When we receive Jesus and start our life on Earth, we begin with a level of glory. It is the moment we receive the imperishable seed mentioned in 1 Peter 1:23, which is the living and abiding word of God.
May 15, 2023
2 Corinthians 3:18 says, “And we all, with unveiled faces, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.”
When we receive Jesus and start our life on Earth, we begin with a level of glory. It is the moment we receive the imperishable seed mentioned in 1 Peter 1:23, which is the living and abiding word of God. So, from the day we receive Jesus, we start our journey in glory. We are not merely looking forward to glory; we already begin in glory. We are birthed into glory, and we currently exist in a state of glory. What’s truly beautiful is that we have the ability to progress to higher degrees of glory.
We are continuously progressing from glory to glory to glory to glory. Amen. No matter where you currently reside in terms of your level of glory, I want to assure you that you have the capacity to move forward, to ascend to the next level. It is ingrained in your very design. Your purpose is to transcend from one degree of glory to another. Within you resides a seed of glory, waiting to bear the fruits of glory.
In Romans 8:30, Paul articulates a similar idea when he states that you were predestined to be conformed to the image of Jesus. It is part of your predetermined destiny to align yourself with the likeness of Jesus.
You have been predestined by God. Even before your birth, God had already determined your path. You were intricately designed in God’s mind to be transformed into the likeness of Jesus. God holds a grand vision for your life, with significant plans and purpose. His desire is for you to conform to the image of Jesus. Until that becomes our reality, there are various levels of glory that we must strive to reach, and God has prepared them for us. If your life does not reflect the glorious, triumphant, and victorious nature of Jesus in every aspect, I want to remind you that there is so much more that you can step into. God has abundant blessings waiting for you. I was exploring the meaning of glory and discovered that it originates from the Greek word “doxa” which signifies intrinsic value.
Value that elicits a favorable opinion. We often form positive opinions about things or people, right? The reason behind these favorable opinions is their inherent value. They possess a certain value that prompts us to hold them in high regard. Glory encompasses this intrinsic value that generates admiration and prompts others to speak well of you. That’s what glory is. For instance, the value of gold surpasses that of any other metal because gold possesses greater value. In the same way, you start with a seed of God’s glory within you. You begin with glory. Our journey as Christians entails moving from one level of glory to another. We don’t progress from sin into glory; rather, we commence with glory. However, there are various levels of glory that we can attain and that our lives can embrace. This progression defines our Christian life and our life of faith—a continuous advancement from one degree of glory to another. I pray that you do not remain stagnant at a single degree and that you refuse to confine yourself or become complacent. Instead, strive to move from one degree of glory to the next. Each time you step into a new level of glory, it may feel like starting from scratch, but it is, in fact, a fresh level of glory—a new dimension to explore.
I believe that discernment holds the highest position among prophetic gifts. It involves perceiving your current situation and understanding what God is orchestrating in your life. Some of you may be experiencing frustration or anxiety, but let me share this with you: it signifies a new level of glory that you have stepped into. You are not merely circling the same mountain repeatedly, thinking, “I’ve seen this mountain before.” No, it’s a fresh level of glory, and you are being realigned. This is a prophetic message for those of you who have been patiently waiting for something to happen for a significant period. It may feel as if you are starting from scratch all over again—whether it’s a new job, a new relationship, or any other endeavor. However, let me assure you that it is not a complete restart. It is a new level of glory. You are not the same person you were five years ago. God has been working in your life. If you have received God’s word, it has transformed you and will continue to elevate you higher and higher.
Glory and value are closely intertwined, as glory serves as the essence of the value one possesses. Therefore, advancing into the next dimension of glory signifies an increase in one’s worth and significance.
I heard a man of God say that the blessing you seek is also seeking you. However, it seems unable to find you because it is looking for an upgraded version of yourself. The blessing you desperately long for is earnestly searching for you, but it encounters bitterness as it waits for an enhanced version of who you are. Therefore, the key to attaining the next level of glory is to increase your value and walk in that value. In Proverbs 18:16, there is a profound statement that resonates with me.
Proverbs 18:16,”A man’s gift makes room for him and brings him before the great.”
If you desire to sit among great people and partake in high-level conversations, you must bring value to the table. But what exactly is value? Value can be understood as the measure of usefulness you bring to the world.
It is crucial to acknowledge that there are two aspects of value: spiritual value and physical value. Spiritual value encompasses the truth that you are a beloved child of God, and nothing can change that. However, this spiritual value must be translated into tangible actions that contribute to the world. If you remain fixated solely on spiritual value without it manifesting as physical value, you become a spiritual person who is ultimately unproductive on this earth.
However, it is important to find a balance between physical value and spiritual worth. If you become overly fixated on the pursuit of physical value without acknowledging the power of your spiritual worth, you may become burnt out and drained. Your spiritual value, derived from being born of God and being beloved by God, should indeed translate into physical value by being useful in the world. The people in the world will judge your usefulness based on the actions you take for their benefit. This is an inevitable reality.
Your measure of usefulness to the world is determined by your ability to solve problems, be effective, and make an impact. Let’s consider an example: someone yearning for a promotion and aiming to earn ten times their current salary. How can this happen? Why does a company pay you the amount you currently earn? It is because of the value you generate for them. For instance, if you earn 20,000 rupees in a company, it implies that you are generating at least 60,000 rupees worth of value for the company. Have you ever pondered why a company would pay you 20,000 rupees if you are not creating value beyond that amount? They do so because they seek profit, and they recognize that you possess more value than what you receive. Hence, they reward you with 20,000 rupees.
“It’s not a zero-sum game. It’s not about generating a fixed revenue of 20,000 for the company or assigning a specific value to yourself. Instead, consider how you can increase your value within the company. For example, think about how you can enhance your skills and contributions. Often, I hear Christians complaining that their bosses are not increasing their salaries. But have you taken a moment to evaluate the value you bring to your workplace? Have you made efforts to improve and increase that value? Remember, as you enhance your value, your salary will naturally follow suit. People will approach you with offers, saying, ‘Hey, we want to hire you and compensate you accordingly because of the value you bring.’ So, instead of complaining and remaining stagnant, focus on developing and showcasing your value. The level of success and opportunities that come your way are directly linked to the value you attract. The favor of others is attracted by the value you bring.”
Now, I do understand the supernatural element because we are Christians who believe in prayer, prophetic words, speaking in tongues, and in Jesus. I wholeheartedly believe in the supernatural and its role. However, let me emphasize that the supernatural manifestation can only amplify the natural value we possess, enabling Jesus to multiply and bless numerous people. Remember when Jesus fed the multitude with five loaves of bread and two fish? He asked, “What do you have?” You see, we need to offer something for Him to multiply. The supernatural manifestation can only enhance and amplify what we provide. It’s like the effortless effort I’m making right now as I speak. My impact is greater due to the microphone amplifying my voice. Similarly, the supernatural element amplifies what we contribute. If we don’t offer anything, there is nothing for it to amplify. Many people pray fervently, hoping that the supernatural will magically bring about their desires. They anticipate bundles of cash falling from heaven. However, it doesn’t work that way. While it may happen occasionally, it’s not a consistent occurrence.
God indeed provided manna from heaven, but that was not His ideal plan. The Bible clearly states that if we want to eat, we should work. So, while the supernatural element is significant and prayer is essential, it will not bring about amplification if we neglect to increase our natural value. That’s why, when people approach me for prayer, my initial response is to pray for them while also urging them to work on enhancing their value. It is crucial to translate our spiritual value into practical usefulness in the physical realm. After all, nobody admires lazy individuals. It’s important to recognize that while we may desire laziness at times, it is not an appealing trait. Are you following my point here? The message of faith is not solely about believing, confessing, and then doing nothing. It is a practical message that necessitates implementation in our daily lives. Our faith must be evident and tangible. If your faith lacks evidence, it cannot truly be called faith. If someone claims to have faith in their ability to fly an airplane, I would request proof before boarding that plane with them. Without sufficient evidence, it would be unwise to trust their claim.
So your spiritual worth needs to be translated into your physical worth, and how the world judges your value is based on how useful you are to others and what you can do for them. This is the reality of the world we live in. Therefore, it is crucial to work on two fronts: enhancing your usefulness and increasing your value. The message I want to convey is one of practicality in the Christian life – a practical approach that enables you to progress from one level of glory to another, ultimately becoming more valuable. To help you on this journey, I will share three key principles.
Vision
Proverbs 29:18 states, “Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint, but blessed is he who keeps the law.”
Vision holds immense power. Think of vision as setting the destination in the GPS of your life. Without vision, your life becomes directionless and chaotic. Vision serves as your guiding light, keeping you focused and on course. Even if you’ve veered off course, it is vision that will lead you back. Therefore, it is essential to have a clear and compelling vision for your life.
Where is God leading you? What is your ultimate destination? Where are you heading? Vision is the key that empowers you to discern and reject anything that deviates you from your purpose. Saying no to sin and evil may seem easy, but saying no to good things that distract you from your vision can be challenging. Vision is what keeps you focused and enables you to make those necessary choices. It’s not only about rejecting the negative but also about prioritizing and saying no to good things that hinder your progress. Thus, vision plays a vital role.
Success is not merely the pursuit of external achievements. True success lies in who you are becoming, transcending what you do. Success is not something you chase after; it is the outcome of continuous personal growth. Therefore, you must focus on becoming the embodiment of your vision. Ask yourself, “What kind of person do I want to become?” Vision goes beyond material possessions; it is about the transformation of your character and identity.
If your vision is solely focused on obtaining six-pack abs, it can lead to disappointment until you achieve that specific physical goal. However, if your vision is centered around becoming a healthy person, from the moment you set that vision, you can begin to act like a healthy person and work towards that goal. Obtaining six-pack abs then becomes a byproduct of your journey towards overall health. Therefore, vision is not about material possessions or specific achievements; it is about personal growth and transformation.
Let me reiterate: Vision is not about what you can possess; it is about who you can become. Instead of solely envisioning having 10 million dollars in your bank account, shift your focus to developing a healthy financial life or contributing significant amounts to ministry or charity. Your vision can be centered around becoming a generous person. The essence of vision lies in the person you strive to become, because who you are is what you will ultimately attract.
You have to become the vision. Vision is about becoming.
Habakkuk 2:2-3, it says, “And the Lord answered me: “Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it. For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay.'”
This passage emphasizes the importance of writing down your vision and making it clear and understandable. Without a written vision, there is nothing to read and comprehend. How can you run towards a goal if you don’t have a clear vision to guide you? Therefore, the instruction is to write the vision down, making it plain and accessible so that those who read it can understand and take action.
The passage assures us that if God has given you a vision, it will come to fruition. Even if it seems like you are in a waiting period, towards the end, it will begin to accelerate, and things will fall into place. It emphasizes that the vision will surely happen because it is the vision given by the Lord.
Therefore, it is important to seek the Lord and ask Him about the specific vision for your life. What is your purpose? Why are you here? While we may have a general understanding of establishing God’s kingdom, there is a unique purpose and role that each of us plays in fulfilling that purpose. Seek to understand the specific vision that God has given you, for that vision is ultimately about the person you are becoming.
Becoming that person is essential. I aspire to have a significant ministry and a thriving business. It’s not just about possessing these things; it’s about becoming the person worthy of them. For those of you who are single and desire marriage, the goal may be to find a good husband or wife. However, the vision should be to transform oneself into the right spouse. Instead of solely focusing on external factors, we should seek God’s guidance in shaping us into individuals who naturally attract the blessings we desire.
Knowledge
Hosea 4:6, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.”
It is crucial to recognize the significance of both. Lack of vision and knowledge can lead to destruction. Knowledge acts as a guiding light along the path to fulfilling our vision. It illuminates the way, providing direction on how to reach our desired destination. In the Bible, the term “light” represents wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. Without knowledge, even with a clear vision, we lack the means to navigate and progress. Knowledge informs us of the “how” behind the “where” that vision presents.
Psalm 119:105 – Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
Psalm 119:130 – The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple.
Knowledge is essential for progress, and I’m not solely referring to spiritual knowledge. Both spiritual and practical knowledge are important. Pursue education and obtain a degree if you don’t already have one. Engage in formal education by attending school and dedicating time to study. If your vision requires specific knowledge or skills, strive to acquire them. Continuous learning is crucial to reach your desired destination. I realized long ago that my journey requires daily study to attain the goals set before me. Dedicate sufficient time to studying each day and embrace the mindset of a perpetual student.
Even if you become a teacher or an expert in a particular field, it doesn’t exempt you from being a student. Embrace the mindset of a lifelong learner and keep acquiring knowledge. Don’t halt your learning journey just because you have achieved a position of influence or success. Read books, foster meaningful relationships with individuals who can guide you to the next level, and learn from various sources. Be hungry for knowledge, recognizing that although it may be freely available, it still demands your attention, humility, hunger, and passion.
It simply doesn’t happen. Knowledge doesn’t manifest through prayer alone. It is freely available, devoid of any monetary value, but it demands something from you. It requires your undivided attention, active participation, and engagement. This concept is echoed in the book of Isaiah, chapter 55, where it invites all who are thirsty to come to the water, even those who lack financial means. It encourages them to partake, buy, and consume without the need for money. Why would you spend your hard-earned money on things that do not nourish your soul? Why exhaust your efforts on pursuits that offer no true satisfaction? Instead, listen intently to my words, indulge in what is truly enriching, and find genuine pleasure in valuable experiences. Offer your ears and your unwavering focus as your investment.
Sometimes, we fail to appreciate the value of the word because it is readily accessible without cost. We may overlook its significance since we haven’t made any tangible sacrifices to obtain it. However, true revelation cannot be attained without an investment, without a willingness to sacrifice. It demands your passion, your fervor, and an insatiable hunger for knowledge. It necessitates your undivided attention and a deep sense of honor.
Knowledge cannot be purchased with money, but it can be acquired through traits such as honor, hunger, passion, attention, and humility. Without these qualities, one cannot truly receive knowledge. It is crucial to maintain a constant attitude of learning because it is this mindset that propels us toward our vision.
Mindset
Vision, the first element, establishes the destination for our lives. Knowledge, the second element, charts the path that leads us toward that destination. The final and most significant element is mindset—a transformed mindset. If vision represents the destination and knowledge represents the path, then mindset is the driving force that propels us forward on our journey. The speed at which we reach our vision is determined by our mindset and the determination with which we pursue it. The proximity to our vision is also influenced by our mindset, as it shapes our actions and decisions along the way.
Mindset refers to a collection of belief systems that shape our perspectives and attitudes. It encompasses what we believe about various aspects of life, including money, God, relationships, and career. Our mindset plays a pivotal role in determining the speed at which we progress towards our vision.
Psalm 19:7 -“The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple;”
This verse highlights the transformative power of aligning our mindset with divine principles. It emphasizes that our life will always mirror the state of our mindset. The quality of our life will inevitably be a reflection of our mindset’s quality.
If our mindset is impoverished, it will inevitably lead to a poor quality of life. There are instances when we pray for blessings and do not receive them. This can be attributed to God’s protection, as He understands that our mindset may not be equipped to handle the magnitude of those blessings. Receiving such blessings in our current state would overwhelm and shatter us. Thus, our mindset needs to expand and stretch. Jesus illustrated this concept by using the analogy of new wine and old wineskins. When new wine is poured into old wineskins, the fermenting process causes the wine to expand, stretching the old and rigid wineskins. If the wineskins are worn out and inflexible, they will burst, resulting in the loss of both the wine and the wineskins. Therefore, Jesus emphasized that new wine can only be poured into new wineskins. Similarly, we cannot receive new teachings and revelations with an old and closed mindset. We must be willing to stretch and expand our minds. The problem lies in our attempt to receive new revelations with an outdated mindset, which lacks the capacity to comprehend and embrace them. As a result, it crushes the old mindset, hindering our growth and understanding.
And the result is that we become offended and bitter. However, the problem does not lie with the revelation itself but rather with our mindset. To receive new revelation, we must adopt a new mindset. The journey you are embarking on relies on knowledge to guide you towards your vision. However, it is your mindset that will propel you forward. Without a new mindset, you will not reach your destination. Therefore, attaining a new level of glory requires a corresponding shift in mindset.
Consider the example of the Israelites who limited God through their thinking. Psalm 78:41 states that they repeatedly tested God and provoked the Holy One of Israel. The word “limited” signifies their hindrance of God’s work in their lives. Similarly, while God is sovereign and all-powerful, our limited mindset can restrict His work in our lives. God desires to do great things, but our mindset can serve as a barrier.
Analogously, water takes the shape of the container it is in. Although the essence of the water remains the same, its form is dictated by the vessel it occupies. Likewise, the oil of the Holy Spirit adapts to the shape of our mindset. The oil itself remains unchanged.
You need to expand your mindset. Let’s take the example of the widow who approached Elisha and lamented the death of her husband, the debts she owed, and her lack of money. Elisha responded by asking her, “What do you have?” She replied, “Just a jar of oil.” Elisha didn’t say, “Bring more oil,” instead, he instructed her to bring more utensils. He understood that the oil she already possessed was sufficient. However, the amount of oil she could receive depended on the capacity of her utensils.
If you’re praying for increased anointing or a greater supernatural element in your life, I want to emphasize that you don’t necessarily need more. You already have enough. But by expanding your mindset, you will witness the Holy Spirit’s supernatural power at work in greater measure. Thus, your mindset plays a crucial role in determining the quality of your life.
Consider this insight: “Your hands cannot possess what your mind cannot see.” In other words, your mind envisions possibilities before your hands can attain them. Your mind acts as a swift traveler towards your vision, paving the way for your body to follow. If you direct your mind towards your vision, utilizing knowledge along the way, your body will soon catch up and reach that destination.
If your mind is already focused on the next promotion you are anticipating, driven by knowledge, it will propel your body towards that promotion. It is essential to elevate your mindset.
Now, let’s consider that mindset is typically influenced by conditioning. This conditioning can stem from either genetics or the environment. Psychologists suggest that environmental conditioning has a greater impact than genetic conditioning. This implies that regardless of your genetic predisposition, exposing yourself to a specific environment will shape your thinking in a similar manner.
That’s why when God works in someone’s life to transform their mindset, He often delivers them from their current environment and places them in a new one. The old environment they have been in for a prolonged period of time has ingrained a mindset that limits their ability to perceive God’s presence. Just as the Israelites were delivered from Egypt, they had to spend 40 years in the wilderness for their slave mentality to be transformed. Slaves are unable to inherit the promised land or overcome their obstacles. Therefore, it was an act of God’s mercy to have them remain in the wilderness until their mindset changed. The subsequent generation, born in the wilderness, did not carry the limitations of their predecessors. They possessed a new mindset, allowing them to claim the promised land and conquer their adversaries.
One effective method to expand your mindset is through exposure. By willingly subjecting yourself to a new environment guided by God, you detach from the old and embrace the new. However, the process of being delivered from the old and transitioning to a new environment may initially feel like suffering. It is crucial to understand that this experience is not actual suffering, but rather a stepping stone towards a higher level of glory. This is the essence of what I was attempting to convey earlier.
When God rescues you from Egypt and leads you through the wilderness, it is natural to question His intentions. This is because the wilderness is unfamiliar territory, outside your comfort zone. You have grown accustomed to the familiarity of your suffering and the oppressive control of the taskmaster. Breaking free from this mindset and embracing your newfound freedom is a daunting challenge. However, if the Lord has delivered you from your old environment and placed you in a new one, do not be anxious. Remain there, stay there, and willingly expose yourself to the discipline that will reshape your mindset.
The issue lies with those Israelites who perished in the wilderness. They were unable to let go of Egypt. Even though they were physically delivered from Egypt, the remnants of Egypt still lingered within their minds. They constantly dwelled on thoughts of Egypt, hindering any possibility of transforming their mindset. They perceived themselves as insignificant grasshoppers, despite the fact that neither God, nor the devil, nor the giants themselves proclaimed them as such. It was their own self-perception that held them back.
Understand that your mindset plays a crucial role in the speed at which you achieve your vision. It is the determining factor that can either propel you forward or hinder your progress. Therefore, awaken your mindset and recognize its power to shape your journey.
The importance of prophetic vision and knowledge cannot be understated, as without them, people perish. It is evident that people suffer due to a lack of knowledge. Your mindset is a significant factor that can limit you in various ways. Let me reiterate three words for you: Psalm 29:18 states, “Where there is no prophetic vision, the people perish, but blessed is he who keeps the law.” Hosea 4:6 states, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge, because you have rejected knowledge. I also will reject you from being a priest to me. And since you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children.” Psalm 19:7 proclaims, “The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul. The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.”
What I want to emphasize is the key to enhancing your worth and advancing from one level of glory to another. These keys are vision, knowledge, and mindset. Notice the common denominator here—it is the Word. The Word provides you with the vision you need, imparts knowledge, and elevates your mindset. It is through the Word that these transformations occur. Therefore, if the Word has taken root within you, it will manifest in your life.
The depiction of Jesus lying in the manger represents His humble birth, while the victorious Jesus symbolizes His growth and triumph. When the Word is conceived in your heart, it will undoubtedly manifest and bring about change. As you nurture the Word within you, you will experience personal growth, and your level will inevitably transform. The Word has the incredible capacity to expand and develop within you, leading to positive changes in your life.
It seems like you are still dwelling in the past, but no, you have received the word, and that word will transform into a triumphant, victorious, and glorious reality. The word of God is like a seed that needs to find a resting place in your mind and heart. Now, let’s delve into the supernatural aspect.
In Genesis chapter one, it is written, “And the Lord said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light.” God’s spoken word brought forth the desired outcome. However, it’s important to grasp that any supernatural manifestation requires the merging of God’s word and His Spirit. If you refer to the preceding verses, you will find that it states, “and the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.” This act of the Spirit alone didn’t bring forth light. The Lord had to speak it into existence.
The supernatural manifestation occurs not merely by the Lord speaking, but through the unification of His Word and His Spirit in your life. It is in this union that you experience supernatural acceleration and growth. One cannot remain confined to a single dimension. Some may identify as “word people” while others as “prayer people.” However, within the body of Christ, you often witness polarized views, each yielding good results but lacking balance. What surpasses truth? The entirety of truth—the complete counsel of the Lord. It is the synergy of the Word and the Spirit that brings about supernatural manifestations.
For those who struggle with prayer, let me emphasize this: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. And the Word became flesh.” Whom are we referring to? Jesus. This Word is the foundation of prayer.
If the Word itself used to pray, what excuse do you and I have? We should humbly recognize that the Word used prayer as a powerful tool. We must not become arrogant, boasting that we possess the Word. If we desire to see fruitful results in our lives, it is essential to unite the Word with prayer and the Spirit. This is why the apostles emphasized the importance of continually engaging in the ministry of Word and prayer. They understood that no other service could take precedence over these vital ministries. Both the ministry of Word and the ministry of prayer are necessary for supernatural acceleration to manifest. May we embrace and engage in both the ministry of Word and the ministry of Prayer.
I firmly believe that the Lord is actively working, particularly within the church. Oh, the profound guidance of the Lord is evident as He leads us with great power. He has individualized visions for each and every one of us, remarkable visions indeed. Just as you have great plans, it is essential to recognize that God also has exceptional plans for you. He holds magnificent dreams specifically tailored for your life.
God does not impose a limited life on you. He has magnificent plans in store. Let me pray for all of you, believing that the Lord, through the power of the Holy Spirit, will touch you as we pray. Do you share this belief? I do, and I can sense it. May the Lord grant you vision, knowledge, and the right mindset to reach the next level of glory. It is within your reach, but it requires a harmonious effort. This effort is effortless in its nature, yet it holds great power. The supernatural can only enhance what the natural already possesses. Consider Paul and Peter as examples. Paul, being highly educated and well-versed in scriptures, wrote two-thirds of the New Testament. However, it’s not necessary to be highly educated for God to use you. Paul’s ability to translate complex concepts into simple words allowed him to contribute significantly. On the other hand, Peter, although a foundational figure in the early church and a senior pastor, wrote only two letters, both of which required assistance. This demonstrates that even influential individuals like Peter can benefit from support. I hope you understand the point I’m trying to convey.