A thorn in the flesh

"And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure." 2 Corinthians 12.7

The Work of God, or the destruction of the works of satan, demands total selflessness. And the greater the revelations of the Spirit, more humility is required. It is not known exactly what kind of thorn in the flesh Paul had. But surely, God allowed him to stay protected from pride.

Rest on the Altar

"And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him. Then He opened His mouth and taught them..." Matthew 5.1-2

The Lord Jesus used to take time to be alone with the Father when He went up the mountains, which can also be understood as the 'Altar'. And even in those precious moments, He did not refrain from doing the work He came to do. As soon as the disciples would approach Him, He began to teach them. This is the life of those who live on the Altar - even in times of rest and reflection, they serve those who need them.

The Fast

“Is this not the fast that I have chosen: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke?" Isaiah 58.6

The fast that pleases the Lord God is all about showing concern for the wronged, afflicted, oppressed, in short, all those who find themselves trapped in the claws of the devil. The work of God is to destroy the works of the devil. And to do so, the Lord has given us His Spirit.

Uprightness

Now if you walk before Me as your father David walked, in integrity of heart and in uprightness... I Kings 9.4

Integrity and uprightness are fundamental ingredients for a relationship between the human being and God. This is the difference between those who serve Him and thos who don't.

Strengthened

"...that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man..." Ephesians 3:16

The action of the Holy Spirit strengthens the faith, making it useful for the Work of God. In fact, it makes those who serve and perform God's will stronger.

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

"Behold! My Servant whom I uphold, my Elect One in whom My soul delights! I have put My Spirit upon Him; He will bring forth justice to the Gentiles." Isaiah 42:1

This profecy refers to the Servant-Son for His great sacrificial mission. He fulfilled His task and left disciples so they could continue His Work. Today, the servant-sons are spread throughout the Earth, with the same anointing of the Firstborn Servant-Son.

The fields

“ Whom shall I send, And who will go for Us?” 

Isaiah 6.8

The fields are ready for the harvest, but if there's no one to reap, the fruits will eventually spoil. It's sad to see so many workers seeking to serve themselves. The Lord is calling out: people, help Me! Who shall I send, who will go for Us?

Beautiful feet

"How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news,who proclaims peace, who brings glad tidings of good things, who proclaims salvation..."

Isaiah 52:7

Those who preach salvation are the Apple of God's Eyes. They benefit from all the blessings of the Altar, the Throne of God.