The Man on the Throne
“And above the expanse that was over their heads was the likeness of a throne, like the appearance of a sapphire stone; and upon the likeness of the throne was One in appearance like a man” (Ezek. 1:26).
“Let us therefore come forward with boldness to the throne of grace that we may receive mercy and find grace for timely help” (Heb. 4:16).
Man was created in the image of God to express God and to rule for God. The One on the throne and the four living creatures both have the appearance of a man, indicating that the four living creatures on earth are the expression of the One on the throne. This expression is the manifestation of God in humanity. God in heaven desires to gain man on earth for His expression by working Himself into man. Furthermore, God’s intention is to work on man in order that man will be on the throne. As the Pioneer, the Forerunner, the Lord Jesus cut the way to enter into glory and sit on the throne, and we, His many brothers, are now following Him. (verse 26, footnote 3)
In order to be brought to the throne, we need to experience the humanity of Jesus with its virtues and to reign in life. To reign in life is to conquer, subdue, and rule over Satan, the world, sin, the flesh, ourselves, all kinds of insubordination, and all the environmental circumstances. If we would reign in life, we need to continually receive the abundance of grace, the fullness of the enjoyment of God. We need to come again and again to the divine source and open ourselves from the depths of our being to be filled with God as grace. (Crystallization-Study of Ezekiel, msg. 8, V.B.3,4)
Memorial Day Conference
The conference is Friday night through Monday noon. Lord, abundantly supply grace and wisdom to all who are involved in the spiritual or practical preparations.
This conference is part of our Christian race. “Let us…run with endurance the race which is set before us, looking away unto Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith” (Heb. 12:1b-2a). Lord, may we all participate in this conference in a running way, looking away from all distractions to You.
Southern California Blending Conference
This conference will be Saturday, June 10, 4:00 to 8:45 pm (bring your own dinner) and Lord’s Day, June 11, 10:00 am to 12:30 pm. Translation will be by FM radio for Spanish, Chinese, and Korean. Limited childcare will be provided. See the full announcement is at https://churchinlosangeles.org/prayer.
All the saints are encouraged to reserve this time to gather together for corporate blending and to enter into the Lord’s present speaking to the local churches in Southern California.
Bibles for America Midwest Tour
During the first week of May, saints in the Midwest visited eight cities in Minnesota and Wisconsin. They set up BfA tables at diverse venues Many people were open and happy to speak with the saints, and over 250 received a free Bible. Several also prayed to receive the Lord.
Please pray that 1) the saints would be able to have continued contact with the open people they met and that they would be supplied abundantly for the shepherding labor, and 2) all the Bibles sown would find the good earth to take root and grow.
Atlanta
Earlier this month (May 5–7) there was a conference in Atlanta to preach the gospel of the kingdom to all the nations, with a special emphasis on those of African and African-American decent. Sixty-six new ones attended. The entire time was in the sweet oneness of brothers from all around America.
To follow up with the care of the new ones, burdened saints have been calling them last week and this week, in hopes that some of them would drink continuously from the river of water of life. Please pray that all 66 would have their eyes opened to see that the kingdom of God is not of a particular race, people, or tongue, but would see that the kingdom of God is righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Please pray that all the saints participating in the follow-up will be clothed with the Spirit of power and filled with the Spirit of life to be a channel of life to these new ones.
Refugees in Germany
The churches in Germany have a wonderful problem with refugees. Almost every week refugees are coming for the first time and getting saved and even baptized. However, it has been hard to find time for, and to arrange personal meetings with, key refugees to perfect them, so that they can perfect others in their language (2 Tim. 2:2). Pray for the Lord’s wisdom on how to take care of this.
Germany
From May 24 to 28 over 100,000 participants, about half under age 30, are expected to attend the 36th German Protestant Kirchentag in Berlin as a part of the celebration of the Reformation. The saints in Berlin and other parts of Germany are burdened to take this as an opportunity for the gospel and the distribution of the Recovery Version and the ministry. Please pray for this.
Europe
This week is the last of this year’s three one-week spring trainings in London. “To be trained is to have the rich supply of Christ ministered to us that we may grow, and it is to be equipped that we may be skillful in speaking, in contacting new ones, in shepherding, and in preaching and teaching. Do not say that you cannot speak because you are not a talented speaker. We all are able to speak for the Lord.” (LS of Ephesians, msg. 41)
Lord, perfect this week’s trainees so that they all can minister You for the building up of Your Body (Eph. 4:12) in Europe!
Annoucements
- Morning revival: Week 8 in Crystallization-Study of Ezekiel (Winter Training).
- Summer Training registration has been extended to June 11 (or until capacity is reached): $255 for Anaheim, July 3–8; $105 for webcast in L.A. Register at http://tinyurl.com/summertrainingla.
- Information about Germany and Europe: see May 14 prayer.