Connectivity

Through wisdom is an house built; and by understanding it is established." --- Proverbs 24:3

Today there's increase discussions about privacy and the use of social media. The larger issue concerns connectivity and understanding. People want to be known, not just names and dates. People are seeking connectivity through understanding; healthy relationships

Understanding is the foundation of  healthy relationships. There are three levels of understanding that provides a solid foundation: Self, God, and Fellow Man.

Understanding Self requires  facing reality --- acknowledging and accepting strengths, weaknesses, failures, and achievements. There's personal responsibility. There's an awareness and knowledge  of personal identity. Genealogy is often viewed as a pursuit of personal identity. Genealogists realize that understanding family history is more than a collection of names and dates, but requires understanding individuals (e.g. hopes and fears). Family stories, pictures, letters, and heirlooms are precious treasures to genealogists.

Understanding God requires humility  --- builds on personal responsibility and recognizes the sovereignty of God. There's no hiding behind ecclesiastical positions, ministries, or any other mundane characteristics.  There's a distinction between worshiping God and religion. Religion is an opiate of the people. When an individual understands God s/he realizes God enables man to deal with the realities of life, not engage in avoidance and denial.

Understanding Fellow Man  --- requires listening, active listening. There are many people including self-professed Christians who do not listen to fellow man, unconditionally and without judgment. Listening is a skill. Theologically speaking, listening may be liken unto breaking fallow ground. In other words, the heart of man is being prepared to receive the word of God. Patience is required to be effective listener.



Further Reading


Isaiah 9:6 ---  "...and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."

Matthew 13:1-23   --- The Parable of the Sower and Seed

Romans 10:17  --- "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."

Video  ---  Amazing Grace

Manasseh

Manasseh is the firstborn of Joseph. Joseph was sold into slavery by his brethren and became high official in Egypt. The name, Manasseh refers to the act of forgetting. Forgetting in Hebrew refers to an active taking away of something. The antonym of forgetting is remembering which refers to bringing something close.

"Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before." 

--- Phillippians 3:13

This scripture is usually referred to when encouraging inner healing from past events. However, often there is not only an incomplete understanding, but often misapplication of this scripture. Many people believe that 'forgetting those things which are behind" means you never discuss or even think about the hurtful past. There are many people who are struggling today with deep-rooted issues. There are ongoing attempts to 'forget' the pain. Often the attempts are manifested through alcoholism, abusive or turbulent relationships (e.g. family, friends, workplace), over-compensation, and inordinate need or quest for power/control to name few examples.


Man may be delivered from a situation but may not be healed thereby unable to forget or let go of the past. When a person let go of the past s/he is able discuss it freely. The experience becomes a testimony.

"We glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;&nbspAnd patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. --- Romans 5:3-5  

 A testimony is given unto the glory of God, not to gain favor among men. A testimony provides understanding that cannot be obtained via books and  it's not merely quoting scriptures or delivering speeches, sermons, and platitudes. Many people have experiences but few have allowed God to transform the experiences to testimonies. For example, a person may be delivered from drug, alcohol abuse, or abusive domestic relationships. A testimony develops as a person deals with the issues surrounding the situation. When a person develops a testimony s/he understands God as a counselor; understands his-/herself more completely and assumes responsibility for actions; and able to understand others more fully. Carnal minded people don't understand and do reject testimonies because it reflects an intimate relationship with God. 

"I'm a Living Testimony"

The soul's adversary doesn't care whether a person has experiences, but fights to prevent development of a testimony. A testimony is a witness that God is Sovereign and that Jesus, the expressed character of God is Life.

"And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony"  --- Revelations 12:11

It's time for people to take the stand and be a witness for the Lord God to declare their testimony, "Jesus Christ, the expressed character of God, is the Resurrection i.e. able to bring forth Life from death-like situations.

It's time for the blessings of Manasseh to be made known unto all men.

Further Reflection

Living Epistle --- II Corinthians 3:1-3

Knowing Christ --- Phillippians 3:7-14

Carnal-minded  --- Romans 8:7

Understanding spiritual things --- I Corinthians 2:1-14

Complete Prosperity  --- III John 1:2

Family Prayer

            We already know and agree that death and life are in the power of the tongue. Therefore, I’m asking you to touch and agree w/ me in spirit and truth while we use the power/authority that the Lord God have already given to us to speak life to a situation of death.

“Lord God, you are our father and we are coming to you for deliverance and strength as we stand together for the purpose of unity. You have allowed us to be together now not by accident or chance but because you know all of our faults, gifts, talents, and character traits. We recognize your will is for us to use our differences to work together in harmony for your purpose. As we read and speak these words, please allow your Spirit to provide all things that pertain to life and godliness to each member of the Family, today and always.”

“Where there is debt, let there increase. Where there is poverty, let there be prosperity. Where there is lack, let there be sufficiency. Where there is weakness, let there be strength. Where there is doubt, let there be faith. Where there is sickness, let there be health and healing. Let it be. Let it be. Let it be.”

“Where there is denial, let there be recognition, confirmation, and acceptance. Where there is fear and insecurity, let there be confidence. Where there is rejection, let there be acceptance. Where there is abandonment, neglect, and negligence, let there be diligence and responsibility. Where there is estrangement, let there be reconciliation. Where there is blame, let there be forgiveness. Let it be. Let it be. Let it be.”

“Where there is depression, let there be joy. Where there is despair, let there be hope and optimism. Where there is apathy and slothfulness, let there be energy and enthusiasm. Where there is negativity, criticism, and pessimism, let there be praise, admiration, and commendation. Where there is condemnation, guilt, and shame, let there be virtue and honor. Where there is frustration and anxiety, let there be assurance, comfort, patience, and support. Where there is hurt, let there be pleasure. Where there is discontent, let there be satisfaction. Let it be. Let it be. Let it be.”

“Where there is carelessness, recklessness, and unruliness, let there be caution and order. Where there is wanton-ness, let there be compassion, discipline, and purity. Where there is a lie and deception, let there be truth and honesty. Where there be discord and gossip, let there be encouragement and edification. Where there is hate, let there be love. Where there is secrecy and manipulation, let there be integrity, revelation, and respect. Where there is a curse, let there be a blessing. Let it be. Let it be. Let it be.”

“Where there is envy and jealousy, let there be trust and kindness. Where there is anger, resentment, and bitterness, let there be cooperation and unity. Where there is intimidation and retaliation, let there be justice. Where there is stubborn-ness, let there be flexibility. Where there is aggression and violence, let there be peace. Where there is confusion and uncertainty, let there be knowledge, wisdom, and understanding. Where there is pride and arrogance, let there be humility. Where there is rebellion, let there be obedience. Where there is self-righteousness, let there be recognition of the sovereignty of God. Let it be. Let it be. Let it be.”

“Where there is complacency and stagnation, let there be action and revival. Where there is bondage, let there be freedom. Let it be. Let it be. Let it be.”

“Lord God, again we acknowledge that we are together at this point in time not by chance or accident. You have allowed us to be together now, not by accident or chance but because you know all of our faults, gifts, talents, character traits. We recognize your will is for us to use our differences to work together in harmony for your purpose.  We realize that we are your ministers or servants to do your will. We recognize that your will is for us to act as one man of leadership/ Therefore, we have a clear understanding of your words, “He who would be the greatest among you must be servant of all.”

“Lord God let not these words read and spoken be in vain. Let them go forth towards all members of the Family. Show forth your excellence in and through each of us. We thank you for our deliverance. Help us to maintain it. Amen”