If we can be talked into it
we can be talked out of it.
If we can be scared into it
we can be scared out of it.
If we can be taught into it
we can be taught out of it.
If we can be loved into it
we can’t be loved out of it.

We call it “salvation”
He calls it “relationship.”

Just what can separate us from His love?

Why not examine what the Bible has to say about the principle of sowing?

Download audio file (understanding_sowing.mp3)

Download the Entire Message at Expectancy Press

Understanding the Principle of Sowing

Sowing is often misunderstood and taught for the interest of the one speaking. Why not examine what the Bible has to say about it? You’ll be encouraged to start however you can.

This is from a message by Trevor Lund called “Keys of the Economy of Heaven”.
Earlier podcasts were “What Are Kingdom Principles“, “Understanding the Principle of Abundance“, “Understanding the Principle of Firstfruits“, and “Understanding the Principle of the Storehouse”

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It’s summer hear in the Northern hemisphere and most of us agree…it’s about time. Where I’m at we had a month of rain in 3 days so it was comical the moment the clouds broke everyone in suburbia who had garbage pick up the next day was out cutting grass. I had to duck in as a thunderstorm passed but I’m got to say I’ve never seen the lawn look so good. I forget we never watered the grass in New Zealand. But on to news about the blog…

It wasn’t a spur of the moment thing. I had been thinking about it for some time. Last weekend I finally took the plunge. I set up a forum on RevTrev.com. If you want to know the reasons why I included them in this post celebrating 500 posts so far!

I know I was a little over the top trying to teach my daughter Greek before she went to kindergarten. I’ll tell you a little bit about it in the Think About It section below.

	Top 7 Visited Posts This Week @ RevTrev.com 70 Functions of the Holy Spirit TEN WAYS TO FULFIL A VISION FROM GOD – 1-5 How do you find your soulmate? WHAT IS GOD’S VISION FOR YOUR LIFE? Mommy is God…? Asking for Forgiveness – Day 26 How I Can Seek the Lord – 7 ways
	Questions of the Week How Can We Have Peace With Our Adult Children? It’s a desperate situation of from someone who’s trying to do what’s right. If you any insight on this, please make sure you leave your comments below. I know she’ll appreciate your help.
	RevTrev Radio Understanding the Principle of Firstfruits The Principle of firstfruit is a principle of worship. Listen to what the Bible says and be challenged to see the blessing promised for the experience in your life. Subscribe via iTunes
	How NOT to Teach a 3 Year Old Greek Taiessa was 3. She was saying words like “indubitably” in the correct context but on occasion had trouble saying words with “th” and mixed “d” and “g” sometimes. We would correct her when it was necessary and she was usually eager to say things correctly… That is unless she heard herself say it correctly. I had it in mind to teach her the Greek alphabet. She didn’t have a firm grasp of the English one mind you, but that didn’t stop me from wanting to teach her Greek, French Hebrew and possibly Latin (if I could learn it first) before she went to kindergarten. I’d let the teacher handle the basics. On one fine day I got her excited about learning the Greek Alphabet so I began: “Taiessa repeat after me” “OK Daddy!” “Alpha, Beta, Gamma…” “Daddy it’s GRANDMA not GAMMA!” she emphatically insisted. The best laid schemes of mice and men…
	RevTrev TV Coming July 2011… it’s going to be so much fun!
	Ministry Coaching with RevTrev How to Have An Effective Speaking Ministry – Be Prepared! In this episode we look at a passion of mine – effective speaking ministry. I’m sorry if I get a little heated with this one. People you’re ministering to need to hear the words of God. Make sure you’re giving those words of life to them. Here’s how I try to… Sign up for this free weekly coaching at http://expectancyministries.com/coaching/
	Posts From My Blogging Buddies Parenting: The Caregiver by Adam of the Daily Walk Self-Sabotage: Stopping the Cycle by Sue Miley of Christian Business Crossroads Clear Your Space, Clear Your Mind by Julie McElroy of Inspired to Write The solution to busyness by Kevin Martineau of Shooting the Breeze How did Jesus explain His mission? By Neil Goodman of Looking Towards Home
	Free Encouragement Our God seems to enjoy suddenlies… The SUDDENLIES OF GOD appear 44 times in the Word of God.  There are 41 references in the New Testament and 3 references in the Old Testament.  Throughout Scriptures these suddenlies are divine in nature and usually preceded with an angelic appearance and sometimes an announcement or pronouncement of an event or arrival in a certain place at a certain time. According to Roget’s Thesaurus, suddenly means: abruptly, unexpectedly, without warning, quickly, out of the blue, in a heartbeat, in a wink, instantly, meteorically, all of a sudden, all at once, like a flash. Antonym: gradually, eventually, slowly. But while they happen in an instant and change everything immediately, God announces and prepares us for His suddenlies. See what He promised in Malachi: Malachi 3:1 “I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come,” says the LORD Almighty. Is He preparing you for a suddenly? It really is the season for it. If you thought you’re just going to take time off in the summer your wrong. God’s going to use that time to prepare you for a suddenly. Any guess what I’m preaching about on Sunday?
	New Release from Expectancy Press The Key of Blessing Boundaries MP3 There are many keys to the economy of heaven. The keys are principles for us to live by. What does the Bible say about blessing boundaries and what does that mean for your life and ministry? Discover encouragement and tools to live the destiny God has created you for. This is a message by Trevor Lund of revtrev.com This complete message is available for Immediate Download at ExpectancyPress.com

Have a great week. Would enjoy connecting with you in the forum.

Blessings

- Trevor

Here’s another in the series of questions I am so privileged to get emailed to me.

Question:

How does the book of psalm 127:3-5 relate to vision? I am a home fellowship leader and am teaching this series about vision. Somebody asked me a question concerning that scripture how related to the vision. God bless you man of God.

Answer:

Dominic,

I think we need to take all of Psalm 127 in consideration when we talk about vision.

..Unless the Lord builds the house…
Is it my vision or God’s?

…Unless the Lord watches over the city…
Is it my work or the work that God does through me that is important?

…Children are a heritage from the Lord…

If a vision isn’t multi-generational I question if it’s either not fully revealed or even not of God. Our God is the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. He thinks and acts in terms of generations. He was known by Abraham, He was known by Isaac, and He was known by Jacob, yet His plan for their lives didn’t even come about for another 450 years.

If I can encourage anyone with a vision of God I would encourage you to seek God for the generational consequences of your actions. I know the things I’ve done that still don’t make sense in my life will make sense in the lives of my kids and their kids.

We’re raising fearless kids who are passionate about a passionate God.

Hope that helps. Praying for you. Thanks for all you do for the Kingdom!

~Trevor

PS. You can read what I and guest bloggers have written about vision here.

I don’t like presenting problems without providing solutions. But I also know that solutions come as we ponder thoughts together, seek the Lord together, and together share our experiences. Here are some observations I’ve made about churches in North America. I’m not accusing or judging and I’m not gossiping. Gossip is when you’re not part of the problem or part of the solution and you talk about it. I’m both part of the problem and part of the solution so I have a right to talk about it.

Jesus taught the Good News of the Kingdom...
We’re taught to teach the gospel of salvation.

Jesus taught by sending out…
We’re taught to teach we need to gather in.

Jesus taught with authority…
We’re taught to teach to the felt need.

Jesus taught with power…
We’re  taught to teach what can tweet, or end up on a bumper sticker.

Jesus taught as He walked…
We’re taught to teach while they sit.

Jesus taught and the crowds were offended…
We’re taught without crowds our teaching has no worth.

Jesus taught and healed the sick…
We’re taught to teach so as to raise false hopes.

What are your observations about the church in North America and how it lines up with what you know about the Kingdom of God? I sense an apologetic for the radicalization of the Christian experience coming on.

My wife Karen was told she would have to start experimenting on human embryos at work. We were confident it was time for her to quit and God would take care of us. We were so excited to leap off a cliff. It turned out her stand for the unborn changed what her employer could compel her to do. It became an ethical case study for doctors. All good news, except we found ourselves surrounded with the most intense flames of  our lives. Relationally, financially, emotionally, it’s by far been the toughest stretch of our marriage.

I wanted you to know that we have earned the right to teach on hope but I don’t want you to think it’s been nothing but bad. I have had more life-changing experiences with our life-changing God than one book can contain. It’s been amazing what’s He’s shown me…no, entrusted to me. We’ve also seen more miracles than we ever have before. We’ve had months when every week we’ve seen someone healed in church or on the street. We’ve had long stretches of getting another unexpected cheque as soon as we deposit the last one. We’ve made incredible connections with incredible people that I know will continue throughout this life and the next. And we really know how to hope at the end of the rope.

Find out more at HopeinTransition.com

Imagine your a disciple of Jesus – I hope that’s not too difficult. But I’m not saying a disciple today. You were right if were thinking of yourself as one of the 12, or 70, or 120.

Imagine you lived in the expectant times of Roman rule and you were following the one who just might be the one prophecy foretold.

The day you just witnessed was amazing. Your master spent the morning teaching in a way that no other Rabbi dared teach. Rabbi’s traditionally quoted the sayings of other Rabbi’s and juxtaposed opposing opinions to point to the truth that was held in the tension.

Jesus didn’t do that. He taught as one who had authority. He said to consider yourself happy when everyone else would consider you pitied. He said if you’re angry with your brother its the same as murder and if you look lustfully at a women its the same as adultery. He taught about loving your enemies and avoiding the pomp in your oaths, your prayer and your fasting. He said to store up your treasures in heaven and not worry about your life. He said to not judge, to ask, seek and knock. He warned about producing good fruit…

it was the first time he taught like this… it was the first time anyone taught like this.

Then He followed up talking about the Kingdom with showing the Kingdom at work. Jesus came down from the mountain and healed a man with leprosy. From a distance, He healed a Centurion’s servant. He healed Peter’s mother-in-law and then drove out spirits with a word and healed all the sick brought to him.

At the end of the day you get into a boat with Him to sail to the other side of the lake. He curled up on some pillows and went to sleep. You helped with the oars and considered the amazing day you just witnessed, still a little perplexed at what He taught.

You felt the cool wind blow in off the mountains from the Mediterranean and you knew what would happen as it mixed with the warm air around the lake. Jewish history didn’t product a slew of sailors. It’s first was… well, Jonah.  And later Paul would go to sea and get shipwrecked.  Solomon had a trading fleet, but it was mainly outsourced. Jehoshaphat  tried to do the same in his reign, but they never set sail.

Still, you’re probably a fishermen, and you know the lake, and you didn’t need the waves to come crashing over the side before you knew their could be trouble. So by the time the waves had almost swamped the boat, you were downright panicked.

And Jesus was there at rest in the storm.

Let’s learn how we can as well. What are your thoughts on how we can?

I’ve found 4 ways to help us do what’s right. Here they are:

1. Let the Word teach you what’s right…

2 Timothy 3:16
All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.

Proverbs 1:2-4 (New Living Translation)

Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline,
to help them understand the insights of the wise.
Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives,
to help them do what is right, just, and fair.
These proverbs will give insight to the simple,
knowledge and discernment to the young.

2. Obey what God shows you is right…

Deuteronomy 21:9
By following these instructions, you will do what is right in the Lord’s sight

1 Kings 11:38
If you listen to what I tell you and follow my ways and do whatever I consider to be right, and if you obey my decrees and commands, as my servant David did, then I will always be with you. I will establish an enduring dynasty for you as I did for David, and I will give Israel to you.

3. Use disciplines to help you obey what’s right…

Romans 6:13
Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God.

4. Let others help you do what’s right….

Romans 15:2
We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord.

Do you see the overlap of Fearing the Lord, Seeking the Lord and Doing what’s right. What’s the key in all three?

Obedience.

When you seek God you obey God.

When you fear God you obey God.

When you do what’s right you obey God.

I’m boiling it down to its essentials here. I can write a book on each of these topics and one day I might. There’s more to each, but the conclusion when all has been heard is fear God and keep his commandments.

So when we do, we’re fulfilling the conditions for receiving the good God has for us. I know some of you are wondering if the good God has for us is really all that good.

“So I obey Him, what do I have coming?”

Let me try to answer is in the few posts. I’ll try to describe what I see the Bible calls “good.”

What are your thoughts about the good thoughts God has for you? I’d love to have you mention them in the comments.

What is Good News?

I don’t want to cause division, but I was asked to review a book on what is lacking in Western Christianity. The only answer the book gave was “taking care of the poor.” While I agree we  really need social activism as part of the good news, it’s not up the the church to become a better version of a service group like the Rotary Club.

The author missed something that wasn’t even on his radar.

Jesus taught his disciples and then sent them out to:

Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons. Give as freely as you have received!
Matthew 10:8 (New Living Translation)

And they went out and did it.

Then, His last command to those disciples was:

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

So my first question is… why do we leave out His command in Matthew 10:8?

Before we get there, let’s look at the teaching of Paul. He wrote to the church in Rome:

…by the power of signs and miracles, through the power of the Spirit. So from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ. Romans 15:19 (New International Version)

My next question is… why don’t we include “the power of signs and miracles” as a consistent part of the Good News?

These thoughts came about in a conversation I had about the teaching of Derek Prince. I’ve just ordered some more of his material, so I’m trying hard not to misquote him. But apparently he’s taught something like “we aren’t doing God’s will if we’re not healing the sick, raising the dead, casting out demons and curing those with leprosy.”

I’m putting words in his mouth – I know he’d use a more traditional translation.

What do you think about that? Is it offensive?

Bill Johnson, in his wisdom, reverses the question when commenting on Paul’s definition of “fully proclaiming the gospel of Christ”. He points out that if Paul would have used any other criteria, this would be the cornerstone of our faith. It would be in every mission statement, taught in every Bible school and seminary – as long as Paul used something that we could do in our own strength.

That’s why we’re offended right? We can’t do “by the power of signs and miracles” on our own talent. We can’t heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons and raise the dead on our good looks and personality.

Listen, I don’t want this to be condemning. In Christ there is no more condemnation. Don’t allow yourself to hear condemnation from what I just wrote. You have the same power that raised Christ Jesus from the dead alive in YOU.

You can learn to move in the supernatural – it’s natural to the redeemed. We’re training people to prophecy and give Words of Knowledge, to heal the sick and cast out demons. We don’t have all the answers, but what we’ve learned we’re passing on. And it’s fun!

Don’t go through the motions of life and religion. Don’t be feel condemnation if you’re not where you want to be in your walk with the Father.

Know that there is more in store and the best is yet to come. Know that God is Good and that He’s promised to never be angry again (See Isaiah 54:9-10). Know that as you ask and keep asking, it will be given you. Know that as you seek and keep seeking, you will find. Know that as you knock and keep knocking, the door will be open.

It will be a door that no one can shut.

My Mum (in N.Z. instead of Mom its Mum) is an amazing lady. When my parents and I first arrived in New Zealand in 1980, we embraced many changes. I have to admit for me, as a kid, things were great. Having just left Iran, it truly was like being in “Paradise on Earth.” Mum however couldn’t speak a word of English and in our first year, Dad worked out of town for about 50 of the 52 weeks. They had to start so much all over again.

I’ll never forget the time when all three of us went to the corner “dairy” (corner store). The store owner called Mum “Love”. Being used to Middle Eastern custom, she was shocked and fortunately Dad realized it was just an innocent N.Z. culture thing. I don’t think he would have picked a fight with a big burly Moari anyway.

At first it was tremendously difficult and lonely, but Mum being who she is, made the most of the situation. She embraced New Zealand. She made many new friends, adapted to a new culture, learned another language, completed a Bachelor degree, worked hard with my father to provide for the family and much more. I’m certain if she could have it her way she still would be living there as opposed to Edmonton.

When I returned to New Zealand in 2005 as a woman with her own family, I often was reminded of Mum. I missed her and the rest of my family astoundingly. But the courage she had shown in the early years had a greater impression upon me than she probably realized at the time. Her example gave me strength to face the difficulties of our translocation.

In Titus 2 it is written : “teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.”

My mum along with others has had a great impact in preparing me for my God given destiny. My aim is that I will do the same for our children and anyone else God leads me to.

It’s so important for us to have Godly mentors and in turn to be mentors for others. With the support and encouragement of Godly influence we can succeed at living a purpose filled life.  If you have been so blessed, why not be a blessing to another.

–Karen Lund

You know I have a pastor’s heart, so you know I’m going to try to find a way to tell you “The coal goes out when it’s removed from the embers, but it burns bright when it’s close to them in the fire.”

And you’re right, as I studied the Word I found some verse that seemed to fit together to expand on meeting together for encouragement. Here is what Scripture says strengthens us:

Grace

Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings. It is good for our hearts to be strengthened by grace, not by ceremonial foods, which are of no value to those who eat them. Hebrews 13:9  (New International Version)

Speaking

Have you been thinking all along that we have been defending ourselves to you? We have been speaking in the sight of God as those in Christ; and everything we do, dear friends, is for your strengthening. 2 Corinthians 12:19  (New International Version)

Music, Teaching, Revelation and Supernatural Gifts

What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All of these must be done for the strengthening of the church. 1 Corinthians 14:26  (New International Version)

Prophecy

But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort. 1 Corinthians 14:3  (New International Version)

Individuals

…and we sent Timothy to visit you. He is our brother and God’s co-worker[a] in proclaiming the Good News of Christ. We sent him to strengthen you, to encourage you in your faith, and to keep you from being shaken by the troubles you were going through. But you know that we are destined for such troubles. 1 Thessalonians 3:2-3 (New Living Translation)

Love

May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones. 1 Thessalonians 3:12-13 (New International Version)

I know the church is often the last place to find grace. I’ve sat through sermons from Job’s friends. I’ve been there when performance outstrips presence. I’ve experienced love turned inward while I’ve been left on the outside. I’ve seen prophecy used to manipulate. I’ve seen the Word used to pummel… and still I’m insisting the gathered church is where you can be – no should be – strengthened.

Too often when we are at the end of the rope, we find enough excuses to withdraw from meeting together. Don’t.

Instead realize you are the church and that the one who refreshes others will they themselves be refreshed (Proverbs 11:25). You can make the place you gather a place where people are strengthened… so don’t be afraid to hug.