Mandate:
An official order or commission to do something.
Have you ever received a mandate from God? Some people think they want this. They want a supernatural experience and specific instructions. I say, “No, you don’t.“
When God gives a clear mandate to do something, the person receiving it is then accountable to Him to do precisely as He says. Until you are ready to shoulder that kind of accountability to God, you really do not want a mandate. The principle is that the more direct the instruction, the more accountable you are to fulfill it precisely as instructed.
Some have said they have a mandate from God when, in fact, they do not. This is dangerous because it carries the same accountability as a genuine mandate–with the added weight of being a misunderstanding at best or a manipulation at worst.
A vague or undefined sense, a general idea, a “knowing”, even a strong compulsion or compelling is not as heavily accountable as a mandate. If you seek anything, seek those first. It is God’s grace that He gives you those versus a direct mandate.
I have had a few encounters in my life that come close to the ‘mandate’ category. Beginning E-MIN in 1997 was one of them. Of course, you are reading this message right now as a result. Though it was not perfectly and unmistakably clear and distinct, it was nonetheless compelling. I had no choice. (I did in a literal sense, but in that I had totally committed my way to God, I really didn’t.)
In hindsight, I would have to say that it WAS a mandate, but the way God did it was in grace–for which I am very grateful! There have been a few other things that were in that category. We are coming up on one right now.
In the Zoom calls last week (which were GREAT, by the way), I shared a peek into something new that is coming. This has been part of our ministry vision for over twenty years. We now know it is time. Is it a mandate? I believe it to be… in that “soft” (or grace) sense. It is exciting, challenging, and one of the scariest things I have ever considered doing. We REALLY need the cover of your prayers right now!
If you want to know more, watch the video I created from the highlights of those calls. After talking about WHY you receive Today’s Seed (first time sharing publicly), I lightly introduce what we are beginning to build.
- To watch the video, scroll down to the end of this message.
- You will also get a peek at what we can produce in our new studio.
- Thanks, in advance, for watching.
In today’s Scripture passage, David gave Solomon the plans for building the temple. It was a great responsibility because God put it in David’s mind and David then committed it to Solomon at God’s instruction. Solomon was therefore responsible to God for what he did with the plans.
When God gives you something, you are responsible and accountable to Him for what you do–OR DO NOT DO. Be wise: Don’t ask for a mandate. Don’t seek a “Moses” experience where He hands you the plans.
Instead, ask for direction. Affirm your submission to God and commit to obedience in what He reveals. Trust Him to do what is best for you. If He hands you the plans or gives you a direct mandate, then you are ready. If not, do not seek what you are not yet ready to receive.
God knows both you and what He is doing. Trust Him in both.
Today’s Seed™ Scripture and Prayer for Jan. 31, 2023:
Then David gave his son Solomon the plans for the portico of the temple, its buildings, its storerooms, its upper parts, its inner rooms and the place of atonement. He gave him the plans of all that the Spirit had put in his mind for the courts of the temple of the LORD and all the surrounding rooms, for the treasuries of the temple of God and for the treasuries for the dedicated things. (1 Chr 28:11-12 NIV)
Prayer: LORD, put into my mind the things You need me to do, build, or speak. Help me comprehend and understand what You are revealing or communicating to me. Then, when the time comes to share it with others, help me do so clearly, distinctly, and in the manner You want so that Your purpose will be understood and accomplished. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
(c) 2023 Randall Vaughn • All Rights Reserved • http://www.e-min.org
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“Today’s Seed” from E-MIN • Jan. 31, 2023
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