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Tuesday, May 14, 2013

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