Carriers Of His Presence
And they carried the ark of God in a new cart out of the house of Abinadab; and Uzza and Ahio drave the cart. 1Chronicles 13:7.
In chapters 13 and 15 of 1Chronicles we read the account of David bringing the ark to Jerusalem. The first attempt failed as the oxen stumbled and when Uzza put out his hand to steady the ark, he was struck down by the Lord. David was displeased and left the ark in the house of Obed-edom. And the Lord blessed the house of Obed-edom, and all that he had. I Chronicles 13:14 In type the ark represented the presence and glory of God. The house of Obed-edom was blessed by the presence of the Lord. If we are to experience blessing in our homes today, we need the presence of the Lord. In His presence is fullness of joy and at His right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalms 16:11
In chapter 15 David makes the second attempt, but this time he chooses to follow God's order. The Levites were to carry the ark on their shoulders according to God's pattern. The Levites sanctified themselves in preparation for bringing up the ark. They carried the ark upon their shoulders with staves as Moses commanded according to the word of the Lord. They went six paces and made sacrifice according to 2 Samuel 6:7. The ark was then brought to Mount Zion where it was set in place in David's Tabernacle.
What is the application for us today? The new cart is man's attempt to usher in God's presence man's way. God has a lot to say about man's ways. When they built an altar they were not to set a chisel to the stone. Israel saw the signs, but they did not know His ways. Moses knew His ways. Our motivation may be good. There was nothing wrong with David's motivation on the first attempt, but it was not according to God's order. There are many people in the body of Christ who have good intentions, but they are out of order. I believe that denominationalism was birthed out of people who wanted to do good, but had the wrong order. If we attempt to usher in the presence of God using the patterns of man we have simply put the ark on a new cart. We often devise our plan and ask God to bless it rather than finding out what God is doing. Like Henry Blackaby says we need to find out what God is doing and get in on that. God blesses what He is doing.
We see David get angry with God on the first attempt when Uzza was killed. We often hear in our day and time when catastrophes happen, "Why did God let that happen?" or "Why did God do that?" For example, when 9/11 took place we heard those questions. Some said that it's the judgement of God. I believe this way; God is under no obligation to protect that which is not committed to Him. He often does and that is because of His great mercy. In fact 9/11 was the result of religion which I define as man's attempt to find God man's way. Isn't interesting that when the rebellious sons of Eli saw the battle was being lost they went and got the ark hoping it would turn the tide of the battle, but it did not.
The ark was to be carried upon the sanctified shoulders of the Levites. Sanctified means holy, set apart unto. It's no coincidence that they went six paces and they made a sacrifice. Six is the number of man. A sacrifice requires death. I believe this was signifying death to self. It is only when we have died that we can experience the presence of God. It was only at that place of self-surrender that I experienced His presence. We are to be those sanctified priests who carry the presence of God.
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that you should show forth the praises of Him Who hath called you out of darkness into marvelous light. 1 Peter 2:9
Unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood, and hath made us kings and priests unto God and His Father. Revelation 1:5b,6
We have received the Holy Spirit of God to be with us, in us, and upon us.
John 14:17b But you know Him; for He dwelleth with you and shall be in you.
Acts 1:8a But you shall receive power, after that the Holy Spirit is come upon you.
Every where we go the Holy Spirit goes. If we understand that the kingdom of God is in the Spirit then we understand why Jesus said that the kingdom of God was within and that when He or His disciples went out to minister, the kingdom of God had come near. We are called to be carriers of His presence.
We are entering a season where we are being stripped of those things we have trusted in. The methods of man will ultimately fail. The shaking of things which are not kingdom must fall away that we might depend wholly on the great Agent of the kingdom, the Holy Spirit. God is looking for holy people, not committed to man made devices and forms of religion, but wholly committed unto Him.
My friend if you are born again and filled with the Spirit of the living God you are a Carrier of His Presence and wherever you walk in the Spirit the kingdom of God has come near. If we understand Who it is that is in us, we can make a difference in this world.
Blessings,
Herb Dean
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Friday, June 5, 2009
A lesson from the fish tank
Dear friends,
I hope things are well with you. As I mentioned the other day I was praying about sending out prophetic words and insights to those who read these letters and teachings. I heard from a few people who encouraged me to go for it and some of them even had situations in their lives where they needed to hear from God. I was not sure how to go about it, but I believe that some times God will give specific words to people I communicate with and other times it will be a more general word that may apply to many or may apply to a situation one of you maybe dealing with. As I was preparing for Sunday's message I felt strongly that something I saw yesterday was a prophetic picture for someone who reads these letters so I am sending it out to you. I pray that you will be encouraged.
Yesterday I had to be in north Macon to call on a couple of businesses I serve as a chaplain. While I was there I decided to take a few minutes and go by the Bass Pro Shop. As many of you know these stores always have a large aquarium with varieties of fish that are usually indigenous to that area. While I was in the store they announced they were about to feed the fish. Included in the tank were some very large bass, two walleyes, and some gar. There were other breeds, but they were not carnivorous. I noticed up at the top of the tank there were a number of minnows swimming peacefully. None of the fish seemed interested in them. They then began to throw live minnows into the tank ranging from two to five inches long. The minnows who swam peacefully were not attacked. It was only those who sped up and began to swim erratically that the bass ate. There were some who took off to avoid the fish behind them only to swim in to the mouth of another bass in front of them. The whole time I watched I was expecting the bass to eventually go after those swimming peacefully near the top of the pool, but they never did. So what is the relevance of this experience to someone today?
There are some of you who are facing some serious situations. To you they appear big and dangerous and there is the tendency to panic; even to have panic attacks. The Lord is saying today to set your mind on Him and He will give you peace. Fear is your enemy and will set you on a destructive course. Some are running and the Lord is saying, "Slow down; get your perspective right. It is no time to panic. Don't make your decision out of fear." The Lord has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7 The psalmist said what time I am afraid I will trust in thee. Psalm 56:3 Remember the minnows swimming peacefully at the top of the pool. You are above and not beneath, over and not under. You are seated in heavenly places in Christ Jesus far above all rule and authority. Be encouraged the Lord knows what you are going through and He is with you.
Pray for me that I will be sensitive to the Lord and confident in hearing Him. I pray that these writings will speak to you and be an encouragement to you. Let me know if I can pray for you or be of any service.
In His love,
Herb Dean
I hope things are well with you. As I mentioned the other day I was praying about sending out prophetic words and insights to those who read these letters and teachings. I heard from a few people who encouraged me to go for it and some of them even had situations in their lives where they needed to hear from God. I was not sure how to go about it, but I believe that some times God will give specific words to people I communicate with and other times it will be a more general word that may apply to many or may apply to a situation one of you maybe dealing with. As I was preparing for Sunday's message I felt strongly that something I saw yesterday was a prophetic picture for someone who reads these letters so I am sending it out to you. I pray that you will be encouraged.
Yesterday I had to be in north Macon to call on a couple of businesses I serve as a chaplain. While I was there I decided to take a few minutes and go by the Bass Pro Shop. As many of you know these stores always have a large aquarium with varieties of fish that are usually indigenous to that area. While I was in the store they announced they were about to feed the fish. Included in the tank were some very large bass, two walleyes, and some gar. There were other breeds, but they were not carnivorous. I noticed up at the top of the tank there were a number of minnows swimming peacefully. None of the fish seemed interested in them. They then began to throw live minnows into the tank ranging from two to five inches long. The minnows who swam peacefully were not attacked. It was only those who sped up and began to swim erratically that the bass ate. There were some who took off to avoid the fish behind them only to swim in to the mouth of another bass in front of them. The whole time I watched I was expecting the bass to eventually go after those swimming peacefully near the top of the pool, but they never did. So what is the relevance of this experience to someone today?
There are some of you who are facing some serious situations. To you they appear big and dangerous and there is the tendency to panic; even to have panic attacks. The Lord is saying today to set your mind on Him and He will give you peace. Fear is your enemy and will set you on a destructive course. Some are running and the Lord is saying, "Slow down; get your perspective right. It is no time to panic. Don't make your decision out of fear." The Lord has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7 The psalmist said what time I am afraid I will trust in thee. Psalm 56:3 Remember the minnows swimming peacefully at the top of the pool. You are above and not beneath, over and not under. You are seated in heavenly places in Christ Jesus far above all rule and authority. Be encouraged the Lord knows what you are going through and He is with you.
Pray for me that I will be sensitive to the Lord and confident in hearing Him. I pray that these writings will speak to you and be an encouragement to you. Let me know if I can pray for you or be of any service.
In His love,
Herb Dean
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
The Ministry of Encouragement
The Ministry of Encouragement
We are entering a time when there is a great need for encouragement in the body of Christ. When the word prophecy is used today, it is usually in reference to the "end times". Prophesying has been defined as declaring truth or forth-telling. It is those things, but it is so much more. I would say from experience that out of the few hundred that may read this there are some who are going through struggles. There are times when we need an audible voice revealing the heart of God for us in a situation. One of the great roles of the prophetic in the body of Christ is to be a "ministry of encouragement." I would like to share a little today on the prophetic gift.
But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men. 1 Cor. 14:3
New Testament prophecy was not given to declare judgement and condemnation; it was given as a gift, a blessing to be an encouragement to the believer. Look at those three words:
1. Edification- given for the purpose of building up. Edify means literally to build, to place one brick upon another.
2. Exhortation- to call along side to help. It comes from the same words as "parakletos" which is the word for the Holy Spirit. Jesus said, "I'll send you another helper." The word there is parakletos. To encourage, to help.
3. Comfort- Literally means to "cheer up"
We could say prophecy builds up, helps up, and cheers up. We all need these things in our lives. In much of the church this invaluable gift is not in operation or is not understood.
In Acts 4:36,37 we see a man named Joses or Joseph, who the apostles renamed Barnabas which is translated "Son of Encouragement" or "Son of Consolation". In Hebrew the "bar" means "son" and "nabas" means "encouragement, consolation, or prophecy." Barnabas could have just as easily been translated "Son of Prophecy." Why do you think the apostles called him that? He must have been prophetic; he must have been an encourager. In fact, in Acts 13:1 it says that certain prophets and teachers had gathered at Antioch. Barnabas was among them. Which do you think he was?
Paul placed great emphasis on prophecy. Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. 1 Cor. 14:1 There are at least three schools of thought out there. Most would fall into one of these three:
1. Cessationists- They believe that the gifts are no longer in operation. They ceased with the death of the apostles.
2. Those who believe the gifts are still available. They would say that they are open to the gifts, but they don't seek them.
3. Those who believe the gifts are for today and they seek to operate in them.
The word desire in 1Cor. 14:1 is a strong word. It means to earnestly desire or covet. So according to the writing of Paul, it is not enough to be open, but we are to seek spiritual gifts. That seeking is never for exaltation of one's self or to the exclusion of the giver, but the desire to see His body edified. Gifts are "power tools" given to build the body of Christ. It is much easier to build a house with power tools than just a hammer, a hand saw, and an axe.
Years ago, I planted a church. The church was about three years old when because of a doctrinal issue and another pastor coming to town that about half the church left. Most of the ones that left were tithers and the income of the church dropped by 60%. The amount coming in each month was now less than my salary. I was very discouraged and was inquiring of the Lord what I should do. I thought about shutting down or finding a job. I really had four questions that I was asking of the Lord. I had heard about a church in Atlanta where they had prophetic teams minister to your people, so I called them and set up a time. These people knew nothing about our circumstances. As they began to prophesy over me every question was specifically answered. "God started this church and He doesn't want it stopped." They placed their hands on my hands and said that these hands were to do nothing else, but the ministry of the gospel. I left greatly encouraged and strengthened in the Lord. In fact, had it not been for the Lord speaking through these people, I might very well have given up. I have seen the Lord use prophecy in my life to encourage me and praise God, He has spoken through me to encourage others as well. I am fully persuaded of the necessity of prophecy in the church today.
It is my desire to encourage you. I am praying about sending out prophetic words on a regular basis as often as God may give them for the people who read these teachings. Would you pray with me on that. I know there are people out there that need to know that God still knows their address and that He is concerned with the situation they are dealing with. To give them hope that yes, the prodigal is coming home. The pain you are dealing with will last for a season, but God is going to use your deliverance to minister to others. They need to know that God has given them a purpose and a destiny. I appreciate your encouragement and your prayers. May you be greatly blessed of the Lord.
We are entering a time when there is a great need for encouragement in the body of Christ. When the word prophecy is used today, it is usually in reference to the "end times". Prophesying has been defined as declaring truth or forth-telling. It is those things, but it is so much more. I would say from experience that out of the few hundred that may read this there are some who are going through struggles. There are times when we need an audible voice revealing the heart of God for us in a situation. One of the great roles of the prophetic in the body of Christ is to be a "ministry of encouragement." I would like to share a little today on the prophetic gift.
But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men. 1 Cor. 14:3
New Testament prophecy was not given to declare judgement and condemnation; it was given as a gift, a blessing to be an encouragement to the believer. Look at those three words:
1. Edification- given for the purpose of building up. Edify means literally to build, to place one brick upon another.
2. Exhortation- to call along side to help. It comes from the same words as "parakletos" which is the word for the Holy Spirit. Jesus said, "I'll send you another helper." The word there is parakletos. To encourage, to help.
3. Comfort- Literally means to "cheer up"
We could say prophecy builds up, helps up, and cheers up. We all need these things in our lives. In much of the church this invaluable gift is not in operation or is not understood.
In Acts 4:36,37 we see a man named Joses or Joseph, who the apostles renamed Barnabas which is translated "Son of Encouragement" or "Son of Consolation". In Hebrew the "bar" means "son" and "nabas" means "encouragement, consolation, or prophecy." Barnabas could have just as easily been translated "Son of Prophecy." Why do you think the apostles called him that? He must have been prophetic; he must have been an encourager. In fact, in Acts 13:1 it says that certain prophets and teachers had gathered at Antioch. Barnabas was among them. Which do you think he was?
Paul placed great emphasis on prophecy. Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. 1 Cor. 14:1 There are at least three schools of thought out there. Most would fall into one of these three:
1. Cessationists- They believe that the gifts are no longer in operation. They ceased with the death of the apostles.
2. Those who believe the gifts are still available. They would say that they are open to the gifts, but they don't seek them.
3. Those who believe the gifts are for today and they seek to operate in them.
The word desire in 1Cor. 14:1 is a strong word. It means to earnestly desire or covet. So according to the writing of Paul, it is not enough to be open, but we are to seek spiritual gifts. That seeking is never for exaltation of one's self or to the exclusion of the giver, but the desire to see His body edified. Gifts are "power tools" given to build the body of Christ. It is much easier to build a house with power tools than just a hammer, a hand saw, and an axe.
Years ago, I planted a church. The church was about three years old when because of a doctrinal issue and another pastor coming to town that about half the church left. Most of the ones that left were tithers and the income of the church dropped by 60%. The amount coming in each month was now less than my salary. I was very discouraged and was inquiring of the Lord what I should do. I thought about shutting down or finding a job. I really had four questions that I was asking of the Lord. I had heard about a church in Atlanta where they had prophetic teams minister to your people, so I called them and set up a time. These people knew nothing about our circumstances. As they began to prophesy over me every question was specifically answered. "God started this church and He doesn't want it stopped." They placed their hands on my hands and said that these hands were to do nothing else, but the ministry of the gospel. I left greatly encouraged and strengthened in the Lord. In fact, had it not been for the Lord speaking through these people, I might very well have given up. I have seen the Lord use prophecy in my life to encourage me and praise God, He has spoken through me to encourage others as well. I am fully persuaded of the necessity of prophecy in the church today.
It is my desire to encourage you. I am praying about sending out prophetic words on a regular basis as often as God may give them for the people who read these teachings. Would you pray with me on that. I know there are people out there that need to know that God still knows their address and that He is concerned with the situation they are dealing with. To give them hope that yes, the prodigal is coming home. The pain you are dealing with will last for a season, but God is going to use your deliverance to minister to others. They need to know that God has given them a purpose and a destiny. I appreciate your encouragement and your prayers. May you be greatly blessed of the Lord.
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