From the desk of Steve Shultz:
I've heard of a lot of names for people, but before now, I've not heard of the "Olive Tree People." This article is quite fascinating and is straight from the heart of the Father.
Lord, let us become more like the OLIVE TREE!
Let us become more like YOU, Lord!
Here are also some great resources regarding Israel!
Blessings,
Steve Shultz
Al Thomas:
"The Olive Tree People Are Coming"
I sense God is looking for Olive Tree people today. Do you know what an Olive Tree person is?
Jesus prayed in Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36) near an olive tree that some say still exists today. Noah sent out a dove from the ark to find dry land and the dove returned with an olive branch (Genesis 8: 10-11). The "two witnesses" in the Book of Revelation are spoken of "as two olive trees standing before the God of the earth" (Revelation 11:4). Why are these two people likened to olive trees? Are you an Olive Tree person?
In God's Word the Olive Tree is the Most Valued of All the Trees
The Olive Tree was a source of food, light, hygiene and healing. It was very valuable. It is called the king of trees (Judges 9:8-9). You are the most valued of all of God's creations (Psalm 8:5). Olive Tree people know that they are valuable to God. They reject pity parties. They scoff at satan's accusations of not being good enough to serve God. This is not pride, rather the realization that you have worth to the most important person in the universe: God.
It's amazing how uplifting it can be when we realize we are valued by someone (Luke 12:6-7). How precious is a pat on the back, a word of encouragement or a compliment? It's priceless. The Bible is loaded with God's decision to accept you. Not just barely making it under the wire, but welcoming you with open arms (Ephesians 1:6).
God's most treasured possessions on this earth are not silver, gold or precious gems. It is you and I, human beings. Jesus said, "What does it profit a man if he gain the whole world and lose his own soul?" (Matthew 16:26). People are the Lord's treasure (Deuteronomy 26:18).
If you are a child of God, you are a treasure to your Heavenly Father. Get that into your heart. Olive Tree people know this. It will help you to see yourself and God in a different way. You are priceless to God (1 Peter 1:5). You may not see it now or understand it now, but you will one day. God's plans and purposes are working in you that which is well pleasing in His sight (Hebrews 13:21).
The Olive Tree Can Thrive in Bare and Rocky Ground
"He made him ride on the heights of the land and fed him with the fruit of the fields. He nourished him with honey from the rock, and with oil from the flinty crag." Deuteronomy 32:13
Olive Tree people don't buckle under every time a trial appears. They continue on, knowing that this test, temptation or problem will come to an end. Olive Tree people don't keep looking back to the past feeling sorry for themselves. They recognize that they cannot change what has already happened, so they occupy (Luke19:13) and look to the future.
An Olive Tree person can thrive in what normally would be considered an unhealthy atmosphere. Have you ever felt like you were on bare, dry and rocky ground? Your past may be unseemly or something you prefer not to bring up, but it shouldn't cripple your future. Your roots (or past deeds) are forgiven (Psalm 103:3; James 5:15). Olive Tree people are quick to forgive others.
Olive Tree people have allowed God to use a bad past to create a good future (Genesis 50:20). They have given their past over to God (Philippians 3:13) that He may use it for them to grow closer to Him. The result: they bear fruit, lasting fruit (John 15:16).
Don't wait for the circumstances to be just right. Don't wait to be completely healed of all past hurts. Olive Tree people don't wait to feel free before they do anything for God. They make up their mind to be fruitful now. Do something good for someone now. It doesn't mean you have to do something big or miraculous. You can do something for God and His people regardless of your current state. Olive Tree people know this and are always looking to give to others (Acts 20:35).
The Olive Tree is a Very Slow Growing Tree
Many years of patient labor must happen before it reaches mature fruitfulness. The Olive Tree grows in the "Holy Land" and has been known to survive for up to 2,500 years. Olive Tree people are holy people (Hebrews 12:10, 14). Holy people last.
Like the Olive Tree, much attention must be given for proper growth. The soil around them must be broken up frequently. Water must be fed to the roots often, otherwise it will not grow as it should. Olive Tree people are wise enough to know spiritual growth does not come in leaps and bounds. They know that the partner of faith is patience (Luke 8:15). They know that every problem works patience (Romans 5:3).
Some people don't like this kind of teaching. Some want their ministry and prayers to be answered immediately and although God could do so, often, He wants us to wait upon Him first before the next answer comes (Psalm 130:5). Olive Tree people know God does not build maturity overnight. Spiritual growth is a slow, sometimes agonizing experience.
I see people prophesying one day and the next day thinking they're a prophet. Slow down, be still and know God (Psalm 46:10). Recognize that all you have experienced is simply material for God to use for Kingdom building in you.
Olive Tree people are patient people. Luke 21:19 says, "In your patience possess ye your souls." Olive Tree people are in this for the long haul, not seeking to make a splash here and run on to the next place. Olive Tree people put roots down and wait on God (Psalm 37:7; Isaiah 40:31). They are a submitted people. A humble people.
It is a Beautiful Tree
Ever seen an olive tree? It is a beautiful combination of twists and gnarls; it turns this way and that way. Ever felt twisted and gnarled? Turned this way and that way? Wondering which way to go next? That's OK. You are beautiful in His sight.
God sees beautiful things in Olive Tree people that others (and you) cannot see. The Bible says God is beautiful (Psalm 27:4). Who does God consider beautiful? The meek (Psalm 149:4). Those who walk in holiness (1 Chronicles 16:29; Psalm 29:2). Psalm 90:14 urges us to let the beauty of the Lord be upon us.
Olive Tree people don't participate in surface judgment. None of us know what we will ultimately look like until we see Him...we only know that we will look like Him (1 John 3:2) and that will be beautiful. Ladies, that is called the ultimate "Make Up" job. But, you look beautiful to Him right now. Men, you look handsome. No blushing, please.
The Most Precious Product From the Tree Was Its Oil
Olive Tree people have a different perspective of the Holy Spirit than most others. The oil from the olives was used to anoint priests, prophets and kings to empower them, and the oil was used as well for healing.
Olive Tree people know that a daily, patient and faithful walk through life is much more valuable than running to and fro seeking a touch from the newest teacher on the circuit.
I believe and move in prophetic giftings, but some people think if they are not moving in the gifts constantly, seeing manifestations, dwelling on the latest prophetic word given to them...then nothing is happening. That is not authentic Christianity.
The olive was squeezed for its oil. Have you felt squeezed? Have you had prophetic word after prophetic word and still not seen much fulfillment? Looks like God is making you into an Olive Tree person! The harder the olive was pressed, the more oil came out. Some of you may feel hard pressed. That's OK. Good will come out of it.
The Holy Spirit's main work on you is personal character, integrity and holiness. He empowers for service, but first starts with your character. All else is wood, hay and stubble (1 Corinthians 3:12).
Olive Tree people are survivors. They are not quitters. They are bearers of the Holy Spirit's light and healing for others. Are you one of them?
Al Thomas
Celebrating His Life Ministries
Email: a.thomas@myactv.net
Al and Sherry Thomas travel extensively in America and Southeast Asia. They founded Celebrating His Life Ministries in 1997, and are gifted teachers of the Word. Beforehand, they served at Mount Hope Prison Ministry for three years. Al has pastored in Wisconsin and California and was associated with evangelist Jim Spillman, a great man of God who was known for miracles happening in his meetings. Al and Sherry have a prophetic and healing anointing and have seen many miracles, such as blind eyes healed, deaf ears opened and many other healings. They currently minister in approximately sixty churches a year.
September 14, 2008
Solid Rock Assembly of God (11am)
Point of Rocks, MD
Contact: 301-874-2214
September 21, 2008
The Rock Church - Healing Meeting (10am and 7pm)
Pitman, NJ
Contact: 856-582-7354
October 3-5, 2008
Si'on Ministries
Cordell, OK
Contact: 580-660-0529
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Sandra Teplinsky |
This awesome set is packed with revelation and insight you can apply toward Israel, the Middle East, and toward ALL the areas of your life that "spiritual terrorists" have been attacking!
Get ready for a new day of "reversals."
"We hear much about God wanting us to care for Israel. This timely 2-CD teaching set shows you why and even better yet - HOW to care and HOW to pray for the "Apple of God's Eye!" .... (more)
You May Also Call Us With Your Order- 8am to 4pm- Pacific Time, Monday-Friday
1-866-354-5245 (USA) -OR- 1-541-926-3250
(Outside the USA) |
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James W. Goll |
These two CDs, by two men who have God's heart for Israel, reveal what and why things are the way they are in Israel today .... (more)
You May Also Call Us With Your Order- 8am to 4pm- Pacific Time, Monday-Friday
1-866-354-5245 (USA) -OR- 1-541-926-3250
(Outside the USA) |
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