And He Himself gave some to be apostles….
— Ephesians 4:11 NKJV

The very nature of apostolic ministry lends itself to being relational, geographical, and territorial. Let me tell you what I mean — and then you can think about it !

The apostolic call is based on relationships. For instance, although Paul was universally respected in the Early Church as an apostle, he was not an apostle to every First Century church. He was an apostle only to those with whom he had an apostolic relationship.

Churches in other cities and regions acknowledged Paul’s apostleship, but he was not their apostle. Other believers respected Paul as an excellent minister, a beloved brother in the Lord, and an able leader. But he only had apostolic responsibility for the churches he had helped start and those for whom he served as mentor, teacher, and father in the faith.

Thus, Paul’s apostleship was limited to those for whom he bore direct spiritual responsibility and with whom he had a unique relationship. This would have included the churches of Ephesus, Colossae, Corinth, Galatia, Hierapolis, Laodicea, Pergamum, Philadelphia, Philippi, Sardis, Smyrna, Thyatira, and others. Paul’s relationship with these churches is the reason we have the books of First and Second Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians. Paul wrote these letters because he was directly responsible for the spiritual well-being of these believers and because he had a unique apostolic relationship either with them or with their local leadership.

One example of Paul’s apostolic relationship with local leadership was the church in Colossae. Although there is no evidence that Paul personally founded the Colossian church, we know that he sent Epaphras as his personal emissary to fulfill that assignment. Under Paul’s orders and spiritual covering, Epaphras traveled to Colossae and started the church. Once the Colossian church was established, the congregation received Paul as the apostle to that church based on his relationship to Epaphras.

Paul was very aware that he wasn’t an apostle to everyone. That’s why he wrote, “Not boasting of things without our measure [or out of our territory]…not to boast in another man’s line of things made ready to our hand [for example, not to take credit for another person’s apostolic work]” (2 Corinthians 10:15,16). Paul was careful not to cross over into another man’s territory if it might produce confusion about who was supposed to give direction to certain churches or to whom those churches were accountable (see 2 Corinthians 10:13,14). This tells us that Paul not only possessed authority, but he also respected the authority and territory of others.

This also explains why Paul told the Corinthians, “If I be not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you…” (1 Corinthians 9:2). The word “doubtless” is actually the Greek word gar, and it means indeed. It is an affirmation of his apostolic relationship to them. A better translation would be “indeed I am to you!” Paul knew that his apostleship was limited, geographical, and relational, so he concentrated on those with whom he knew he had this special, “indeed” God-given relationship.

Paul frequently had to defend his apostleship because of these deceitful workers who swarmed in, trying to exert authority over entire regions of churches that he and other apostles had established and to which they had imparted their lives. Apostleship was power, so those with impure motives sought to invade Paul’s territory and claim his fruit, seeing it as an effective way to exploit someone else’s work for themselves.

Those who coveted the apostolic position used every imaginable method to attract, tempt, lure, entice, and seduce the churches under the realm of authority of genuine apostles. In Paul’s case, the imposters couldn’t find a legitimate reason to accuse the apostle, so they used slanderous and even stupid accusations as they tried to persuade the churches to reject Paul and submit to their authority instead. For example, these false apostles:

• Accused Paul of being unimpressive in appearance and a poor public speaker (see 2 Corinthians 10:10; 11:6).
• Accused him of financially taking advantage of the churches (see 1 Corinthians 9:14,15).
• Endeavored to lure the churches back into the noose of legalism by accusing Paul of being loose in his doctrine of grace (see Galatians 1:6,7).
• Asserted that Paul’s revelations weren’t as deep as theirs, prompting Paul to remind his readers that he was the one who actually had a direct revelation of Jesus Himself (see 1 Corinthians 9:1).

These usurpers of apostolic authority were after Paul’s territory — and in order to get what they were after, they set out to discredit Paul. This is why Paul frequently started his letters by saying, “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ” (see 1 Corinthians 1:1; 2 Corinthians 1:1; Galatians 1:1; Ephesians 1:1; Colossians 1:1).

Wherever Paul’s apostleship was being threatened by false apostles, he rose up like a spiritual father to defend his position. His children in the Lord were in jeopardy, and his relationship with them was at stake. Paul’s deep sense of responsibility and his love for the flock wouldn’t allow him to remain silent. Rather, it drove him to speak up and wage war, if needed, against the imposters who were trying to invade his geographic realm of influence. Paul was determined not to allow those deceivers to destroy his credibility so they could steal and ravage the sheep under his care.

It is sad to say, but there are people who misuse the ministry for their own personal gain of some type. Whether it’s for prestige or monetary reasons, it is innately wrong. When this kind of deceit occurred in Paul’s day, this Early Church apostle rose up to defend the churches, as well as his apostleship. Paul’s one desire was to protect the flock that God had placed under his charge against wolves that only sought to devour the sheep to gratify their self-absorbed lust for control.

In this, Paul revealed the power of the apostolic relationship that provides the foundational mortar for the “house” God has called an apostle to build. Whatever the assignment that particular apostle has been sent to fulfill, it will be defined by some form of divine boundaries, whether they are regional, geographical, or spiritual in nature. And within that marked-out territory assigned by the Lord, the true apostle will stand guard over the relationships he is called to steward within those boundaries. His heart’s fervent desire will be to protect, teach, and strengthen the people — ensuring that they become firmly established in God’s Word, not swayed by external forces or opposition — so they in turn can take their place and do their part in fulfilling the apostolic assignment.

Perhaps now you can see more clearly what was in God’s heart in giving the apostolic ministry gift to the Body of Christ. Certainly it is not more important than the other four ministry gifts, but it is crucial in its unique purpose and function. As we recognize and esteem this gift operating throughout the earth in this hour, we actually help the Body of Christ — and ourselves personally — receive the full benefits of the apostolic ministry, thus becoming more and more equipped to do all the Church is called to do before the return of our soon-coming King!

MY PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, I ask You to help me use my head and not just react according to my emotions, when it comes to who is leading me spiritually. You have given me a mind that You expect me to use, and I pray for the wisdom to think carefully and clearly about those to whom I give the right to lead me spiritually. I thank You for my pastor and for my church. Nonetheless, I know that I must keep my eyes open and my heart in tune with Your Spirit about anyone to whom I yield oversight in my life.

I pray this in Jesus’ name!

 

MY CONFESSION FOR TODAY

I confess that I have a good head on my shoulders! My heart is open to the Spirit of God, and my mind thinks soundly and clearly. I rely on God’s wisdom and counsel, and He causes my thoughts to be in agreement with His will. I have a strong foundation of God’s Word in my heart and mind; therefore, I am not easily misled because that Word illuminates my understanding. When something is wrong, an alert goes off inside me that warns me to be careful. I am not suspicious or quick to accuse, but I am sensitive to what is happening spiritually. I thank God that the Holy Spirit produces in me the mind of Christ, and the mind of Christ helps me to think soundly and accurately.

I declare this by faith in Jesus’ name!

 

QUESTIONS FOR YOU TO CONSIDER

1. I have been misled before because I was innocent and naïve, but those experiences have made me wiser and smarter. I am thankful for every experience I’ve had in my spiritual journey. What are some of the experiences you’ve had that have made you a little wiser?
2. What advice would you give someone who was just starting his walk with the Lord and is very pure in his thinking about everything and everyone? Without poisoning him with bad stories, what helpful advice would you give him about whom to follow as a spiritual leader and how to guard himself against deception?
3. As you’ve recalled the difficult experiences that became your occasion to gain wisdom, sift through your heart to determine if you detect a root of bitterness toward anyone who was a part of that experience. Release all who hurt you and let them go from the offense you’ve attached to them. You will be amazed by the way that act of obedience and love will propel you forward in the plan of God for your life.

And He Himself gave some to be apostles….
— Ephesians 4:11 NKJV

Why would anyone claim to be an apostle who was not? In the Early Church, it seems there were many individuals who deliberately claimed to be apostles because they understood the weight and influence that accompanied this title. If a person was an apostle — the Greek word apostolos — they knew that this position held enormous authority and that those who carried this title could obtain leverage in the Church. Therefore, they coveted this title and intentionally claimed it as a way to gain control and exert power over God’s people.

What an apostle said carried great weight within a church or even within an entire group of churches. Whoever could lay claim to the apostolic title would be able to influence what happened in the lives of many people. For a genuine apostle, this was a serious responsibility that he exercised with holiness, fear, and prudence. But for a person with impure motives, this position of authority represented an opportunity to obtain power for the sake of selfish gain.

Many imposters therefore moved in on the scene like predators in Paul’s day — waiting for the opportunity to seize a fledgling church through deception and then claim it for themselves.

In fact, false apostles frequently followed Paul from city to city, lying in wait until he left town. Then they would begin implementing their heinous plan of ruining Paul’s reputation and claiming the territory for themselves. This is what Paul referred to when he wrote that there was assigned to him “…a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me…” (2 Corinthians 12:7).

The word “thorn” is the Greek word skolops. It could refer to either a thorn or a splinter that gets under the skin and causes a constant irritant. Paul specifically identified these “thorns” or “splinters” as “the messenger of Satan.” These were individuals who were such a constant hassle to Paul that he called them Satan’s messengers.

Paul endured many afflictions during his ministry, and many of them were a result of these false ministers who fiercely opposed him and constantly tried to displace his position of authority over the flock of God in the local churches. They wanted Paul out of the picture so they could usurp his place of prominence. Therefore, they attempted to discredit the apostle, hoping to shift the spotlight to themselves by boasting that their revelations were superior. Paul alluded to these sheep-stealers in Second Corinthians 11:5 (NIV) when he sarcastically referred to them as “super-apostles” and scoffed at their claims of hyper-spirituality.

This is precisely the same reason people with false motives claim apostleship today. It is all about control. These self-inspired claims are evil and are usually monetarily motivated. The apostle Paul had no tolerance for those who claimed to be apostles but were not. They were constantly battling Paul for his relationship with a church or group of churches.

Pretentious self-promotion is a key disqualifier for the kind of leadership God blesses. In fact, the Lord Himself will resist the proud and self-seeking while giving grace, favor, and peace to those who humble themselves beneath His hand. Let’s do all we can to make sure our motives are in line with the characteristics that qualify the authentic and not disqualify the counterfeit ministers who never passed their tests in God’s classroom of integrity.

MY PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, I thank You for the common sense shared in these Sparkling Gems to keep me safe from influence of imposters and spiritual predators. Thank You for helping me to be wise and to keep my eyes wide open about who I receive as a spiritual authority in my life. I realize that I must be accountable to someone in my life, but I ask You to give me discernment about who that person should be!

I pray this in Jesus’ name!

 

MY CONFESSION FOR TODAY

I confess that my natural and spiritual eyes are wide open, along with my natural and spiritual ears. I am sensitive to the voice and leading of the Holy Spirit and I do not fall victim to unscrupulous people who flatter others for personal gain. I pay close attention to what I hear and see. If anyone has ulterior motives for wanting spiritual authority in my life, the Spirit of Truth illuminates my understanding so I can see and recognize it. The Spirit of God within my spirit will bear witness to alert me so I will know when I have come across the real deal!

I declare this by faith in Jesus’ name!

 

QUESTIONS FOR YOU TO CONSIDER

1. Have you ever seen a so-called spiritual leader take advantage of others? Were you hurt by that leader’s actions? Have you forgiven him or her? Have you truly moved on and let it go?
2. I want to tell you that there are more real ministers of the Gospel than counterfeits. It would be a good exercise for you to name all the real ministers of the Gospel that have been a blessing to you over the course of your life. You’ll discover that they far outweigh those who have a negative influence.
3. If someone in the ministry financially took advantage of you, did your spirit alert you to it in advance, but you ignored it? In most cases, our inner man knows when something is amiss, but we have to listen in order to be protected. If you consider your own situation, did you feel an inner alert telling you to be careful?

Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you….
— 2 Corinthians 12:12

Today we’ll look further at the indicators the apostle Paul listed that point to a true apostolic call on a person’s life. The Holy Spirit inspired Paul to inform the Church of these clues to a true apostolic ministry so that we as believers would know how to discern and receive from this crucial ministry gift. Paul wrote, “Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds” (2 Corinthians 12:12).

The next criterion after “patience” that Paul mentioned is “signs.” He wrote this verse to the Corinthians, yet there is no clear record in the book of Acts of his working signs and wonders in Corinth (see Acts 18). However, because of this statement, we may assume that miraculous signs were wrought through Paul in Corinth similar to the signs God performed through him in other cities — such as:

• Restoring strength to the limbs of the lame (see Acts 14:8-10).
• Casting out demons (see Acts 16:16-18).
• Transferring God’s healing power through aprons or napkins taken from Paul’s body to the bedridden who couldn’t attend his meetings because of their physical conditions (see Acts 19:11,12).
• Raising the dead (see Acts 20:9-12).
• Healing the sick (see Acts 28:8,9).

People mistakenly get the impression that Paul’s ministry was continually visited with miracles of this nature. But if one carefully and honestly examines the book of Acts to determine the regularity in which these types of supernatural signs occurred, you will find that these events did not occur nonstop in Paul’s ministry, but rather at pivotal and crucial moments when miracles were needed to open the door for the Gospel even wider. These were supernatural signs intended to grab the attention of listeners and to serve as proof that the Gospel message they were hearing was true.

In addition to these miraculous signs, Paul also listed “wonders” and “mighty deeds” as indicators that a person has an apostolic call on his or her life. The word “wonders” is the Greek word teras. The word teras was used in classical Greek times to depict the fright, terror, shock, surprise, or astonishment felt by bystanders who observed events that were contrary to the normal course of nature. Such occurrences were viewed as miracles, and people believed they could only take place through the intervention of divine power. These miraculous events were so shocking that they left people speechless, shocked, astonished, bewildered, baffled, taken aback, stunned, and awestruck — and therefore in a state of wonder.

This is the reason the word teras is most often translated as the word “wonders” in the New Testament. It describes occurrences so out of the ordinary that people are left in a state of perplexity, amazement, and wonder as a result.

But Paul didn’t stop with the word “wonders.” He went on to say, “And mighty deeds.” The word “and” is the Greek word kai, which could — and probably should — be translated even, causing the phrase “mighty deeds” to actually amplify the word “wonders.” Thus, the phrase could be translated “wonders, even mighty deeds.” In other words, Paul was saying that these “wonders” were so amazing, they were truly “mighty deeds.”

The phrase “mighty deeds” is a translation of the word dunamis, the Greek word for power. It is from this word that we derive the English word “dynamite,” which is a very appropriate usage of this Greek word. Indeed, dunamis power carries the idea of explosive, superhuman power that comes with enormous energy and produces phenomenal, extraordinary, and unparalleled results. The word dunamis depicts “mighty deeds” that are impressive, incomparable, and beyond human ability to perform. In fact, this very word is used in First Corinthians 12:10 when the apostle Paul lists “the working of miracles” as one of the gifts of the Spirit. Thus, the word dunamis, as Paul now uses it in Second Corinthians 12:12, denotes miraculous power or miraculous manifestations.

Keep in mind that the word “wonders” refers to people being shocked or stunned by events that don’t occur in nature or by experiences that are out of the flow of normal life. Because Paul connected it to the phrase “mighty deeds” — the Greek word dunamis, referring to superhuman or miraculous powers — we know that he was referring to instances when the laws of nature are overruled or suspended by the supernatural power of God. In some way, God Himself intervenes in the laws of nature and does something that could never occur in the natural realm.

There were many instances of “mighty deeds” in Paul’s ministry pertaining to miraculous healings that could never have occurred naturally or with the assistance of medicine. Whenever God’s power intervenes to reverse a physical condition that medical science defines as incurable, this can technically be defined as a miracle.

But in addition to the supernatural power that flowed from Paul to others to work healing miracles, there were also some truly amazing instances when God’s power intervened on Paul’s behalf. We find an example of this in Acts 16, when Paul was miraculously released from his jail cell in Philippi after a remarkable earthquake shook the prison and set him free.

Acts 16:24 tells us of a time when Paul and Silas were in an “inner prison” and their feet were “fast in stocks.” As the two apostles began to pray and sing songs of praise to God in the middle of the night, “…suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed” (v. 26).

Consider how strange this occurrence was that night. This earthquake shook the prison, opened all the doors, and caused the chains to fall off the prisoners. Yet it seems that not one brick fell, for there is no record of any damage to the actual building. In fact, this appears to have been such a regional earthquake that it affected only one building in the entire city. Only the prison where Paul and Silas were confined apparently felt the impact of this particular earthquake!

When people heard about this landmark event, the news left them in a state of wonder. In other words, they were left speechless, shocked, astonished, bewildered, baffled, taken aback, stunned, and awestruck. Certainly this earthquake would qualify as a “mighty deed” — a miraculous event — that occurred in the life of the apostle Paul.

Another example of a mighty deed occurring in Paul’s life can be found in Acts 28:3, when Paul was shipwrecked and marooned on the island of Melita. On that rainy day as Paul was gathering sticks to build a fire, “…there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand.” When the barbarians saw the deadly, venomous viper hanging from the apostle’s hand, they expected Paul to swell up and suddenly fall down dead (see v. 6). But instead, verse 5 tells us that Paul “…shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm.”

The deadly poison of that snake should have killed Paul. But as the powerful venom surged through the apostle’s circulatory system, God’s power intervened, overruling and nullifying the venom so that it had no adverse effect on Paul whatsoever! On the other hand, this “wonder” had a huge impact on those who were standing nearby, watching in amazement. Instead of seeing Paul fall dead, these people saw “…no harm come to him…” (v. 6). They were so shocked by this miraculous event that a major revival erupted, through which many people from every quarter of the island came to Christ. This would therefore definitely qualify as a “mighty deed” occurring in the life of the apostle Paul.

Writing about his many experiences in ministry in Second Corinthians 11, Paul tells of being shipwrecked three times, severely beaten on five different occasions, traveling on dangerous roads and across treacherous rivers, and so forth. If it hadn’t been for God’s power sustaining Paul and intervening on his behalf, many of these experiences would have ended in the apostle’s death.

We must note the time Paul was stoned in Lystra and left for dead. Religious Jews were professionals at stoning people to death. Therefore, it’s very significant that Acts 14:19 tells us that certain Jews, “…having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead.”

After pummeling Paul’s body with stones, these Jews dragged him out of the city and left him to be eaten by animals. But Acts 14:20 goes on to tell us, “…As the disciples stood round about him, he rose up….” This was a mighty deed — a special working of God’s miraculous power that seems to have actually raised Paul from death itself.

Those who have an apostolic call on their lives serve God on the front lines of His Kingdom, facing challenges and difficulties beyond what others might encounter. These individuals must forge their way and make significant inroads into the enemy’s territory. Therefore, miracles — those undeniable moments when God’s power intervenes in the natural course of events — are required and will always be evident in the lives of those whom God has called to be apostles.

God imparts supernatural strength for the apostolic pioneer to endure the fight of faith required to fulfill his assignment. And throughout the assignment, whenever needed, God shows up to perform signs, wonders, and mighty deeds — not only following the anointed preaching of His Word, but also on behalf of His obedient “sent one” in order to ensure that the divine assignment is completed. As a result, people’s lives are transformed to the glory of Jesus Christ and the building of His Church!

MY PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father God, I praise and magnify You, for You alone are the God of miracles. Your mighty wonders cannot be contained or explained by any natural power or force of nature. Lord Jesus, You said supernatural signs would follow the preaching of Your Word. I pray that ministers and believers everywhere who proclaim Your Word will also walk in mighty demonstrations of Your awesome power to authorize them as they enforce Your will. Lord Jesus, as we approach the day of Your returning, I expect an increase in signs, wonders, and miracles — not only through Your people, but also on behalf of Your people to protect them and to prevent their assignments from being cut short as they live in consecrated service to Your divine will.

I pray this in Jesus’ name!

 

MY CONFESSION FOR TODAY

I confess that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever; therefore, I know that He continues to confirm His Word with signs following just as He said He would. The supernatural power of my Almighty God is still on display today through miracles, signs and wonders that manifest outside the realm of ordinary events — and they do so both through me and on my behalf to the glory of God the Father!

I declare this by faith in Jesus’ name!

 

QUESTIONS FOR YOU TO CONSIDER

1. What other signs and mighty deeds can you think of that marked the apostle Paul’s life and apostolic ministry? Why not take a few minutes and make a list of what comes to your mind?
2. We find examples of God protecting and delivering His people through miracles, signs, and wonders in both the Old and New T Can you recall a time when God intervened in your own life through a demonstration of His power and love that could not be explained as merely a natural event?
3. You may not be an apostle, pioneering for the sake of the Gospel. But in Mark 16:17 and 18, Jesus described specific signs that would follow those who believe. Take a moment to read these words of Jesus and then ask yourself if these signs have ever followed you.

Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience….
— 2 Corinthians 12:12

Here is an important fact to know about the apostolic ministry: God didn’t leave it to us to guess who is a true apostle and who is not! I’m thankful for that! In Second Corinthians 12:12 the apostle Paul wrote by the Holy Spirit about the signs that will help us discern correctly whether an apostle is in our midst. He said, “Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.”

The word “signs” is the Greek word semeion. It was used in the vernacular of secular business to describe the official written notice that announced a court’s final verdict. This word also described the signature or seal applied to a document to guarantee its authenticity and a sign that marked key locations in a city. This secular word was carried over into New Testament language — as Paul used it, for instance, in Second Corinthians 12:12.

By using the word semeion, Paul declared that certain signs exist as the final verdict to prove a person’s apostleship. These accompanying proofs are like a signature or seal authenticating and guaranteeing that a person is an apostle. They provide authentication — verifiable proof — and should accompany every person claiming to carry the apostolic mantle.

Thus, Paul was telling us that if the “signs” he listed are evident in a person’s ministry, those signs may be the announcement, guarantee, or proof that this particular person is an apostle.

The marks of an apostle that Paul listed in this verse are not all-inclusive. However, they serve as a good starting place in describing the signs that point to an apostolic call. Just as a highway sign lets you know you are coming closer to a particular city or destination, these particular signs in a person’s ministry may be evidence that you’re looking at a person who has a genuine apostolic call on his or her life.

In Second Corinthians 12:12, Paul wrote, “Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.” The word “truly” comes from the Greek phrase ta men, a phrase that means emphatically or indeed and could be translated, Of a certainty! By using this phrase, Paul’s message was loud and clear: If a person is apostolic, it is certain that he will have these particular signs in his ministry.

Let’s focus today on the first sign Paul listed as a sign of true apostleship, “patience,” and tomorrow we’ll look at the rest of the signs listed. Patience is an attribute that most people overlook, yet it is just as supernatural as healings and miracles. It comes from the Greek word hupomeno, which we’ve seen depicts a person’s supernatural ability to hang in there and to stay put no matter what forces try to stop him.

People with an apostolic call on their lives must often do frontline work in environments that are difficult and even hostile to the Gospel. An example would be the city of Corinth — one of the world’s most wicked cities in the First Century — where God called Paul to establish a church. In order to fulfill this divine call, Paul had to resist the demonic powers of that city and all the other forces arrayed against him. This assignment therefore required a special God-given endowment of patience — the supernatural ability to stay put regardless of the pressure or opposition one encounters.

Paul knew that God had given him the supernatural ability to remain steadfast in the midst of the intense resistance that came against him in Corinth. In fact, Paul was so impacted by the divine grace that enabled him to stay put in such a hostile environment that he was inspired to include it as one of the marks, or signs, of an apostolic ministry.

Such patience is also evidenced in the fact that an apostle is uniquely graced to encompass all five ministerial offices, as needed, in order to establish a church and develop the ministry gifts within believers. Therefore, for a time, the apostle will operate prophetically, as an evangelist, in a pastoral capacity, and as a teacher. He may minister consistently as a pastor or teacher, but it will be with a higher level of authority than the pastoral or teaching ministries.

Only a divine endowment of patience and endurance can give a person a sufficient measure of strength and courage to keep him pressing forward when it seems as if all of hell is raging against him. Paul testified that the hupomeno ability to stay put while laying a foundation and then building upon it — which includes establishing divine order and strengthening the saints, often in the face of potential discouragement or intense opposition — is both remarkable and supernatural. Thus, he listed this attribute as the first sign that always accompanies true apostolic ministry.

In the July 6 Gem, I related our own experience with “staying put” despite all odds in an account of our earliest days in the former Soviet Union in Latvia. We were some of God’s “sent ones,” commissioned to help reestablish the Church in that part of the world.

From the outset, we faced stubborn opposition from the government in that nation. While we were busy producing Christian TV programs, starting a new church, building leaders in the ministry, and answering mountains of mail from TV viewers and those we were ministering to, we found ourselves having to renew our visas multiple times in a week — and sometimes every day of the week!

Because the person in charge of visas didn’t like us and refused to renew our visas for longer periods time, life became very difficult for Denise and me and our ministry. At times, our new visas would be valid for only 24 hours! That meant we had only one legal day to “rest” and breathe a sigh of relief before we had to initiate the process all over again. It was undoubtedly one of the biggest fights we have ever faced — and this fight continued unabated for years! The pressure this ordeal put on us was enormous. It was constantly in the background hassling us and affecting every area of our lives while we worked diligently to fulfill our assignment.

The enemy was using that man in the government to try to weary us and run us out of that nation. But we knew that we had been “sent” there by God. And by the grace of God, we remained among those precious Latvian people “in all patience” (hupomeno). We were determined not to be moved out of that nation. And as I wrote in the July 6 Gem, after years of being hassled, vexed, and beleaguered by that man in the visa department, an abrupt change finally came! By God’s grace, we had endured with patience and outlasted the attack of the enemy. I can therefore say emphatically both from the Word and from personal experience: Patience and endurance are supernatural signs that accompany the apostolic office.

Paul said, “Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience….” In Greek, this word “truly” is ta men, meaning emphatically, indeed, or of a certainty. It is as if Paul was putting an exclamation mark on the indicators that immediately followed. In other words, a person’s supernatural ability to stand strong and steadfast as he fulfills his divine call to establish the Church, regardless of the opposition that comes against him, is truly — emphatically — one of the evident, undeniable signs in the life of someone with an apostolic call.

Although you may not have an apostolic calling, this same divine impartation of hupomeno is a part of your inheritance as a child of God! You have on the inside of you the ability to endure through difficulties while holding fast to your faith, no matter what obstacles you encounter along the way! Hupomeno is yours to lay hold of because you belong to the Kingdom of God. So why not make the decision to become an expert at hanging in there by faith to do God’s will, no matter what from this day forward!

MY PRAYER FOR TODAY

Lord Jesus, thank You for giving the gift of the apostle to Your Church to establish and strengthen us in doctrine and in the personal and practical knowledge of Your wisdom and ways. I thank You, Lord, for the divine endowment of patient endurance that You impart to the apostle to be able to build and advance the Kingdom of God. Holy Spirit, since this supernatural quality of endurance and staying power is mine also as a child of God, I place my trust in You and fully expect You to lead me in triumph through every obstacle and challenge. By the power of Your anointing within and upon me, I ask You to spread the fragrance of the knowledge of God through my life everywhere I go, to the praise and honor of my Lord Jesus Christ.

I pray this in Jesus’ name!

 

MY CONFESSION FOR TODAY

I confess that I have staying power! This divine impartation is part of my inheritance as a child of God! I have within me the supernatural ability to endure difficulties and to persevere through challenges while holding fast to my faith. When I encounter hostility or obstacles, the Lord Himself is my strength and personal bravery. The Lord steadies and directs my steps, enabling me to make progress in times of trouble, testing, suffering, or great responsibility. Amid all these things, no matter what I may face, I am more than a conqueror through Jesus Christ, and I always triumph in surpassing victory through Him!

I declare this by faith in Jesus’ name!

 

QUESTIONS FOR YOU TO CONSIDER

1. Did you ever think of patience and endurance as supernatural abilities? How do you view these qualities now?
2. Can you think of a time in your life when you sensed a supernatural impartation of hupomeno strength that enabled you to endure a difficult situation until you could come out on the other side victoriously? What was that experience, and what spiritual lesson did you learn from it?
3. What situation are you facing now that requires supernatural staying power? You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you! Read and think on what Philippians 4:13 means for you personally.

And He Himself gave some to be apostles….
— Ephesians 4:11 NKJV

Today we continue our study of the word “apostle.” By the time of the New Testament, the word apostolos was already an old word with quite a lengthy history. It carried many shades of meaning — all of which overlapped each other and were interrelated, as we have seen. So when people in the Early Church heard or read the word “apostle,” it is likely that they understood an apostle to be a person who was specially selected, commissioned, and sent by the Lord to represent Him for the purposes of the Kingdom: to build up, draw forth, speak out, align, govern, strengthen, and establish His Church as His unique agent on the earth.

Early believers were also probably aware that the apostle was a pioneer and a chief overseer, responsible for opening up new territory, both physically and spiritually, for Kingdom purposes. They would have known him as one who provided passage from one spiritual dimension to another as he took a church to new levels in its spiritual growth that it could never reach apart from the apostolic anointing.

Believers recognized the apostle as one who had the anointing, authority, and spiritual backing to get things accomplished for the furtherance of God’s purposes. He wasn’t just the implementer of pragmatic ideas and strategies. Rather, a true apostle carried within him supernatural insight and revelation that was vital for the growth and the building up of the Church.

Over the centuries, the question “Who is a true apostle?” has been something of a theological conundrum for many scholars. Some insist that only the original 12 were true apostles, whereas others argue that the apostolic ministry has continued since the death of Jesus’ original 12 apostles. But let me give you a concise way of looking at this subject.

In Luke 6:13, Jesus called together His disciples and from among them, He chose 12 men whom He called apostles. They are listed by name in Matthew 10:2-4. In Luke 9:1-6, Jesus sent forth these 12 apostles to preach the Gospel, heal the sick, and cast out demons. But in the next chapter, Jesus appointed 70 more people and “…sent them (apostolos) two by two…” (Luke 10:1).

When Judas died, Acts 1:25,26 tells us that Matthias was chosen to take his place among the original apostles. Paul was also an apostle, as he testifies of in multiple places throughout the New Testament.

So the Greek word apostle is used to describe the original 12, another group of 70, plus Matthias and Paul — and then 11 others:

1. Apollos (see 1 Corinthians 4:6-13)
2. Epaphroditus (see Philippians 2:25; “messenger” is apostolos in the Greek)
3. James, the Lord’s brother (see Galatians 1:19)
4. Barnabas (see Acts 14:4,14; 1 Corinthians 9:5,6)
5. Andronicus (see Romans 16:7)
6. Junia (see Romans 16:7)
7. Titus (see 2 Corinthians 8:23; “messenger” is apostolos in the Greek)
8. An unnamed brother with Titus (see 2 Corinthians 8:18,23)
9. Another unnamed brother with Titus (see 2 Corinthians 8:22,23)
10. Timothy (see 1 Thessalonians 1:1; 2:6)
11. Silas (see 1 Thessalonians 1:1; 2:6)

If you were to take the entire list of those who were sent forth apostolically in the New Testament, there are at least 83 people in the New Testament who are called “apostles.” All of this makes it very clear that apostolic ministry has continued beyond the original 12 apostles. Just as prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers have continued for 2,000 years, the apostolic gift has also continued; it has simply been more or less unrecognized.

You may wonder why this information is relevant to you personally and to the Church at large today. But consider it this way: If the Scriptures reveal that there was a multiplied increase in the apostolic ministry in the Early Church — from 12 to 83 — who were called apostles, how much more will Jesus Christ continue to give this gift to men for the purpose of building His Church?

And this would be especially true in these last days before Jesus returns! Great preparation and equipping is taking place in the Church to prepare all of us as end-time believers to be His bold, sold-out, Holy Spirit-empowered witnesses on this earth before He comes. We as a Body need to receive the powerful benefits given to us by God through the operation of the apostolic anointing!

MY PRAYER FOR TODAY

Lord, I am amazed at this list of people who were sent forth as apostles in the New Testament. I now wonder about and have a new desire to better understand the gifts You have set in Your Body as it pleases You. Help me, Holy Spirit, to understand not only my own spiritual gift but also the authentic gifts in those around me — including the apostolic gift whom You’ve sent to build up, draw forth, speak out, align, govern, strengthen, and establish Your Church as Your unique agent on the earth. I want to humbly and completely cooperate with and draw from the apostolic anointing that rests on those You have genuinely called to this ministry so that I can experience the fullness of Your intent when You gave gifts unto men.

I pray this in Jesus’ name!

 

MY CONFESSION FOR TODAY

I confess that my appreciation for and knowledge about the valuable apostolic ministry is expanding. My perspective is adjusting concerning the supernatural function of authentic ministry gifts — and of the apostle in particular. I see that it is worthy of my study and consideration. I want everything that God has for me, and if this is part of God’s plan for the Church, my heart is longing for it too.

I declare this by faith in Jesus’ name!

 

QUESTIONS FOR YOU TO CONSIDER

1. Were you surprised by the lengthy list of people in the New Testament who were sent out as apostles? What is your initial reaction to this information?
2. How many people over the centuries who were called missionaries do you think were actually God-called apostles? Have you ever thought about it? Why do you think many apostles were never recognized for being apostolic?
3. Why do you think it is important to recognize and acknowledge the true ministry gift upon a person’s life? Whom do you know right now to be true apostles? Is their apostolic gift acknowledged, or are they referred to as something else?

And He Himself gave some to be apostles….
— Ephesians 4:11 NKJV

Today I want to cover some of the historical usages of the word “apostle.” You will see that it had many uses in the Greek language of early New Testament times, and you’ll also see how all these uses have application to a New Testament apostle. I believe this discussion will not only enrich your understanding of this ministry gift, but it will also help you more fully receive from this gift that, among other purposes, is given to help establish and strengthen you in the faith. And if you’ve ever sat under a true apostolic ministry, you will probably recognize the operation of that gift by many of the distinct characteristics that are found within the meaning of the word apostolos.

The Admiral of a Fleet of Ships

During the time of the ancient Greek orator Demosthenes (384-322 BC), the word apostolos was a naval term that described an admiral, the fleet of ships that traveled with him, and the specialized crew who accompanied and assisted the admiral.

The fleet would be sent out to sea on a mission to locate territories where civilization was nonexistent. Once an uncivilized region was identified, the admiral (called the apostolos) — along with his specialized crew and all their cargo and belongings — would disembark, settle down, and work as a team to establish a new community. Then they would begin the process of transforming a strange land into a replica of life as they believed it should be. Their purpose was total colonization of the uncivilized territory.

Within this special fleet of ships were both the personnel and the cargo required to establish a new culture, a new life, and a new community. When that fleet pulled up to shore, it contained workers trained to build roads, construct buildings, and teach uncivilized natives how to read, write, and function in a new kind of social order. Thus, the admiral became the team leader for the construction of a new society.

Once the job was completed, a majority of the team members got back on the ships and launched out to sea again to find another uncivilized area and repeat the entire colonization process all over again. Thus, we find that the word apostolos described an admiral or team leader who led a team to establish new communities in uncivilized territories.

10David Francis Bacon, Lives of the Apostles of Jesus Christ (New Haven: L. H. Young, 1836), p. 8.

You can easily see how this definition had application to a New Testament apostle, whose primary task was to travel with an apostolic team to establish the Church in places where the Church was non-existent. This is one historical usage of the word apostolos that has bearing on its meaning in the New Testament.

A Passport or Travel Document

The word apostolos was so closely associated with the idea of traveling that it also eventually became synonymous with a passport or a travel document.

If a person wanted to exit a country, he had to possess a travel document that was essentially an exit visa or a passport. This legal document was called an apostolos — the same word translated “apostle.” The document guaranteed the right of passage and the ability to move freely from one place to another.

When the word apostolos was applied to early New Testament apostles, it implied that an apostle was a spiritual passport that gave believers right of passage into heavenly realms and into deeper spiritual truths. One can certainly see that those who were under the apostleship of Paul were taken into realms of revelation that they could have never attained on their own. His ministry was a spiritual passport that gave them right of passage into spiritual revelation.

It should be noted that any person who operates in a genuine apostolic calling will lead people into new spiritual realities.

An Ambassador or Envoy

The word “apostle” also described a person who had the authority to act much the same way an ambassador represents his government to another government. This classical and secular meaning of the word apostolos meant an envoy sent to do business on behalf of the one who sent him. Thus, a governmental apostle served as a personal representative, emissary, messenger, agent, diplomat, ambassador, or charge d’affaires.

This person officially possessed the clout and influence to speak and act in the place of the one who sent him on his assignment. So when the ambassador — apostolos — spoke, his words were counted as the words of his sender. When the apostolos acted, his actions were interpreted as those of his sender. The connection between the sender and the person who was sent was almost inseparable.

This reveals the New Testament apostle’s position to speak and act on behalf of the Lord. This is a governmental position within the Body of Christ, and as such, an apostolic ministry gift should be received as one with great spiritual clout and the backing of Heaven.

It is very important for you to understand this truth and its powerful implications. You see, when a genuine apostle ministers, he is authorized by Heaven not only to lead you into new spiritual realities, but also to help mobilize you into position to fulfill your unique function in the Body of Christ!

But we are only getting started, as there is so much more to learn about the word “apostle” and how it is applied in the New Testament. In tomorrow’s Sparkling Gem, you’re going to discover a surprising new answer to the question “How many people in the New Testament were called apostles?”

The answer to this question may shock you and open you to the reality that there are still apostles functioning in the Body of Christ today. They may not be called or recognized as apostles; nonetheless, they carry an apostolic calling and anointing. Don’t miss tomorrow — it will be a real eye-opener!

MY PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, what I’ve read today describes a whole world of information about the function of the apostolic ministry both in the New Testament and today. I thank You for accurate knowledge that reveals the enormity of Your great plan and the significance of every distinctive part of the Body of Christ. Lord, I ask You to open the eyes of my heart to see and understand more about the role and value of this fivefold ministry gift overall and to me personally, because I want everything You have to offer me and Your Church!

I pray this in Jesus’ name!

 

MY CONFESSION FOR TODAY

I confess that I believe in and honor the ministries of prophets, apostles, evangelists, pastors, and teachers according to Ephesians 4:11, which says that each ministry gift, including the apostolic ministry, is essential for the growth and the building up of the Church. So I will embrace in my life this aspect of Christ’s character and function that He expresses in His Body through each ministry gift to the Body of Christ! As a result, I grow strong in my own identity in the part I am ordained to fill as a member of the Body.

I declare this by faith in Jesus’ name!

 

QUESTIONS FOR YOU TO CONSIDER

1. Historical definitions of the word apostolos shed light on the function of the apostle’s ministry. What is the modern application of the three definitions shared in today’s Sparkling Gem?
2. Have you ever observed the work of an apostolic team that traveled extensively to establish churches in new places? Have you ever been a part of such a team either directly or by supporting it in prayer or with your finances?
3. As you’ve read these descriptions of how apostles work, do you recognize that certain individuals or ministries whom you’ve known were actually doing an apostolic work that you did not realize at the time?

And He Himself gave some to be apostles….
— Ephesians 4:11 NKJV

When I was growing up, I was told there was no such thing as a living apostle. Our denomination taught that all the apostles died at the end of the “Apostolic Age” — along with miracles, signs and wonders, and gifts of the Holy Spirit! To my young mind, the term “apostle” belonged to a group of 12 legendary men who walked with Jesus 2,000 years ago. Once they died, that was the end of that!

But over the past decades, we have learned that much denominational teaching was wrong. Miracles, signs, wonders, and gifts of the Holy Spirit are still “alive and well.” Prophets, also previously considered relics of the past, are recognized and honored. No one would argue that the Church is also blessed with fiery evangelists, powerful pastors, and profoundly God-gifted teachers. But now — at the end of the age — it is finally being recognized that the apostolic gift still exists.

The apostolic gift has always been around, but the theology I grew up hearing wouldn’t sanction someone being called an apostle. To call someone an apostle seemed ludicrous and arrogant. Everyone “just knew” there was no such thing as an apostle — and to call a person by this name was almost considered a blasphemous insult to the first 12 apostles.

So thanks to our scholarly ancestors who read and spoke Latin, we reverted to calling apostles by the Latin name missionaries. But “missionary” is not a correct term in this context. The only reason we called apostles missionaries was the fear of retribution for calling them apostles, as they often should have been called.

I am not implying that everyone who is a missionary is an apostle. Some people are called to be missionaries — people who sense a need to go on a mission to help the work of God. This work is very beneficial and needful, but it does not in itself constitute an apostolic call. Often these are truly missionaries and not apostles — people sent by the local church or their denomination to help in some way on the mission field.

An apostolic call originates in a divine revelation and encounter with Jesus Christ. As Paul said, his calling was “…not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ….” (Galatians 1:1). These precious apostolic gifts may not have always been recognized as apostles, but they have always been present in the Church throughout history, and they are present and active in the Church in this hour. Ephesians 4:11-13 says that all the fivefold ministry gifts — including the apostle — will be present and active “till we all come in the unity of the faith….”

The Church of Jesus Christ cannot reach full maturity unless all of these Christ-given gifts are imparting their unique portions to the Church. Like the other fivefold ministry gifts, the gift of apostleship is an essential element to carry the Church upward to her destiny as a “…glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing…” (Ephesians 5:27).

But before we go any further into this teaching about the role of apostles in today’s world, let’s back up and study where this word apostle comes from. Today we’ll look at the Greek meaning of the word, and tomorrow we’ll look at the various historical usages of this word “apostle” in New Testament times. You may be very surprised to see the various ways this word was used and how they all had application to a New Testament apostle.

The Greek word for “apostle” is apostolos, which is a compound of the words apo and stello. The preposition apo means away, and the word stello means to send. When the two words are combined, they form the word apostolos, meaning one who is sent away. This Greek word appears 79 times in the New Testament. The root of apostolos is the word apostello, a word that appears no less than 131 times in the New Testament and more than 700 times in the Old Testament Greek Septuagint.

At first, it may seem that the definition of this word apostolos — one who is sent away — denoted one who had been dismissed, set aside, or rejected. However, this word didn’t refer to a person sent away in dishonor or disgrace. Rather, the word apostolos was a term of great honor that referred to a person who was personally selected, commissioned, and sent on an assignment on behalf of a very powerful government or individual. This person wasn’t merely sent off; he was empowered, invested with authority, and then dispatched to accomplish a special task.

So when we talk about apostles, we are discussing individuals who are appointed, empowered, invested with authority by the Lord, and then dispatched to do a special task. And their task is the establishing of the Christian community in places where it had not existed heretofore.

There is a lot for us to see on this subject, so tomorrow we’ll look more deeply at the historical meaning of the word “apostle.” I pray these Sparkling Gems will open your eyes to a greater understanding of this gift and how desperately we need this gift to be active in the Body of Christ today!

MY PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, I ask You to help me recognize those who are apostolic gifts — those who have apostolic callings — in the Body of Christ. We need all fivefold ministries — apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers — for the building up of the Church. If one of these is missing, there will be a certain portion of Christ’s impartation missing from the Church. I ask You to help me be open-minded to the reality of the apostolic ministry gifts and to honor them in our midst.

I pray this in Jesus’ name!

 

MY CONFESSION FOR TODAY

I confess that apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers are all present and active in the Body of Christ. I am open to each of these impartations of Christ. Because I am open to them, I will be a recipient of the grace of God that is delivered through each of these. I will receive ministry from apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers — and it will contribute to my edification, growth, and to the building up of the Body of Christ!

I declare this by faith in Jesus’ name!

 

QUESTIONS FOR YOU TO CONSIDER

1. Do you personally know anyone who stands in an apostolic anointing? Who is that person? Why would you say he is apostolic? What is the evidence that makes you believe this person carries an apostolic calling?
2. How will what you’ve learned in today’s Sparkling Gem influence the way you respond to and receive from the apostle’s ministry in the future?
3. Are you clear about the distinction between missionary and an apostle or “sent one”? How would you describe that distinction?

Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.
— 1 Corinthians 4:5

Located in the very heart of Moscow, Russia, just minutes away from the Kremlin, is the world-famous Bolshoi Theater. It hosts some of the finest opera and ballet productions in the entire world, and world-class singers and dancers regularly grace its stage. My wife loves opera, and I occasionally take her to the opera as a gift.

I am always in awe of the wonderful, God-given talents of these performers. However, one aspect about these operas that has always impressed to me is the response of the audience when they hear a singer who gives an outstanding performance. When the performance concludes, the enthusiastic crowd rises to their feet and boisterously thunders, “Bravo! Bravo! Bravo!”

As they shout their approval, they also clap their hands together in unison to give a mighty applause that seems to go on forever!

When the evening’s performance finally draws to a close, the singers return to the stage for one last bow to the audience. As they walk past the curtain, the crowd rises to its feet and begins to riotously cheer and applaud once again, and from all over the front of the auditorium, patrons vigorously fling huge bouquets of flowers at the feet of the artists. Within a few moments, piles of flowers are scattered across the front of the huge stage. As the applause and adulation begin to wind down, beautifully dressed ushers walk onstage to personally deliver magnificent bouquets that were bought for the singers by devoted fans who wanted to show their appreciation through an extravagant gift.

At the end of the night when the curtain falls for the last time, the singers return to their dressing rooms to change out of their costumes and have their cosmetics removed, and the audience files out of the theater to go home.

Ultimately, this experience persists only as a memory in the minds of those in attendance. The rounds of applause, praise, approval, and adulation were wonderful while they lasted, but they never last long and are soon forgotten. However, there is an applause that will last for all of eternity — and that is the applause that comes from God Himself.

A day is coming in your future when you will be called on stage before God to give account for your life. Sitting in the audience, He will watch as the activities of your life are reviewed. In First Corinthians 4:5, the apostle Paul wrote about that moment, saying, “Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.” This verse clearly reveals that the secrets and motivations of your heart will be made known as you stand before God on that day.

Notice the last phrase of First Corinthians 4:5, which says, “…And then shall every man have praise of God.” This word “praise” is translated from the Greek word epainos, which actually means applause. However, it isn’t singers, ballet dancers, or entertainers who are being applauded in this verse — it is believers who have lived holy, consecrated, dedicated, obedient lives.

Paul used the word epainos to evoke a very strong image. By using this word, he let us know that a day is coming when we will give account for our lives. On that day, if we have lived right before God and the motives behind our service were pure, we will receive praise from the Lord Himself. It will be as if He rises to His feet to give a round of applause and a standing ovation! In fact, Paul’s imagery is so strong that the verse could be loosely interpreted, “…And at that time every man will have the applause of God.”

Think of God rising to His feet to give a standing ovation! Can you imagine the thunderous sound of His hands clapping as it reverberates and echoes throughout all of Heaven! That is precisely the picture the apostle Paul paints for that day when faithful believers stand before Him! The magnitude and nature of that divine applause will far surpass anything given by a human audience!

The truth is that much of your hard work and preparation unto the Lord is done in secret behind closed doors. When you accomplish something for Him, people are often unaware of your actions or perhaps simply forget to show their appreciation. However, according to Paul’s teaching in First Corinthian 4:5, a day will come when God Himself will personally rise and thank you for everything you have done in the name of Jesus for the advancement of the Gospel.

There is a massive, silent army of believers today whose work for the Gospel goes unrecognized in the public eye. Yet they are the engines that drive the Church and empower the advancement of the Gospel. Although they remain unseen, unrecognized, and often neglected, the fruit of their work is eternal, and Jesus sees it all. And a day will come when they receive the great applause from the King of kings Himself as He personally thanks them for their service.

The applause of men is a reward that is very short-lived and soon forgotten, but the applause of God lasts for all eternity. If you do what Jesus has called you to do and you do it with a right heart, you, too, will receive His eternal reward. As you stand before Him on that glorious day, any hardships you may have endured will dissipate before your eyes, and you will have the eternal gratification of knowing that you pleased the Lord. And as Jesus gives you His version of a standing ovation, I guarantee you that it will be the ultimate reward!

MY PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, You see everything. You are not unjust. You know how I have worked for You and how I have shown my love for You by caring for other believers. When I am tempted to be discouraged and to think that no one appreciates me, remind me that You know exactly what I am doing and why I am doing it. I know that You take note of what I do for Your Kingdom, and Your approval is what I desire. Holy Spirit, You are my Helper. I receive Your wisdom, counsel, and might to do my work for Jesus in the most excellent, professional manner possible. Thank You for Your power that enables me to serve the Lord in such a manner that one day He’ll rise to give a round of applause for what I’ve done and how I’ve done it.

I pray this in Jesus’ name!

 

MY CONFESSION FOR TODAY

I confess that I work as unto the Lord, whether or not men see my labor. Although it is nice to be thanked, I don’t work for the applause of men. Rather, I am laboring to please the Lord, and my priority in life is to serve Him in a manner that is honoring of Him. I devote 100 percent of my energy and efforts to glorify Jesus in all I do. With the help of the Holy Spirit, I purpose to satisfy His heart with my service and my heart motives behind my service. On that day when I am called to give an account for my works, I will stand boldly and unashamedly before Jesus because I will know I’ve given my best here in this life.

I declare this by faith in Jesus’ name!

 

QUESTIONS FOR YOU TO CONSIDER

1. Do you have times when you feel that no one acknowledges the hard work you are doing for the Lord? In moments like these, are you tempted to feel unappreciated?
2. Can you think of other believers who are giving every ounce of their energies to serve the Lord but are rarely thanked for their service? Have you ever gone out of your way to express your gratitude to them for what they do?
3. Wouldn’t it be a good idea to take a few minutes today to list the people you should thank for their service to the Lord? It would take you only a few minutes to make this list, but if you thank these people, it will mean so much to them. Wouldn’t it mean a lot to you if someone went out of his or her way to say thank you to you today?

“Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.”
— Philippians 1:6

After years of searching for a permanent location for the Moscow Good News Church, our ministry finally found a facility that would suit our needs — that is, it would meet our needs after total reconstruction. I put the vision before our church to purchase it, and we started to believe for the funds needed to acquire it and then totally renovate it.

I likened our situation to the Israelites’ divine assignment to possess the Promised Land. Just as Joshua’s spies outlined the obstacles they encountered when they came back from scouting out the land, I didn’t hesitate to outline the challenges that lay before our congregation. I related the facts with clarity, but like Joshua and Caleb, I made it clear that God would give us victory over every obstacle or giant along the way. The issue was not how big the giants were; the matter revolved around God’s faithfulness to perform His promises and our obedience to enter into and receive the promise He had given us.

The fact is, what we were stepping out by faith to do required God’s supernatural blessing because completing this mammoth vision far surpassed our natural abilities. Yet we were certain this was God’s plan. Therefore, we fixed our eyes on Jesus, and we were fully convinced that He would supernaturally enable us to accomplish this mighty deed. Then we jumped in to run that race of faith. With our eyes fixed solely on the prize, we committed to do what God had asked us to do and to not stop until we had reached the finish line.

This grand undertaking required every ounce of our faith, strength, and might. It demanded the highest level of faith for finances that Denise and I had ever released in our lives. It required our concentration and our intercession. However, we knew that God had watched us for years, and that He knew He could count on us or He wouldn’t have entrusted us with such a magnificent assignment.

I also knew that just as God entrusted Denise and me with the task of heading up this project, He had entrusted many faithful partners to contribute financially. God explicitly told me that people would generously help us — and that He would abundantly bless those who participated in the project. We knew the same grace that was on us would also be on our partners, and God would supernaturally grace them to supernaturally give.

The Lord assured me that unusually large gifts would be given to help Denise and me so that this huge assignment was not a burden. Gifts and offerings would be given to help us establish this Gospel center in the heart of Russia, and Heaven would keep records of every gift given. Those gifts would be credited to people’s heavenly accounts that await them there!

I have often reflected on God’s faithfulness to our ministry as we ran that race of faith. He perfectly and completely fulfilled every single one of His promises to us. Although the challenges were terrific, we accomplished the vision! When we are all in Heaven one day, the fabulous building that we now occupy in Moscow will still be filled with people worshiping Jesus. From the grandstands of Heaven, Denise and I — along with all those who financially gave — will rejoice that we didn’t shrink back from His command. With God’s grace, we ran the race and finished it!

What race is God asking you to run in your own life? Does it seem huge, gigantic, massive, and colossal to you? When you ponder what He is asking you to do and the ramifications of your obedience, does it rattle you, shake you, or make you shudder? Does it excite you, stir you up, stimulate you, and thrill you to know that God trusts you to believe Him for the impossible?

Each one of us has come too far to shrink back from God’s command now. It’s too late to turn around and run the other direction. As we near the last of the last days, there’s no place for fear or timidity. The time is short, and God is looking to each of us to fulfill His plan for these last generations. God is depending on you and me, and we must give our lives to do exactly what He is asking. There is nothing more important in life than heeding His voice and doing what He is requiring.

God could choose anyone, but He is choosing you. So whatever your task or assignment is, think about what an honor it is that God would use you to accomplish such a feat! You must push aside fear, reach deep inside to the anointing and power of God that resides within you, stand on His promises of provision and strength, and step forward by faith to see it done. You will never know what God can do unless you do something that gives Him the opportunity to show you!

As the children of Israel prepared to cross the Jordan River into their Promised Land, the river was at flood stage — its highest stage of the year. Yet God commanded Joshua to instruct the priests to step right into the river! God assured him that if he did, the water would supernaturally part so that he and the priests and the rest of the Israelites could pass through on dry ground.

Imagine what Joshua must have felt. People were watching him and the priests, looking to see if the water would part as their leader had promised. Every eye in Israel was peering at Joshua in speculation. But this wasn’t Joshua’s moment to shrink back in fear — it was his moment to obey!

Standing on the brink of the Jordan River with its dangerous waters rising higher and higher, Joshua obeyed God’s command, and the priests lifted their feet to make that first brave step into the raging, overflowing waters. As they obeyed, the waters parted just as God had promised. The Bible tells us, “And the priests that bare the ark of the covenant of the Lord stood firm on dry ground in the midst of Jordan, and all the Israelites passed over on dry ground, until all the people were passed clean over Jordan.” (Joshua 3:17)

It took one man’s courage and obedience for those waters to part — and because of Joshua’s willingness to obey, all the Israelites passed into their land of promise. That, my friend, shows the power of one person’s obedience. Your own obedience affects many lives! When you obey, it impacts many people and paves the way for others to inherit God’s promises as well.

This is not to say that obedience to God is always easy or without challenges. I’m sure Joshua had to fight his thoughts, battle his emotions, and constantly refuse to give in to the trepidation that tried to flood his mind as he followed those priests into the raging river. Had Joshua listened to those thoughts and emotions that certainly assaulted his mind, he never would have obeyed. Just as you and I must do, he pushed all of it out of the way and boldly stepped out. And in the moment Joshua committed to obey, he experienced the intervening, supernatural, historymaking power of God!

Those who stand on the banks and simply watch will never experience the power of God as Joshua did that day. If they want to see and experience God’s power, they must be willing to get up, get out, and do exactly what God is asking them to do.

Certainly, there will be a season for you to develop a dream or vision so it can take root in your heart. However, eventually a time will come when you must stop thinking about it and start taking action. If you don’t, your dream will remain in the realm of fantasy and imagination. But when you finally act on that dream and step forward to do what God has asked of you, that is the moment you will see God move into action and part the waters before you!

I’m so thankful that Denise and I — along with our staff, our church, and our partners — put our feet into the waters in front of us. We thought, prayed, planned, and talked about it for years. Then God asked us to take action and obey. He had given us assignments in the past that we obeyed, and we had experienced His power as a result. Because of our past obedience, we were equipped and prepared by Him for the greatest step we had ever taken to that point. How could we do anything else but obey Him this time? With man it is impossible, but with God, all things are possible (see Mark 10:27)!

Today this is true for you too!

• Has God given you an assignment?
• Is God asking you to start a new business?
• Has He assigned you the task of reaching your unsaved family and friends?
• Do you think God is calling you to pursue higher education?
• Is His Spirit calling you into the ministry?
• Do you feel the tug of God in your heart to become a bigger financial giver?

Accomplishing what God is asking of you may seem impossible to your natural mind, but it’s not impossible with Him! Whatever God is telling you to do, think it over and pray about it a lot ! Then there will come a moment — maybe that moment is now — when the time of thinking and preparing must stop and action must commence. God will one day speak to your heart and say, It’s time to get off the banks of the river and lift your feet to step into the waters. If you’ll do what I say, I assure you that you will see My power as never before!

If you know it’s time to step out in faith, you must take your eyes off the raging, turbulent waters before you and fix your eyes on Jesus Himself. He is the Author and Finisher of your faith (see Hebrews 12:2). You can be sure that what He starts, He will always finish. That’s why Paul said, “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6).

The word “confident” is from the Greek word peitho, which means to be fully persuaded or fully convinced. Paul is literally saying, “I am fully and completely persuaded and convinced…that he which began a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” The word “perform” is the Greek word epiteleoo, which is a compound of the words epi and telos. The word epi gives force to the word. The word telos describes something that is accomplished, culminated, or fulfilled. However, the way it is used in Greek, it emphatically means that God Himself will move you toward the goal, and He will not stop until you have reached the end.

That means God is with you at the beginning of your journey, in the middle of your adventure, and He will empower you to make it all the way to the finish line. You may not always feel like you’re an overcomer, but God’s grace is moving you — one step at a time — toward your land of promise!

Joshua’s obedience resulted in all of Israel passing over into their land of promise. And think how your willingness to obey will make the way clear for others to follow and to see, touch, and taste the power of God in their lives! When you obey God, it brings His power into play on a scale far greater than you could have ever dreamed or imagined. However, such power belongs only to those who obey.

• What is your life assignment?
• What is the step of faith you need to take to fulfill your own destiny?
• What promise awaits you on the other side of the river?
• What is stopping you from taking the next steps to get there?
• Is it time for you to stop just thinking and start acting on what God has given you to do?

Denise and I know what it means to accept a faith assignment; therefore, we understand what you may be feeling as you step out in faith to obey what God has told you to do. We assure you that God will protect you and supernaturally provide everything you need to accomplish the job He is asking you to do.

As Denise and I lifted our feet and stepped forward by faith to do this seemingly impossible task, we understood that it was our assignment and that God had long been preparing us for this moment. He was depending on us to obey. He is likewise depending on you to hear His voice and to do what He is telling you to do right now.

What race is God calling you to run? What river is He calling you to pass over? I deeply believe that God will empower you to do the most radical, supernatural thing you have ever done in your life. It may seem as impossible as crossing the Jordan at flood stage, but His grace and power will pick you up and carry you toward the goal, and He’ll bring you all the way to completion!

If that describes you, and if you do exactly as God instructs you to do, your obedience will “split open” the Spirit realm and bring the supernatural power of God into your life on many levels. I’m convinced that your obedience will trigger miracles in your own life and in your family, relationships, health, finances, and business — including the fulfillment of things you’ve sought, prayed for, and desired to come to pass for many years.

So I must ask you — what do you hear the Spirit of God asking you to do? Whatever it is, your obedience will result in a manifold blessing of His power to increase you in every area of your life and to make you a blessing to many others for generations to come!

MY PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, I hear You beckoning me to step forward by faith, and I am inspired to do what You are telling me to do. I’ve been in a preparation season for a long time. I thank You that you are finally telling me its time to step forward, to put my feet into the river’s waters and to see Your supernatural power make a way for me to enter into the land You promised to me and that You’ve been speaking to me about. Thank You for having confidence in me. With the Holy Spirit living inside of me, the two of us together can challenge the impossible and do the unthinkable! By faith, I am stepping forward — and I thank You for carrying me toward the finish line and helping me complete what You have put into my heart!

I pray this in Jesus’ name!

 

MY CONFESSION FOR TODAY

I declare that the impossible is moving out the way for me. God has been preparing me a long time to do more than I’ve been doing. He has tested me, watched me, prepared me, and now it’s time for me to take the big leap of faith and move forward toward the goal He’s put in my heart. It’s a miracle, but He is carrying me toward the finish line and He will make sure I get all the way to the conclusion. I give God all the praise and glory, for He prepares me, empowers me, and carries me toward that place He has ordained for me to be!

I declare this by faith in Jesus’ name!

 

QUESTIONS FOR YOU TO CONSIDER

1. What impossible goals have you accomplished by the grace of God? As you look back over your life and think of the things you’ve done, what are those things that you never could have done on your own? Why don’t you take time to make a list and then thank God for His fulfilling power working in your life?
2. What are the goals that are still directly ahead of you? Have you jumped in the race and decided that you’re going to pass over the raging waters that stand before you? Or are you struggling with the desire to shrink back in fear and timidity?
3. Can you think of a single instance when God has not been faithful to you? Why don’t you take a few minutes to meditate on all the times God has taken you from where you were to where you needed to be?

For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Do all things without murmurings and disputings.
— Philippians 2:13,14

Would you like to see some real, deep changes occur in your character and behavior? Maybe you’ve tried to do it on your own, but feel you have failed time after time. Well, today we will look at Philippians 2:13, which emphatically tells us that God is not only interested in helping us change, but it is His express will to take what we are and make us better!

Philippians 2:13 says, “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” Let’s begin by looking at that word “worketh” before we go any further, for it is a Greek word that will make you want to shout with a voice of victory if you really understand and embrace it!

The word “worketh” is the Greek word energeo — the word from which we get our word energy. In Greek, however, it describes much more than that. It means the divine energy put forth to effectually bring forth a tangible, noticeable change. Plus, Paul writes it as a present active participle, which means this word describes the unequivocal will of God to put forth power constantly, in every moment, active at every second that will change our character and behavior permanently.

Of course, God is thrilled when we come to Christ just as we are, but He is not satisfied that we stay the way we are when we first come to Him! Furthermore, God knows that we cannot change ourselves. So the moment we surrender to the Lordship of Christ, it triggers a release of power — a supernatural flow of divine energy to bring forth changes that make us more like Him!

In fact, the verse continues to say that it is His “good pleasure” to do this in us. The words “good pleasure” are translated from the word eudokia, which is a compound of the words eu and dokia. The word eu means depicts a feeling of deep satisfaction — and the word dokia is the word for God’s pleasure.

Compounded into one word, the new word means it gives God the deepest gratification to take us with all our quirks, blemishes, and inconsistencies — the mess we were when we came to Christ — and unleash His divine energeo in order to effectually and productively bring forth a tangible, noticeable change in our lives that is permanent. And as I noted before, Paul writes this as a present active participle, which means God in every moment is releasing this divine power to change us. There’s never a second that God isn’t working deep in our hearts, souls, and character to bring us forth as more mature sons and daughters of God — to be more like Him.

We all have areas in which we need a character adjustment, and about which we often cry out in prayer for God to change us. To this prayer, God gladly complies and expends a flow of supernatural power to change us. But when He begins to work deeply in our character to bring about those much-needed changes, that is often when our flesh begins to murmur and dispute with God. While we cry out for permanent change, our flesh doesn’t enjoy what God has to do to change us!

I could give many examples of how the flesh starts to grumble when God goes to work to change it, but for the sake of space and time, let me give you just three examples that you’ll clearly understand.

Consider the process that people have to go through when they have been a gossip who run their mouths about other people all the time and God’s power inside goes to work to teach and train them to keep their mouths shut. They have been in the habit of gossiping and being busybodies for a long time. Now suddenly God is telling them, “Keep your mouth shut and stay out of other people’s business”!

Obeying that command can be a difficult thing for people like that to do. In fact, it can be so difficult that the flesh may rebel at first — and perhaps even for a long time. The power that is trying to effect a deep and permanent character change is working — but rather than be compliant, those individuals may be tempted to murmur and even dispute with God about how hard it is to keep their mouths shut!

Or how about people who have been in the habit of overeating all their lives? Now God speaks to their hearts and says, “Enough is enough. I am going to effect a change in this area of your life.”

At first, people may be thrilled that God is going to help them. But when the help begins and God says, “Shut the refrigerator, walk away, and don’t take another bite,” their flesh may recoil at what God is asking them to do. Their flesh screams for more and can even be manipulating in its attempts to get and have more — but they can sense that the Holy Spirit is firmly telling them, “NO!”

The fact is, God is releasing the power to effect the change that these individual have long desired. Compliance and obedience would actually make the process of change flow much smoother and be much easier. But the flesh puts up a fight and often even murmurs and disputes with God, making the change take longer and become more difficult.

Let’s also use the example of people who don’t know how to put away the credit cards but continue to spend, spend, spend even when their behavior places their financial life in jeopardy. Then they ask God to help them. Now “help” is there in the form of God’s divine energy working inside them.

But the next time these individuals go shopping and the Spirit of God rises up like a standard against that bad habit, the flesh also tries to rise up. Flesh recoils at any form of newly imposed discipline!

The Holy Spirit gently but firmly tells these believers, “You don’t need this, and you don’t need that — you don’t need any of this. Put your credit cards away and go home.” But they resist what they know the Lord is speaking to their hearts. They may even begin to argue with Him. Once again, compliance and obedience would bring forth a quick transformation, but the flesh doesn’t like to be told what to do.

It’s interesting that the word “murmur” is the Greek word goggusmos, which is the expression of dissatisfaction, grumbling, or muttering negatively in a low tone of voice. In other words, your murmuring may not be an out-loud arguing with God. Rather, you may just harbor a silent resentment and resistance to what He is trying to do inside you.

The word “disputings” is the Greek word dialogismos, and it depicts an inward skepticism or inward criticism — a questioning of what is being demanded. It also depicts rebellion against God’s work inside us. It is the very word that is used in the Old Testament Greek Septuagint to depict the rebellion of God’s people against His commands.

• The fact is, the gossiper can stop gossiping.
• The overeater can stop over overeating.
• The person who spends money irresponsibly can change his spending habits.
• WHATEVER the problem is, it is subject to change.

Why am I so confident that all of these issues you might have in your life — and other issues besides — are subject to change? Because it is God who “…worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13). The power you need to change is already inside you, just waiting for your compliance and obedience. When you stop moaning and groaning and disputing with God — and you stop muttering in a low-toned voice against what He is asking you to do — you will be on your way to experiencing the energeo of God to assist you in whatever change you need to make. If you will surrender to the power that is at work in you at this very second, instead of putting up a fight, you can conquer any character flaw, and God’s mighty power will change you to become more like Him!

So what are you going to do? If you have been muttering and rebelling at what God’s power is resident in you to do, today is a fine day to surrender to that ever-present power and let the Holy Spirit transform you, set you free, and make you the person you always wanted to be!

MY PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, as I surrender to the Lordship of Christ, my act of obedience triggers a release of power and a supernatural flow of divine energy to produce change and transformation until I am shaped into the image of Christ. Lord, I ask You to make my thoughts agreeable to Your will while Your mighty power is trying to effect a deep and permanent character change within me. I make a decision right now to be compliant and to obey You as You work in me by Your Spirit to make me be the person You created me to be!

I pray this in Jesus’ name!

 

MY CONFESSION FOR TODAY

I confess that God is working in me to will and to do according to His good pleasure. The power I need to change is already inside me, just waiting for my compliance and obedience. When I stop moaning and muttering and disputing with God about what He is asking me to do, I see His hand at work in my life. When I stop putting up a fight and surrender to the power that is at work in me at this very second, I can conquer any character flaw as God’s mighty power changes me to become more like Him.

I declare this by faith in Jesus’ name!

 

QUESTIONS FOR YOU TO CONSIDER

1. Can you think of areas in your life where the Holy Spirit has been working in you to make some changes, but your flesh has been putting up a fight to resist His work?
2. Do you see more clearly that even though God has released His divine energeo — divine energy — to effectively and permanently change you, it still requires your compliance and obedience for His power to effectively operate in your life?
3. Can you name specific areas in your life where you have been murmuring and complaining about the changes God is requiring of you? If the answer is yes, are you able to explain to yourself why have you been making it more difficult for those needed changes to take place in your life?