Downloads From Heaven

Fix My Receiver, Lord (part 2)

Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief."

Mark 9:24 (NIV)

Have you ever had a message pop up on your computer, saying, “This file is corrupted”? Bad news…isn’t it?

Worse yet, have you ever surfed the world-wide-web and get slammed with an unwanted virus that shut a computer down? Viruses can infiltrate software packages and even shut down a hard drive. Again…it’s bad news.

Sometimes, the answer for corrupted files is to reload the software. The answer for a virus on your computer is “Anti-virus” protection. It is also recommended that you install a “Firewall” for additional protection.

Aren’t we much the same? Our faith can be corrupted, our confidence in God severely shaken. Can you imagine the plight of this father in our text? Some may ignore their lack, but this father did not. He knew where he fell short. Is it a shame to admit your lack? No way!

Would you agree that we need a continual download from heaven? We are not citizens of this earth, but we are often contaminated by its philosophies and ways. God help us to realize our need…just like this father did.

God offers fresh downloads to those who are looking, waiting, and expecting it. A corrupted file can cause our faith to malfunction. A virus can pollute our ability to properly respond to heaven’s invitation. God said, “I WILL pour out My Spirit…” Why would we expect anything less than what He said?

Where are you? Do you have any corrupted messages popping up? Do you have a virus moving around in your belief system? Do you need a serious upgrade? If the answer is “Yes” to any of these questions, don’t waste another moment. Acknowledge your need, just like the father did in our text. This is the first move toward God.

Just like when Elijah was in the cave – hiding in fear from Jezebel – we must first "come out" of the cave to receive further instructions. Get ready, for, as you move toward God, He is moving toward you! See you there!

Downloads From The Heavenly Realm

Fix My Receiver, Lord

Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief."

Mark 9:24 (NIV)

I really liked my old computer, but it seemed to be getting slower by the day; it was in dire need of many updates and was severely falling behind in technology. The CD drive would not read, the floppy drive had been long gone, and the network card was sending a wrong IP address. Should I continue? In other words, there were many limits to its ability to perform effectively for the user (me). At times, my computer would make funny noises and freeze up. I was having to shut it down from time to time.

We know heaven continually offers downloads to all believers, and, while some may take more advantage of this than others, ones ability to receive can be lacking. How's your receiver?

In computer terms, one could ask:

"How's your Random Access Memory (RAM)?" Are you slow at responding in obeience to the Christ? Do you get those "error messages", which say, "Program is not responding?"

"How's your graphics card?" Has it become difficult for you see and illustrate Jesus in the reality of who He is?

"What version of software do you have? Are you in need of an upgrade?"

These and other questions are not a matter of ones physical inabilities, but the spiritual. The age of the computer was not the problem, it was the components that needed attention. We are much the same. Like the boy's father in our text, our faith (or receiver) can be lacking. His cry for Jesus' help was to assist, by making up for what was lacking in his faith. While we have all been in this place a few times, we surely do not want to stay there. Our receiver can be fixed, so we can receive the updates and downloads from heaven as quickly as the Father desires to send them!

Over the next couple of weeks, we will take a closer look at some of the things that may be hindering our ability to receive from God what He is pouring out...and sending our way. Between the days these teachings are posted here, begin to ask the Holy Spirit to give insight as to where you are in this process. Please know this, your ability to receive will be upgraded shortly. Get ready for a download from heaven like you've never known!

New Book Nearing Pre-release

Comments About Ten Symptoms of the Lucifer Syndrome-

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* “Bill’s book challenged me to re-evaluate my motives in the worship ministry. Ten Symptoms of the Lucifer Syndrome is powerful with great research and revelation. Everyone and anyone involved in the ministry of worship should read this book!”

- Dean Mitchum, Worship Leader
The Worship Leaders Network, Director
Santa Rosa Beach, Florida

* “...Ten Symptoms of the Lucifer Syndrome is a historical work - defining the underlying problems facing the worship ministry. Bill has defined the enemy, as well as offered a remedy, and weapons of our warfare to overcome the Lucifer Syndrome. This book is a must-read for all people, but especially those involved in worship ministry.”

- Brian Ming, Worship Leader
Christ for the Nations Institute
Dallas, Texas

* “...is a fascinating work coming from the heart of a true worshiper. Ten Symptoms of the Lucifer Syndrome is thoroughly balanced and is biblically sound, containing wisdom from the author's life experience as one anointed to lead people into God's presence. I highly recommend this book to pastors, leaders, and passionate worshipers.”

- Mickey Keith, Pastor of Life Community Church
President of Independent Assemblies Fellowship
Ada, Oklahoma

* “Bill’s book, Ten Symptoms of the Lucifer Syndrome, is a wonderful call to examine our motives and search our hearts about our role in the worship ministry.”

- Jairo Carbajal, Pastor of My Father’s House
Maranatha Christian Bookstores, President
Monterey, Mexico

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Jesus said, “The prince of this world is coming. He has no hold on Me” (John 14:30, NIV), but can we profess the same? This in-depth study, Ten Symptoms of the Lucifer Syndrome, by author Bill Faught, Jr., examines the historical biblical text, bringing forth the flaws of Lucifer’s character; the reasons for his disqualification and banishment from heaven; and the remedy for his infectious disease infiltrating today’s worship and leadership. Informative and insightful, Ten Symptoms of the Lucifer Syndrome is an intriguing and masterful description of eternity’s past, present, and future. This astute look into the Scripture will pull a wide range of believers into the real world of heaven and God’s love-call to the earth. When every believer stands before the judgment seat of Christ, he hopes to hear, “Well done. You have not exemplified the Lucifer syndrome.”

Bill Faught, Jr., is a popular conference speaker in several Latin American countries and the Philippine Islands. As a young teen he began leading worship and preaching, and now has been in the ministry for over thirty years. If asked, Bill would tell you that his greatest joy is worshiping with his wife and five children. Bill’s vision is to see the “glory of the Lord fill the earth,” and his passion is to effectively equip the Body of Christ in worship and leadership all over the world. He is an accomplished song writer, singer and musician, and some of his songs have been sung in the US, Mexico, and Indonesia. This global calling is reflected in both his books and his music. Bill and his wife, Lynda, currently reside in Dallas, Texas.

HAVING A GOD CONSCIOUSNESS

HAVING A GOD CONSCIOUSNESS
by Bill Faught, Jr.
August 1st, 2007

Gen 5:21-25
21 Enoch was sixty-five years old when his son Methuselah was born. Afterwards he lived another 300 years in fellowship with God, and produced sons and daughters; then, when he was 365, and in constant touch with God, he disappeared, for God took him!
(The Living Bible)

Most of us have no problem being conscious of our sin — but being more conscious of God, now... that trips us up. Here’s why:

God created Adam in His image. This image or likeness of God included the ability to be fruitful and multiply; to rule over all the creatures; and God breathed into his nostrils the breath of life. Adam became a living being. This breath of life can be compared to kindling a fire within Adam. This fire came from God, was about God, and was for God. This was the fire of intimacy...with God!

In essense, Adam reflected what he wore. He wore the image of God. He lived with God; He walked with God; he conversed with God. Indeed, everything was centered on God. There was no shame in man’s nakedness. God was their covering too!

We also know Adam reflected what he wore by the garment of skin God chose to cover him with after sin entered the picture. The first choice of covering was fig leaves, but, soon enough, man turned to the stench of animals for their covering. This act of covering up from the coat of an animal came from a sacrifice. Blood had to be shed to cover up man’s shame.

In this state, man immediately began looking, smelling and behaved differently from God. Man took on a new image. Again...you become like what you wear. This new look also reflected a lack of God consciousness. Sin separated man from his God.

JESUS, THE SECOND ADAM-

1 John 3:8 states the purpose Jesus, the Second Adam, went public to illuminate Himself to the world. John writes, “...that He might destroy the works of the devil”. Now, this destruction Jesus came to enact is more than simply taking a sledge hammer to the devil. The word “destroy” also refers to loosen, break up (or off) and dissolve the works of the devil.

Get the picture? Jesus not only took our sin upon Himself and the penalty that came with it, He also wanted to deal with the identity of sin and stench of sin which came from generations of wearing the wrong stuff. We had not been bearing His name; we had brought Him shame. This is the essence of a sin conscious person. They are constantly aware of how short they STILL fall of the glory of God and fail to realize the exchange of identity Jesus STILL offers.

Isaiah prophesied it, saying, “I’ll give you beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness...”. I call this the “Divine Exchange”. Get real! Jesus dealt with our sin, but He also dealt with the “works” of the devil. His work is centered on lies and to keep us bearing the stinch of shame. But the truth is: Jesus took care of that too! If we are in Christ Jesus, condemnation should not be part of our vocabulary or behavior patterns.

1 Cor 15:45, 49 says, “And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. (KJV) Isaiah 61:1 declares, “For your shame (the feeling, the condition, as well as its cause), you shall have double...”

AN EXAMPLE OF BEING CONSCIOUS OF GOD

You probably wondered if we would ever get to the opening text. Well, here it is. Let me remind you of the scripture. Genesis 5:22-24 reads, “Enoch was sixty-five years old when his son Methuselah was born. Afterwards he lived another 300 years in fellowship with God, and produced sons and daughters; then, when he was 365, and in constant touch with God, he disappeared, for God took him!

Now, I’ve highlighted two words in particular that should make the conclusion want you to shout for joy!

The word “disappeared” also means was not, did not exist or became a non-entity. Interesting. Isn’t it? Enoch found the “God spot”. In the midst of increasing wickedness (sounds like our day), he, Enoch, fellowship with God. He was in constant touch with God. We know this is encouraged and, for some, fellowship with God is a growing reality. But what about the “disappearing act”? What’s that all about.

The word “took” here also means carried away, drew, infolded, placed, received, seized, sent for, won. The last stroke on the canvas is seen here! Enoch’s walk with God was not that of a Sunday Christian. His fellowship with God was absorbing; it was consuming; it was life changing; it was enfolding; it drew Enoch in; it was a seizing event. Enoch’s heart had been captured... conquered...won. This pre-New Testament, pre-Christ covenant style of relationship is a bright spot in the history of fallen man.

In closing, let’s look at some of the attributes of sin consciousness vs. a God consciousness:

Lack of Prayer: Prayer = intimate fellowship with God
Lack of Worship: Worship = intimate fellowship with God
Lack of Time in God’s presence: Time = intimate fellowship with God
Lack of Faith (unbelief): Faith = intimate fellowship with God
Lack of Obedience: Obedience = intimate fellowship with God
Lack of Submission: Submission = intimate fellowship with God

WHAT ARE THE RESULTS OF A GOD CONSCIOUSNESS?

A close, intimate relationship with the Lord
An easier access through His gates, courts and holy places
Losing track of time, as we long to remain in His presence
Faith becomes our lifestyle, as limit by limit and veil by veil is removed
Deception loses its hold on us

Attacks from the enemy remain in the realm of intrusion instead of legal ground, when you and I are more conscious of God than sin. Satan's attacks are then viewed as attempts which ultimately keep me in God’s face, not driving me into the depths of self-pity.

A greater awareness of God’s ways and paths. A sign of sonship is walking in the Spirit. Flesh works at negating this awareness, as we are made more aware of our needs, wants, desires, offenses, hurts and pain (this is part of the cloak of sin placed upon Adam).

The choice was made by Jesus. Your destiny has been revealed. Now... what are you going to do with it? Don’t spit in Jesus’ face by rejecting the sweet, intimate fellowship He offers. The way for the glory of relationship to be fully restored was paid for two thousand years ago. Who knows, you could be the next “Enoch”. Hmmmmmmmmmm. Get caught up with God! Get lost in Jesus!