Plan of God vs. Man of God

I want to talk about the difference between the plan of God and the man of God. First and foremost, I want to say praise God for the men and women of God that God calls to the five-fold ministry (the truth is, we all have a role within the five-fold ministry and we’re called by God for a unique purpose). The problem is when we as humans put too much stock into the man/woman of God than we do the plan of God (which is the Kingdom of God).

The best example from the Bible is the story of Moses. Moses was chosen by God to lead the children of Israel out of Egypt. The children of Israel were so used to the cruelty of Egypt that they couldn’t see beyond Egypt. And what was God trying to do? Bring them into a land that’s flowing with milk and honey. During that time, that was a blessing from God. But the children of Israel couldn’t see that. In fact, after they crossed the Red Sea, they wanted to go back to Egypt (they felt they could go back to Egypt and live on top of the world). Anyway, God was trying to get the children of Israel to rely solely on Him and He would provide. The people’s rebellion got to a point that God was going to strike them dead; however, Moses interceded for them. Where are the true intecessors in this time that we’re living in? That’s a different blogpost.

One of the challenges Moses had leading the people was that Moses had a desire for the people that the people didn’t have for themselves. As a result, Moses was so frustrated that he disobeyed God – and as a result, he was disqualified from leading the children of Israel over to the Promised Land. Fact: when Moses was disqualified, God already told the children of Israel that they were going to die in the Wilderness because of their lack of belief. They couldn’t comprehend the plan of God (or they didn’t want to trust God’s plan for them). In fact, they were so focused on the man of God that they missed God’s plan. Don’t let that be us where we’re so focused on the man/woman of God that we miss God’s plan.

When God raises a man or a woman of God to send a revelation, He’s thinking about the people and wanted to see them advanced. God wanted the children of Israel to advance, but they didn’t because they were focused on the man of God than they were the plan. Again, are we advancing to further His plan for our lives, or are we focused on the man of God. I’m not saying to disregard a man/woman of God. Praise God for them. I’m just stressing balance here.

When you obey the man/woman of God that’s to lead you, that you fulfill the kingdom of God. Those who have sow in obedience to the voice of God, you shall receive increase (now that will come in the area that God choices) – it’s just the mere fact that you’re cooperating with the plan of God – so get ready!

So why is it more about the plan of God than the man of God? Because people can get caught up with just the man/woman of God and their position opposed to the plan of God. The plan of God is the Kingdom of God – and God’s plan is locked into His purpose. In every generation, God will raise a man/woman in that generation for His plan – which is ultimately for His people. And when the people comply with the plan regardless of the man, they are increased. So, bypass the personality and position of people!!!

Example: If God gives me a Word for someone, try to bypass my personality (because I’m a handful – if you know me, you can testify), and just receive (regardless if it does or doesn’t feel good to your flesh).

I pray that you are blessed by this blogpost.

Blessings,

The Mayne Man

In Need Of A Breakthrough?

So many people preach, shout, speak, dance & sing about breakthroughs and that's cool. One day I was thinking about something and I felt the need to write about it (because we sometimes forget one key element - I'll talk about that near the end of this post). 

If I were to ask what type of a breakthrough are you in need of right now, you could tell me at least one thing. If I could ask you what song that deals with breakthrough is your favorite, you could tell me without thinking. And there's nothing wrong with that, because I could answer both questions within one second!

I heard somebody say this years ago and it makes sense: when Bill Gates was developing Microsoft, people said that he spent days at a time in his office because he was serious about getting it off the ground. Now it's obvious to believe that many would have said that he went off the deep end and/or he's depriving his family. Well, he got a breakthrough and now he can get all the family time he wants (and really doesn't have to work another day in his life). 

Now many will say that's the world, but there's a spiritual message. Think about it, to get a breakthrough in some cases is going to require some form of sacrifice. Luke 14:28 says For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? Also Proverbs 13:4 says The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied. 

The same person also said this: when you get a breakthrough in one area, the sky's the limit! Why is that? Because the principles are the same.   

Now many of us are depending on God for the breakthrough, and that's great. He is The Lord of the breakthrough. Now watch this: God will put somebody in your path that can assist you with your breakthrough. Sadly, in many cases we want to do things without the help of people (the very people that God sends us), and make the journey longer than needed due to our selfishness, pride or ego. Or there are people that are supposed to help you are in disobedience to God and don't want to help you due to selfishness, pride (and this includes throwing titles at people), grudges, ego, etc.

The same person also said this (and I agree wholeheartedly): we need to understand that our breakthrough, increase, open door & closed door is hinged on somebody!

Luke 6:38 says give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, shall men give into your bosom. Notice it didn't say "shall God."

Here's the key that many people miss when it comes to breakthrough: I know you're believing for a breakthrough, but you can NOT treat everybody like crap! Now many of you know me, you do NOT have to kiss up to people to get your breakthrough. We can't afford to call on people with the wrong motive (i.e., focusing on you; what's in it for me). Believe me, your motive is based on the seeds you've planted. If the seeds you've sown are full of self, then people are going to see that as they discern your spirit and are not going to want to assist you. The last thing you want to do is bad-mouth (and even defraud) someone God sent to you to bless you.

In closing, praying & fasting should be a lifestyle and not just for when we need a breakthrough. But at the same time, breakthroughs should be a lifestyle and not just an event!

Blessings: 

The Mayne Man

Vain Talkers & Deceivers (In Church)

Titus 1:10-11 says this, For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre’s sake.

As I think about this passage in today’s church world, these verses may need to be eliminated in many churches. To say that certain ministers, motivational speakers (who are proclaiming to be preachers of the gospel) mouths must be stop would be considered blasphemy, and you’d probably run the risk of being an outcast of your respective church. In fact, many would defend these ministers by saying “thou shalt not judge” and get scholarly in their voice as they say “touch not my anointed.”

Sadly, we’ll rebuke those who are actually preaching the truth, but will cheer on those who are itching our ears. Now let’s go back to verse 11, Paul was adamant when he said that these false teachers are teaching things they ought not for filthy lucre’s sake. Lucre is another term for money, and to think they’re not receiving it honestly considering these ministers are teaching things that are not of God. People today will listen to leaders (claiming they are of Christ) who are intermingling other religions with Christian views, will pass it off as Christian, and people will blindly accept it.

Let’s slide over to 1 Timothy 6:5. Paul was saying that false teachers were teaching that “gain is godliness” and that we are to withdraw ourselves. Sadly, the minute we hear from the pulpit, “money come unto me now” or “increase” we jump from our pews and cheer. Still trying to understand how wealth is a sign of God’s favor (if that’s the case, then I guess Hugh Hefner would be favored by God due to his wealth). Of course that’s ludicrous, Hugh Hefner is rich by the world’s standard, but truly poor in spirit (keep him in prayer and for many in this world who are poor in spirit). What profits a man to gain the world but lose his soul?

Can we get our priorities back in order?