In the garden of Eden, there were two trees. One was permitted and beneficial; one was off limits to Adam and Eve. The One tree gave truth; the other gave knowledge. The One gave freedom; the other gave religion.
Anyways, this post is about the Tree of Life!
"After I was baptized with the Holy Ghost the Lord gave me a blessed revelation. I saw Adam and Eve turned out of the garden for their disobedience and unable to partake of the tree of life, for the cherubim with flaming sword kept them away from this tree. When I was baptized I saw that I had begun to eat of this tree of life and I saw that the flaming sword was all round about. It was there to keep the devil away." ~Smith Wigglesworth
Isn't that wonderful? Jesus is the tree of life. And He's on the inside know. We've left the covering of the Law (Gal. 3:25) and entered into the covering of the Almighty, the Garden of Eden. In a sense, the believer embodies the garden of Eden; and Yahshua walks amongst us within.
Wigglesworth also said that he was a thousand times bigger on the outside than on the inside. It took me a while to get a grasp on that. But God wants us to be on the inside, looking out. Yahweh wants us to understand just how overflowing the fullness of God can get (Ephesians 3:19).
So, what was Wigglesworth referring to when he said that? The Tree of Life, that's what -- the expansion of the Kingdom (Matthew 13:32), the vibration of life within. This is the tree that Yahweh prunes (John 15:1), the Tree in which we are commanded to abide (John 15:4).
See, the word starts in your spirit, planted as just a seed (John 15:4). The Holy Spirit may scatter more than a few seeds into your heart before you accept it, and that's OK ()! Eventually, though, hearing is mixed with faith, and you've got a little tree (Romans 10:17)!
And God takes that tree and cares for it. He protects you from spiritual warfare (Psalms 105:15). He shelters you and allows you to grow. And the more you grow, the more exposure there can be to the elements. Some of your spiritual 'branches' may fall outside the protection of those angels with flaming swords.
It's about when the operation of the Spirit works in you and through you that you've reached maturity. If nourished, those little branches will grow up, out, and provide a resting place for others! If left to the Father's care, He'll cause such growth in you that your influence far exceeds yourself.
Allow God to prune you. Allow Him to prune off the bad parts; allow Him to burn them away. Allow the cherubim to guard you (Gen. 3:24). If you go past His instruction, the same fire that's designed to protect you might just singe a little. Allow Yahweh to be your purifying fire (Hebrews 12:29).
It feels good to feel that burn. Allow Him to sift through your life and make you more and more fruitful (John 15:2). There's always room for improvement! There's always room to grow. God wants to give you greater territory, greater gifts, greater responsibilities. Are you ready for it?
Showing posts with label Spiritual warfare. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Spiritual warfare. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 20, 2016
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
The Revelator: The Kingdom Within
"From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and forceful people lay hold of it."
~Matthew 11:12
We have the Kingdom within us. You have the Lion of Judah, the source of all revelation and understanding, living and breathing in you. It's a heavy, glorious thing to lay hold of that! It's an enormous thing to get a grasp on.
A camel may not pass through the eye of a needle, but Jesus has entered through the passageway of your heart. He's unlocked the Kingdom in you, from the inside out. He's given you life, love, energy; He's given you faith and works. He's given you understanding. He's given you an endless, effortless supply of resources needed for the life He's called you to.
This Kingdom has met some opposition along the way -- but it's here now. There was a lot of clashes in the spiritual realm just prior to Yahshua! The enemy knew what was coming.
In the same way, there's warfare around us now. The kingdom within is bombarded with lies, deception, doubts, and attacks from the enemy. There's outside darkness. Yet the Holy Spirit within is greater. The Holy Spirit within carries us onward -- whatever it takes. The Kingdom of Heaven has been gotten hold of, and it continues to be received by those who long for it.
And it continues to be received by you! There will be turbulence, but God's momentum within is forcefully advancing. You are the Tent of Meeting, and He's enlarging your borders, enlarging your tents. He's taking back ground, He's renewing you. He's the only reason that you've already arrived.
~Matthew 11:12
We have the Kingdom within us. You have the Lion of Judah, the source of all revelation and understanding, living and breathing in you. It's a heavy, glorious thing to lay hold of that! It's an enormous thing to get a grasp on.
A camel may not pass through the eye of a needle, but Jesus has entered through the passageway of your heart. He's unlocked the Kingdom in you, from the inside out. He's given you life, love, energy; He's given you faith and works. He's given you understanding. He's given you an endless, effortless supply of resources needed for the life He's called you to.
This Kingdom has met some opposition along the way -- but it's here now. There was a lot of clashes in the spiritual realm just prior to Yahshua! The enemy knew what was coming.
In the same way, there's warfare around us now. The kingdom within is bombarded with lies, deception, doubts, and attacks from the enemy. There's outside darkness. Yet the Holy Spirit within is greater. The Holy Spirit within carries us onward -- whatever it takes. The Kingdom of Heaven has been gotten hold of, and it continues to be received by those who long for it.
And it continues to be received by you! There will be turbulence, but God's momentum within is forcefully advancing. You are the Tent of Meeting, and He's enlarging your borders, enlarging your tents. He's taking back ground, He's renewing you. He's the only reason that you've already arrived.
Saturday, May 30, 2015
What Is Truth? It's Not Sin and Sickness
Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6
What is truth? I feel that God wants us to know that Truth goes beyond our own feelings and experiences. Truth transcends what our present life is like, and it transcends what we think is possible.
What is truth? Jesus is Truth! And we need to remember that Jesus took captivity captive. We need to remember that He paid it ALL. Jesus made a way for us to escape the burdens of the world and be living in the heavenly realms.
What is truth? Truth is God's perspective--His perfect will. Truth is a higher vibration. Truth is a place that we can and should access--but only because Jesus is Lord, only because He is our mediator. Truth is not sin, and truth is not sickness.
No, f you are sick, you may feel it, you may be affected by it...and consequently, you may believe it. But ultimately, as a Christian, sickness is a lie. Remember that Jesus came to give us life-- it's the enemy that comes to steal, kill, and destroy. IF we are operating in truth, IF we are where God would have us, then we will be experiencing His Life. And if we are experiencing life, then we will be experiencing truth, and the truth will set us free.
It's time to put theory into practice. It's time to accept the truth. It's time to await it's manifestation. The manifestation will be health and freedom and deliverance from sin. The manifestation will be a closer walk with the Lord and a deeper experience of all of His benefits. The manifestation will be a realization that God is love, and that this love is the force of God.
If we are not seeing the truth in our lives, in our families, and in our situations, then it's time to pray. It's time to usher in the presence of the Holy Spirit and have him bring the Kingdom changes down. All we need to do is say the word--to speak the truth in love--and then God does the rest! When the presence of Jesus becomes greater than the presence of the world, then we will be able to walk in truth.
"I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth." 3 John 1:4
What is truth? I feel that God wants us to know that Truth goes beyond our own feelings and experiences. Truth transcends what our present life is like, and it transcends what we think is possible.
What is truth? Jesus is Truth! And we need to remember that Jesus took captivity captive. We need to remember that He paid it ALL. Jesus made a way for us to escape the burdens of the world and be living in the heavenly realms.
What is truth? Truth is God's perspective--His perfect will. Truth is a higher vibration. Truth is a place that we can and should access--but only because Jesus is Lord, only because He is our mediator. Truth is not sin, and truth is not sickness.
No, f you are sick, you may feel it, you may be affected by it...and consequently, you may believe it. But ultimately, as a Christian, sickness is a lie. Remember that Jesus came to give us life-- it's the enemy that comes to steal, kill, and destroy. IF we are operating in truth, IF we are where God would have us, then we will be experiencing His Life. And if we are experiencing life, then we will be experiencing truth, and the truth will set us free.
It's time to put theory into practice. It's time to accept the truth. It's time to await it's manifestation. The manifestation will be health and freedom and deliverance from sin. The manifestation will be a closer walk with the Lord and a deeper experience of all of His benefits. The manifestation will be a realization that God is love, and that this love is the force of God.
If we are not seeing the truth in our lives, in our families, and in our situations, then it's time to pray. It's time to usher in the presence of the Holy Spirit and have him bring the Kingdom changes down. All we need to do is say the word--to speak the truth in love--and then God does the rest! When the presence of Jesus becomes greater than the presence of the world, then we will be able to walk in truth.
"I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth." 3 John 1:4
Friday, May 22, 2015
Word: A Winning Battle
Yesterday morning, I was coming under some heavy warfare. The enemy was trying to get his lies in, there was doubt, and God felt far away. When I cried out to the Lord, He answered me and said:
"You need to realize that the battle for your salvation has already been won."
Awesome! When God said that, He gave me peace. It reminded me that He has power to save, and power to keep. Salvation is not a losing battle. Sanctification is not a losing battle. Our walk onward with the Lord is not a losing battle!
We are in a battle, yes, but we need to remember that we are on the side of the Victor. And He--Jesus--has already won the victory! All we need to do during times of trouble is cling to Him. All we need to do is cry out. That's how we battle, and that's how He breaks through any warfare. If we draw near to Him, He will draw near to us in response. So let's draw near to Him, flee from the devil, and experience peace even through out warfare!
Confirmed: There was a Christian song on the radio that I hadn't heard before....it was describing how we should be soldiers who know their orders--how we should be obedient soldiers in the body of Christ!
Confirmed: A few license plates about soldiers, GI's and standing firm. Yes, God is always speaking through license plates...
Confirmed: A friend posted the below quote on Facebook, courtesy of Francis Frangipane Ministries. I thought it was so fitting!
"You need to realize that the battle for your salvation has already been won."
Awesome! When God said that, He gave me peace. It reminded me that He has power to save, and power to keep. Salvation is not a losing battle. Sanctification is not a losing battle. Our walk onward with the Lord is not a losing battle!
We are in a battle, yes, but we need to remember that we are on the side of the Victor. And He--Jesus--has already won the victory! All we need to do during times of trouble is cling to Him. All we need to do is cry out. That's how we battle, and that's how He breaks through any warfare. If we draw near to Him, He will draw near to us in response. So let's draw near to Him, flee from the devil, and experience peace even through out warfare!
Confirmed: There was a Christian song on the radio that I hadn't heard before....it was describing how we should be soldiers who know their orders--how we should be obedient soldiers in the body of Christ!
Confirmed: A few license plates about soldiers, GI's and standing firm. Yes, God is always speaking through license plates...
Confirmed: A friend posted the below quote on Facebook, courtesy of Francis Frangipane Ministries. I thought it was so fitting!
"The more peace you have during spiritual attack, the more truly you are walking in Christ’s victory. Remember, it is the God of peace who shall crush Satan beneath your feet shortly (Romans 16:20)"
He who is in us is able to overcome anything that is in the world. We need to position ourselves to overcome! We need to arrive in the knowing that Jesus has already done the fighting for us and came out of it victorious.
Thursday, May 7, 2015
Declarations Make A Way
A recent theme--declarations! God says something, we believe it, and then we speak it. Receive, believe, achieve!
There are two types of declarations I want to go into here. We can declare things from the written word, or we can declare things from the spoken word. Both types can be Spirit-filled and Spirit-led, but one usually requires more discernment than another. Let's look at both.
1) Written-Word Declarations
Here we recite something written in God's Word--we take a written promise and make it our own. For example, I may say, 'I am the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus'. This is truth, according to 2 Corinthians 5:21. Believing the Word, and hearing and speaking it, is how we are sanctified. We are sanctified by the truth! (John 17:17)
We can also declare scripture when we are tempted by the devil. Remember, that's what Jesus did! So the Word is for upliftment, but it's also for warfare--it's our sword and our weapon for battle.
2) Spoken-word Declarations
These can be tricker. We need ears to hear; we need our own spiritual ears to be closely attuned. The voice of the Holy Spirit is worth listening for! For example, today the Lord showed me the shield of faith, and prompted me to pray that over myself. So I did. Another example--I may hear the Spirit speak strength to my body. What should my response be? Well, probably to speak strength to myself. That's where faith comes in! If God said it, then I need to believe it. Do I feel stronger? Yes! Because it is written! The joy of the Lord is my strength.
We declare what God says first. If God didn't set the precedent, our declarations probably won't work. Remember that Job's friends were wrong! We need to be in tune, discerning, and not presumptuous. We need to value His voice.
Written-Word and spoken-word declarations go hand in hand! They feed off of each other! We can have the Bible confirmed by hearing His personal voice, and we can confirm our rhema words by testing them against scripture. Faith comes by hearing (Romans 10:17), and hearing comes in many forms.
When we declare God's will, it looses the heavens. It loosens angels and an empowerment of the Holy Spirit. It loosens any blockages and binds any opposition. God's will comes down unrestrained, on earth as it is in Heaven! That's what declaring does! It brings us up into God's reality. It brings up our faith, and our faith takes us to a place where God really is. Declarations make a way.
There are two types of declarations I want to go into here. We can declare things from the written word, or we can declare things from the spoken word. Both types can be Spirit-filled and Spirit-led, but one usually requires more discernment than another. Let's look at both.
1) Written-Word Declarations
Here we recite something written in God's Word--we take a written promise and make it our own. For example, I may say, 'I am the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus'. This is truth, according to 2 Corinthians 5:21. Believing the Word, and hearing and speaking it, is how we are sanctified. We are sanctified by the truth! (John 17:17)
We can also declare scripture when we are tempted by the devil. Remember, that's what Jesus did! So the Word is for upliftment, but it's also for warfare--it's our sword and our weapon for battle.
2) Spoken-word Declarations
These can be tricker. We need ears to hear; we need our own spiritual ears to be closely attuned. The voice of the Holy Spirit is worth listening for! For example, today the Lord showed me the shield of faith, and prompted me to pray that over myself. So I did. Another example--I may hear the Spirit speak strength to my body. What should my response be? Well, probably to speak strength to myself. That's where faith comes in! If God said it, then I need to believe it. Do I feel stronger? Yes! Because it is written! The joy of the Lord is my strength.
We declare what God says first. If God didn't set the precedent, our declarations probably won't work. Remember that Job's friends were wrong! We need to be in tune, discerning, and not presumptuous. We need to value His voice.
Written-Word and spoken-word declarations go hand in hand! They feed off of each other! We can have the Bible confirmed by hearing His personal voice, and we can confirm our rhema words by testing them against scripture. Faith comes by hearing (Romans 10:17), and hearing comes in many forms.
When we declare God's will, it looses the heavens. It loosens angels and an empowerment of the Holy Spirit. It loosens any blockages and binds any opposition. God's will comes down unrestrained, on earth as it is in Heaven! That's what declaring does! It brings us up into God's reality. It brings up our faith, and our faith takes us to a place where God really is. Declarations make a way.
Thursday, April 9, 2015
Word: The Severity of Mercy
A few days I was getting a headache and praying it away wasn't quite working like it usually does. So I asked the Lord about this, and He simply said,
"Not My goodness but My severity"
This took me by surprise a little. And I felt like the Lord was telling me I was in the wrong somehow. He highlighted to me that I was not at peace! So I repented--turned--from this mistake as well as I could. And the headaches gradually went away. Thank you, Lord, for the comfort in your discipline. His rod is supposed to comfort us! (Psalms 23:4) It may not be easy to undergo, but God always works our discipline for the good.
Just a few minutes after the Lord said this, and as my headache was going away, I saw a new book on the table, and flipped it face up to look at the title. It was called "A Severe Mercy", by one of CS Lewis's friends. Wow! What a confirmation. I did not know we had that book, nor had I ever heard of it. But I realize that God's mercy leads to discipline--that His mercy calls for severity. It was the Lord who prompted me to flip over that book as a way to confirm His message! God is so masterful in His workings. He always confirms His word.
So if you're going through a trial of some sort, it may not be from the enemy! It may be discipline from the Lord--an effort by Him to get you back into line. Now, your trial might just be a spiritual attack. But it could be disciplining from God! And we need to inquire of God to see if we're in the wrong. We need to inquire of Him, to see if we opened up a door someplace or are walking without His light. We shouldn't try to war against God's will only because we mistook His teaching for something else.
So let's war against the enemy, yes, with his condemnation and lying and problems. But let's make sure that our trials are not actually God trying to get our attention. He may be wanting us to repent. He may want us to be healed, delivered, brought out--He does--but only if we will first identify our problems. So we need to diligently seek Him whenever we encounter a trial. It could be that He just wants us to cast the enemy out. But maybe He wants to tell us something first.
"Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word." Psalm 119:67
"It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes" Psalm 119:71
"Not My goodness but My severity"
This took me by surprise a little. And I felt like the Lord was telling me I was in the wrong somehow. He highlighted to me that I was not at peace! So I repented--turned--from this mistake as well as I could. And the headaches gradually went away. Thank you, Lord, for the comfort in your discipline. His rod is supposed to comfort us! (Psalms 23:4) It may not be easy to undergo, but God always works our discipline for the good.
Just a few minutes after the Lord said this, and as my headache was going away, I saw a new book on the table, and flipped it face up to look at the title. It was called "A Severe Mercy", by one of CS Lewis's friends. Wow! What a confirmation. I did not know we had that book, nor had I ever heard of it. But I realize that God's mercy leads to discipline--that His mercy calls for severity. It was the Lord who prompted me to flip over that book as a way to confirm His message! God is so masterful in His workings. He always confirms His word.
So if you're going through a trial of some sort, it may not be from the enemy! It may be discipline from the Lord--an effort by Him to get you back into line. Now, your trial might just be a spiritual attack. But it could be disciplining from God! And we need to inquire of God to see if we're in the wrong. We need to inquire of Him, to see if we opened up a door someplace or are walking without His light. We shouldn't try to war against God's will only because we mistook His teaching for something else.
So let's war against the enemy, yes, with his condemnation and lying and problems. But let's make sure that our trials are not actually God trying to get our attention. He may be wanting us to repent. He may want us to be healed, delivered, brought out--He does--but only if we will first identify our problems. So we need to diligently seek Him whenever we encounter a trial. It could be that He just wants us to cast the enemy out. But maybe He wants to tell us something first.
"Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word." Psalm 119:67
"It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes" Psalm 119:71
Tuesday, March 17, 2015
Snapshot: Entering into Resurrection Power
A few mornings ago, on Sunday, the Lord took me into a vision where I saw Matthew 28:2 and 28:3 played out.
"And behold, a severe earthquake had occurred, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled away the stone and sat upon it. And his appearance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow." Matthew 28:2-28:3
And He showed me that things that are blocking His people from walking in resurrection life are being removed. He showed me that obstacles to our supernatural restoration are being thrown aside. He's making a way for His resurrection power to flow out. He's making a way for Jesus to be revealed. He's removing things, and making a way for His power to touch us!
They were saying to one another, "Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance of the tomb?" Mark 16:3
Sometimes we wonder this very same thing. How will Jesus reach us in our lives? How will we reach Him? How will we see Him, and have Him transform us so that we can be as He really is? These are all real questions, and they are all created by very real situations. They are created by blockages--spiritual or physical problems that put us between a rock and a hard place, so to speak.
In the midst of unsolvable problems, we need to know that God has our solution. We should actively seek His coming. We need to seek Him until He rolls away those blockages, those roadblocks that cut us of from receiving a fullness of life.
While only God's Spirit can remove these things for us, we have a role to play, too. We need to cling to God. We need to flee from sin, and resist the devil. We need to throw off all our entanglements, as best as we know how.
"My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me" Psalm 63:8
"Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart." 2 Timothy 2:22
"Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." James 4:7
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us..." Hebrews 12:1
So, there are things we can throw off, too. There is a small portion of responsibility that has been given us--things that God empowers us to do so that we can choose to do them out of our own free will. We can throw off sin. We can throw off hindrances. We can do this, and as we walk in His will, we can expect the Lord to clear out the bigger roadblocks ahead of us. God is paving a way for all of us to really know Jesus.
And then the freedom begins. Then the adventure really begins. Then we walk in the Spirit, flow with the Spirit, and live filled with the Spirit. We emanate resurrection power. It's a lot of fun! And more than that, it pleases the Lord and brings joy to His heart.
Confirmed: At the start of Church that day, we started off after worship with a prayer asking the Lord to resurrect us, awaken us, restore us to His life and power. Awesome! God wants us to know that there is one Spirit, one mind, and one Body.
We also read John 11 that day, were Lazarus is resurrected. And we talked about how this raising foreshadowed Jesus' own rise from the grave. We talked about how Jesus' miracle here pointed to His own future glory. Below is what we went over in Church--John 11:41-44 . Talk about confirmations! Our God is so, so good.
(Amplified version)
"And behold, a severe earthquake had occurred, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled away the stone and sat upon it. And his appearance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow." Matthew 28:2-28:3
And He showed me that things that are blocking His people from walking in resurrection life are being removed. He showed me that obstacles to our supernatural restoration are being thrown aside. He's making a way for His resurrection power to flow out. He's making a way for Jesus to be revealed. He's removing things, and making a way for His power to touch us!
They were saying to one another, "Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance of the tomb?" Mark 16:3
Sometimes we wonder this very same thing. How will Jesus reach us in our lives? How will we reach Him? How will we see Him, and have Him transform us so that we can be as He really is? These are all real questions, and they are all created by very real situations. They are created by blockages--spiritual or physical problems that put us between a rock and a hard place, so to speak.
In the midst of unsolvable problems, we need to know that God has our solution. We should actively seek His coming. We need to seek Him until He rolls away those blockages, those roadblocks that cut us of from receiving a fullness of life.
While only God's Spirit can remove these things for us, we have a role to play, too. We need to cling to God. We need to flee from sin, and resist the devil. We need to throw off all our entanglements, as best as we know how.
"My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me" Psalm 63:8
"Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart." 2 Timothy 2:22
"Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." James 4:7
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us..." Hebrews 12:1
So, there are things we can throw off, too. There is a small portion of responsibility that has been given us--things that God empowers us to do so that we can choose to do them out of our own free will. We can throw off sin. We can throw off hindrances. We can do this, and as we walk in His will, we can expect the Lord to clear out the bigger roadblocks ahead of us. God is paving a way for all of us to really know Jesus.
And then the freedom begins. Then the adventure really begins. Then we walk in the Spirit, flow with the Spirit, and live filled with the Spirit. We emanate resurrection power. It's a lot of fun! And more than that, it pleases the Lord and brings joy to His heart.
Confirmed: At the start of Church that day, we started off after worship with a prayer asking the Lord to resurrect us, awaken us, restore us to His life and power. Awesome! God wants us to know that there is one Spirit, one mind, and one Body.
We also read John 11 that day, were Lazarus is resurrected. And we talked about how this raising foreshadowed Jesus' own rise from the grave. We talked about how Jesus' miracle here pointed to His own future glory. Below is what we went over in Church--John 11:41-44 . Talk about confirmations! Our God is so, so good.
So they took away the stone. And Jesus lifted up His eyes and said, Father, I thank You that You have heard Me.
Yes, I know You always hear and listen to Me, but I have said this on account of and for the benefit of the people standing around, so that they may believe that You did send Me [that You have made Me Your Messenger].
When He had said this, He shouted with a loud voice, Lazarus, come out!
And out walked the man who had been dead, his hands and feet wrapped in burial cloths (linen strips), and with a [burial] napkin bound around his face. Jesus said to them, Free him of the burial wrappings and let him go.
(Amplified version)
Wednesday, February 4, 2015
Spiritual Weight: The Bad
In the last week of doing street ministry, we've begun seeing a new thing. During prayer, some people will experience a 'heaviness' in the injured part of their body just prior to full healing. This heavy sensation comes after pain leaves, but before strength and range of motion are totally restored. This past Friday, I was praying for a young man with wrist pain and after awhile this heaviness just came into his wrist. I had his hand in my hands, and it was so tangible. It left after a little while--it wasn't from God.
"To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified." Isaiah 61:3
This is what Jesus does. He takes away heaviness, He takes away our sadness. He casts out anything not for His purposes. He turns our oppression into a joyful procession. From Him is the authority, and to Him is the Glory.
"For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:30
If there is a heaviness oppressing us, then it is not of God. It is inherently against Him, and it is also usually against us. But Jesus paid the price to overcome these things. If we seek Him, He will also overcome them in our own lives.
If heaviness comes onto you, it's the manifestation of something that is already there. It's the manifestation of a spirit that is not of God. It may have just arrived, or it may be ready to leave. If it comes, cast it out! If it is leaving, close any open doors, especially doubt, through which it might try to return. Close them through repentance and submission to God. Be filled with the Spirit, and put on the armor of light. Nothing can stand in the way of these things! Nothing can separate us from God's love, and nothing can truly steal away His promises.
Deliverance comes when someone yields themselves to the truth. If we are gathered in His name, than anything with another name will scatter (Matthew 12:30). This is what we've seen in street ministry. That's when He sends His word and heals them (Psalms 107:20). That's when unclean spirits leave people --when God comes in and does the work. He wants to give us all the garment of praise. He wants to give us a light yoke, and impress onto us a lightness in our life.
"To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified." Isaiah 61:3
This is what Jesus does. He takes away heaviness, He takes away our sadness. He casts out anything not for His purposes. He turns our oppression into a joyful procession. From Him is the authority, and to Him is the Glory.
"For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:30
If there is a heaviness oppressing us, then it is not of God. It is inherently against Him, and it is also usually against us. But Jesus paid the price to overcome these things. If we seek Him, He will also overcome them in our own lives.
If heaviness comes onto you, it's the manifestation of something that is already there. It's the manifestation of a spirit that is not of God. It may have just arrived, or it may be ready to leave. If it comes, cast it out! If it is leaving, close any open doors, especially doubt, through which it might try to return. Close them through repentance and submission to God. Be filled with the Spirit, and put on the armor of light. Nothing can stand in the way of these things! Nothing can separate us from God's love, and nothing can truly steal away His promises.
Deliverance comes when someone yields themselves to the truth. If we are gathered in His name, than anything with another name will scatter (Matthew 12:30). This is what we've seen in street ministry. That's when He sends His word and heals them (Psalms 107:20). That's when unclean spirits leave people --when God comes in and does the work. He wants to give us all the garment of praise. He wants to give us a light yoke, and impress onto us a lightness in our life.
Sunday, January 25, 2015
Good Gates, Bad Gates
God has been teaching Vanessa and I about spiritual territories recently. He's been teaching us about their boundaries, their influences, and especially their gates. There are good and bad territories, and there are good and bad gates. These spiritual territories either belong to God as part of His Kingdom, or they belong to satan as an area of darkness.
These are not areas marked by physical boundaries or gates or fences. Instead, they are marked by rulers, authorities, and powers within this dark world and by spiritual forces in the next (Ephesians 6:12). Territories are either for or against Jesus--there is no middle ground. There is a constant battle at the gates--the Kingdom of Heaven versus the influences of hell.
"Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters." Matthew 12:30
As believers, we have been given spiritual authority to advance the Kingdom and push back darkness. We have been given power to pull down idols and spirits of idols. We have been given the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven. And we have been given the sword of the Spirit, which makes the enemy scatter and brings together the good. This is something Jesus referred to in Matthew 12:30 above. We have been given authority to prove God's cause and cast away anything that opposes it.
"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect." Romans 12:12
We need to learn "that which is perfect". We need to bring this weapon of truth out into the world. God can work through us to pull down the gates. We can dismantle the manifestations of wickedness which were birthed in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 6:12 again), and prevent these things from continuing to have their way with the earth and it's people. With His Spirit and His power, we can cast down anything contrary to God. We can prepare the way for the Kingdom. We can make way for the Lord, and usher in an environment where He can set up His Kingdom.
As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet: "A voice of one calling in the wilderness, 'Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.'" John 1:23
This is what John the baptist did, and this is what God wants us to do, each in their appointed way. Through our warfare we should be working through the territories of the enemy and bringing out from within us the Kingdom of God. We too can pave the way for the Lord. We too can push back the gates.
How do we do this? By words of faith and prayers in faith. It takes faith from God to see our words impact the spiritual world. It takes faith to move mountains, faith to move spiritual areas, and faith to remove ruling spirits. Faith is a gift that in itself gives us divine power.
"...for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God,.." 2 Corinthians 10:4-5
John by his words was speaking for the Holy Spirit. By his words, John the baptist was dismantling religious spirits and changing the spiritual climate in his area. He was fighting against the old way, against the established authorities, against anything that might set itself up against the true knowledge of God. The Light that he pointed towards destroyed hypocritical speculation and hardened hearts.
John himself was blessed by God to be used like He was. His life had such significance--it even served to forcefully advance the Kingdom. Through the spiritual fighting he did, even the darkness resisting Jesus suffered violence.
"From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force" Matthew 11:12
God wants to give us faith, authority, and boldness. He wants to give us divine power. He wants to make us more like Jesus. How? By giving to our lives the fullness of God. By giving to our words some of the power present within His. He wants us to speak with His authority. He wants His glory to back us. He wants to gift to us attributes, character traits, thoughts, prayers and mindsets that make us more like His Son.
We should be full of the power and force of God. We need to reach our potential in Christ Jesus. When were are full of spiritual gifts and spiritual tools from Him, then and only then can we be truly impacting in the spiritual realm. Only when we are full of His Spirit can we speak with enough power to push back darkness and advance the Kingdom.
"How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them; they will not be ashamed when they speak with their enemies in the gate." Psalm 127:5
These are not areas marked by physical boundaries or gates or fences. Instead, they are marked by rulers, authorities, and powers within this dark world and by spiritual forces in the next (Ephesians 6:12). Territories are either for or against Jesus--there is no middle ground. There is a constant battle at the gates--the Kingdom of Heaven versus the influences of hell.
"Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters." Matthew 12:30
As believers, we have been given spiritual authority to advance the Kingdom and push back darkness. We have been given power to pull down idols and spirits of idols. We have been given the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven. And we have been given the sword of the Spirit, which makes the enemy scatter and brings together the good. This is something Jesus referred to in Matthew 12:30 above. We have been given authority to prove God's cause and cast away anything that opposes it.
"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect." Romans 12:12
We need to learn "that which is perfect". We need to bring this weapon of truth out into the world. God can work through us to pull down the gates. We can dismantle the manifestations of wickedness which were birthed in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 6:12 again), and prevent these things from continuing to have their way with the earth and it's people. With His Spirit and His power, we can cast down anything contrary to God. We can prepare the way for the Kingdom. We can make way for the Lord, and usher in an environment where He can set up His Kingdom.
As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet: "A voice of one calling in the wilderness, 'Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.'" John 1:23
This is what John the baptist did, and this is what God wants us to do, each in their appointed way. Through our warfare we should be working through the territories of the enemy and bringing out from within us the Kingdom of God. We too can pave the way for the Lord. We too can push back the gates.
How do we do this? By words of faith and prayers in faith. It takes faith from God to see our words impact the spiritual world. It takes faith to move mountains, faith to move spiritual areas, and faith to remove ruling spirits. Faith is a gift that in itself gives us divine power.
"...for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God,.." 2 Corinthians 10:4-5
John by his words was speaking for the Holy Spirit. By his words, John the baptist was dismantling religious spirits and changing the spiritual climate in his area. He was fighting against the old way, against the established authorities, against anything that might set itself up against the true knowledge of God. The Light that he pointed towards destroyed hypocritical speculation and hardened hearts.
John himself was blessed by God to be used like He was. His life had such significance--it even served to forcefully advance the Kingdom. Through the spiritual fighting he did, even the darkness resisting Jesus suffered violence.
"From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force" Matthew 11:12
God wants to give us faith, authority, and boldness. He wants to give us divine power. He wants to make us more like Jesus. How? By giving to our lives the fullness of God. By giving to our words some of the power present within His. He wants us to speak with His authority. He wants His glory to back us. He wants to gift to us attributes, character traits, thoughts, prayers and mindsets that make us more like His Son.
We should be full of the power and force of God. We need to reach our potential in Christ Jesus. When were are full of spiritual gifts and spiritual tools from Him, then and only then can we be truly impacting in the spiritual realm. Only when we are full of His Spirit can we speak with enough power to push back darkness and advance the Kingdom.
"How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them; they will not be ashamed when they speak with their enemies in the gate." Psalm 127:5
Saturday, January 24, 2015
An Arrow From God
Last fall, God began directing our thoughts to a first true mission trip together. Since then, we have been slowly receiving direction regarding where we should go and when. I remember that He was speaking to us through symbolic arrows a lot in the beginning. God sends us places--whether literally or spiritually--with His momentum. He is the one who calls us to certain things and sends us to certain places.
God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: 'I AM has sent me to you.'" Exodus 3:14
Recently, the arrow theme has been brought up again. On the way down to Pinehurst, the Lord reminded us of our role as a tool, as an arrow in His hands. What a timely reminder!
So, God's likened this mission trip that Vanessa and I are on as an arrow sent from His bow. I believe this speaks of being sent with the "strong hand of God" upon us as seen in Ezekiel 3:14 . We both have felt impressed to wait on God to send us--that is, to wait until He gave us the push off to leave. Before we were to leave, He had to open the door and provide a springboard.
My glory will not fade; the bow will be ever new in my hand.' Job 29:20
God has a mandate for all of us. He has bent back His bow, and He will bend it back again. He has prepared and initiated a calling for all of us. For each believer, He has prepared a place that He wants to launch us into. He is ready to send us out with spiritual momentum. By His bow, we can be the arrow of truth and life that He initiates out into a new land. Are you ready for Him to release you? Are you ready for an open door? God is always sending out new things through people who can soar with His message.
"May the praise of God be in their mouths and a double-edged sword in their hands," Psalm 149:6
We need to be like Jesus. He was like a sword, like an arrow from God, and He delivered love and healing to the people. He cut to the heart of those around Him. He went out into the world with supernatural momentum, with a compassion that couldn't be suppressed or slowed down in any way. When God sends us out, we should be the move the same way. We should leave our resting place ready to go and labor for God. It's a labor of love. We need to go out only when we know that He is the One who's sent us. We need to be full of His Spirit and His power and not ever relent.
"And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high." Luke 24:49
God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: 'I AM has sent me to you.'" Exodus 3:14
Recently, the arrow theme has been brought up again. On the way down to Pinehurst, the Lord reminded us of our role as a tool, as an arrow in His hands. What a timely reminder!
So, God's likened this mission trip that Vanessa and I are on as an arrow sent from His bow. I believe this speaks of being sent with the "strong hand of God" upon us as seen in Ezekiel 3:14 . We both have felt impressed to wait on God to send us--that is, to wait until He gave us the push off to leave. Before we were to leave, He had to open the door and provide a springboard.
My glory will not fade; the bow will be ever new in my hand.' Job 29:20
God has a mandate for all of us. He has bent back His bow, and He will bend it back again. He has prepared and initiated a calling for all of us. For each believer, He has prepared a place that He wants to launch us into. He is ready to send us out with spiritual momentum. By His bow, we can be the arrow of truth and life that He initiates out into a new land. Are you ready for Him to release you? Are you ready for an open door? God is always sending out new things through people who can soar with His message.
"May the praise of God be in their mouths and a double-edged sword in their hands," Psalm 149:6
We need to be like Jesus. He was like a sword, like an arrow from God, and He delivered love and healing to the people. He cut to the heart of those around Him. He went out into the world with supernatural momentum, with a compassion that couldn't be suppressed or slowed down in any way. When God sends us out, we should be the move the same way. We should leave our resting place ready to go and labor for God. It's a labor of love. We need to go out only when we know that He is the One who's sent us. We need to be full of His Spirit and His power and not ever relent.
"And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high." Luke 24:49
Wednesday, January 14, 2015
Snapshot: Putting on The Armor
A few months ago, I felt the Lord leading me to pray for my spiritual armor everyday. To my regret, I haven't been completely faithful in this. I've since came to a heart change, and now pray into this and put on my armor everyday. To quote a commercialized catchphrase, the origin of which currently escapes me, "Oh, what a relief it is!"
"Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.
In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one."
Ephesians 6:13-16
The truth is that God has equipped us with our spiritual armor since the time we first believed--and perhaps before then, too. Heaven's reality says that our armor has been, is, and always will be in place. Why, then, do we need to constantly apply and reapply it? Why do we need to continually pray for something that has already been given to us?
The answer lies in renewing our minds. We need to come into agreement with God and the Light. Spiritually, we need to identify with Him. We need to clothe ourselves with His protective covering so that the enemy knows exactly who we belong to.
“Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land." Job 1:10
God has done this. He has put our spiritual armor on for us. In today's terms, He has placed around us a forcefield of spiritual safety. If we forget these things, though, then we are at risk. There is power in our thoughts, and there is even more power in our words. We need both of these to agree with God. We need both of these to know what God has given us.
So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, "If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free." John 8:31-32
Jesus said that hearing the truth is not enough. We need to know it! We need to know it and agree with God. Once we come into His knowledge with renewed minds, that's when the truth is activated in this world. That's when we are able to be made free. Once we confess with our words and know in our hearts (Romans 10:9), that's when our spiritual armor becomes more of a reality than this present life.
So, we agree with God that we have on His Armor. We take up the shield of faith, and use it to deflect and deny every message that satan tries to send us. And we surround our heads--our minds-- with the helmet of salvation, which is the Word of God. We meditate on the Word and think about God and His faithfulness.
This is how we resist the enemy. This is how we never lose the joy of our salvation. This is how we position ourselves for going from Glory to Glory! He wants to keep us in perfect peace (Isaiah 26:3), and with this armor He's made a way. God never gives any promise that we are unable to fulfill.
Confirmed: Last Sunday a church friend was led to share with Vanessa and I the importance of putting on our spiritual armor every single day. That was God's reminder to me!
Confirmed: Another reminder came through Rick Warren's daily devotional. I'm no longer subscribed via email, but these devotionals still manage slip through to my inbox occasionally. God's timing is so perfect! I received one called, "Fighting the Enemies of Good Intentions". The pieces were put together for me. The enemies here are the devil and his spiritual forces. We fight them with God's armor! It is our spiritual armor that allows us to retain good intentions. It is God's protection that allows us to seek Him and stay covered. It is His Armor that equips us to fight the enemy's evil with good.
"Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.
In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one."
Ephesians 6:13-16
The truth is that God has equipped us with our spiritual armor since the time we first believed--and perhaps before then, too. Heaven's reality says that our armor has been, is, and always will be in place. Why, then, do we need to constantly apply and reapply it? Why do we need to continually pray for something that has already been given to us?
The answer lies in renewing our minds. We need to come into agreement with God and the Light. Spiritually, we need to identify with Him. We need to clothe ourselves with His protective covering so that the enemy knows exactly who we belong to.
“Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land." Job 1:10
God has done this. He has put our spiritual armor on for us. In today's terms, He has placed around us a forcefield of spiritual safety. If we forget these things, though, then we are at risk. There is power in our thoughts, and there is even more power in our words. We need both of these to agree with God. We need both of these to know what God has given us.
So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, "If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free." John 8:31-32
Jesus said that hearing the truth is not enough. We need to know it! We need to know it and agree with God. Once we come into His knowledge with renewed minds, that's when the truth is activated in this world. That's when we are able to be made free. Once we confess with our words and know in our hearts (Romans 10:9), that's when our spiritual armor becomes more of a reality than this present life.
So, we agree with God that we have on His Armor. We take up the shield of faith, and use it to deflect and deny every message that satan tries to send us. And we surround our heads--our minds-- with the helmet of salvation, which is the Word of God. We meditate on the Word and think about God and His faithfulness.
This is how we resist the enemy. This is how we never lose the joy of our salvation. This is how we position ourselves for going from Glory to Glory! He wants to keep us in perfect peace (Isaiah 26:3), and with this armor He's made a way. God never gives any promise that we are unable to fulfill.
Confirmed: Last Sunday a church friend was led to share with Vanessa and I the importance of putting on our spiritual armor every single day. That was God's reminder to me!
Confirmed: Another reminder came through Rick Warren's daily devotional. I'm no longer subscribed via email, but these devotionals still manage slip through to my inbox occasionally. God's timing is so perfect! I received one called, "Fighting the Enemies of Good Intentions". The pieces were put together for me. The enemies here are the devil and his spiritual forces. We fight them with God's armor! It is our spiritual armor that allows us to retain good intentions. It is God's protection that allows us to seek Him and stay covered. It is His Armor that equips us to fight the enemy's evil with good.
Tuesday, January 13, 2015
Snapshot: A Dim Mirror For Now
A few days ago, God started doing a new thing in the visions He gives me. I think sometimes He likes to throw us off a little. Our ways are not His ways, after all (Isaiah 55:8) I started seeing words written in reverse, as if I was looking at them in a mirror. This happened a few times, and seemed to happen when I was praying for others. The fact that these words and phrases were written backwards baffled me for a little while. Then, I was praying for a friend and I saw another phrase drawn out in reverse:
"God conquers all"
So, I saw this being written out backwards, and finally I got it. The Father gave me enough wisdom to understand what He was saying... I realized that these words were going out to my friend as a message from God. I realized that The Lord was showing me the spiritual significance of my intercession for them. Through my prayers, a spiritual message was sent to this person from the Light. What was the message? That God conquers all!
And I realized that they would see this from their perspective as a message coming from the Lord. I realized that God was granting me a taste of the spiritual world in showing me that a message from Him was going out from my prayers.
In a way, my prayers--all of our prayers--are marked by the Lord as being sent from His Spirit. They come labeled with a message from God. What I've learned from these visions is a new conceptualization of prayer. I've realized that the receivers of our prayers are getting a message sent from us, to God, to them. God does this regardless of whether we perceive it or not (Isaiah 43:19).
"And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit..."
Ephesians 1:13
God gave me a glimpse of what prayer really looks like. I understood a small measure of what intercession actually did. The sender of God's goodness can indeed perceive power going out from Him. Jesus was finely in touch with this (Luke 8:46). I, on the other hand, still see dimly. I needed manufactured phrases to perceive that God was flowing prayerful power through me. Still, God is so faithful to help us understand a hidden concept. He is even willing to put the concept into English! His Spirit is teaching us new things.
The recipient of prayer receives a touch from God. They receive a message, from God, that often was distributed through the mind of someone else. They receive from God a message, in this case, that He conquers all. They receive His presence and His love as a reward. They may not understand this completely or be totally in touch with the spiritual world, but God works regardless!
"For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known." 1 Corinthians 13:12
Glory to God that if we believe, we will have whatever we ask for in prayer (Matthew 21:22). The answer may not be immediate. For now, we only see dimly. We have a conceptualization of the truth that has not yet reached fullness. We may not understand exactly what we're up against in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 6:12). But that's OK! Seeing in part is better than not seeing at all! I feel so blessed by the Lord for Him to have taught me so well already. I'm thankful to see in part.
But God can reveal more! God wants to reveal more! He wants to give us the Spirit of revelation. He wants to give us eyes to see. He wants to cut through any fog or confusion on our behalf. He wants us to be in tune with the spiritual, but more than that, in step with HIS Spirit. That's what keeps us safe. That's what marks us as His own. That's what seals us. The Lord is ready to show us more. Have we received from Him wisdom and the Love required to lead us into all truth?
"God conquers all"
So, I saw this being written out backwards, and finally I got it. The Father gave me enough wisdom to understand what He was saying... I realized that these words were going out to my friend as a message from God. I realized that The Lord was showing me the spiritual significance of my intercession for them. Through my prayers, a spiritual message was sent to this person from the Light. What was the message? That God conquers all!
And I realized that they would see this from their perspective as a message coming from the Lord. I realized that God was granting me a taste of the spiritual world in showing me that a message from Him was going out from my prayers.
In a way, my prayers--all of our prayers--are marked by the Lord as being sent from His Spirit. They come labeled with a message from God. What I've learned from these visions is a new conceptualization of prayer. I've realized that the receivers of our prayers are getting a message sent from us, to God, to them. God does this regardless of whether we perceive it or not (Isaiah 43:19).
"And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit..."
Ephesians 1:13
God gave me a glimpse of what prayer really looks like. I understood a small measure of what intercession actually did. The sender of God's goodness can indeed perceive power going out from Him. Jesus was finely in touch with this (Luke 8:46). I, on the other hand, still see dimly. I needed manufactured phrases to perceive that God was flowing prayerful power through me. Still, God is so faithful to help us understand a hidden concept. He is even willing to put the concept into English! His Spirit is teaching us new things.
The recipient of prayer receives a touch from God. They receive a message, from God, that often was distributed through the mind of someone else. They receive from God a message, in this case, that He conquers all. They receive His presence and His love as a reward. They may not understand this completely or be totally in touch with the spiritual world, but God works regardless!
"For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known." 1 Corinthians 13:12
Glory to God that if we believe, we will have whatever we ask for in prayer (Matthew 21:22). The answer may not be immediate. For now, we only see dimly. We have a conceptualization of the truth that has not yet reached fullness. We may not understand exactly what we're up against in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 6:12). But that's OK! Seeing in part is better than not seeing at all! I feel so blessed by the Lord for Him to have taught me so well already. I'm thankful to see in part.
But God can reveal more! God wants to reveal more! He wants to give us the Spirit of revelation. He wants to give us eyes to see. He wants to cut through any fog or confusion on our behalf. He wants us to be in tune with the spiritual, but more than that, in step with HIS Spirit. That's what keeps us safe. That's what marks us as His own. That's what seals us. The Lord is ready to show us more. Have we received from Him wisdom and the Love required to lead us into all truth?
Monday, January 12, 2015
Victory and Overcoming
As believers, we are in a battle. We are living in a land that is not our own. We are living in a constant battle, constantly warring and battling against the powers of this world. If we are not growing in our walk with the Lord, then we are at risk of missing out. We are opening the door to the enemy coming in and taking the Word out of our hearts.
"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."
Ephesians 6:12
We are fighting in this battle against the attempts of the enemy, which are meant to take us away from God. Satan is always at work trying to make us slip back to where we were. He is constantly trying to make us doubt God and believe a lie. He tries to wreck our bodies and our peace of mind--to kill, steal, and destroy (John 10:10).
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33
We are not immune from the sins of others or the schemes of the enemy. We are, in fact, destined to have trouble in this world. We are going to be fighting the enemy until the day we die. We won't be completely out of his reach until we die and get to heaven. Satan is intent on trying to cause even the strongest believers to fall away.
But Jesus has won the victory. He was tempted by the devil, but he came through it. He achieved the victory by living a sinless life, giving up Himself and conquering the grave. He embodied love and truth in everything He did.
Yesterday I received a vision where I placed a signet ring on my finger. The Father has often given me visions of signet rings as a form of encouragement as seen in Haggai 2:23. In this vision, though, there was a unique twist. I saw that on the top of the ring there was a small human figure with arms raised. I was given the 'knowing' to understand that this vision symbolized the Lord's opportunity to LIVE in victory.
Jesus was the first to be victorious, and He was the first to live life to the fullest. He came not to be served but to serve (Mark 10:45), but He still came out on the upside of everything He did. He lived with joy that couldn't be disrupted by chaos, and He lived through so much, yet never lost His peace (John 14:27).
And He died for our freedom. His sacrifices defeated the enemy once and for all. He set a template of perfection and showed us a way that we could respond to the world. He showed us how to make the most of every opportunity. Jesus Himself gave His authority to us, if we are indeed sons of God. Satan tried to make Him stumble again and again, but Jesus always came out victorious. And we now have a life to aspire to. We can commit our actions to the firstborn of many brethren (Romans 8:29), then observe as He takes us to that place of being His friend.
Thanks to Jesus, we've been made overcomers. The same Holy Spirit that animated Him is waiting inside us to respond perfectly to any and every situation. The sinless being that lived His life is living in us, too. So we can be victorious in every moment of our day! We can be victorious within our areas of influence and our families, and together form a band of overcomers.
There is power in numbers. A cord of three strands is not easily broken (Ecclesiastes 4:12).Within a band of believers is all the power that Jesus ever had. This was His doing--it was His choice to give us authority. King David loved to see believers band together (Psalms 133:1). He had experienced such a revelation of what happened in that type of meeting. He realized that overcoming could be found there. He realized that's when God comes in (Matthew 18:20), and that's when we wage war victoriously. He understood from experience that the body is where the Kingdom is built. This authority in Jesus is what causes us to overcome Hades and this world.
"I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it. "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven." Matthew 6:18-19
Confirmed: Later on in the day yesterday, a new word was released from the Elijah list--"Overcoming all in 2015" Below is an excerpt , in italics...with bolded parts for emphasis, of course.
Whether applied to our personal or corporate lives, there is a need for us to receive of the prophetic anointing to live overcoming lives. In this year be encouraged that God has only good plans in store.
God has called His people to ascend into the high places of His Presence. The enemy would have us stay "earth-bound" keeping us from soaring as eagles in prophetic vision and purpose, seeing from Heaven's view. Worship causes us to ascend in the Spirit experiencing the glory and Presence of God, also simultaneously filling out spiritual tanks to walk in victory.
I recently had a dream where a prophet was singing "Eagles fly and walk the earth" over and over again. The truth is we live in two different realms of existence. In the natural we walk the earth, and in the Spirit we soar and fly with a view being seated with Christ in heavenly realms. With this understanding, we must also arm ourselves with the truth that we need to fight through worship-warfare to take ground in the Spirit.
Here is an added dimension. Together as one body we can overcome, and we can use our spiritual gifts to do so. So let's eagerly desire the greater gifts and the spirit of prophecy(1 Corinthians 14:1)! Let's join together, with each living in His Victory. Let's do this until the point that we can testify that He's overcome the world. Let's be victorious in every moment over the enemy and his wishes for us to follow the flesh. Let's allow His Spirit to work through us and be achieve victory and peace in every single moment of our daily lives. In the midst of confusion and trouble, let's make overcoming our lifestyle.
"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."
Ephesians 6:12
We are fighting in this battle against the attempts of the enemy, which are meant to take us away from God. Satan is always at work trying to make us slip back to where we were. He is constantly trying to make us doubt God and believe a lie. He tries to wreck our bodies and our peace of mind--to kill, steal, and destroy (John 10:10).
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33
We are not immune from the sins of others or the schemes of the enemy. We are, in fact, destined to have trouble in this world. We are going to be fighting the enemy until the day we die. We won't be completely out of his reach until we die and get to heaven. Satan is intent on trying to cause even the strongest believers to fall away.
But Jesus has won the victory. He was tempted by the devil, but he came through it. He achieved the victory by living a sinless life, giving up Himself and conquering the grave. He embodied love and truth in everything He did.
Yesterday I received a vision where I placed a signet ring on my finger. The Father has often given me visions of signet rings as a form of encouragement as seen in Haggai 2:23. In this vision, though, there was a unique twist. I saw that on the top of the ring there was a small human figure with arms raised. I was given the 'knowing' to understand that this vision symbolized the Lord's opportunity to LIVE in victory.
Jesus was the first to be victorious, and He was the first to live life to the fullest. He came not to be served but to serve (Mark 10:45), but He still came out on the upside of everything He did. He lived with joy that couldn't be disrupted by chaos, and He lived through so much, yet never lost His peace (John 14:27).
And He died for our freedom. His sacrifices defeated the enemy once and for all. He set a template of perfection and showed us a way that we could respond to the world. He showed us how to make the most of every opportunity. Jesus Himself gave His authority to us, if we are indeed sons of God. Satan tried to make Him stumble again and again, but Jesus always came out victorious. And we now have a life to aspire to. We can commit our actions to the firstborn of many brethren (Romans 8:29), then observe as He takes us to that place of being His friend.
Thanks to Jesus, we've been made overcomers. The same Holy Spirit that animated Him is waiting inside us to respond perfectly to any and every situation. The sinless being that lived His life is living in us, too. So we can be victorious in every moment of our day! We can be victorious within our areas of influence and our families, and together form a band of overcomers.
There is power in numbers. A cord of three strands is not easily broken (Ecclesiastes 4:12).Within a band of believers is all the power that Jesus ever had. This was His doing--it was His choice to give us authority. King David loved to see believers band together (Psalms 133:1). He had experienced such a revelation of what happened in that type of meeting. He realized that overcoming could be found there. He realized that's when God comes in (Matthew 18:20), and that's when we wage war victoriously. He understood from experience that the body is where the Kingdom is built. This authority in Jesus is what causes us to overcome Hades and this world.
"I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it. "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven." Matthew 6:18-19
Confirmed: Later on in the day yesterday, a new word was released from the Elijah list--"Overcoming all in 2015" Below is an excerpt , in italics...with bolded parts for emphasis, of course.
Whether applied to our personal or corporate lives, there is a need for us to receive of the prophetic anointing to live overcoming lives. In this year be encouraged that God has only good plans in store.
God has called His people to ascend into the high places of His Presence. The enemy would have us stay "earth-bound" keeping us from soaring as eagles in prophetic vision and purpose, seeing from Heaven's view. Worship causes us to ascend in the Spirit experiencing the glory and Presence of God, also simultaneously filling out spiritual tanks to walk in victory.
I recently had a dream where a prophet was singing "Eagles fly and walk the earth" over and over again. The truth is we live in two different realms of existence. In the natural we walk the earth, and in the Spirit we soar and fly with a view being seated with Christ in heavenly realms. With this understanding, we must also arm ourselves with the truth that we need to fight through worship-warfare to take ground in the Spirit.
Here is an added dimension. Together as one body we can overcome, and we can use our spiritual gifts to do so. So let's eagerly desire the greater gifts and the spirit of prophecy(1 Corinthians 14:1)! Let's join together, with each living in His Victory. Let's do this until the point that we can testify that He's overcome the world. Let's be victorious in every moment over the enemy and his wishes for us to follow the flesh. Let's allow His Spirit to work through us and be achieve victory and peace in every single moment of our daily lives. In the midst of confusion and trouble, let's make overcoming our lifestyle.
Sunday, January 11, 2015
Heart Matters or Mind Matters?
A few days ago, I was being going through a time of teaching and I felt like my mind was getting in the way of what God wanted to show me. It was like my thoughts and emotions were not agreeing with the truths He was revealing in my heart. Thankfully, after some moments of mental tug-of-war, the Lord delivered me out of this.
And I saw a vision that my heart had already been purified. It had already been cleansed and washed pure by the blood. I was in line with His Spirit, and my heart was crying out, "Father!" (Romans 8:15)
My mind, on the other hand, was still conforming to the world. It was getting in the way of Kingdom reality. It was not willing to go deeper into the word. I had become, to quote Bill Johnson again (his new book is great!), "intellectually offended". My mind was thrown into doubt because I could not logically conceptualize what the Holy Spirit wanted to show me.
Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things freely given to us by God, which things we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words. But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised. But he who is spiritual appraises all things, yet he himself is appraised by no one. For WHO HAS KNOWN THE MIND OF THE LORD, THAT HE WILL INSTRUCT HIM? But we have the mind of Christ.
And I saw a vision that my heart had already been purified. It had already been cleansed and washed pure by the blood. I was in line with His Spirit, and my heart was crying out, "Father!" (Romans 8:15)
My mind, on the other hand, was still conforming to the world. It was getting in the way of Kingdom reality. It was not willing to go deeper into the word. I had become, to quote Bill Johnson again (his new book is great!), "intellectually offended". My mind was thrown into doubt because I could not logically conceptualize what the Holy Spirit wanted to show me.
Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things freely given to us by God, which things we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words. But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised. But he who is spiritual appraises all things, yet he himself is appraised by no one. For WHO HAS KNOWN THE MIND OF THE LORD, THAT HE WILL INSTRUCT HIM? But we have the mind of Christ.
1 Corinthians 2:12-16
So we know that God knows all things. That's an awesome concept. The more God teaches us, the more we need to yield to His Spirit. The deepest revelations that God can give usually make the least sense along natural lines. Just look at the Book of Revelation itself, for example! We need to acquire a heavenly wisdom and heavenly truth. And praise God we already have this, but in order to access it we need to yield to Him. We need to yield our preconceived ideas and our own opinions. We need to give up the worldly wisdom that we thought we had.
For the wisdom of this world is foolishness before God. For it is written, "He is THE ONE WHO CATCHES THE WISE IN THEIR CRAFTINESS"; and again, "THE LORD KNOWS THE REASONINGS of the wise, THAT THEY ARE USELESS." So then let no one boast in men. For all things belong to you.
1 Corinthians 3:19-20
So let's give up the hindrances within our minds. Friendship with the world is contrary to God, and so is adapting the mindsets of the world (James 4:4) We also need to give up our fear. God won't despise us for coming to Him with a broken spirit (Psalms 51:17). We need to give up our worries and live in the moment. Change can and often does cause fear and worry, but we need to respond to the Lord's teachings in faith. As Jesus would say, "Why are you so afraid?" (Matthew 8:26). The one who can accept a new message should accept it. (Matthew 19:12) Lord, let me be that one!
Sometimes revelation can be scary. Sometimes a new thing can be perceived as impure, only because of it's novelty. Sometimes we doubt that God is faithful, if we ask for a gift of revelation, to give us that rather than a snake (Luke 11:11). Sometimes we need to receive faith to accompany our gifts.
"So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." Romans 10:17
The more faith we have, the more we can hear Him. And the more He can teach us. And the more He can share wisdom. We need to receive new wineskins to accommodate these gifts (Matthew 9:17)
When He gives revelation, we make sure it testifies to Jesus, then we accept it in our hearts. Don't let your mind overshadow the Divine Mind of God!! Don't let your idea of spirituality limit His Spirit. Don't let where you're at currently detract from where He wants to take you.
It's time to get ourselves out of God's way. It's time to discern with a softened heart and guidance from His Spirit. It's time to stop judging based on the inhibitions of our human minds. It's time to take God for His Word and be conformed to the world no longer (Romans 12:2). Let's be taken together into a place where fresh revelation and the spirit of wisdom are plentiful (Ephesians 1:17)
Confirmed: Later on in the day when God gave me this vision, I was reading a Joyce Meyer book called, "Battlefield of the Mind". In it she emphasized being led by your HEART, not by your mind or doubts. If we have received from the Father a softened heart, then our heart's feelings are what we need. We don't need to go by our minds, which are so vulnerable to the lies of the our accuser.
Confirmed: Several messages recently have come to me that stress the importance of our hearts. From Facebook memes--yes, God can work through Facebook--to the forums over at the Quickened Word, God has been faithful to keep confirming to me His original message.
Confirmed: A good friend sent me an email that included a prayer for forgiveness, again, on the very same day that I received the vision. I don't actually get emails like this very much. Below are a few short excerpts, in italics. I bolded the most confirming parts.
Meditate on the truth of who God is and who you are in Him:
Take into your heart and spirit scriptures about God's forgiveness, mercy, grace, and love. Psalm 103 is a good place to start.
Take an objective view of your past to learn from your failure. What did you learn about yourself and God through this experience?
Allow God to expose the wound for His healing touch, and refuse the attempts of the accuser and destroyer to harass you anymore, because the King of glory stands as your Defender and Advocate.
...Thank You that You control me, not my emotions or what others say or do. I receive all Your blessings for my life and give You all praise, honor, and glory.
God makes the best stories, He paints the best pictures, and He teaches the best teachings. He is teaching us new things. Will we receive them. Let's pray ourselves into alignment with the Word:
"I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better." Ephesians 1:17
Wednesday, January 7, 2015
Snapshot: Power Like Lightening
Jesus came set people free. He came to destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8). How does He do it? By the power of the Holy Spirit. By power like lightening. God's power is mighty beyond our comprehension, and used for the pulling down of strongholds (2 Corinthians 10:4). It is used for setting the oppressed free. God is the only person entitled to put on a show.
"The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free..." Luke 4:18
Many people out there are just looking for a flash of light. They are looking for the power of Jesus, they just don't know it yet. So many are led astray by false religions. And so many are led astray by their own pride...they have a form of godliness, but deny it's power (2 Timothy 3:5). Thankfully, though, there are many who will be saved who have not yet been taken to that point. These people are in need of a demonstration of God's power. They need to find the truth, and they need the One true God to take them there. Only the force of God can break through the powers of darkness that exist between us and God.
The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.”
He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on
snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However,
do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”
Luke 10:17-20
As Christians, we are responsible to play a part in this. We have been given the power and authority of God. And we need to use it to destroy whatever might get between others and God. Are you willing to do God's work and release others from the enemy's oppression? Then you need God's power and the full force of His Spirit. Are you willing to pay the price for it? There was a wonderful confirmation of this thematic message on the Quickened Word recently. I won't link to it here. Just know that if you haven't already, you really should check this website out!
"I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high." Luke 24:49
Jesus told His disciples to stay within themselves until they received power from Heaven. This is so telling--we need His power to accomplish anything meaningful for Him. No amount of our hard work can meaningfully touch others. Our effort cannot heal hearts or bodies. But God within us can. He wants to give us power like lightening.
"The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free..." Luke 4:18
Many people out there are just looking for a flash of light. They are looking for the power of Jesus, they just don't know it yet. So many are led astray by false religions. And so many are led astray by their own pride...they have a form of godliness, but deny it's power (2 Timothy 3:5). Thankfully, though, there are many who will be saved who have not yet been taken to that point. These people are in need of a demonstration of God's power. They need to find the truth, and they need the One true God to take them there. Only the force of God can break through the powers of darkness that exist between us and God.
The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.”
He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on
snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However,
do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”
Luke 10:17-20
As Christians, we are responsible to play a part in this. We have been given the power and authority of God. And we need to use it to destroy whatever might get between others and God. Are you willing to do God's work and release others from the enemy's oppression? Then you need God's power and the full force of His Spirit. Are you willing to pay the price for it? There was a wonderful confirmation of this thematic message on the Quickened Word recently. I won't link to it here. Just know that if you haven't already, you really should check this website out!
"I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high." Luke 24:49
Jesus told His disciples to stay within themselves until they received power from Heaven. This is so telling--we need His power to accomplish anything meaningful for Him. No amount of our hard work can meaningfully touch others. Our effort cannot heal hearts or bodies. But God within us can. He wants to give us power like lightening.
Tuesday, January 6, 2015
Snapshot: The Sun, Our Shield
Ever since mid December, the Lord has given so many themes pointing towards the Sun and Shield.
"For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless." Psalm 84:11
I read Psalm 84 on January 2nd, after hearing such themes for over one week. God led me to it. We know that the Sun (Son) is Jesus, and the shield is God's Love and His presence. The shield is dependant on faith (Ephesians 6:16), but the Sun isn't. Jesus is our mediator, and even if we are faithless, He will remain faithful (2 Timothy 2:13)! Jesus is Immanuel, God with us, and He will always be proven faithful. He is the one who searches and rescues the lost, and He is the one who helps those who have wandered off.
""But for you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings. And you will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture." Malachi 4:2
Jesus gives us the chance for healing. In Him we are made righteous, pure, and physically whole. All this has already been entrusted to us through Jesus's sacrifice. He has risen from the dead, and that same resurrection power is now at work within us to protect our souls and our bodies.
But there is an enemy here. Satan would have us forget our true identity. He wants us to become unaware of the promises God has given us--the tremendous inheritance He's prepared for every believer. The enemy can and sometimes does manage to steal away our view of Jesus. If Jesus is the Sun, then satan comes with dark clouds that make our connection to God unsure.
So we need have God Himself to protect us. He is our shield, and we come to Him by faith. We ask Him for spiritual safety, and then receive it. With faith in God, we will be protected by the enemy and accurately see what Jesus has for us. Have faith. Take refuge. Don't allow the enemy to disturb your peace. God wants to restore to us the joy of His salvation. Look to His Son and His shield!
Confirmed: A couple days after reading Psalm 84, I was in Joshua 10. My eyes were drawn to a subtitle called, "The Sun Stands Still". My mind automatically related "The Sun" to Jesus. And I realized that Jesus is willing to stand still for us. He is willing to slow down, and not pass us by. He is so willing to have mercy on His sheep, and He will stand still if they stumble. And they may stumble, but they will not fall (Psalms 37:24).
"For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless." Psalm 84:11
I read Psalm 84 on January 2nd, after hearing such themes for over one week. God led me to it. We know that the Sun (Son) is Jesus, and the shield is God's Love and His presence. The shield is dependant on faith (Ephesians 6:16), but the Sun isn't. Jesus is our mediator, and even if we are faithless, He will remain faithful (2 Timothy 2:13)! Jesus is Immanuel, God with us, and He will always be proven faithful. He is the one who searches and rescues the lost, and He is the one who helps those who have wandered off.
""But for you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings. And you will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture." Malachi 4:2
Jesus gives us the chance for healing. In Him we are made righteous, pure, and physically whole. All this has already been entrusted to us through Jesus's sacrifice. He has risen from the dead, and that same resurrection power is now at work within us to protect our souls and our bodies.
But there is an enemy here. Satan would have us forget our true identity. He wants us to become unaware of the promises God has given us--the tremendous inheritance He's prepared for every believer. The enemy can and sometimes does manage to steal away our view of Jesus. If Jesus is the Sun, then satan comes with dark clouds that make our connection to God unsure.
So we need have God Himself to protect us. He is our shield, and we come to Him by faith. We ask Him for spiritual safety, and then receive it. With faith in God, we will be protected by the enemy and accurately see what Jesus has for us. Have faith. Take refuge. Don't allow the enemy to disturb your peace. God wants to restore to us the joy of His salvation. Look to His Son and His shield!
Confirmed: A couple days after reading Psalm 84, I was in Joshua 10. My eyes were drawn to a subtitle called, "The Sun Stands Still". My mind automatically related "The Sun" to Jesus. And I realized that Jesus is willing to stand still for us. He is willing to slow down, and not pass us by. He is so willing to have mercy on His sheep, and He will stand still if they stumble. And they may stumble, but they will not fall (Psalms 37:24).
Monday, January 5, 2015
Snapshot: Binding and Loosing
How do we pray? God teaches us how to pray. Often in street ministry God will speak to me and tell me how to intercede for people. Over time I've noticed that these directed prayers combine two different steps. God will instruct me to pray against something, and then pray for something from Him to be brought in. For example, I might be told to pray against someone's judgmental attitude and for the healing of their family relationships. Now, I don't know these people, nor do I usually talk to them, but I just have to take my guidance by faith. His sheep hear His voice.
In the spiritual world, there are both Godly and ungodly forces. Remember, whoever is not for Jesus is against Him (Matthew 12:30). When praying, God will lead to dictate accordingly. This takes two steps, like I said above--binding and loosing. We need to pray against the forces of darkness and have God eliminate them, and then we need to pray for good things and have God give them. This is what it means to bind and loose.
Of course, we need to be led in this. We should only bind things that are bound in Heaven, and we should only loose things that are loosed in Heaven. How do we know the reality that exists in Heaven? We don't-- but God does. We need to be close enough to Him so that we can be led by His Spirit and discern His voice. He will tell us what it's like where He is--His Spirit will search this for us and reveal to us just what we need to know (1 Corinthians 2:10).
So we need to identify how our current reality differs from that in Heaven. And we need to pray for God to bring in complete alignment! We need to pray His Kingdom come. Let's bind what is not for Him, and loose what pleases Him. This is our spiritual warfare.
Confirmed: Two days ago I had an opportunity to do some street ministry in an absolutely packed grocery store. I was in Heaven!! This isn't just entertainment--it helps me believe and gives me God's purpose. Anyways, God had me intercede for some people that I didn't get a chance to talk to. He was having me do just what I've described in this post--first praying against darkness, and then praying into the Kingdom. The more you are operating in faith, hope and Love, the more rewarding this is. Wigglesworth said that you only need a touch from Jesus to have a good time.
Right after this errand we got back into the car and I resumed reading Bill Johnson's new book. He was talking about binding and loosing...how in the past he would bind the oppressors, but then mistakenly not loose anything! As a result, his prayers seemed to lack the power that he felt like they should have.
As believers, as sons of God, we have been given spiritual authority. Our words have power, and binding and loosing are the commands of Heaven! These two phrases contain power to restrain the enemy and release angel armies. There is power of life and death in our tongue (Proverbs 18:21). There is power to build up and to tear down according to the prayers we pray. As Christians we need to step into the will of God through targeted prayer. We need to work on behalf of His Kingdom! Let's allow Him to give us a heart for intercession.
In the spiritual world, there are both Godly and ungodly forces. Remember, whoever is not for Jesus is against Him (Matthew 12:30). When praying, God will lead to dictate accordingly. This takes two steps, like I said above--binding and loosing. We need to pray against the forces of darkness and have God eliminate them, and then we need to pray for good things and have God give them. This is what it means to bind and loose.
Of course, we need to be led in this. We should only bind things that are bound in Heaven, and we should only loose things that are loosed in Heaven. How do we know the reality that exists in Heaven? We don't-- but God does. We need to be close enough to Him so that we can be led by His Spirit and discern His voice. He will tell us what it's like where He is--His Spirit will search this for us and reveal to us just what we need to know (1 Corinthians 2:10).
So we need to identify how our current reality differs from that in Heaven. And we need to pray for God to bring in complete alignment! We need to pray His Kingdom come. Let's bind what is not for Him, and loose what pleases Him. This is our spiritual warfare.
Confirmed: Two days ago I had an opportunity to do some street ministry in an absolutely packed grocery store. I was in Heaven!! This isn't just entertainment--it helps me believe and gives me God's purpose. Anyways, God had me intercede for some people that I didn't get a chance to talk to. He was having me do just what I've described in this post--first praying against darkness, and then praying into the Kingdom. The more you are operating in faith, hope and Love, the more rewarding this is. Wigglesworth said that you only need a touch from Jesus to have a good time.
Right after this errand we got back into the car and I resumed reading Bill Johnson's new book. He was talking about binding and loosing...how in the past he would bind the oppressors, but then mistakenly not loose anything! As a result, his prayers seemed to lack the power that he felt like they should have.
As believers, as sons of God, we have been given spiritual authority. Our words have power, and binding and loosing are the commands of Heaven! These two phrases contain power to restrain the enemy and release angel armies. There is power of life and death in our tongue (Proverbs 18:21). There is power to build up and to tear down according to the prayers we pray. As Christians we need to step into the will of God through targeted prayer. We need to work on behalf of His Kingdom! Let's allow Him to give us a heart for intercession.
Thursday, January 1, 2015
When He rescues us from Lies
God is taking us into the fullness of the Truth. God wants us to see the world accurately, and to know how He thinks of things. What is the truth? The truth is that Jesus died to save us. The truth is that forgiveness always follows repentance. The truth is that God is good, and that He is faithful to love us.
"And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." John 8:32
This is spiritual milk, but we need to crave it nonetheless (1 Peter 2:2). If we really know the truth, God will take us unto spiritual maturity. If we retain Him in our knowledge, He will be faithful to take us from strength to strength.
But some things aren't so clear cut. Sometimes discerning the perfect will of God can be hard. We need to be given more faith before we can see more of what He sees. More faith is needed! So if we need to be given revelation, God first gives us greater faith.
Faith allows us to see more of what He sees. If I have great faith, I can see clearly, I can discern clearly, and I can prophecy clearly. Not all things are spiritual milk, but we still need to know how these things appear to God. Sometimes in struggling on spiritual meat, we will lose focus and forget the basics. And sometimes we fall out of faith.
Discernment can be a hard thing. Knowing His will can be very confusing, and can weaken our faith to the extent that we believe the truth to be a lie.
"Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter." Isaiah 5:20
This is what satan does, and this is what his followers do. This is what anyone, even a believer, can fall into when they lose faith. This is a result of spiritual warfare, and we need to combat it with the armor of God. We need to retain the shield of faith, and we need to look to God. With His protection, we WILL withstand the schemes of the enemy. We need a revelation from God to stay in the truth. We need Him to make the word real to us.
A few days ago I was being taken through all these things. Testing, testing testing...refinement, refinement, refinement.
"Although the Lord gives you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, your teachers will be hidden no more; with your own eyes you will see them." Isaiah 30:20
So God is faithful to take us out of that pit, that doubt and confusion that the enemy brings in. He is faithful to rescue. He is greater than our hearts, and He knows all things. Even if we are faithless, He is faithful (2 Timothy 2:13). That's a beautiful thing. God brought me to this passage of scripture, which I thought was so interesting. He really is greater than our thoughts. And our salvation truly is greater than our feelings.
Wherefore hear the word of Jehovah, ye scoffers, that rule this people that is in Jerusalem:
Because ye have said, "We have made a covenant with death, and with Sheol are we at agreement;
when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, it shall not come unto us; for we have made lies our
refuge, and under falsehood have we hid ourselves": therefore thus saith the Lord Jehovah,
"Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner -stone of sure
foundation: he that believeth shall not be in haste. And I will make justice the line, and righteousness
the plummet; and the hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters shall overflow the hiding-place.
And your covenant with death shall be annulled, and your agreement with Sheol shall not stand;
when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, then ye shall be trodden down by it."
Isaiah 28:14-18
Even when we align our thoughts with the enemies', even when we mistake light for darkness, God will break through. He is our strength, and He will be faithful to take us out of death. Even if we claim to be fallen, He will prove to us the truth. With the waters of His Spirit and with His truth, He will overcome the enemy. He will sweep away our negative strongholds and give us a firm foundation. He will annul our sin, our "covenant with death", and make our foundation stand firm in Jesus. Glory to God!
"And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." John 8:32
This is spiritual milk, but we need to crave it nonetheless (1 Peter 2:2). If we really know the truth, God will take us unto spiritual maturity. If we retain Him in our knowledge, He will be faithful to take us from strength to strength.
But some things aren't so clear cut. Sometimes discerning the perfect will of God can be hard. We need to be given more faith before we can see more of what He sees. More faith is needed! So if we need to be given revelation, God first gives us greater faith.
Faith allows us to see more of what He sees. If I have great faith, I can see clearly, I can discern clearly, and I can prophecy clearly. Not all things are spiritual milk, but we still need to know how these things appear to God. Sometimes in struggling on spiritual meat, we will lose focus and forget the basics. And sometimes we fall out of faith.
Discernment can be a hard thing. Knowing His will can be very confusing, and can weaken our faith to the extent that we believe the truth to be a lie.
"Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter." Isaiah 5:20
This is what satan does, and this is what his followers do. This is what anyone, even a believer, can fall into when they lose faith. This is a result of spiritual warfare, and we need to combat it with the armor of God. We need to retain the shield of faith, and we need to look to God. With His protection, we WILL withstand the schemes of the enemy. We need a revelation from God to stay in the truth. We need Him to make the word real to us.
A few days ago I was being taken through all these things. Testing, testing testing...refinement, refinement, refinement.
"Although the Lord gives you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, your teachers will be hidden no more; with your own eyes you will see them." Isaiah 30:20
So God is faithful to take us out of that pit, that doubt and confusion that the enemy brings in. He is faithful to rescue. He is greater than our hearts, and He knows all things. Even if we are faithless, He is faithful (2 Timothy 2:13). That's a beautiful thing. God brought me to this passage of scripture, which I thought was so interesting. He really is greater than our thoughts. And our salvation truly is greater than our feelings.
Wherefore hear the word of Jehovah, ye scoffers, that rule this people that is in Jerusalem:
Because ye have said, "We have made a covenant with death, and with Sheol are we at agreement;
when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, it shall not come unto us; for we have made lies our
refuge, and under falsehood have we hid ourselves": therefore thus saith the Lord Jehovah,
"Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner -stone of sure
foundation: he that believeth shall not be in haste. And I will make justice the line, and righteousness
the plummet; and the hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters shall overflow the hiding-place.
And your covenant with death shall be annulled, and your agreement with Sheol shall not stand;
when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, then ye shall be trodden down by it."
Isaiah 28:14-18
Even when we align our thoughts with the enemies', even when we mistake light for darkness, God will break through. He is our strength, and He will be faithful to take us out of death. Even if we claim to be fallen, He will prove to us the truth. With the waters of His Spirit and with His truth, He will overcome the enemy. He will sweep away our negative strongholds and give us a firm foundation. He will annul our sin, our "covenant with death", and make our foundation stand firm in Jesus. Glory to God!
Thursday, December 25, 2014
Snapshot: Fear Brings an Atmosphere Shift
In a previous post, Repentance Brings an Atmosphere Shift, I described at the end of the post how our mental state can influence the spiritual atmosphere around us. Those things that please God, whether repentance, or humility, or whatever else, allow God to work for us and shift our spiritual atmosphere into a good place. This place is the Kingdom of Heaven, and if are doing His, then the atmosphere of the Kingdom will surround us wherever we go.
So, "good" mindsets bring in the "good and perfect" things from Heaven. The reverse is also true--"bad" mindsets bring in darkness and lies from the enemy. These bad mindsets can be brought about by our physical circumstances, our spiritual circumstances, or both. When we encounter bad circumstances and lose faith, we risk entering into a vicious cycle where our foundation in God falls away.
I've found that the main reason we fall out of the Kingdom, out of that atmosphere where everything points to Jesus, is because of our own sin. Unrepentant sin blocks out our living in God's presence. One of the things that most quickly shifts our spiritual atmosphere downwards is the sin of FEAR.
"For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin." Romans 14:23
Fear is definitely not of faith. Fear represents a lack of trust in God. Fear cannot receive the perfect Love of God (1 John 4:18). Fear is sin, and left unchecked it will very quickly draw us out of His rest into a place where we are an easy target for Satan.
In a previous posts I've mentioned that the enemy can give messages in a similar way that God can. He too has a voice, an agenda, and a message to spread. When we fall into fear, we fall into his territory. And we may become convinced of his lies.
"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy..." John 10:10
This is satan's agenda. He is also a liar and the father of lies. He is deceitful and never gives the truth, and when we become fearful it is so easy for us him to plant seeds of doubt and unbelief into our minds. When you fall deeply into fear, the promises that God's given you can become quickly forgotten. Worse yet, they can become transformed into a web of lies where every confirmation God has shown becomes a sign of condemnation from the enemy. The Truth is that God has turned our darkness into light (Psalms 18:28)...but the enemy can get take you to a mentality where you fear God's Light is actually a place of evil and darkness. Satan is the first one to call evil good, and to call good evil (Isaiah 5:20)!
This may be hard to imagine without a practical example. A few days ago, I began hearing about the Freemason society. For the purposes of this blog, let's just say they are not of the Light. Since then I've been seeing the word "mason" more frequently. I've been hearing things in the news about satanic cults. I've even been getting mason's jars as gifts!
In addition, I see the number 33 all the time, especially on digital clocks. This number is something that God uses to remind me of good things (Jeremiah 33, for example), but that same number is very important to free masons. Oh no! It seems like the enemy would have me believe I'm destined to work for forces of darkness in the future. That shouldn't be a surprise; all satan does is pervert the truth. And as ridiculous as that lie may seem to me right now, if I happen to fall into fear I will very quickly become enslaved to it. I may even begin to forget God's promises and actually wonder if I'm supposed to be a freemason.
And that is exactly what the enemy wants. The more fearful we are, the more the true things of God become shrouded in the appearance of darkness by satan. And the true things of evil begin to masquerade as if they were from the Light (2 Corinthians 11:4). Not only does satan want us to think that God's Truth is in fact a lie, he wants us to accept lies as the truth. Lies that may seem ridiculous now can become paralyzingly real if we stay in fear for long.
Things get worse if we acknowledge these false realities as if they were true. Just as faith can allow God and His army to move, I believe fear and unbelief allow satan and his darkness to activate in our lives. Slowly but surely, living life in a fearful state can gradually bring us into a dark version of our previous reality, where there is no Love from God nor any hope. It is in this state that satan can actually actively influence us. This is when we may be tempted to lose hope, or to betray our faith in God for good.
Look at how often Jesus talked about fear. Both He and the many angels who appeared in the OT always warned the people not to be afraid. Why? Perhaps the presence of fear could actually manifest an increase in the powers of darkness. I believe that fear shifts the atmosphere into a place where we fall out of God's army and satan gains the upper hand. Fear can even hinder God's will from playing out as soon as it otherwise would. So let's counteract this by hanging on to the promises of God. Let's be strong and courageous (Joshua 1:9). And let's not be afraid, or dismayed (Deuteronomy 31:8). Take heart because Jesus is still on the throne. He is still in control, and He is for us.
But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." Matthew 14:27
So, "good" mindsets bring in the "good and perfect" things from Heaven. The reverse is also true--"bad" mindsets bring in darkness and lies from the enemy. These bad mindsets can be brought about by our physical circumstances, our spiritual circumstances, or both. When we encounter bad circumstances and lose faith, we risk entering into a vicious cycle where our foundation in God falls away.
I've found that the main reason we fall out of the Kingdom, out of that atmosphere where everything points to Jesus, is because of our own sin. Unrepentant sin blocks out our living in God's presence. One of the things that most quickly shifts our spiritual atmosphere downwards is the sin of FEAR.
"For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin." Romans 14:23
Fear is definitely not of faith. Fear represents a lack of trust in God. Fear cannot receive the perfect Love of God (1 John 4:18). Fear is sin, and left unchecked it will very quickly draw us out of His rest into a place where we are an easy target for Satan.
In a previous posts I've mentioned that the enemy can give messages in a similar way that God can. He too has a voice, an agenda, and a message to spread. When we fall into fear, we fall into his territory. And we may become convinced of his lies.
"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy..." John 10:10
This is satan's agenda. He is also a liar and the father of lies. He is deceitful and never gives the truth, and when we become fearful it is so easy for us him to plant seeds of doubt and unbelief into our minds. When you fall deeply into fear, the promises that God's given you can become quickly forgotten. Worse yet, they can become transformed into a web of lies where every confirmation God has shown becomes a sign of condemnation from the enemy. The Truth is that God has turned our darkness into light (Psalms 18:28)...but the enemy can get take you to a mentality where you fear God's Light is actually a place of evil and darkness. Satan is the first one to call evil good, and to call good evil (Isaiah 5:20)!
This may be hard to imagine without a practical example. A few days ago, I began hearing about the Freemason society. For the purposes of this blog, let's just say they are not of the Light. Since then I've been seeing the word "mason" more frequently. I've been hearing things in the news about satanic cults. I've even been getting mason's jars as gifts!
In addition, I see the number 33 all the time, especially on digital clocks. This number is something that God uses to remind me of good things (Jeremiah 33, for example), but that same number is very important to free masons. Oh no! It seems like the enemy would have me believe I'm destined to work for forces of darkness in the future. That shouldn't be a surprise; all satan does is pervert the truth. And as ridiculous as that lie may seem to me right now, if I happen to fall into fear I will very quickly become enslaved to it. I may even begin to forget God's promises and actually wonder if I'm supposed to be a freemason.
And that is exactly what the enemy wants. The more fearful we are, the more the true things of God become shrouded in the appearance of darkness by satan. And the true things of evil begin to masquerade as if they were from the Light (2 Corinthians 11:4). Not only does satan want us to think that God's Truth is in fact a lie, he wants us to accept lies as the truth. Lies that may seem ridiculous now can become paralyzingly real if we stay in fear for long.
Things get worse if we acknowledge these false realities as if they were true. Just as faith can allow God and His army to move, I believe fear and unbelief allow satan and his darkness to activate in our lives. Slowly but surely, living life in a fearful state can gradually bring us into a dark version of our previous reality, where there is no Love from God nor any hope. It is in this state that satan can actually actively influence us. This is when we may be tempted to lose hope, or to betray our faith in God for good.
Look at how often Jesus talked about fear. Both He and the many angels who appeared in the OT always warned the people not to be afraid. Why? Perhaps the presence of fear could actually manifest an increase in the powers of darkness. I believe that fear shifts the atmosphere into a place where we fall out of God's army and satan gains the upper hand. Fear can even hinder God's will from playing out as soon as it otherwise would. So let's counteract this by hanging on to the promises of God. Let's be strong and courageous (Joshua 1:9). And let's not be afraid, or dismayed (Deuteronomy 31:8). Take heart because Jesus is still on the throne. He is still in control, and He is for us.
But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." Matthew 14:27
Monday, December 22, 2014
How Many Messages?
When God speaks, He wants us to be sure. He wants to give us confirmations, so that we can discern more easily what is of Him. I've found that so many things God speaks are true on two levels. So many of His quickened, personalized messages point at two different things.
"One thing God has spoken, two things I have heard: 'Power belongs to you, God..." Psalm 62:11
"For God speaks in one way, and in two, though man does not perceive it." Job 33:14
"In your own Law it is written that the testimony of two witnesses is true." John 8:17
In other words, God is faithful to interpret any of His words for us. There is a fullness in any word, any direction, any conviction, that He gives! These things are from God, and every gift He gives is perfect (James 1:17). I think He enjoys speaking in double entendres. Jesus spoke in parables!
I'll give a real-life example. When God relays a theme to me, it may have both practical and spiritual messages. Or it might describe both the present time and some specific moment in the future. Or it might apply to myself, and to Vanessa. The list goes on, but God seems to nearly always gives me messages in twos. After all, the Word cuts both ways (Hebrews 4:12). Praise Jesus for speaking to us!
But there is another voice out there. The voice of doubt, fear, lies, confusion--call it what you want, I'll call it the voice of the enemy. Anything that isn't for His purposes is against Him (Matthew 12:30). This voice usually isn't a voice at all, but rather a dark web of half-truths that goes directly against the Love of God. This is the third voice--if the first two are of God, then this is the voice of doubt and darkness that asks us, "Did God really say?"
If Satan had his way, we would fall into doubt to the extent that we no longer believed in God's goodness. If the enemy convinced us of this lie, we would give up and be tempted to stop following God.
As an aside, "hearing" things other than the voice of our Lord doesn't mean you're crazy. Jesus never said we wouldn't hear other voices (John 10:5), though He promised we wouldn't know or follow them. We need to be close enough to our great Shepherd to identify His heart among all the chaos that the enemy would try to throw at us.
Anyways, my point is that satan has an agenda too. he too wants to give us messages, and convince us of his beliefs. he is also capable of planting ideas and impressing on us different things. satan can work through much of the same things that God can, including God's word (just look at how Jesus was tempted in the desert). The enemy, too, can give signs and leadings. How do we know the difference between what he gives us and what is actually from God? Praise God that there are a few clear distinctions:
1) Any message from God will be established by confirmations, and will often have more than one meaning in itself
2) Any message from God will be grounded in the Spirit of the Bible (God's Word)
3) Most of all, any message from God will be full of Love. God is Love (1 John 4:8). Now, within that Love might by exhortation or a warning to stay away from sin. But God is full of love and redemption, and it is not His will to condemn anyone.
Messages from the enemy are often not confirmed, neither by signs nor by other Christians. You usually have to be deep into fear in order to have Satan's lies perpetuated. More on this in a future post.
In the meantime, know that God is the One that has created every good thing. He is the one who has promised to guide us. With discernment, we can have confidence that we're in position to receive from the Lord every message and parable that He'd have us receive. Glory to God!
"Ask the LORD your God for a sign, whether in the deepest depths or in the highest heights." Isaiah 7:11
"One thing God has spoken, two things I have heard: 'Power belongs to you, God..." Psalm 62:11
"For God speaks in one way, and in two, though man does not perceive it." Job 33:14
"In your own Law it is written that the testimony of two witnesses is true." John 8:17
In other words, God is faithful to interpret any of His words for us. There is a fullness in any word, any direction, any conviction, that He gives! These things are from God, and every gift He gives is perfect (James 1:17). I think He enjoys speaking in double entendres. Jesus spoke in parables!
I'll give a real-life example. When God relays a theme to me, it may have both practical and spiritual messages. Or it might describe both the present time and some specific moment in the future. Or it might apply to myself, and to Vanessa. The list goes on, but God seems to nearly always gives me messages in twos. After all, the Word cuts both ways (Hebrews 4:12). Praise Jesus for speaking to us!
But there is another voice out there. The voice of doubt, fear, lies, confusion--call it what you want, I'll call it the voice of the enemy. Anything that isn't for His purposes is against Him (Matthew 12:30). This voice usually isn't a voice at all, but rather a dark web of half-truths that goes directly against the Love of God. This is the third voice--if the first two are of God, then this is the voice of doubt and darkness that asks us, "Did God really say?"
If Satan had his way, we would fall into doubt to the extent that we no longer believed in God's goodness. If the enemy convinced us of this lie, we would give up and be tempted to stop following God.
As an aside, "hearing" things other than the voice of our Lord doesn't mean you're crazy. Jesus never said we wouldn't hear other voices (John 10:5), though He promised we wouldn't know or follow them. We need to be close enough to our great Shepherd to identify His heart among all the chaos that the enemy would try to throw at us.
Anyways, my point is that satan has an agenda too. he too wants to give us messages, and convince us of his beliefs. he is also capable of planting ideas and impressing on us different things. satan can work through much of the same things that God can, including God's word (just look at how Jesus was tempted in the desert). The enemy, too, can give signs and leadings. How do we know the difference between what he gives us and what is actually from God? Praise God that there are a few clear distinctions:
1) Any message from God will be established by confirmations, and will often have more than one meaning in itself
2) Any message from God will be grounded in the Spirit of the Bible (God's Word)
3) Most of all, any message from God will be full of Love. God is Love (1 John 4:8). Now, within that Love might by exhortation or a warning to stay away from sin. But God is full of love and redemption, and it is not His will to condemn anyone.
Messages from the enemy are often not confirmed, neither by signs nor by other Christians. You usually have to be deep into fear in order to have Satan's lies perpetuated. More on this in a future post.
In the meantime, know that God is the One that has created every good thing. He is the one who has promised to guide us. With discernment, we can have confidence that we're in position to receive from the Lord every message and parable that He'd have us receive. Glory to God!
"Ask the LORD your God for a sign, whether in the deepest depths or in the highest heights." Isaiah 7:11
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