Psa 33:1 All you that are righteous, shout for joy for what the LORD has done; praise him, all you that obey him.
Psa 33:2 Give thanks to the LORD with harps, sing to him with stringed instruments.
Psa 33:3 Sing a new song to him, play the harp with skill, and shout for joy!
Psa 33:4 The words of the LORD are true, and all his works are dependable.
Psa 33:5 The LORD loves what is righteous and just; his constant love fills the earth.
Psa 33:6 The LORD created the heavens by his command, the sun, moon, and stars by his spoken word.
Psa 33:7 He gathered all the seas into one place; he shut up the ocean depths in storerooms.
Psa 33:8 Worship the LORD, all the earth! Honor him, all peoples of the world!
Psa 33:9 When he spoke, the world was created; at his command everything appeared.
Psa 33:10 The LORD frustrates the purposes of the nations; he keeps them from carrying out their plans.
Psa 33:11 But his plans endure forever; his purposes last eternally.
Psa 33:12 Happy is the nation whose God is the LORD; happy are the people he has chosen for his own!
Psa 33:13 The LORD looks down from heaven and sees all of us humans.
Psa 33:14 From where he rules, he looks down on all who live on earth.
Psa 33:15 He forms ( through the squeezing into shape; to mould into a form; especially as a potter; figuratively to determine (that is, form a resolution): - X earthen, fashion, form, frame, make (-r), potter, purpose.
all their thoughts and knows everything they do. -its powerful that he gives the thoughts, the purposes and determinations of our hearts and imaginations.
Psa 33:16 A king does not win because of his powerful army; a soldier does not triumph because of his strength.
Psa 33:17 War horses are useless for victory; their great strength cannot save.
Psa 33:18 The LORD watches over those who obey him, those who trust in his constant love.
Psa 33:19 He saves them from death; he keeps them alive in times of famine.
Psa 33:20 We put our hope in the LORD; he is our protector and our help.
Psa 33:21 We are glad because of him; we trust in his holy name.
Psa 33:22 May your constant love be with us, LORD, as we put our hope in you.
Saturday, 12 April 2008
Remember
Remember giving is more important than receiving, that anything worthwhile is difficult, and that anything is made much better if you keep smiling.
Wednesday, 9 April 2008
A day is coming...
Isa 2:11 A day is coming when human pride will be ended and human arrogance destroyed. Then the LORD alone will be exalted.
Isa 2:12 On that day the LORD Almighty will humble everyone who is powerful, everyone who is proud and conceited.
Isa 2:13 He will destroy the tall cedars of Lebanon and all the oaks in the land of Bashan.
Isa 2:14 He will level the high mountains and hills,
Isa 2:15 every high tower, and the walls of every fortress.
Isa 2:16 He will sink even the largest and most beautiful ships.
Isa 2:17 Human pride will be ended, and human arrogance will be destroyed. Idols will completely disappear, and the LORD alone will be exalted on that day. (NCV)
We have to realize that we are on the brink of a new season and work of God. We need a revival, but I do not believe it is going to be anything like we have experienced in the past and certainly not like we would like it to be. I believe this is simply because the generation that will need to embrace it it so different, besides, the Lord will not allow this 'move' to be exploited, by men's boasting of their part in it. It will be a nameless and faceless generation moving with the Spirit in obedience to the Fathers will.
We will not be able to contain it or organize it.
The main signs will be, humility, boldness, supernatural signs and wonders, but not in the church structure, rather in the streets and in the market place. It will evidenced by deep personal relationships igniting the foundational principle Jesus taught, discipleship.
Strong apostolic fathering without control, will be the driving , stabilizing adhesive to keep this move pure. Prophets will again remove themselves as John the Baptist did, from the establishment of the day, rather choosing to wear different "garments" than they do and eating different "delicacies" than they do. They will be found in the "wilderness" areas of society, causing the "Herod's" of our time to seek to remove their voices by cutting off their heads, in other words they will attempt to remove their authority.
Evangelism will be relational rather than confrontational, hence the move of the Spirit to encourage and establish men and women in market place ministry. Supernatural signs and wonders and unhindered free flow of the manifestations of the Spirit will be the world's confrontation with a real and very present gospel.
God is presently raising up equippers of the church to prepare them for works of service in the market place. Some leadership are still not embracing this and could find that the Spirit of God will bypass them in these days.
There will always be leaders who are so insecure and immature that they will, more and more use manipulation and seductions to control the Bride of Christ, but that is only because they are afraid of losing their 'platform', but in the days to come they will find themselves with only a very small center of influence, not making significant impact anywhere.
Unrepentant sin, pride, arrogance, evil motives, compromising leadership, performance oriented leadership will be exposed through the fiery trials that only faith can overcome.
This is going to be a season of perilous times or lion-like times that will require God's children to live by faith, true faith. not hinting or manipulative. I see there will be many leaders going into the market place to work "with their hands" as the Lord will require their influence there and to purge His 'house' of those who only occupy their platforms as a career.
Again, there will be a spirit of wisdom and revelation released so that the reality of Christ will be known in the land.
Apostles and prophets will bring forth revelation of who Christ is in spirit and truth. The 'builders' will take this revelation and bring forth a practical living for discipleship and holiness. Persecution is going to come from the fact that these disciples and followers of Jesus live by faith and therefore will evidently live supernatural overcoming lives. Those around them will either gravitate to their faith or begin to accuse them of all the trouble on the earth.
It is important that now while we have the opportunity and the liberty, we spend time in prayer and the Word, that we begin as leaders to evaluate and place ourselves on the Rock to be broken, that as disciples we position ourselves for the will of God ,that we live a simple faith life acknowledging every good thing that is within us, that we seek God in these days even though it may seem He is hidden and afar off. A famine, not only economically, but also spiritually has begun in the land, a famine for the revelation Word of God. If you seek the Lord in these days and nurture a intimate, living relationship with the Spirit of God, many will come to you for the refreshing word that you will not only carry in your heart, but also become, as you practically live it out before your world.
1Pe 4:17 The time has come for judgment to begin, and God's own people are the first to be judged. If it starts with us, how will it end with those who do not believe the Good News from God?
1Pe 4:18 As the scripture says, "It is difficult for good people to be saved; what, then, will become of godless sinners?"
1Pe 4:19 So then, those who suffer because it is God's will for them, should by their good actions trust themselves completely to their Creator, who always keeps his promise.
Isa 2:12 On that day the LORD Almighty will humble everyone who is powerful, everyone who is proud and conceited.
Isa 2:13 He will destroy the tall cedars of Lebanon and all the oaks in the land of Bashan.
Isa 2:14 He will level the high mountains and hills,
Isa 2:15 every high tower, and the walls of every fortress.
Isa 2:16 He will sink even the largest and most beautiful ships.
Isa 2:17 Human pride will be ended, and human arrogance will be destroyed. Idols will completely disappear, and the LORD alone will be exalted on that day. (NCV)
We have to realize that we are on the brink of a new season and work of God. We need a revival, but I do not believe it is going to be anything like we have experienced in the past and certainly not like we would like it to be. I believe this is simply because the generation that will need to embrace it it so different, besides, the Lord will not allow this 'move' to be exploited, by men's boasting of their part in it. It will be a nameless and faceless generation moving with the Spirit in obedience to the Fathers will.
We will not be able to contain it or organize it.
The main signs will be, humility, boldness, supernatural signs and wonders, but not in the church structure, rather in the streets and in the market place. It will evidenced by deep personal relationships igniting the foundational principle Jesus taught, discipleship.
Strong apostolic fathering without control, will be the driving , stabilizing adhesive to keep this move pure. Prophets will again remove themselves as John the Baptist did, from the establishment of the day, rather choosing to wear different "garments" than they do and eating different "delicacies" than they do. They will be found in the "wilderness" areas of society, causing the "Herod's" of our time to seek to remove their voices by cutting off their heads, in other words they will attempt to remove their authority.
Evangelism will be relational rather than confrontational, hence the move of the Spirit to encourage and establish men and women in market place ministry. Supernatural signs and wonders and unhindered free flow of the manifestations of the Spirit will be the world's confrontation with a real and very present gospel.
God is presently raising up equippers of the church to prepare them for works of service in the market place. Some leadership are still not embracing this and could find that the Spirit of God will bypass them in these days.
There will always be leaders who are so insecure and immature that they will, more and more use manipulation and seductions to control the Bride of Christ, but that is only because they are afraid of losing their 'platform', but in the days to come they will find themselves with only a very small center of influence, not making significant impact anywhere.
Unrepentant sin, pride, arrogance, evil motives, compromising leadership, performance oriented leadership will be exposed through the fiery trials that only faith can overcome.
This is going to be a season of perilous times or lion-like times that will require God's children to live by faith, true faith. not hinting or manipulative. I see there will be many leaders going into the market place to work "with their hands" as the Lord will require their influence there and to purge His 'house' of those who only occupy their platforms as a career.
Again, there will be a spirit of wisdom and revelation released so that the reality of Christ will be known in the land.
Apostles and prophets will bring forth revelation of who Christ is in spirit and truth. The 'builders' will take this revelation and bring forth a practical living for discipleship and holiness. Persecution is going to come from the fact that these disciples and followers of Jesus live by faith and therefore will evidently live supernatural overcoming lives. Those around them will either gravitate to their faith or begin to accuse them of all the trouble on the earth.
It is important that now while we have the opportunity and the liberty, we spend time in prayer and the Word, that we begin as leaders to evaluate and place ourselves on the Rock to be broken, that as disciples we position ourselves for the will of God ,that we live a simple faith life acknowledging every good thing that is within us, that we seek God in these days even though it may seem He is hidden and afar off. A famine, not only economically, but also spiritually has begun in the land, a famine for the revelation Word of God. If you seek the Lord in these days and nurture a intimate, living relationship with the Spirit of God, many will come to you for the refreshing word that you will not only carry in your heart, but also become, as you practically live it out before your world.
1Pe 4:17 The time has come for judgment to begin, and God's own people are the first to be judged. If it starts with us, how will it end with those who do not believe the Good News from God?
1Pe 4:18 As the scripture says, "It is difficult for good people to be saved; what, then, will become of godless sinners?"
1Pe 4:19 So then, those who suffer because it is God's will for them, should by their good actions trust themselves completely to their Creator, who always keeps his promise.
Thursday, 3 April 2008
Passion
We should not be so concerned about just getting political influence back as we should be about getting the passion back in our lives, the loss of which has caused us to lose the influence Christians once had for good. We must get the fire back. We must get our first love back and never lose it again.
(GNB) But this is what I have against you: you do not love me now as you did at first.
(ISV) However, I have this against you: You have abandoned the love you had at first.
(GNB) But this is what I have against you: you do not love me now as you did at first.
(ISV) However, I have this against you: You have abandoned the love you had at first.
Monday, 24 March 2008
The right relationships
The question is, how do I know who the right life partner is for me?
Is there one specific person for me to marry and spend the rest of my life with?
Well, how do we know anything is right for us?
Some have a clear knowledge that they have found the right one, but many others don't. So how can they know?
Rom 9:1 I am speaking the truth; I belong to Christ and I do not lie. My conscience, ruled by the Holy Spirit, also assures me that I am not lying.
In every decision we need to be led by the Holy Spirit's promptings, nudges, leadings and impressions. Sometimes these can be a gentle "feeling", and then at times it can a very strong resolution within the deepest part of your bowels.
Every time I have disobeyed these promptings, these cautions, I have found myself getting into situations that were undesirable and costly in one way or another.
Always "listen" to and obey those promptings and nudges you have within.
Confront the person involved, if necessary.
But sometimes you may have to just step back and reevaluate the situation you are stepping into.
Always be secure in who you are. You do not need to 'please' anybody and thereby make a mistake.
Don't be desperate.
Trust the discernment of your heart.
Listen to your "heart".
Be careful, and know when you are being manipulated and intimidated-this is not God's way for you. Godly relationships are liberating, edifying and allow free expression of your individuality and personality.
Know that when you try an appease men, you are being enslaved to them.
Live right, the dream comes to you.
Is there one specific person for me to marry and spend the rest of my life with?
Well, how do we know anything is right for us?
Some have a clear knowledge that they have found the right one, but many others don't. So how can they know?
Rom 9:1 I am speaking the truth; I belong to Christ and I do not lie. My conscience, ruled by the Holy Spirit, also assures me that I am not lying.
In every decision we need to be led by the Holy Spirit's promptings, nudges, leadings and impressions. Sometimes these can be a gentle "feeling", and then at times it can a very strong resolution within the deepest part of your bowels.
Every time I have disobeyed these promptings, these cautions, I have found myself getting into situations that were undesirable and costly in one way or another.
Always "listen" to and obey those promptings and nudges you have within.
Confront the person involved, if necessary.
But sometimes you may have to just step back and reevaluate the situation you are stepping into.
Always be secure in who you are. You do not need to 'please' anybody and thereby make a mistake.
Don't be desperate.
Trust the discernment of your heart.
Listen to your "heart".
Be careful, and know when you are being manipulated and intimidated-this is not God's way for you. Godly relationships are liberating, edifying and allow free expression of your individuality and personality.
Know that when you try an appease men, you are being enslaved to them.
Live right, the dream comes to you.
Sunday, 23 March 2008
Marriage
On Friday Michelle and I celebrated another year of marriage and companionship. This makes 26 years. When you chose that amazing and wonderful partner, as the one for the rest of your life, you really do not know how that relationship and its vows are going to be tested. And probably a good thing too, otherwise you may never choose.
But you know the Lord has a purpose for our lives, including the person we are to spend the rest of our lives with.
When I met Michelle there was no way I could anticipate all that our journey together would have to endure and enjoy.
Now, I don't think there is anyone I would rather have chosen. She has been such a strength to me in my most critical moments. (Thanks Honey!) She has given me three great sons and been my companion through thick and thin.
Do not base your marriage only on the 'feelings' that change from season to season. Because they change, they can go from bad to good as sure as they go from good to bad. Value what the Lord has given you. How quickly we take for granted that which we treasured so much when we first received.
The essence of marriage is that the two shall become ONE flesh. This is an intimacy of spirit and soul that keeps what God has put together as the center of focus.
The danger is we somehow slip into an old mode of thinking that settles into a mentality of well they just need to happy with me. Instead, we should constantly keep our spouse's life and needs in mind. Be sensitive to their growth and changes they are experiencing and grow with them. When your spouse is your agenda, your communication and efforts are geared toward them and their needs. Always what you give away will come back to you, so much more anyway.
So, here's praying for a rich, satisfying and fulfilling marriage for you too.
But you know the Lord has a purpose for our lives, including the person we are to spend the rest of our lives with.
When I met Michelle there was no way I could anticipate all that our journey together would have to endure and enjoy.
Now, I don't think there is anyone I would rather have chosen. She has been such a strength to me in my most critical moments. (Thanks Honey!) She has given me three great sons and been my companion through thick and thin.
Do not base your marriage only on the 'feelings' that change from season to season. Because they change, they can go from bad to good as sure as they go from good to bad. Value what the Lord has given you. How quickly we take for granted that which we treasured so much when we first received.
The essence of marriage is that the two shall become ONE flesh. This is an intimacy of spirit and soul that keeps what God has put together as the center of focus.
The danger is we somehow slip into an old mode of thinking that settles into a mentality of well they just need to happy with me. Instead, we should constantly keep our spouse's life and needs in mind. Be sensitive to their growth and changes they are experiencing and grow with them. When your spouse is your agenda, your communication and efforts are geared toward them and their needs. Always what you give away will come back to you, so much more anyway.
So, here's praying for a rich, satisfying and fulfilling marriage for you too.
Saturday, 22 March 2008
News March
Hi
We have seen some changes this year and we still are not sure what lays ahead for us these next few months.
The ministry we were with was disbanded and left us rather high and dry and then we moved to Pennsylvania only to find we don't fit here either.
But we know the Lord is not surprised by these things either and He will make a way for us.
We are nonetheless busy with ministering to peoples lives, mentoring wherever the Father gives us opportunity. As we share the heart of the Father with people we constantly hear the comment, "We need this, it's so refreshing".
Paul said,"For we brought the Good News to you, not with words only, but also with power and the Holy Spirit, and with complete conviction of its truth." 1 Thess 1:5
People are tired of just hearing men's hearts, they NEED the Father's heart. Michelle and I seek to share the revelation of God's truth not just as mere words of men, but with absolute conviction of its truth, with substance.
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1 Corinthians 4:4
"For though you have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers;..."
Instructor: A tutor, someone in the office of leading children to school.
Father: a person respectable on account of his age or dignity.In the time we live in, a very necessary element required is that of mentors or fathers. I perceive that instructors or tutors have brought us to a season where now it is time for the church to function. but such function requires the wisdom of experience, the function of fathers or mentors in the Body.
One is not more important than the other. Both are needed in this hour. But where are the fathers? Where are those who are prepared to lay down their lives for the sake of fathering and mentoring another generation to take the flame and the reigns to reach a lost world.
As I have ministered on this topic in many places and to many hearts across the country, I have become aware of some characteristics of the 2 functions that we need.
1.Instructors/tutors have an agenda to impart. they are captivated by their purpose of imparting a teaching, a revelation, and that is their agenda. Now as I have stated there is nothing wrong with that, but we just need to understand the differing roles and how they are to be perceived.
However, the mentors agenda is the individual. Mentors lose themselves, in a sense, and focus on the work and progress of God in the individual or group that they are dealing with. Though they may use their own lives and experience as an example, the focus is not on them, but on the protoge.
2.Instructors are concerned with the accuracy of their knowledge and its presentation.
Mentors are more concerned with the individuals life's journey and guiding them in it.
3.Instructors are excited and and focus on the quantity of the knowledge, but mentors have a focus on the mentee. To the mentor, the mentee's experience of reaching maturity is upper most and will direct the mentee to find the resources for attaining that.
4.For instructors the process they are presenting is the path or road to fulfilling potential (Please understand these are very broad terms), but the mentor journeys with their mentee in a constant pursuit of their destiny and the will of God for their lives.
5.For the instructor the relationship is always one of teacher to student. The mentor/mentee is a relationship that goes beyond mere influence, but one of being a mirror to the intents of the heart, direction in the wisdom of being who the mentee is, friend, confidant, a personal reflector of values and belief system, inspiration to the heart and most of all a representation of the Heavenly Father.
Yes we need mentors and it's real buzz word today. But what responsibility this carries, as these men and women shape the deep character of another generation. The hidden values that each generation carries are those passed on from generation to generation. Whether we mentoring as parents or spiritual leaders or business leaders, let us never take for granted the awesome platform God has given us to fashion the behavior of the next generation by our investment in the present generation of the qualities that reveals our wonderful Father in Heaven.
Jesus always made a point of directing everything He did to the His Father. Though He trained and equipped them for their ministry, in essence He said "I show you the Father". John 8:54
May men and women arise who will show us the Father.
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Thank you so much to all that have so generously contributed to our ministry and lives here. We so appreciate your gifts, but most of all the fruit that abounds to your account because of God's supply for all your need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
If you wish to send a gift or a seed offering, please drop us an email and we will let you have the details you need.
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The Enoch Enterprise is a ministry of mentorship to bring groups and individuals to a walk with God that is pleasing to Him.
Please partner with us as we reach out to people personally in the church and market place. We appreciate your love and prayers.
As a market place business ministry, the Lord has given me the opportunity to apply my experience in pastoring, ministering and mentoring to help individuals in their journey to be their best and balance their lives purposefully and passionately.
If you know of anyone who would be interested in a personal journey of strategic living by having a mentor/coach journey with them, or maybe even yourself, please pass on my details. I would be very grateful.
www.mbcint.com
shaun.smit@mbcint.com
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Till next time...
Be blessed and
Be strong
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