There is no way we can look at the pages of the scripture without seeing clearly that MAN is God’s method in the past, present and future. Man has failed God many times but God has refused to change His method. God will not anoint machine, robot or man-made system, but He will always anoint the Man to do His work. He is pictured as constantly searching for a man (Gen. 6:8; Isaiah 6:8; Ezek. 22:29-30; 2 Chro. 16:9; 1 Sam. 14:6). Man that is as wise serpent, touched by the flame of heaven, holy, pure, separate from sinners, burdened for the Lord, obedient and teachable, filled with God’s Spirit and power; a man that is a flaming fire in the hand of the Lord (Psalm 104:4). It is such man that God will make His minister and give him a flourishing ministry.
A. Biblical Foundation Psalm 92:12-14; Psalm 1:1-3; Jer. 17:7-8
The believer, the righteous is to flourish like the Palm Tree. To flourish is to develop well, grow well and be healthy. It is to thrive, make noticeable impact and finish well, just like the palm tree. A flourishing Palm Tree has these features:
- It is always green.
- It has new branches.
- It is never barren.
- It doesn’t die young.
- The fruits are always there.
- Every part is useful.
- No storm can uproot it.
- It doesn’t get demonized.
- It gives birth to forest of palm trees.
- It grows extremely tall and old.
B. Levels of Growth and Flourishing John 15:1-5; Acts 13:5; 13:13; 2 Tim. 4:11
Scripturally, our lives and ministries are likened to trees that must bud, grow, increase, multiply and flourish (Daniel 4:10-12; Matt. 13:31-32; John 15:1-5). An apple picked before it is ripe will taste badly. The levels of growth of any tree go like this:
- Seed sown-to be watered-vision
- Budding level- little germination
- Growth level-growing tender
- Green fruits- unripe, potentials.
- Sturdy deep roots – internal nourishments.
- Strong, durable, massive fruit bearing tree.
- Flourishing, majestic and reproducing.
These seven seasons may spread over 30, 40 and 100 years, but they are what many fruits bearing and flourishing trees pass through. Much like the human life and ministry also.
C. The Minister and His Ministry – 2 Cor. 3:5-6
The Lord called up saved men to be His ministers. He gave them ministries (Eph. 4:10-12); such as ministry of healing, reconciliation, restoration, rebuilding, revitalizing (2 Cor. 5:18-20). Irrespective of the ministry given unto everyone by the Lord, they must all lead to reconciling people back to God.
Ministers of God – serving God, serving man for eternity purpose must minister life, not death to people.
1. Receive life from God and know. Him intimately.
2. Grow up in Him to flourishing level.
3. Must be able and capable by training and experience.
4. Be a channel of God’s power and grace.
5. Minister through the Holy Spirit to others.
6. Bring the healing, life and liberation of God to people.
7. Flourish in the things of the Spirit.
8. Finish well with godly fruits till the end of life.
9. Reproduce eternal fruits unto righteousness and kingdom expansion.
Recommended Reading
THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST
7 Lessons from the Life of Jonah: The Reluctant Prophet
Nagging: What To Do About It
D. 10 Keys To Flourishing Life and Ministry-Psalm 92:12-14
Flourishing is the non-negotiable will of God for every minister of the gospel. And personal flourishing leads surely to ministry flourishing. To truly flourish in life and ministry, these ten steps must be seriously adhered to:
1. Obedience to God in Every Area-2 Cor. 10:4-6; 1 Sam. 15:22-23: It is only those who are radically obedient to God in every area of their lives that will move at His flourishing level. What obedience will do, fasting and prayers can never do it.
2. Fellowship and Friendship-Mark 1:35; Luke 6:12; Acts 13:1-4: It is by constant fellowship with the Lord, becoming His friend by spending quality time in His presence that you are lifted, moulded and fired up to flourishing level.
3. Removing Limitations: There are many demonic, sinful and camal limitations that hindered ministers from flourishing level, such as personal, internal, ministerial, character, ordinational, sinful and acquired limitations. You must prayerfully and practically remove them over period of time.
4. Seeking His will: It is only when you align yourself with the perfect will of God for your life that you can truly flourish. Working and walking in His will is the key. You cannot truly flourish outside His perfect will.
5. Yielded, Committed and Pliable John 3:1-3: Your flourishing will come as you yield to Him, be totally committed to His cause, glory and power. Allowing Him to change you to who He wants you to be is the key.
6. Growth and Development 2Peter 3:18; 1:5-11: The more you press on, grow up, down, deep, outward and in spiritual, ministerial, leadership and relational capacity, the more you can move at flourishing level in life and ministry. Growth is mandatory and you must develop in Him.
7. Presence of the Holy Spirit – Romans 8:11: The preeminent control, leadership and fellowship with the Holy Spirit are crucial. He must ever be the president, resident and mighty presence in our lives and work. He is the Spirit of flourishing.
8. The Word of God Acts 6:7; 12:24; 19:20: The reading, studying, preaching, teaching and obedient living of the undiluted truth of God’s word must permeate our lives and works. The growth of the word will surely result in the growth of the work.
9. Resourcefulness: Fruitful and flourishing ministry answers to resourcefulness in ministers. You must be full of knowledge, revelations and insights of the Lord. You must fall into reservoir of revelation by learning and teachable spirit.
10. Secret Prayers – Exod. 17:7-9; Isaiah 62:6-7: Flourishing ministry answers to prayers secret prayers by ministers Protracted times of fasting and prayers, and engaging prayer warriors and intercessors. The fire at the prayer coven or altar must never go out. Flourishing levels answer to lots and lots of prayers.