One’s life will ultimately experience many “shifts” that can shake your world in such a way that could possibly neutralize the Christ anointing within you. Yesterday’s message focused on John the Baptist even being confused that Yahshua was the Coming ONE (Messiah). Yahshua took the time to walk everyone through the different facets and features of John’s ministry so that they could focus on what was coming that was so different than what was being experienced. Paul’s advice in situations like this is invite the light of Yahweh’s glory to expel the darkness by walking “circumspectly” around an issue until you see what Yahweh sees and execute an accurate response that contributes to the change and transformation coming. Otherwise, you will experience confusion which leads to distraction and frustration (i.e., looking for another “coming one”). Context and perspective are the spiritual illuminators and revealers we need most right now in a world that is trying to tempt us to focus on the means that have no end or destination/purpose. To examine the parts without a plan or blueprint will lead to a lot of buildings with no home in which to live and express one’s life. Consequently, we need not only the apostolic and prophetic equippers to rise to the occasion but more importantly, we need each member of the body of Christ to become apostolic and prophetic for a unity that commits us to Yahweh’s ultimate intention: to prepare the body as a bride for Yahshua’s return and subsequent kingdom consummation.
Scripture References
Matthew 9:36-38 – Yahshua saw the multitudes and was moved with compassion for they were harassed and scattered. He sent out laborers (disciples/apostles) to bring in the harvest.
Ephesians 5:13-21 – walk circumspectly as wise ones. Redeem the time. Understand the will of the LORD. Don’t be drunk with wine. Be filled with the Spirit. Encourage one another. Be thankful. Submit to one another.
Matthew 11:1-19
• John the Baptist is questioning Yahshua’s messiahship.
• Yahshua explains John’s ministry and purpose.
• Yahshua reveals the heart behind the people’s response to Yahweh’s messengers.
1. What do think about this statement, “LOVE does not set you free, rather it positions you to receive the TRUTH that sets you free.”?
2. If LOVE leads you to receive the TRUTH, then can FAITH have an expression until TRUTH is received and established in the heart?
3. What does a personal matrix look like when LOVE, TRUTH, and FAITH are healthy and whole?
4. Are you one who is quick to respond to a challenge/issue or do you like to walk around a situation and examine it before you respond? Explain/discuss the pros and cons of your usual response.
5. What does it mean for you to be apostolic? How apostolic are you? How would you increase this facet of Yahshua’s anointing in you?
6. What does it mean for you to be prophetic? How prophetic are you? How would you increase this facet of Yahshua’s anointing in you?
7. As the world changes at a dizzying pace, did Yahshua equip the disciples/apostles to just adapt to changing times or to become the kingdom change agents and introduce a life in Christ for others to be “saved”? What does that look like for us today?
8. Should church ministry just focus on helping Christians cope with life’s challenges and disappointments? What is the balance/sequence between personal ministry and corporate ecclesiastical advancement?
9. What does love/compassion look like when it is not joined to truth and faith?
10. What does truth look like when there is seemingly no love/compassion?
CHILDREN: When dealing with children, how difficult is it to provide perspective and context for what you are asking? How do you make the transition from obedience to allowing your children to think and walk circumspectly around a situation to arrive at a suitable decision?
Key Phrases
Circumspectly – to walk around a situation until the truth is revealed by the light of Yahweh’s glory.
Perspective & Context
Angel – Messenger from heaven
Evangelism – preaching a message from heaven not preaching a message about heaven one day.
LOVE, TRUTH and FAITH – Personal matrix where heaven and earth come together and produces.
Final Thoughts
Just as Yahshua brought leadership to a nation in a time of transformation, I declare that your sons and daughters in the earth today will shake off any frustration or distraction to see exactly what you are seeing and partner with their king to usher in His kingdom on every level and expression of life (family, ecclesia, business, education, art, entertainment and politics) on a personal, local, regional, national and international level. There is no doubt a “shift” taking place and I declare we will be prepared and equipped for everything you have planned and purposed. We will not respond in fear or confusion but in the matrix of love, truth, and faith!!