse under my breath throughout the day and then at other times declaring it aloud to individuals and finally announcing it in our services. This word from the Holy Spirit is constantly rolling around in my spirit. The (my) children who know their God will be strong and mighty and see the power of God manifest in and through their lives. This is the year of exploits! This declaration isn't hype or a major case of wishful thinking. Without question, I can see in my spirit the fulfillment of Joel's prophecy with children prophesying, turning neighborhoods and schools and even churches upside down as they dare to flow with the Holy Ghost.
The reason for today's blog entry is to challenge you and the people from the 62 nations reading this blog to begin to declare and prepare for Daniel 11:32 to become a reality in your children and children's ministry. I sense such urgency for you to begin to declare that for those who know their God (which includes the children in your ministry) this is the year of the supernatural.
No longer will signs and wonders in children's ministries refer to the signs that hang in the church hallways or people having to wonder when the service will finally end. No, a million times no. Get ready for a supernatural visitation and habitation that will change the business-as-usual mentality of your children's ministry. Get ready for Holy Ghost interruptions in your Sunday school, children's church, and mid-week children's clubs. Get ready for it to be noised abroad telling of the exploits performed by children who have learned to work together with the Holy Ghost.
In the next few blog entries, I’ll share the key factors for the unveiling of God's presence and power.
Why do I say this? At the beginning of the year, I heard so distinctly the Holy Ghost speak to me the words from Daniel 11:32 which says, "... the people who know their God shall prove themselves strong and shall stand firm and do exploits [for God]." (Amplified Translation) As I meditated on His unction, I could sense the Holy Spirit saying, "... the children who know their God ..." Soon, the words "... the children ..." became “... my children ..."
Since that day, I find myself saying the words of this verse under my breath throughout the day and then at other times declaring it aloud to individuals and finally announcing it in our services. This word from the Holy Spirit is constantly rolling around in my spirit. The (my) children who know their God will be strong and mighty and see the power of God manifest in and through their lives. This is the year of exploits! This declaration isn't hype or a major case of wishful thinking. Without question, I can see in my spirit the fulfillment of Joel's prophecy with children prophesying, turning neighborhoods and schools and even churches upside down as they dare to flow with the Holy Ghost.
The reason for today's blog entry is to challenge you and the people from the 62 nations reading this blog to begin to declare and prepare for Daniel 11:32 to become a reality in your children and children's ministry. I sense such urgency for you to begin to declare that for those who know their God (which includes the children in your ministry) this is the year of the supernatural.
No longer will signs and wonders in children's ministries refer to the signs that hang in the church hallways or people having to wonder when the service will finally end. No, a million times no. Get ready for a supernatural visitation and habitation that will change the business-as-usual mentality of your children's ministry. Get ready for Holy Ghost interruptions in your Sunday school, children's church, and mid-week children's clubs. Get ready for it to be noised abroad telling of the exploits performed by children who have learned to work together with the Holy Ghost.
In the next few blog entries, I’ll share the key factors for the unveiling of God's presence and power.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Boldness of the Spirit
Here's a thought that I have been meditating on for the past few days.
The measure of my boldness will be determined
by the measure of my relationship with the Holy Spirit.
by the measure of my relationship with the Holy Spirit.
Consider this verse:
"And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness." Acts 4:31
When did their supernatural boldness begin? When they were filled with the Holy Ghost. In other words, being filled equals being bold. The flipside of this equation would indicate that if there is a deficiency in my boldness, there must be a deficiency in my time with the Holy Spirit. My time of communion with Him will intensify my boldness to work together with Him and be able to take on what would seem impossible to human reasoning or venture into areas where others would fear to go.
"And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness." Acts 4:31
When did their supernatural boldness begin? When they were filled with the Holy Ghost. In other words, being filled equals being bold. The flipside of this equation would indicate that if there is a deficiency in my boldness, there must be a deficiency in my time with the Holy Spirit. My time of communion with Him will intensify my boldness to work together with Him and be able to take on what would seem impossible to human reasoning or venture into areas where others would fear to go.
My admonition to you this week echoes Paul's instructions to the Ephesians. "Be filled with the Spirit". (Ephesians 5:18) In doing so, you will go where men dare not go and become a WMD (weapon of mass destruction) to Satan and his adversaries.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Ponderables #2
When I sit down to write this blog each week, I wrestle with two things. First, what to write. There's so much that I want to share. I struggle with which thought to pass along to you. I'd post a daily blog entry but reality tells me that my schedule is already too full. Second, how to limit what I write. A heart that is overflowing tends to create an overflowing blog entry. I struggle to keep this to just 300 to 400 words.
This week, I will eliminate part of the struggle by not giving just one thought. Instead, I'll pass along three quick ponderables. Though the thoughts are an easy, quick read, if meditated on they might challenge and/or alter your walk in the Spirit.
* Praying in and through the Spirit is a matter of our will. The Apostle Paul wrote, "I will pray with the Spirit". (1 Corinthians 14:15) Being in a certain location and/or having a certain kind of emotion should have no bearing on our praying in the Spirit. This isn't a being at church thing. Praying in the Spirit isn't something that is produced because of a certain song being sung or played. All that is necessary is our will.
* Praying in and through the Spirit is a matter of our discipline. Again, referring to Paul when he wrote, "I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all." (1 Corinthians 14:18). Evidently Paul had learned that praying in and through the Holy Spirit isn't a matter of convenience. It is a matter of necessity. The discipline of praying in the Spirit causes one to push aside the lesser (the busyness of a schedule) to obtain the greater (the benefits of flowing together with the Holy Spirit).
* Praying in and through the Spirit is a matter of our availability. Again, referring to Paul when he wrote, "If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit." (Galatians 5:25) While I readily recognize that the walk in the Spirit is far, far more than praying in our heavenly prayer language, praying in the Spirit is a part of our walk. To me, that means that throughout the day, utilizing my prayer language is a natural part of my lifestyle. While I am driving in my truck, I'll pray in the Spirit. At times while standing waiting in line, I can quietly pray in the language of the Spirit.
Meditate on these thoughts. I'll be back next week. Vickie and I pray God's richest blessings upon all that you do for Christ and His Kingdom.
This week, I will eliminate part of the struggle by not giving just one thought. Instead, I'll pass along three quick ponderables. Though the thoughts are an easy, quick read, if meditated on they might challenge and/or alter your walk in the Spirit.
* Praying in and through the Spirit is a matter of our will. The Apostle Paul wrote, "I will pray with the Spirit". (1 Corinthians 14:15) Being in a certain location and/or having a certain kind of emotion should have no bearing on our praying in the Spirit. This isn't a being at church thing. Praying in the Spirit isn't something that is produced because of a certain song being sung or played. All that is necessary is our will.
* Praying in and through the Spirit is a matter of our discipline. Again, referring to Paul when he wrote, "I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all." (1 Corinthians 14:18). Evidently Paul had learned that praying in and through the Holy Spirit isn't a matter of convenience. It is a matter of necessity. The discipline of praying in the Spirit causes one to push aside the lesser (the busyness of a schedule) to obtain the greater (the benefits of flowing together with the Holy Spirit).
* Praying in and through the Spirit is a matter of our availability. Again, referring to Paul when he wrote, "If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit." (Galatians 5:25) While I readily recognize that the walk in the Spirit is far, far more than praying in our heavenly prayer language, praying in the Spirit is a part of our walk. To me, that means that throughout the day, utilizing my prayer language is a natural part of my lifestyle. While I am driving in my truck, I'll pray in the Spirit. At times while standing waiting in line, I can quietly pray in the language of the Spirit.
Meditate on these thoughts. I'll be back next week. Vickie and I pray God's richest blessings upon all that you do for Christ and His Kingdom.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Can't You See God's Fingerprints?
From time-to-time, I'll have someone say to me, "You mean that you have to be involved in children's services each and every service?" To that I always reply, "No, I get to be involved in the children's services each and every service." To be quite honest, I love it. I often tell my staff in the middle of our services that the Holy Spirit is speaking to me through the message that we are ministering. I know that the same Holy Spirit who is ministering in the adult service is present in our children's services. There are no two Holy Spirits, a big Holy Spirit for the adults and a little Holy Spirit for the children. The One and only is present and accounted for and is ready to speak to the children and ME!
Here's an example of His talking to me. This past weekend, we continued on a new series that I am writing called Children Who Know Their God which is based on Daniel 11:32. Our lesson for the weekend was entitled Can't You See God's Fingerprints? using both Ephesians 2:10 and Genesis 2:7-8 as our foundation for the teaching. Let me try to put into words what the Holy Spirit said to me this weekend.
In reading the verses from Genesis, the word formed jumped off the page of my Bible. I wasn't just created. I was formed by God. In reading this, the Holy Spirit amplified my uniqueness to the plan of God by telling me that the Master Sculptor set aside time to form (Hebrew yatsar ... sculpt, mold, squeeze into a specific design or shape) me both internally and externally. In illustrating this truth, I took a blob of Play-Doh and thoughtfully made strategic moves to form a unique, distinct masterpiece. With each move, God changed what was at one time totally worthless into something of beauty and of great worth. You and I became a uniquely sculpted masterpiece (literally a piece of the Master).
Among the many passages (take a few minutes to see the number of scriptures that tell us that we are formed) that show the foresight of the Master Sculptor, this whole teaching is summarized best in God’s instructions to Jeremiah. In Jeremiah 1:5, we read that Jeremiah learned that even while he was in his mother’s womb, God was at work strategically forming (sculpting) the unborn child both internally and externally so that his life would glorify God. From this we learn that you and I come into this world covered with the fingerprints of God!
Now you can see why I say that I get to work in the children’s ministry. I’d sign up for another year of ministry just so that God could talk to me again and again like He did this weekend!
Here's an example of His talking to me. This past weekend, we continued on a new series that I am writing called Children Who Know Their God which is based on Daniel 11:32. Our lesson for the weekend was entitled Can't You See God's Fingerprints? using both Ephesians 2:10 and Genesis 2:7-8 as our foundation for the teaching. Let me try to put into words what the Holy Spirit said to me this weekend.
In reading the verses from Genesis, the word formed jumped off the page of my Bible. I wasn't just created. I was formed by God. In reading this, the Holy Spirit amplified my uniqueness to the plan of God by telling me that the Master Sculptor set aside time to form (Hebrew yatsar ... sculpt, mold, squeeze into a specific design or shape) me both internally and externally. In illustrating this truth, I took a blob of Play-Doh and thoughtfully made strategic moves to form a unique, distinct masterpiece. With each move, God changed what was at one time totally worthless into something of beauty and of great worth. You and I became a uniquely sculpted masterpiece (literally a piece of the Master).
Among the many passages (take a few minutes to see the number of scriptures that tell us that we are formed) that show the foresight of the Master Sculptor, this whole teaching is summarized best in God’s instructions to Jeremiah. In Jeremiah 1:5, we read that Jeremiah learned that even while he was in his mother’s womb, God was at work strategically forming (sculpting) the unborn child both internally and externally so that his life would glorify God. From this we learn that you and I come into this world covered with the fingerprints of God!
Now you can see why I say that I get to work in the children’s ministry. I’d sign up for another year of ministry just so that God could talk to me again and again like He did this weekend!
Monday, January 24, 2011
Exploits
I posted an entry on Twitter this past week that said ...
Missing out on seeing exploits? Could be that you know more about God than actually knowing Him.
I posted the entry after reading Daniel 11:32.
" ... the people who know their God shall prove themselves strong and shall stand firm and do exploits [for God]." (Amplified Translation)
So, if you want to actually see God show up and do what He specializes in (exploits), then know Him!
One more thought ... consider following me on Twitter. I guarantee that you won't regret it! www.twitter.com/IamBillyBurns
Missing out on seeing exploits? Could be that you know more about God than actually knowing Him.
I posted the entry after reading Daniel 11:32.
" ... the people who know their God shall prove themselves strong and shall stand firm and do exploits [for God]." (Amplified Translation)
So, if you want to actually see God show up and do what He specializes in (exploits), then know Him!
One more thought ... consider following me on Twitter. I guarantee that you won't regret it! www.twitter.com/IamBillyBurns
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