tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4688907297678713092024-03-04T20:50:31.103-08:00Voice of the Trumpet MinistriesCheck out new blog at www.voiceofthetrumpet.orgGary and Traci Carsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12456865281427269708noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-468890729767871309.post-59399096210641032522011-08-04T06:39:00.000-07:002011-08-04T06:50:04.657-07:00FOR NEW BLOG WRITINGS PLEASE CLICK LINK BELOW<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia;"><a href="http://www.voiceofthetrumpet.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CCFF;">www.voiceofthetrumpet.org</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CCFF;"> </span></span></span>Gary and Traci Carsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12456865281427269708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-468890729767871309.post-53635556722171794682010-12-11T14:52:00.000-08:002010-12-11T15:00:57.610-08:00The Soul-the Fulcrum of Life - by Traci Carson<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyeM72vzi9W11uCshMoFdgdGxuRWLeg_sqSbByPBBkDbSVCewK6xtJ51rx_DloVoMeWwrSHO4NWZ51ymVxJSTP-QlH7L-WRuBpTcDcdjteJga5Y4OlWrbBj_2Hv96IFt_wYotuRyyt3qI/s1600/Traci+Carson+%2528smaller+photo%2529.bmp"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 136px; height: 173px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyeM72vzi9W11uCshMoFdgdGxuRWLeg_sqSbByPBBkDbSVCewK6xtJ51rx_DloVoMeWwrSHO4NWZ51ymVxJSTP-QlH7L-WRuBpTcDcdjteJga5Y4OlWrbBj_2Hv96IFt_wYotuRyyt3qI/s320/Traci+Carson+%2528smaller+photo%2529.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549561922728053314" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><i style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);"><b><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;" >“Call to me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty </span></b></i><b style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;" ><i>things,“Call to me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you know not </i>(Jer.33:3)<i>.”</i></span></b></span><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >Father’s riches are unsearchable. Moment by moment He is unfolding His glorious ultimate intention to those who seek Him diligently (Heb.11:6). Presently He is revealing why His people have floundered about in their vision, perspective, calling and purpose for the last two millennia.</span></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >Our Lord is more interested in what is going on within us than what is going on around us. When the inside of man is taken care of, the outside automatically follows into His Divine order. The natural man works from the outside in, but the spiritual man understands that the Lord works from the inside (the spirit-man - the real man), through the soul (our mind, will and emotions) to the outside (our body).</span></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >Our spirit-man is the New Creation, born again by the Spirit of God. Our spirit-man has the capacity to hear and obey the voice of God, it is washed, sanctified, justified and glorified, it is a treasure in the vessel of our bodies, and it is empowered by the “Resurrection Power” of our God (1 Cor.6:11; 2 Cor.4:7;-18).</span></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >Time and again we have seen great men and women of God rise up and fall down. How can this happen? It doesn’t just happen without warning. It’s a click by click thing that takes place within the soul, destroying the destiny and purpose of an individual. If it came straight at us like a freight train we would see it, but when it’s click by click, here a little, there a little we don’t see it as easily do we? - Especially when we are busy “<i>doing</i>” rather than “<i>being</i>” in the character and nature of Christ through our doing.</span></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >Our Lord desires for every Believer’s soul and body to be strengthened with power by the Spirit within the spirit-man. We are three-part beings. We are Spirit beings with a soul, and we live in a body which is spiritually known as a tent (2 Pet.1:13,14). We are made in the image of God who is also a three-part being (Gen.1:26). He is a Three in One God. There is the Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit. He is One God, not three. Just as looking in the mirror you see one person, there is also the spirit and a soul that make up the person you are. </span></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >The problem with most of God’s people is they live from their soul and flesh rather than their spirit and therefore double-mindedness is the result (James 1:8). The Lord wants to dwell in all three realms of our being, not just one. His desire is to possess us, spirit, soul and body (1 Thess:5:23; 3 Jn.2; Rom.8:5-11).</span></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >In Revelation 3:20, Jesus says, </span><i><span style="font-size:130%;">“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock; if any man hear My voice, and opens the door, I will come in, and sup with him, and he with Me.”</span></i></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >The Lord is not talking to the world in this passage; He is talking to His people. He is knocking on the door to our soul. His goal is to be Lord over our mind (our reasoning and imagination), over our emotions (healing, peace, joy), and our will (our day to day decisions). He not only desires to live within us, but also fill us with all of His fullness. He has a deep desire to move from the inside to the outside. </span></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);"><span style="font-size:130%;"><i><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’ </span></i>(Matt.7:21-23)</span></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >For far too long the soul has flowed through the flesh as it worked the gifts of God. The gifts are given freely by Him, but the fruit must be grown, and it is grown as we allow His workings in our lives, it is grown by intimate fellowship with Him. It is here in this place of intimacy that we come to know Him and experience Him face to face. </span></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >The Lord allowed me to experience working through His gifts without Him for a very long and tormenting season. I was greatly disturbed by this and stopped. Ministry didn’t halt for me, I was in ministry and had responsibilities of ministry; however, the flow of His Spirit was not manifesting in my life and the temptation to flow from my flesh was smack in my face! What looked like failure and loss of anointing to some, and even to my self, was a vastly in depth working within my being for the greater works He has purposed for me.</span></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >Our spirit is automatically in line with God - our soul however must decide from moment to moment whether it will go with the desire of the flesh or the way of the Spirit. Our soul is the mediator between the spirit and flesh. When our soul (mind, will and emotions) follows the spirit-man - our body will follow. </span></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >Just as Jesus is the mediator between us and Father, so is our soul between our body and the spirit. There is no way that we can reach Father without Jesus. He is the only way to Father (Jn.14:6). There is no way our body can reach our spirit and line up with our spirit without the soul. The soul is the mediator. Our body is the physical manifest presence of our spirit and soul. The Holy Spirit is the physical manifest presence of the Father and the Son. </span></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);"><i><b><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >“Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal </span></b></i><span style="font-size:130%;">(2 Cor.4:16-18)<i><b>.”</b></i></span></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >The only way we can apprehend this most amazing and incredible reality is to comprehend the love of our Father. It is then that we are able to receive the gift of promise, which is the fullness of our God. It is ours, but condemnation has kept many from this promise.</span></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);"><i><b><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >“… For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things. Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God. And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight. And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment </span></b></i><span style="font-size:130%;">(1 Jn.3:20-23)<i><b>.”</b></i></span></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);"><i><b><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit </span></b></i><span style="font-size:130%;">(Rom.8:1)<i><b>.</b></i></span></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >The spirit of man knows that God doesn’t have love, He is Love. He never runs out of Himself, and never stops loving and giving Himself; however, the soul that follows after the things of the natural man often times builds a wall up that keeps “Himself” away from them. </span></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >Now before we go on here, I do realize there are those who control others in abusive and manipulative ways; in this case I’m not talking about controlling people, I’m talking about sound/mature people giving love. </span></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >Have you ever tried to love someone who refuses to be loved? You are gentle and kind, patient and giving, but they reject your kindness and wonder what hoops they have to jump through to please you, so therefore they reject what you’re giving. In case you don’t know what I mean by “hoop jumping”, it is likened to those little dogs you see in a circus show that jump through fiery hoops in order to get a treat from their master. This is what many do with Father; they reject His love and kindness. They reject His gift of promise by either jumping through hoops like a little doggy in hopes of being received or they may be fearful of rejection because they know they are a failure at performance, so why bother. </span></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >The gift of promise is free; although we must understand there are consequences for our lack of maturing our soul towards the things of the Spirit (3 Jn.2; 1 Thess.5:23; Heb.10:39). Just as a person who desires good physical shape needs to exercise their bodies daily, so it is in the spiritual. In the natural if we put a sweat band on around our head, sit down in front of the Television, and eat junk food while we watch “exercise shows”- nothing would happen would it? We may be given exercise equipment with attractive sweat gear, but if we don’t apply what’s been given we will never see the results, nor will we experience the joy of being physically strong and healthy. This isn’t hoop jumping, this is just called the reality of life. Some people are spiritual blobs and expect a magic wand to flow over them and change them instantly into His image. How nice that would be, however, that is not reality.</span></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >When we follow the principles of God, our soul and flesh are no longer in torment. Our spirit is automatically in line with God, even in tribulation and trials our spirit-man is full of peace and joy. This is why Apostle Paul says to <i>“Walk in the Spirit </i>(Gal.5:16). </span></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >In Psalms 42 David writes an incredible revelation that I don’t think he was fully aware of. At the time of his writing the soul was often spoken of as the spirit; however, at that time the spirit of man was not saved. As we read this Psalm we see David taking authority over his soul and commanding it to line up with God. </span></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >The following Scriptures point out the prophetic revelation given and the joy and peace that followed as they flowed with the Spirit of the Living God.</span></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" align="center"><i><b><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >As the deer pants for the water brooks,</span></b></i></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" align="center"><i><b><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" > So pants my soul for You, O God.</span></b></i></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" align="center"><i><b><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" > My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.</span></b></i></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" align="center"><i><b><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" > When shall I come and appear before God?</span></b></i></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" align="center"><i><b><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >My tears have been my food day and night,</span></b></i></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" align="center"><i><b><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" > While they continually say to me, </span></b></i></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" align="center"><i><b><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" > “Where </span></b></i></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" align="center"><i><b><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >is your God?” </span></b></i></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" align="center"><i><b><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" > When I remember these things,</span></b></i></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" align="center"><i><b><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" > I pour out my soul within me. </span></b></i></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" align="center"><i><b><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" > For I used to go with the multitude; </span></b></i></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" align="center"><i><b><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" > I went with them to the house of God, </span></b></i></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" align="center"><i><b><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" > With the voice of joy and praise, </span></b></i></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" align="center"><i><b><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" > With a multitude that kept a pilgrim feast. </span></b></i></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" align="center"><i><b><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" > Why are you cast down, O my soul?</span></b></i></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" align="center"><i><b><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" > And why are you disquieted within me? </span></b></i></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" align="center"><i><b><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" > Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him </span></b></i></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" align="center"><i><b><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" > For the help of His countenance.</span></b></i></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" align="center"><i><b><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >O my God, my soul is cast down within me;</span></b></i></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" align="center"><i><b><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" > Therefore I will remember You from the land of the </span></b></i></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" align="center"><i><b><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >Jordan</span></b></i></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" align="center"><i><b><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >, </span></b></i></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" align="center"><i><b><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" > And from the heights of Hermon, </span></b></i></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" align="center"><i><b><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" > From the Hill Mizar.</span></b></i></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" align="center"><i><b><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" > Deep calls unto deep at the noise of Your waterfalls;</span></b></i></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" align="center"><i><b><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" > All Your waves and billows have gone over me.</span></b></i></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" align="center"><i><b><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" > The LORD will command His loving-kindness in the daytime,</span></b></i></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" align="center"><i><b><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" > And in the night His song shall be with me— </span></b></i></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" align="center"><i><b><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" > A prayer to the God of my life. </span></b></i></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" align="center"><i><b><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" > I will say to God my Rock,</span></b></i></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" align="center"><i><b><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" > “Why have You forgotten me? </span></b></i></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" align="center"><i><b><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" > Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?”</span></b></i></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" align="center"><i><b><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" > As with a breaking of my bones,</span></b></i></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" align="center"><i><b><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" > My enemies reproach me, </span></b></i></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" align="center"><i><b><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" > While they say to me all day long, </span></b></i></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" align="center"><i><b><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" > “Where is your God?” </span></b></i></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" align="center"><i><b><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" > Why are you cast down, O my soul?</span></b></i></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" align="center"><i><b><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" > And why are you disquieted within me? </span></b></i></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" align="center"><i><b><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" > Hope in God; </span></b></i></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" align="center"><i><b><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" > For I shall yet praise Him, </span></b></i></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" align="center"><i><b><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" > The help of my countenance and my God.</span></b></i></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >In Luke 1:46, 47 Mary glorifies God by saying, <i><b>“My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior…”</b></i> Notice Mary says her spirit “has”, and she speaks “presently” of her soul. Our spirit always rejoices in the Lord; however, our soul must be taught and matured to follow the things of the spirit. Although I doubt Mary and David understood the fullness of their words, it is profoundly prophetic as they identified their soul lining up with the things of God. It’s easy for our soul to rejoice when we receive a blessing, but when going through difficult times it is a whole different story isn’t it?</span></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >We can go through healing and deliverance all day, all week long, but if we don’t understand the operation of the soul and how the flesh attempts to determine how the soul will flow, then healing and deliverance will never fully come into fruition. </span></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >We have seen incredible men and women of God pass away from deadly and debilitating diseases. These men and women have been beaten up horribly by condemnation. They have confessed, repented, and turned away from sin and continue being sick. They go deeper within examining, deeper beyond and no change in their physical condition. I believe we must come to a place where we know Father loves us, has healed us, and has forgiven us because we have humbly asked Him to. </span></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >When we have confessed our sins from the heart, turned from our sins, then we must have faith to know He isn’t making us beg. We are not beggars; we are the sons of God (Rom.8:12-14; Gal.5:18)! God forbid that any son of God pass away and have his brethren say, <i>“He didn’t have enough faith… he had hidden sin in his life… he gave up, etc. </i>Yes, there are those who would not repent, or turn away from; I’m not talking about such people, I’m talking about those who are upright in heart and love God with all their all their heart, with all their soul, with all their strength, and with all their mind, and love their neighbor as them self.</span></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >There is a rest in our Lord that some are coming into a fuller understanding of. They rest in His Love, Mercy and Grace. They don’t spit on His grace, but honor and respect His precious gifts. They know His Love experientially. When others accuse, they know His Truth and feeling toward them, and nothing can take that away from them. This pleases Father because they receive His gift without hoop jumping from the soul to the flesh, and the flesh to the soul, like the little dog jumping through the hoops with a spin, back and forth with the direction of the force exerted by another spin that never ends.</span></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >As we rest in His Love, Grace and Mercy, we know that when we do fall, and we will, it is His Love that pulls us up, heals our wounds, and encourages us to walk forth in and through the righteousness of Christ Himself, given to us from our Father by faith (Phil.3:9).</span></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >We must always remember that we are changing from glory to glory, we are not to remain the same. </span></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >“<i><b>All of us, as with an unveiled face, because we continue to behold in the Word of God as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are constantly being transfigured into His very own image in ever increasing splendor and from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit </b></i>(2 Cor.3:18 – Amp).<i><b>”</b></i></span></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >What I was yesterday is not who I am today, and what I am today is not what I will be tomorrow. </span></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >As we bring our soul into subjection to our spirit-man, the real man, we will come to realize the true peace and joy of knowing wholeness and power in His </span><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >One</span><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >ness; <span style="font-size:130%;">no longer double-minded, but whole with our spirit who is automatically in line with the Trinity and flowing together in unity likened to the image of the One True God. </span></span></p><p><b><span style="color: rgb(199, 234, 251);font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" ><a href="http://www.voiceofthetrumpet.org/">www.voiceofthetrumpet.org</a></span></b></p>Gary and Traci Carsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12456865281427269708noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-468890729767871309.post-10620083085468730092010-11-08T13:05:00.000-08:002010-11-08T13:08:20.622-08:00As We Forgive Our Debtors - by Doug Fortune<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQb2O5sX8pfWysNJL9W9-AkeWsil2UYZ3wWqNgOrA93gnStbAkCdIMfP5j_pzOa2SF06BTbo7ZkFIrNHCPsRZUI0N5neST3Ixu0pD_7R8ouVvzVshOw0cpR6mjREvEct0bLXAP_m3gC6Y/s1600/dougkellie.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 171px; height: 216px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQb2O5sX8pfWysNJL9W9-AkeWsil2UYZ3wWqNgOrA93gnStbAkCdIMfP5j_pzOa2SF06BTbo7ZkFIrNHCPsRZUI0N5neST3Ixu0pD_7R8ouVvzVshOw0cpR6mjREvEct0bLXAP_m3gC6Y/s320/dougkellie.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537288546358085778" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><p style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 12pt; color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="c5" align="left"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;" >"And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors."<br /><br />Forgiveness... it is not just a word, not just a good idea, not just something we are supposed to do. We can know for sure that forgiveness must be of great importance because Jesus reiterates and clarifies the subject a few verses later in Matthew 6:14-15, "For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."<br /><br />I believe that forgiveness is a spiritual force. Perhaps it is a spiritual force as strong as faith. Allow me to explain... The word translated as "forgive" is aphiemi in Greek, its' meanings include- to send away, to bid going away or depart, to send forth, yield up, to expire, to let go, let alone, let be. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <table style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="MsoNormalTable" align="right" border="1" cellpadding="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="padding: 0.75pt; width: 131.25pt;" width="175"> <p style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><b><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;" >Let this life-transforming truth just soak into your spirit for a moment!... Forgiveness takes a specific debt that has already manifested and sends it away, causing it to cease to exist! </span></span></b></strong></span><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;" ><o:p></o:p></span></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table> <p style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 12pt; color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="c5" align="left"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;" >Now then, we know that faith reaches into the realm of possibilities and causes a specific possibility to manifest. "NOW FAITH is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses]." (Hebrews 11:1 Amplified Bible) In other words, faith takes things that are NOT seen and makes them a reality.<br /><br />Forgiveness works exactly the same, only the other way around. Forgiveness takes a specific debt that has already manifested- a sin, a hurt, an offense, and sends it away, causing it to cease to exist. In other words, forgiveness takes things that ARE seen and makes them a non-reality. "As far as the east is from the west, so far hath He removed our transgressions from us." (Psalms 103:12) Forgiveness and faith are the cornerstones upon which all of Christianity is built!<br /><br />Let this life-transforming truth just soak into your spirit for a moment!... Forgiveness takes a specific debt that has already manifested and sends it away, causing it to cease to exist!<br /><br />This is SO extremely important because there is one thing in life we can absolutely count on- "...It is impossible but that offenses will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come!" (Luke 17:1) Yes, offenses WILL come... And they usually come at the most in-opportune times and through the people closest to you!<br /><br />The word translated as "offenses" is skandalon in Greek, its' meanings include- the movable stick or trigger of a trap, a trap stick, a trap, snare, any impediment placed in the way and causing one to stumble or fall. offense is a trap, and many live their lives struggling in the all-consuming trap of offense.<br /><br />Why do I say that offense is an all-consuming trap? Because often those who are offended easily are the same ones who seem to offend others easily, thus a vicious cycle is perpetuated. Also those who operate in the principal of offense even take up the offenses of others and make them their own. Offense is a principality of the mind that can permeate and damage all our relationships. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <table style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="MsoNormalTable" align="right" border="1" cellpadding="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="padding: 0.75pt; width: 131.25pt;" width="175"> <p style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><b><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;" >If He could forgive us, we can forgive others. Why do I say that?... If Christ is IN us, then His forgiveness is IN us also. </span></span></b></strong></span><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;" ><o:p></o:p></span></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table> <p style="margin-bottom: 12pt; color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;" ><br /><br />I believe that the root of offense is SELF... After all, I deserve better, and they should know that!<br /><br />I once found myself in the situation of having made some major decisions based upon information and agreements made with a friend of mine. Soon I found that through unexpected and extenuating circumstances much of the information was incorrect and also the agreements were not kept. I had already made major changes based upon those decisions, and there was no going back now. I comforted myself with the truth that Father is sovereign in all things and I told myself that I was not offended... at least that's what I told myself.<br /><br />It's hard for "spiritual" people to admit that we are offended. After all, how "un-spiritual" is being offended?... Certainly not me!... No, it is righteous indignation! Yeah, right.<br /><br />So I let it brew under the surface, and for a long time. Then one day it all came boiling over and I gave them a "piece of my mind." As I really "let them have it" my words were met with a blank stare... they had no idea what I was talking about. That person had no recollection of any of the things I brought up. They hadn't lost a wink of sleep over my "issues." Now, don't sit there smirking too much. Something similar has probably happened to you also!<br /><br />Needless to say it would have been pretty difficult for me to keep holding on to things that the other person was not even aware of. At that point, I threw up my hands and said, "OK God, I get the message!"<br /><br />How many of us go through our entire lives holding on to offenses that the "offender" is not even aware of? Don't fall into the trap of offense! Offense restricts our ability to move on, to move forward. Offense is a cancer, a silent killer.<br /><br />Just listen to the way the word "offense" rolls off your tongue. What does it sound like?... "a fence." Too many are "fenced in" by offense! Father did not design us to live as prisoners inside the fence of offense. Fences take away our freedom, they keep us bound within confines. Fences also do not let other people in. Just ponder the spiritual parallel for a moment... Ask Father if the "fence" of offense is there in your heart. I know that there will be some who are offended by my mere suggestion that there might be offense in their heart. The first step in any healing is admitting that there is a problem.<br /><br />For the most part, offended people fall into two categories- those who believe they were treated wrong, and those who really were treated wrong. The actual facts, whether one really was treated wrong, or whether one believes they were treated wrong, is of little consequence in the devastating effects of offense. Even if it is all in your head and nobody actually treated you bad, if you believe it, you empower it.<br /><br />The only cure for offense is for it to be removed from your heart... The only cure for offense is forgiveness. Remember, forgiveness takes a specific debt that has already manifested- a sin, a hurt, an offense, and sends it away, causing it to cease to exist. Forgiveness takes things that ARE seen and makes them a non-reality.<br /><br />Keep in mind that forgiveness does NOT mean that what the other person did was really ok. It doesn't mean that they are "getting away" with it. It DOES mean that you are releasing yourself from the prison of offense. The question is not whether they deserve to be forgiven... the question is, how long do you want to be in the prison of offense? Don't wait for the other person to ask for forgiveness. Don't let them be the one who holds the key to your prison cell. You can't move forward in your relationship with Father if you are holding on to bitterness and unforgiveness.<br /><br />Jesus felt everything you are feeling, and much worse on the cross. His response was, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." (Luke 23:34) If He could forgive us, we can forgive others. Why do I say that?... If Christ is IN us, then His forgiveness is IN us also.<br /><br />"Ok, Doug, I get it... I know I need to forgive. So give me something practical to help me DO it!" Although not exhaustive, here are some pointers I picked up from a friend on the "how to":<br />1. Prayer, lots of it! Ask Father to make His forgiveness flow through you. Let Father show you the other person through His eyes.<br />2. Do not hang on to the "victim" syndrome, don't wallow in self pity. You are not a victim, you are an overcomer!<br />3. If possible, surround yourself with those who love and respect you. Be a part of a body of believers that can encourage and support you.<br />4. Rid yourself of bitterness and anger that can build a "protective wall" so NO ONE can get in to hurt you again.<br /><br />The bottom line is this- forgive even if the other person has no remorse!<br /><br />In pursuing forgiveness there is rule of thumb we would be wise to observe. In fact, chances are that at some time in your life you have seen a sign on a fence that says, No Dumping! This is especially true when breaking out of the "fence" of offense- No (spiritual) Dumping!<br /><br />I still vividly remember many years ago how wonderful this particular church service was going. Our pastor had spoken on offense and forgiveness, and there seemed to be such a wonderful release in the Spirit. At the end of the message there was a time for people to pray publicly or something like that. At any rate, a dear brother came up to me, as I was in the front area of the sanctuary. He proceeded to tell me (in the microphone in front of the whole church) how greatly offended he had been with me and how he had been harboring resent and ill feelings for months... but now he was forgiving me. I stood there stunned, as I had absolutely no idea what he was talking about, I had no recollection of any incident that had happened.<br /><br />You see, it was all in his mind... and it should have stayed there! He basically took all his "spiritual garbage" and dumped it all on me. Of course he felt much better. I felt rotten, and I felt rotten towards him!<br /><br />Don't let dealing with your offense become an offense to someone else!<br /><br />Here's the rule of thumb- If it is an offense where both parties are aware of the circumstances and both parties are involved, then go to the other person and make it right. If you are offended and the other person has no idea of it, then just deal with it between you and Father. Don't be a spiritual "dumper!"<br /><br />Forgiveness is perhaps one of the strongest spiritual forces that there is. Remember, forgiveness takes a specific debt that already exists- a sin, a hurt, an offense- and sends it away, causing it to cease to exist. Forgiveness takes things that ARE seen and makes them a non-reality.<br /><br />I believe that the power of forgiveness can change the world. The power of Father's forgiveness toward us in the sacrifice of His Son has already changed the world. Imagine the glory of that same power of forgiveness being released through many "sons"... "For it became Him, for Whom are all things, and by Whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory..." (Hebrews 2:10)<br /><br />This is such a huge issue that Jesus charges us, "Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained." (John 20:23) The power of forgiveness! This is the ministry He has given us, "...and hath given to US the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the WORLD unto Himself, NOT IMPUTING their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto US the word of reconciliation." (2 Corinthians 5:18-19) If Father does not impute trespasses... why should we?<br /><br />Forgiveness... not just a word, not just a good idea, not just something we are supposed to do.... it is the spiritual force that changes the world! </span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;color:blue;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:Arial;font-size:11;color:blue;" ><span style="font-size:130%;"><a style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" title="http://www.inchristinternational.com/" href="http://www.inchristinternational.com/"><span title="http://www.inchristinternational.com/"><span title="http://www.inchristinternational.com/">http://www.inchristinternational.com/</span></span></a></span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>Gary and Traci Carsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12456865281427269708noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-468890729767871309.post-24800865226761910462010-11-08T13:02:00.000-08:002010-11-08T13:04:49.547-08:00Rise Up and Come Away - by Wade Taylor<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5LU8w2vNti5WvffnUIux-ekLPw6zuIL_FzGklJb1PnydV5J5usne2Z0ARblpMsILZ38m9exveuhoq-FLl-c-VG-W6i03VI8SijYoRTxbzK6IunrQ5cUlnEpy_teQFNo2wz2J-sDyIQTA/s1600/tn_Wade+Taylor.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 156px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5LU8w2vNti5WvffnUIux-ekLPw6zuIL_FzGklJb1PnydV5J5usne2Z0ARblpMsILZ38m9exveuhoq-FLl-c-VG-W6i03VI8SijYoRTxbzK6IunrQ5cUlnEpy_teQFNo2wz2J-sDyIQTA/s320/tn_Wade+Taylor.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537287602810880066" border="0" /></a><br /><b> <span style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);">“</span></b><span style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);">…</span><b style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);">For, lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone; the flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land; the fig tree puts forth her green figs, and the vines with the tender grape give a good smell. Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away.”</b><span style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);"> Song of Solomon 2:10-13</span><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);"><span style="font-size:100%;">During the time in which we live, an urgent, present Word from the Lord is going forth. He is saying to those who have a spiritual ear to hear: <i>“I am separating to Myself all those who are willing to be made ready to have a part with Me in that which I am about to do. Therefore, arise and come away with Me</i>.”</span></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" align="center"><i><b><span style="font-size:100%;">The winter is past, the rain is over and gone</span></b></i></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);"><span style="font-size:100%;">A season of spiritual barrenness has given way to an outpouring of the Holy Spirit which came as rain. This “<i>former rain</i>” (<i>Pentecostal, Charismatic visitation</i>) was given to prepare the way for an end-time “<i>visitation</i>” of the Lord to His people – “<i>the former rain, and the latter rain, in the first month</i>.”</span></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);"><b><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></b></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);"><b><span style="font-size:100%;">“Be glad then, you children of Zion, and rejoice in the Lord your God: for He has given you the former rain moderately, and He will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain, in the first month. And the floors shall be full of wheat, and the vats shall overflow with wine and oil.”</span></b> Joel 2:23-24</p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);"><span style="font-size:100%;">This time of visitation is bringing a flow of spiritual revelation, understanding, and moving of the Holy Spirit. All who rightly respond to this time of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit are experiencing a higher level of spirituality and anointing (<i>the floors full of wheat and the fats overflowing with wine and oil</i>).</span></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" align="center"><i><b><span style="font-size:100%;">The Flowers Appear on the Earth</span></b></i></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);"><span style="font-size:100%;">This visitation of “<i>rain</i>,” is causing choice sons (<i>spiritually mature overcomers</i>) to become a vibrant, visible witness (<i>flowers appearing</i>) for the Lord throughout the earth. Much is being accomplished through the building up of His Body.</span></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" align="center"><i><b><span style="font-size:100%;">The Time of the Singing of Birds is Come</span></b></i></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);"><span style="font-size:100%;">As a part of this increased spirituality, a higher level of worship is being made available to the Body of Christ. This “<i>singing of the birds</i>” (<i>prophetic worship <u>in harmony</u></i>) is the key that is unlocking the door to the heavenly realm (<i>Zion</i>).</span></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" align="center"><i><b><span style="font-size:100%;">The Voice of the Turtle is Heard in our Land</span></b></i></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);"><span style="font-size:100%;">As a result of this higher level of worship, the “<i>voice of the turtledove</i>” (<i>prophetic revelation</i>) is bringing forth a progressive unfolding of the Word of the Lord concerning His “<i>end-time</i>” purpose and the establishing of His Millennial</span></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" align="center"><i><span style="font-size:100%;">The knowledge of the Lord</span></i></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" align="center"><i><span style="font-size:100%;">Shall fill all the earth</span></i></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" align="center"><i><span style="font-size:100%;">When the Spirit of the Lord shall fall</span></i></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" align="center"><i><span style="font-size:100%;">It shall flow as a river</span></i></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" align="center"><i><span style="font-size:100%;">It shall fall as the rain</span></i></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" align="center"><i><span style="font-size:100%;">It shall rise as the dawn</span></i></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" align="center"><i><span style="font-size:100%;">In glory ore the land</span></i></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);"><span style="font-size:100%;">A vast new realm of spiritual life and experience is coming into view as being presently attainable to those who are <u>seeking</u> to go beyond their present spiritual experience.</span></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" align="center"><i><b><span style="font-size:100%;">The Fig Tree Puts Forth Her Green Figs</span></b></i></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);"><span style="font-size:100%;">Though yet a green fig, Israel is aggressively asserting itself. The entire world is aware of the presence and importance of Israel. Those who pray for Israel will be rewarded by the Lord; those who oppose will be judged.</span></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" align="center"><i><b><span style="font-size:100%;">The Vines with the Tender Grape Give a Good Smell</span></b></i></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);"><span style="font-size:100%;">A remnant within the Church is beginning both to experience and to express the spiritual life and ministry that the Lord desires. Those in whom the Spirit of the Lord is moving can truly testify, “<i>The winter is past, the vines with tender grapes are giving a good smell - for we were changed when the rain fell upon us, and now His life is flowing through us</i>.”</span></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);"><span style="font-size:100%;">At this present time, a people are being called out from the world into the Church. Great blessing and growth is taking place in the Church through this outpouring of the Holy Spirit. At the same time, there is another call going forth from the Lord to those who have responded to this deeper working of the Holy Spirit. They have become intensely spiritually hungry, and are being called apart to the Lord Himself.</span></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);"><span style="font-size:100%;">To these He is saying, “<i>Rise up and come away with Me</i>.” Those who hear and respond are being called into a realm of spiritual identity and function with the Lord Himself, in which they are becoming the expression of His life and purpose.</span></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);"><span style="font-size:100%;">The pressure to participate in various legitimate activities, either church or secular, often beckons loudly to those who are finding this new and richer experience in the Lord. They struggle with the question of priorities, as they feel the many valid claims upon their time and energies, but at the same time, they intensely desire to come into all that the Lord is revealing to them.</span></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);"><span style="font-size:100%;">The Lord is revealing Himself as standing outside of the door of all this activity, <i>knocking</i>, due to the urgency of this present time. He is saying:</span></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);"><b><span style="font-size:100%;">“Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with Him, and He with Me.”</span></b> Revelation 3:20</p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);"><span style="font-size:100%;">There is a price to enter into His highest and best. As we come apart to sup with our Lord, expressing our spiritual hunger and need to him, He will exhort us to “…<i>buy of Me gold tried in the fire, that you may be rich; and white raiment, that you may be clothed</i>….” (Revelation 3:18).</span></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);"><span style="font-size:100%;">This is a call to rise above our being satisfied with all of the provisions and blessings that He amply gives, and to come into an experience of spiritual identification and fellowship with the Lord Himself.</span></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);"><span style="font-size:100%;">John heard this call. A door opened in heaven and he heard a voice as a trumpet (<i>prophetic revelation</i>) talking with him, which said:</span></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);"><b><span style="font-size:100%;">“</span></b>…<b>Come up here, and I will show you things which must be hereafter. And immediately I was in the Spirit: and behold, a throne was set in heaven, and One sat on the throne.”</b> Revelation 4:1-2</p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);"><span style="font-size:100%;">There is much that the Lord desires to reveal concerning things to come; but notice that He did not place the emphasis on these things. The revelation that follows is of the Lord Himself in all of His Glory, with the overcoming Church caught up to His Throne.</span></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);"><b><span style="font-size:100%;">“And He that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like to an emerald.”</span></b> Revelation 4:3</p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);"><span style="font-size:100%;">Today, there are manifold demands upon our time. Let us again meditate upon the true purpose for this challenge, “<i>My Beloved spoke, and said to me, Rise up, My love, My fair one, and come away</i>” (Song of Solomon 2:10).</span></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);"><span style="font-size:100%;">This call that is presently going forth from the Lord is for those who are willing to pay the price by overcoming all that is less than His best, and rise into the place of identity with Him in His Throne.</span></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);"><span style="font-size:100%;">Jesus said, “<i>And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Me</i>” (John 12:32).</span></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);"><span style="font-size:100%;">Here, those who respond will be qualified to rule with the Lord in the closing out of this Age, and in the establishing of the Age to come.</span></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);"><span style="font-size:100%;">Let us be careful both to hear and to heed all that the Lord is saying to us at this present time.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.wadetaylor.org/">http://www.wadetaylor.org/</a></span></p>Gary and Traci Carsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12456865281427269708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-468890729767871309.post-22881850640782512042010-10-02T06:00:00.000-07:002010-10-17T17:07:51.423-07:00"Unbridled" by John L. Moore<div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-78439259"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" ><b>"We are entering a season of unbridled power."<br /></b></span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-78439262"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" ><b>Chuck Pierce, Sept. 8, 2010<br /><br /></b></span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-78439264"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" > </span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-78439265"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" ><b>"If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his<br /></b></span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-78439268"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" ><b>tongue but deceives his own heart, this man's religion is worthless." James 1:26<br /><br /></b></span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-78439270"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" > </span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-78439271"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" ><b>"Now if we put the bits into the horses' mouths so that they may obey us, we direct their entire body as well." James 3:3.</b></span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-78439273"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" > </span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-78439274"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >________________________________________________________<br /><br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-78439275"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNF__eIjxLT80XwDj81cDck7zHIK2C1Iuhqvty4sUdxMBlnXqyymTVcWNK-qgCOSqCSNASNIin38QV-nEEDpHpMvaPxlfhzBfodLB0__M2godcDkBJfxvem63MV5Jt0QesRnYkhC8tWQw/s1600/dad2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 217px; height: 205px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNF__eIjxLT80XwDj81cDck7zHIK2C1Iuhqvty4sUdxMBlnXqyymTVcWNK-qgCOSqCSNASNIin38QV-nEEDpHpMvaPxlfhzBfodLB0__M2godcDkBJfxvem63MV5Jt0QesRnYkhC8tWQw/s320/dad2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529170799625505058" border="0" /></a></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-78439277"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >I make no clai</span><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >ms of being a master horseman, just a fair-to-middlin' badlands cowboy, but I know some r</span><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >eal horsemen and I disagree with them somewhat on the matter of bits.<br /></span><br /></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-78439280"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" > </span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-78439281"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >For those of you wh</span><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >o </span><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >don't know, bits come in many forms, shapes, sizes and functions. Most trainers begin with an O-ring snaffle and progress slowly through a series of mouthpieces -- shanked snaffle, low-ported curb, grazing bit, and others -- until they find a mouthpiece the horse adapts to best, or, they adapt a horse to the ultimate bit, a Spanish spade of which there are several varieties.<br /><br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-78439282"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" > </span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-78439283"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >My horses have always "told" me that they hate bits, and yet, they are required as a training tool.<br /><br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-78439284"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" > </span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-78439285"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >The Law is our early bit. It jerks our head around when we want to go our own way. In other words, the Law "plow-reins" us. Gradually, we learn to respond to the Spirit and the Lord can "neck rein" us. Instead of being forcibly pulled we respond to a slight push. There are important spiritual lessons in this.<br /><br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-78439286"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" > </span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-78439287"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >Horses and horsemanship seem to carry important messages at this time. A number of people I know have been having dreams or visions about horses, and red horses in particular. Interestingly, Secretariat's nickname was "Big Red."<br /><br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-78439288"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" > </span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-78439291"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" > </span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-78439292"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >Paul Keith Davis has been teaching all year on the spiritual messages found in the life of the great race horse, Secretariat. If you have not heard any of these messages I would invite you to go to <a href="http://whitedoveministries.org/" class="userlink">whitedoveministries.org</a> and purchase the teaching, Destiny of a Generation, or read his August newsletter. Secretariat, physically, had an unusually large heart, yet this mountain of horseflesh, this was controlled by an O-Ring snaffle, one of the mildest of bits. Yet, I would say there is even a higher way.<br /><br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-78439293"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" > </span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-78439294"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >Recently I purchased a Bitless Bridle for my good young gelding, Simon. A Bitless Bridle is a new concept, it is not similar to a bosal or mechanical hackamore, and Simon, who has a very sensitive mouth, responds to it well though he will require more schooling with a bit to develop his skills first. Yet, as I said earlier, I am convinced horses hate bits, but the good ones learn to tolerate them. To cowboys, bits are all to often simply a symbol of pride and well-crafted ones may cost a thousand dollars each.<br /><br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-78439295"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" > </span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-78439296"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >Still, there is a higher way yet, and that is being "unbridled." (See Chuck Pierce quote above.)</span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-78439297"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" > </span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-78439298"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >If we learn to allow the Spirit to control our mind and tongue we change from being plow-reined to neck-reined. The more we respond to the slightest pressure of the Spirit the less necessary pressure becomes. When the "mouth" is sanctified the bit is no longer required and we move into a "bitless" bridle because there is still need for control over our head (mind.)<br /><br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-78439299"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" > </span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-78439300"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >When our head (mind) is in synch with our Master we are allowed to be "unbridled."</span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-78439301"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" > </span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-78439302"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >One friend recently sent me the link below then quickly two confirmations came: one, a magazine I occasionally write for has this horsewoman on the cover this month and it sits on the desk here beside me, and, two, another prophetic intercessor emailed me to say she'd watched this performance below recently.<br /><br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-78439303"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" > </span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-78439304"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >Watch and enjoy this brilliant example of communication between horse and rider, then stop and consider; imagine yourself as the horse and the Holy Spirit as the rider.<br /></span></div><div id="ctrl-78439305"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" > </span></div><div id="ctrl-78439306"><span style="color: rgb(31, 73, 125);font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;" > </span><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;" ><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-7v8Ck1crg" class="userlink">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-7v8Ck1crg</a><br /><br /></span></div><div id="ctrl-78439308"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;" > </span></div><div id="ctrl-78439309"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;" > <a href="http://www.johnlmoore.com/" class="userlink">www.johnlmoore.com</a></span></div>Gary and Traci Carsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12456865281427269708noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-468890729767871309.post-8205814767927242562010-09-29T15:57:00.001-07:002010-09-29T16:01:04.821-07:00"Just How is God Changing the Church?"<p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >The following article by Bill Click is a present word that must be read carefully, not casually. </span></p><p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" > </span></p><p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >There are several people who felt Bill was saying that all large churches will be destroyed, that is not at all what he is saying here. Also, there was misunderstanding in all churches not having leaders; again, that is not what he is saying. </span></p><p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" > </span></p><p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >Sometimes I believe we need to read through things more than once to see what the Spirit of the Lord is saying to us. May this article bless you as it blessed Gary and I.</span></p><p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" > </span></p><p style="text-align: left; color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">Bless you all – Gary and Traci Carson</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><i><b><u><span style="font-family:Arial;"><br /></span></u></b></i></span></p><p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">_______________________________________________</span></p><p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><b><span style="font-family:Arial;"> </span></b></span></p><p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style="font-size:130%;"><img src="http://sitebuilder.vpweb.com/vp/util/image_preview.aspx?image_id=23580493&type=CustomerSiteUpload&trypng=1&width=126&croptop=0&cropleft=0&cropbottom=0&cropright=0" __objrefid="6" style="margin: 0pt 1.5em 7px 0pt; width: 126px; height: 159px; cursor: default; display: block; float: left; clear: none;" widget="image" /></span><span style=";font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;" >As the Body of Christ, we have been given the Spiritual capacity for Divine discernment. We now live with a better Covenant. Under the old, it was enough to know the times and what to do during them (1Chron.12:32). But now in the New, we are to know Christ Himself, <b><i>"who searches the hearts and knows what the mind of the Spirit is"</i> (Ro.8:27). </b></span></p><p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style=";font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;" > </span></p><p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style=";font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;" > Many have been proclaiming and praying for a "shift" for some years, but now that it is clearly emerging most are getting so thrown by its arrival they struggle to make any Divine sense of it whatsoever. And in such instances- we Christians- whenever not able to make sense of anything according to our preconceptions, we usually attribute it wrongly- either to the enemy, the economy, politics, or even the end times. </span></p><p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style=";font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;" > </span></p><p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style="font-size:130%;"><b><span style="font-family:Tahoma;">The Paradox of the Kingdom to be Embraced </span></b></span></p><p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style=";font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;" > </span></p><p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style=";font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;" >Here is a promise you can count on: God the Father is going to be continuing to allow, promote and even instigate continual changes which will confound the religious mind and absolutely and completely require the Church to rise up into her true Nature. This will neither slow nor stop taking place. if anything, it will accelerate and intensify. </span></p><p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style=";font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;" > </span></p><p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style=";font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;" >For years, we have been attempting to shape our surroundings to our liking, and conditions to our favor. The reason we have failed is that it is not God's plan. The Lord has allowed us to attempt many false options- all in the hope that we would turn to Him. The fallacy of fruitless workings have been taken away from many already, but for some they are being knocked out from underneath them at this time. For yet others this will occur at the time the "felt need" is most severe (causing the most disappointment & even disillusion). </span></p><p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style=";font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;" > </span></p><p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style=";font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;" >What can we do? As we continue through this process of the Lord, the Word of God that lives in us by the Spirit must become more alive to us as Christ's Body than ever before, especially when it comes to the reality of His sufficiency within, for and through us. </span></p><p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style=";font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;" > </span></p><p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style=";font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;" >As it says in <b>II Peter 1:3-4, <i>"His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust."</i></b> </span></p><p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style=";font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;" > </span></p><p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style=";font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;" >We know that it is not enough to declare or decree such a Scripture; it must be entered into by authentically possessing the promises released by the Spirit in the same way that actual faith carries Divine "substance." In other words, something must take place in the inner man which results in the actual mind of Christ being released through the Spirit (1Cor.2:6-16). </span></p><p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style=";font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;" > </span></p><p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style=";font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;" >It is always true, however (& sadly), that many will neither rightly perceive nor properly respond to the times we are going to be living in. Times which (by the grace & plan of God) are days determined by God to reveal Christ through His Church with greater power, purity and purpose than ever before. Times which- in all honesty- have already begun to unfold without our awareness, expectation or even desire. </span></p><p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style=";font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;" > </span></p><p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style=";font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;" ><b><i>"But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place. For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing; to the one an aroma from death to death, to the other an aroma from life to life. And who is adequate for these things? For we are not like many, peddling the word of God, but as from sincerity, but as from God, we speak in Christ in the sight of God"</i> (2Cor.2:14-17).</b> </span></p><p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style=";font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;" > </span></p><p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style=";font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;" >To this end the Word will become true for many, but in a different way than God's desired best. Instead, that "fragrance of life" that we have designed to become in Christ will instead actually be the "smell of death" to many Christians themselves, because they lack the discernment to determine that God will make a way to have his finest hour through them in the season when all those operating without His Grace will have their absolute worst. </span></p><p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style=";font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;" > </span></p><p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style=";font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;" >For years, I have believed that a true understanding of what is ahead in the Kingdom of God cannot be separated from the darkness becoming increasingly dark, and the light becoming increasingly bright. I have held my peace during seasons when "cutting edge" postmillenialists posing as Apostles have misinterpreted affluence and economic expansion as a sign of the Kingdom, waiting instead for the time to "the present truth" when it would make the most "sense" to the Body (II Pe.1:12). </span></p><p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style=";font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;" > </span></p><p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style=";font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;" >Timing IS everything, just ask God. He says <b><i>"there is a time for everything, a season for every activity under Heaven"</i> (Ecc.3:1).</b> And the time is coming when instead of the majority of North American Christians being affluent (or perhaps event solvent), they will become strapped like never before. Unfortunately, this is already taking place in spheres, and I wish it were not the case. But during such seasons, the tares will become more easily seen among the wheat. </span></p><p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style=";font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;" > </span></p><p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style=";font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;" >But until sifting of this degree takes place, we will neither export the true message, nor impart the true experience of Christ to those who have looked at the American church as their model for what Christianity is supposed to be (because of our resources). In actuality, we will then have to learn Christianity from those in the world who are far more deeply imbedded in it than we are, from those who have to live obediently to survive and thrive in the midst of lack, persecution, and continual uncertainty of all types. </span></p><p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style=";font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;" > </span></p><p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style=";font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;" >All that has now already begun to take place to shake apart all the false foundations, will be continued and intensified by the kindness of God (Ro.2:4). This, in order that we, the church, will receive "the whole counsel of God." Only then will we be able to model the life God intended and extend the life Jesus came to give. This, so that we authentically release it to mankind. But as this takes place, many will soon discover their Christianity has not been much more than an eternal fire insurance, or an attempt to perhaps have a better life, or even the means to escape social and psychological isolation and alienation through peer grouping to have a sense of belonging. </span></p><p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style=";font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;" > </span></p><p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style=";font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;" ><b><i>"At that time many will fall away and will betray one another and hate one another. Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many. Because lawlessness is increased, most people's love will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved. This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come"</i> (Mt.24:10-14).</b> </span></p><p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style=";font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;" > </span></p><p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style=";font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;" ><b>The Short Term Shift that will be felt in the Church </b> </span></p><p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style=";font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;" > </span></p><p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style=";font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;" >In years past, small ministries have looked to larger ministries in many ways. Even now, many smaller ministries want to emulate and draw from larger ones. This is understandable. Smaller churches have "needed" larger, more visible and significant ones for identity, resources, assistance, expertise, accountability and even fellowship. But this will begin shifting at a rapid pace that will not be able to be prevented, until many larger ministries will have to turn to the smaller ones for their own survival. </span></p><p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style=";font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;" > </span></p><p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style=";font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;" >How could this be? In the reasoning of our experience, this looks impossible, but remember: God the Father is going to be continuing to allow, promote and even instigate ongoing changes which will confound the religious mind and require the Church to rise up in her true Nature. For years, we have been attempting to shape our surroundings to our liking, and the conditions to our favor. That option has been taken away from many already, but for some it is being knocked out from under them at this time. For others it will become impossible at the time the "felt need" for it is most severe. </span></p><p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style=";font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;" > </span></p><p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style=";font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;" >By looking at the common way that ministries are structured, we can more easily understand how this can be. It is common for us to understand that most larger ministries (let's say: churches of 600 attendees or more, maybe less) are most heavily attended (supported) by the tithes and offerings of the people who stand to continually be those most financially affected in the days to come. </span></p><p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style=";font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;" > </span></p><p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style=";font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;" >For example: Those impacted the most by what will be taking place in our society will (continue to be) those most heavily invested in stocks, holdings, and even real estate ventures. We do not even need to comment on just how many local churches of size and influence are heavily endowed by a single or a small handful of such persons. This does not even yet take account the debt load of many ministries. As these "patron's" (let's call them) ability to contribute is continually adversely impacted, a process will unfold (that many already find themselves in the midst of): </span></p><p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style=";font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;" > </span></p><ol style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><li><span style=";font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;" >Ministry Mission has to take a back seat to debt servicing, then </span></li></ol><p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style=";font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;" > </span></p><ol style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><li><span style=";font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;" >Debt servicing becomes the focal point of the congregation's radar screen, meaning: nothing can be seen on the horizon of vision without first and foremost being filtered through debt and its threat, and </span></li></ol><p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style=";font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;" > </span></p><ol style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><li><span style=";font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;" >The ministry goes and stays in "crises mode" and the continual scenario is one of refinancing, begging, delaying, and defaulting. </span></li></ol><p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style=";font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;" > </span></p><p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style=";font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;" >Impossible, you say? </span></p><p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style=";font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;" > </span></p><p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style=";font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;" >The second most affected group of congregants will also be impacted by what will continue to take place in our society. 401K investments which will have shrunk, and corporate pensions that may become defaulted on- to the point the government cannot pay them. This may very well continue for a while. These 2 groups are part and parcel of the majority of significant members of church churches of practically any size. Decreased access to money, coupled with job loss, foreclosure (some already face all 3 of these maladies, even now, and many others soon will), and you have the vast constituency of tithes and offerings in any and almost every ministry being brought to a very low level. The result being a church that may not shrink in size, but will have only a fraction of its previous budget available to them. Impossible? </span></p><p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style=";font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;" > </span></p><p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style=";font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;" >Remember: God the Father is going to be continuing to allow, promote and even instigate ongoing changes which will confound the religious mind and require the Church to rise up in her true Nature. For years, we have been attempting to shape our surroundings to our liking, and the conditions to our favor. That crutch is being taken away. </span></p><p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style=";font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;" > </span></p><p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style=";font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;" >Many corporate leaders of larger ministries will not be able to make the shift, because they will not see the changes for what they truly are and their personal wineskin and organizational structures will not allow them to move into the new with God. The New? It will feature smaller ministries coming together to function more fruitfully than many larger ones, true unity due to authentic function prevailing over organizational emphases, and an increased recognition of true apostolic authority and cooperation because of more authentic relationships that will keep ministry properties from being lost to abandonment through secular capture or financial failure. </span></p><p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style=";font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;" > </span></p><p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style=";font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;" >Although there will be exceptions, it will be mostly through the smaller ministries that true "Apostles of the City" and "Territorial Sphere's of Influence" will be emerging, with survival becoming so important that some will release their pride long enough to suspend their "need to lead" so that the church truly move into the realm with God that was seen in its beginning. Why? </span></p><p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style=";font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;" > </span></p><p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style=";font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;" >Smaller ministries and their leaders will not be faced with as much debt. Moreover, some of those leading smaller ministries have been better prepared for such a season, having had to make more crucial survival decisions over the years. As a result, they will know how to park the ego, trim the fluff and not allow their pride and need for reputation to influence the way they allow themselves to be known and seen. Get ready. </span></p><p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style=";font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;" > </span></p><p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style=";font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;" >After all, it was under the absolute worst possible conditions that the Acts Church of Jerusalem manifested such a great move of the Spirit. But instead of our extremes and false understandings of "wealth transfer" and "blessing" as either a substitute or prerequisite for that, it will (thank God) again become more now as it was then: </span></p><p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style=";font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;" > </span></p><p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style="font-size:130%;"><b><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><i>"They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved"</i> (Acts 2:42-47).</span></b></span></p><p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style=";font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;" > </span></p><p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style=";font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;" ><b>A Call to Every Leader</b> </span></p><p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style=";font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;" > </span></p><p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style=";font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;" >My writing today is not intended to judge those whose ministries are large and unduly elevate those whose are not. It's entirely possible for those with little or no sphere of influence to be bound up in their ego, sense of self, etc. Conversely, many who are numerically fruitful may very well be so because they have submitted themselves to an extremely high degree, allowing God to give them increasing responsibility. </span></p><p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style=";font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;" > </span></p><p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style=";font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;" >What I am suggesting, however, is that whatever has happened to this point will not be enough to secure this new season, neither will God feel any sort of obligation to either loose people into greater ministry or sustain any existing ministry because of a need for the fabric of either of these to remain untorn. As the Holy Spirit says through Paul: </span></p><p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style=";font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;" > </span></p><p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style="font-size:130%;"><i><b><span style="font-family:Tahoma;">"Whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, and may be found in Him . . . the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith, that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead." </span></b></i></span></p><p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style=";font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;" > </span></p><p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style=";font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;" ><b><i>"Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that also to you"</i> (Php.3:7-15).</b> </span></p><p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style=";font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;" > </span></p><p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style=";font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;" >The Church is being called into the Kingdom like never before. We must enter into That Reign which is larger than our own, which is greater than our reputation and influence (whether these be large or small). The Church Christ is calling us to be is bigger than our congregations, affiliations, networks, denominations and present cooperative ventures. </span></p><p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style=";font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;" > </span></p><p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style=";font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;" >Begin to see everything that the church has possessed as belonging to the Kingdom (& not your corporation or any other congregation or denomination). By the Spirit, pray in the Kingdom for your city and area, for your group, network or affiliations. Be ready to be called upon to release what you have (as individuals, families or as a corporate body) for the sake of God saturating your area with His presence and purpose. </span></p><p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style=";font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;" > </span></p><p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style=";font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;" >Hold on loosely to your ideas of how things should be and what way they should go, holding on tightly to the Lord who holds destiny in His hand. </span></p><p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style=";font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;" > </span></p><p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style=";font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;" ><b>No Quick Fix, Easy Way Out Solutions Being Offered</b> </span></p><p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style=";font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;" > </span></p><p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style=";font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;" >I realize that this message is more concerned with exposing and surveying issues than presenting solutions or ways to rectify dilemmas. There is a need to soberly embrace present realities so adjustments in operation can be made, expectations can be altered, and overt spiritualizing or misdirecting of responsibility can be refrained from. </span></p><p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style=";font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;" > </span></p><p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style=";font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;" >The Lord will use this time to make us better than ever before, if we will daily seek to enter the narrow door.</span></p><p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style=";font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;" > </span></p><p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style="font-size:130%;"><b><span style="font-family:Tahoma;">Bill Click </span></b></span></p><p><span style=";font-family:Tahoma;font-size:100%;" ><a href="http://www.riverofpower.org/"><b>www.riverofpower.org</b></a></span><b><span style=";font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;" ><br /></span></b></p>Gary and Traci Carsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12456865281427269708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-468890729767871309.post-177063247429555162010-09-22T16:46:00.000-07:002011-08-03T15:53:04.850-07:00"Mules in Disguise" by Traci Carson<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-0cIzW9MZr19kF5GWubNVGmCi133KLqAgsiCgvJUosqvP4741aNN5StO2m-CR0Fnpf4hZiDSuaLdjGgg1tvWZ_YAHUQPZL9F1wYgEZOK9_siumGnBX_ob4y-fPyYevxYt8f1Gv4JZ7ZQ/s1600/Traci+Carson+%28smaller+photo%29.bmp" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; WIDTH: 136px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 173px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519889042768207554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-0cIzW9MZr19kF5GWubNVGmCi133KLqAgsiCgvJUosqvP4741aNN5StO2m-CR0Fnpf4hZiDSuaLdjGgg1tvWZ_YAHUQPZL9F1wYgEZOK9_siumGnBX_ob4y-fPyYevxYt8f1Gv4JZ7ZQ/s320/Traci+Carson+%28smaller+photo%29.bmp" /></a><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;"><span style="COLOR: rgb(153,153,153)">(Published in 2008)<br /><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(153,153,153)">Years ago when I worked at a Pack Station in the </span></span><span style="COLOR: rgb(153,153,153)"><st1:placename style="COLOR: rgb(153,153,153)" st="on">Eagle</st1:placename><span style="COLOR: rgb(153,153,153)"> </span><st1:placename style="COLOR: rgb(153,153,153)" st="on">Cap</st1:placename><span style="COLOR: rgb(153,153,153)"> </span><st1:placetype style="COLOR: rgb(153,153,153)" st="on">Mountains</st1:placetype> <span style="COLOR: rgb(153,153,153)">of</span> <st1:place style="COLOR: rgb(153,153,153)" st="on">Eastern Oregon</st1:place><span style="COLOR: rgb(153,153,153)"> I rode my first mule. I fell in love with the beast and decided I would buy one for myself. Boy, did I have a lot to learn about this stubborn breed. Although we worked through our issues and finally came to a compromise of the wills, we still from time to time battle at who is the master. No matter how hard I may try to change him into a horse, he is still a mule.</span><o:p></o:p></span></span> <p style="COLOR: rgb(153,153,153)" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="COLOR: rgb(153,153,153)" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;">One particular year I took him to a New Year’s Eve party at an <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Equestrian</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Center</st1:placetype></st1:place> where everyone brought their horses </span><span style="font-size:130%;">in</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="font-size:130%;">for team penning. Instead of bringing my horse, I thought I would bring Donovan and get him acquainted with the calves and such. Well, things didn’t go as I had planned. Instead of rounding up the calves, he attacked them! I was shocked and </span><span style="font-size:130%;">very apologetic for my mule’s behavior.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> One cowboy laughed at me and sa</span><span style="font-size:130%;">id, <i><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">“You can’t train them mules to round up cows. What’s wr</span></i></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><i><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">ong with you?” </span></i>Although I disagree with him </span><span style="font-size:130%;">because I</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> have seen mules round up cattle, my particular mule chooses NOT to. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="COLOR: rgb(153,153,153)" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="COLOR: rgb(153,153,153)" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;">My passion for mules was a preparation for ministry I think. Really, I’m not being a smart-aleck; ministry can be quite </span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;">chall</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;">enging as you deal with people who want to do it their way, or no way at all. Regardless of the challenges and frustrations, I passionately love God’s people.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="COLOR: rgb(153,153,153)" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="COLOR: rgb(153,153,153)" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;">The Mule<b><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"> </span></b>is a </span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;">cross b</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb2UxAnqHUUquIpC9lRL5TfRv-WcGLObLagKX3bxAN2sIESVVX71qd72XmU5n7y4qdSg4Ahlk0399UqNwCL_dIs3YX5t91Gq6kuNgu02MZRBdhQTRWIMcmaFowm2M10S2F-f0ApRJTc4g/s1600/Donovan+and+Me.bmp" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; WIDTH: 248px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 265px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520289800380763938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb2UxAnqHUUquIpC9lRL5TfRv-WcGLObLagKX3bxAN2sIESVVX71qd72XmU5n7y4qdSg4Ahlk0399UqNwCL_dIs3YX5t91Gq6kuNgu02MZRBdhQTRWIMcmaFowm2M10S2F-f0ApRJTc4g/s320/Donovan+and+Me.bmp" /></a><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;">etween a donkey stallion (called a jack) and a horse mare. Both male and female mules ha</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;">ve all the correct "parts" but they are sterile and cannot reproduce. A very few (about 1 in 1 </span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;">million) mare mules have ha</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;">d foals, but thes</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;">e are very, very rare. No male mule has ever sired a foal. So if you cross a mu</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;">le to a mule - you get nothing! Mules must be bred by crossing a donkey and horse every time. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="COLOR: rgb(153,153,153)" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="COLOR: rgb(153,153,153)" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;">My point here is you can c</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;">ross stubbornness (donkey), with power, strength and conquest (symbolic of a horse) and come out spiritually sterile and unable to reproduce anything substantial in the sight of God. Over the years of riding mules, there were many times when I would run into people who thought my mule was a horse. They would ewe and awe over him and then they would cock one e</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;">yebrow up and then the other and say, <i><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">“Is he part donkey?”</span></i><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="COLOR: rgb(153,153,153)" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="COLOR: rgb(153,153,153)" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;">You can try to mask stubbornness and rebellion with power, strength, conquest and what some consider beauty, but in the end you are still a mule in the eyes of the Lord.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="COLOR: rgb(153,153,153)" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="COLOR: rgb(153,153,153)" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;">The Lord chose to ride a donkey through the streets of <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Jerusalem</st1:city></st1:place>. This prophetic act was powerful as He was demonstrating submission to His Lordship as the only way to navigate into the New Jerusalem. He is not returning on a donkey or a mule, He is returning on an obedient majestic horse. </span></p><p style="COLOR: rgb(153,153,153)" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="COLOR: rgb(153,153,153)" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;">In our Lord’s second coming He is returning to the Spiritual Jerusalem on a white horse. In Revelation 19:11 we read where the heavens opened up and He who is Faithful, True and in Righteousness, who also judges and makes war is sitting upon a white horse. White is symbolic of purity, righteousness and holiness. The horse is symbolic of power, strength and conquest. He is returning in and through and upon a people who are holy, pure and righteous (in His righteousness). They abide in Him and not themselves. They are strong in the Lord and in the power of His might, therefore being conquerors.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="COLOR: rgb(153,153,153)" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;">The New Jerusalem which is above and is free (Gal.4:26), and where we come unto <st1:placetype st="on">Mount</st1:placetype> <st1:placename st="on">Zion</st1:placename>, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Jerusalem</st1:city></st1:place>…to t</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;">he general assembly and church of the firstborn (</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;">Heb.12:22-23). The first <st1:city st="on">Jerusalem</st1:city> (which is natural) was in bondage, but the second (spiritual <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Jerusalem</st1:city></st1:place>) is not – Praise Jesus! <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="COLOR: rgb(153,153,153)" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="COLOR: rgb(153,153,153)" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;">In Song of Solomon 1:9, the Bridegroom says to His bride, <i><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">“I have compared you to a horse in Pharaoh’s chariot.” </span></i>When you think about this statement, it is quite a compliment as a horse chosen for Pharaoh’s chariot is a horse that has allowed its independent spirit to be broken, and has won the affection and favor of the king.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="COLOR: rgb(153,153,153)" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="COLOR: rgb(153,153,153)" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;">The Holy Spirit prese</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;">nts Himself to you and me in the arena of life, waiting for us to come to Him (Ps.32:8-9). When we c</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;">ome to Him and allow Him to break us, we then begin to see the demonstration of a meek and quiet spirit. We must give the Lord permission to break all that is not of Him, allowing the breaking process within. If we constantly fight against His will and insist on our own rights, this breaking will never take place. We will watch others pass us by who trusted and allowed th</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;">e breaking process and therefore <em><b>"hitched to the chariot of the King"</b></em> bringing </span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;">Him forth i</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;">n all His glory. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy_5uWUjadP-jZAD0bP3y1OKzXT2gTSntGW4vS6r-bj7_Jr9ozOg3QUi3UNlerMXj16sl3yvaHJb0QIJpV8vEvUXQ_EU3pFgaWVUB2ArCr1xy5qatDLyJxNcm8VaAkaOj7shKQ1oqsnSM/s1600/Mule.bmp" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; WIDTH: 255px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 306px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520423638938750098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy_5uWUjadP-jZAD0bP3y1OKzXT2gTSntGW4vS6r-bj7_Jr9ozOg3QUi3UNlerMXj16sl3yvaHJb0QIJpV8vEvUXQ_EU3pFgaWVUB2ArCr1xy5qatDLyJxNcm8VaAkaOj7shKQ1oqsnSM/s320/Mule.bmp" /></a></p><p style="COLOR: rgb(153,153,153)" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="COLOR: rgb(153,153,153)" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;">You will never see a mule hitched to the chariot of the King, no matter how beautiful, powerful or sm</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;">art they </span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;">a</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;">re.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="COLOR: rgb(153,153,153)" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="COLOR: rgb(153,153,153);font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#6633FF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia;"><a href="http://www.voiceofthetrumpet.org/">www.voiceofthetrumpet.org</a> </span></span></span></span><span style="COLOR: rgb(153,153,153);font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:12;"></span></span><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;color:navy;"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:10;color:navy;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>Gary and Traci Carsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12456865281427269708noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-468890729767871309.post-60170986773096523232010-09-22T02:28:00.001-07:002010-09-22T02:33:40.068-07:00"The Scattering Movement" by John Burton<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2H1B4HkLzzznSFiVa0MOZVv-Ke5EviHqf8WG316218t52SFPUoJ39UfLOBKC4uqMTaeyTuD44LzAPRGvq5GZ2oZSGsJ5jJjlkVT1nKPxZ7-NSs3QHskQix-wWJYJbztzp5FHJXYdOYBs/s1600/John+Burton.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 110px; height: 110px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2H1B4HkLzzznSFiVa0MOZVv-Ke5EviHqf8WG316218t52SFPUoJ39UfLOBKC4uqMTaeyTuD44LzAPRGvq5GZ2oZSGsJ5jJjlkVT1nKPxZ7-NSs3QHskQix-wWJYJbztzp5FHJXYdOYBs/s320/John+Burton.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519667681589633586" border="0" /></a><br /><div id="ctrl-18273078"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" ><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);font-size:130%;" >To say that I’m concerned would be a gross understatement. </span> <span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);font-size:130%;" >There is a scattering movement in the nation that’s causing deep harm to the mission of the church. </span> <span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);font-size:130%;" >This scattering of believers is so widespread that we are seeing theologies and philosophies emerging that support the idea that it’s actually healthy to disband and withdraw. </span> <span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);font-size:130%;" >It becoming common to hear people say things like, “The church isn’t a building,” or, “I am the church, so I don’t have to go ‘to church’.” </span> <span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);font-size:130%;" ><br /><br />The idea is that people have become so wounded or dissatisfied with their experience in the church that they have decided that it’s not only better but actually biblically acceptable to minimize participation in an organized church setting. </span> <span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);font-size:130%;" >This mindset is threatening the corporate mission to a terrifying degree. </span> <span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);font-size:130%;" ><br /><br />YOU ARE NOT THE CHURCH </span> <span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);font-size:130%;" >If we understand the meaning of the word ‘church’ we could never presume that we alone are the church. That idea is contrary to the origin of the word (ekklesia, meaning “assembly”). In fact, that word has secular origins. It literally means an assembly of people who have been called together by an authority in the city or region. Wow! That sheds a lot of light on what the church is. </span> <span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);font-size:130%;" ><br /><br />The church is an assembly of people organized under defined governmental leadership. It’s a regular gathering of people who are deeply agreed and in pursuit of mission advance with apostles, prophets and other governmental leaders. </span> <span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);font-size:130%;" >Further, the pure definition of the word reveals that it isn’t used as easily in the context of the global company of believers as it is in the regional and local gathering of believers. </span> <span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);font-size:130%;" >The definition reveals that it’s a well defined local group vs. a loosely defined larger group of people (who mostly don’t know each other at all).<br /><br />We can’t be a part of the church if we aren’t gathered together with other parts of the church. Church is corporate. </span> <span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);font-size:130%;" >Additionally, the church is a group of people who assemble, fellowship, pray and respond together to apostolic teaching. That can’t happen in a more nebulous global context. </span> <span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);font-size:130%;" >The church has inherent in it’s core call the expectation of assembly and a corporate response so as to ensure the local mission is fulfilled. Again, a fulfilled mission can’t be realized without this type of intentional and faithful participation at a local level where communication and commonality are clearly defined. </span> <span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);font-size:130%;" ><br /><br />WHAT ABOUT HAVING CHURCH ONLINE? </span> <span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);font-size:130%;" >I agree that there is much to enjoy and gain from this amazing technological world. We can watch church services online (I was watching one myself just tonight), listen to worship, meet Christians in forums and on Facebook, pray for one another and involve ourselves in Kingdom business in very unique ways. </span> <span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);font-size:130%;" ><br /><br />However, if this is the limit of one’s involvement, there are some key issues to be considered: </span> <span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);font-size:130%;" ><br /><br />1. DEVOID OF APOSTOLIC LEADERSHIP—</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);font-size:130%;" >There is most probably (there are exceptions) no clearly defined apostolic leadership involved. We have to know who we’re called to serve with. We have to all hear, together, in our local congregation, how we are to respond in mission advance. What’s God calling our leaders to focus on? How are we to participate? What are the goals? What steps must we take to prepare ourselves to see this come to pass? </span> <span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);font-size:130%;" ><br /><br />2. LACK OF STRATEGIC CORPORATE INTERCESSION—</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);font-size:130%;" >While not impossible, it’s very hard to involve ourselves in the number one purpose of the church this way—corporate intercession. We just have to be together to pray with unity and consistency if we are to have the sufficient strength to see significant impact. </span> <span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);font-size:130%;" ><br /><br />3. NO ACCOUNTABILITY—</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);font-size:130%;" >Accountability and discipline are nearly non-existent outside of the context of the local church. Most who flock from the church and into alternative spiritual activities do so to avoid conflict, accountability and correction from leadership. We have to understand that this is a critical part of the refining process. We must be receptive and humble and ready to be challenged—even if the leaders God established for us are exceptionally flawed and out of touch with our needs. </span> <span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);font-size:130%;" ><br /><br />4. PROMOTES MISUNDERSTANDING OF THE PURPOSE OF THE CHURCH—</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);font-size:130%;" >It can quite easily reinforce a wrong understanding of the purpose of the church. I would say this is the most serious issue. The prevailing thought these days is that the church is there for us. Whatever needs we have, we can get many of them met in the church. So, we attend if we are ministered to. Or, we may determine that we can get what we’re looking for without regular church attendance. So, the church becomes unnecessary to us.<br /><br />Friend, this concept is a defilement of the church. I can’t say it any less striking than that. We are called to gather together with other believers to intercede for the nations. We are there to give, to serve, to minister, to pray, to grow. The church isn’t primarily there for us, we are to be there for the mission of the church. We may say that we don’t need the church but have we considered that the church needs us? </span> <span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);font-size:130%;" >I believe the scattering movement is one of the enemy’s most urgent assaults in these current times. He knows the power of unified togetherness. He used that very strategy when attempting to build a tower to Heaven.<br /><br />God himself said that the successful plan of unity would actually succeed if scattering didn’t happen! </span> <span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);font-size:130%;" >Now, when the church must be together continually as we advance against the kingdom of darkness, the enemy has every intention of pulling people out of that mission. The scattering and loose commitment to God’s method of prayer-driven Kingdom advance is resulting in an weak and impotent army. </span> <span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);font-size:130%;" >In a day when less than two services a month equates to ‘normal’ church attendance, I believe we must see the 24/7 church advance in strength, unity, commitment and power. Instead of two services a month, I believe we’ll see it become normal to be in church many times a month as we pray together, receive apostolic instruction, move out in ministry and take the fire of the Holy Spirit to the world—together.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><br /></span></div><div id="ctrl-18273129"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" ><b><a href="http://www.praytherevolution.com/" class="userlink">http://www.praytherevolution.com/</a></b></span><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" ><a href="http://%20www.globalprayerrooms.com%20/" target="_blank" class="userlink"><br /></a></span></div>Gary and Traci Carsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12456865281427269708noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-468890729767871309.post-11676809248018413192010-08-30T10:40:00.000-07:002010-08-30T10:42:39.195-07:00"Trends and Presumptions" by Mary Lindow<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_RcYE0qkoV9io3MV1NO-Qjo8acqAWRJRblvm58mdKr9UNuNEBaG1aAnZIpwHflqwJroVcpQm-g1qTk5YpsfIcNRr45TqzMFdZqauQmKinhdF0hVIfwiUL9jhv_VfxP7KurzBwzmu9g-o/s1600/Mary+Lindlow+-+blk%26wht.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 176px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_RcYE0qkoV9io3MV1NO-Qjo8acqAWRJRblvm58mdKr9UNuNEBaG1aAnZIpwHflqwJroVcpQm-g1qTk5YpsfIcNRr45TqzMFdZqauQmKinhdF0hVIfwiUL9jhv_VfxP7KurzBwzmu9g-o/s320/Mary+Lindlow+-+blk%26wht.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511259440521608210" border="0" /></a><br /><p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:Arial;">As I sit here in the outdoors this evening enjoying an unusually cool and brilliantly moonlit sky, I am stirred to speak openly and transparently about the things that God is not only dealing with in my personal journey with him, but also some of the trends and presumptions that occur in the world of “Christendom” when it appears and feels as if the Father God is far off and seemingly unresponsive to the cries of those desperate for relief and merciful compassion.<br /><br />Through his own personal agony David came to a new understanding of what it really was that God required from man.<br /><b><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />ENMESHED INTO DECEPTION</span></b><br />God is not interested in our outward sacrifices or "offerings."<br />This does not necessarily mean that God never requires outward forms of worship or expression or observances. Many lines of Scripture prove that at times he does. But it does mean that these are not the things that he requires first. If our religious practices contain nothing more than outward actions and performance, then God takes no pleasure in them.<br /><br />God always looks underneath what goes on outwardly, and looks to the motives and the attitude of the heart. What does he look for there?<br /><br />David tells us in Psalm 51:16 -17 <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" ><span style=";font-family:Arial;" ><br /><b><i><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">“For you delight not in sacrifice, or else would I give it; you find no pleasure in burnt offering.<br /><br />The sacrifice [the sacrifice acceptable] to God is a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart [broken down with sorrow for sin and humbly and thoroughly penitent], such, O God, You will not despise.”</span></i></b><br /><br /><b><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />BROKEN AND CONTRITE</span></b><br />These are not common words to our ears these days!<br />Just what does it mean when God asks that we have a broken spirit? Does he want us to be beaten down and humiliated? I am sure that this is not his plan.<br /><br />Then what is a broken spirit?<br />It is an “inner self” that has come totally to the end of itself. It makes no claims, and offers no arguments.All independence, all self-will, self-promotion, all self-righteousness have been pruned away.<br /><br />Such a spirit simply turns and trusts completely upon God, not trusting in his own skill, merit, popularity, or ability to influence. This one who has willingly allowed the disciplining of his soul knows that he or she must only trust in God and his unrelenting mercy.<br /><br />If we will ALLOW him to guide us, HE knows how to produce this brokenness of spirit in each of us. Just remember, he treats us as individuals. And he would never abuse our individuality. He uses just the right amount of intensity needed to accomplish his desires, that we would relinquish our mistrust in his plan and fully step into total abandonment, willingly accepting his plan.<br /><b><i><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><br />“For he does not willingly bring affliction or grief to the children of men.”</span></i></b><br /><b><span style="font-weight: bold;">Lamentations 3:33<br /><br />AFFLICTION ALSO KNOWN AS - “DISCIPLINE”</span></b><br />If there was ever a man who had to face affliction also known as “discipline” - it was David. I am amazed that he never became bitter. He even admitted that it did him good! God allows us to come under afflictions/discipline, not because he is mad at us, nor because he has rejected us. It is actually a demonstration of his faithfulness.<br /><br />When he sees us taking a wrong turn that will lead to our own harm and damage, he allows difficulty and affliction/discipline to turn us back to the way that leads to peace and blessing.<br /><br />When I say affliction I am not accusing God of bringing about harsh and devastating blows in order to knock us down and break our arms in the process. No! No! No!<br /><br />In Psalm 119:67, 71, 75 it says:<br /><b><i><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">"I used to wander off until you disciplined me; but now I closely follow your word.<br />My suffering was good for me, for it taught me to pay attention to your decrees.<br />I know, O Lord, that your regulations are fair; you disciplined me because I needed it."</span></i></b><br /><br /><br /><b><span style="font-weight: bold;">WHEN WE ARE "THROWN A CURVE BALL"</span></b><br />How do we respond when we are "thrown a curve ball" and everything we carefully planned out and prepared for suddenly takes a turn we did not expect?<br /><br />David did not view afflictions/disciplines as disaster. He saw it as a form of correction - something to adjust his life. He was saying, “Before I was afflicted/disciplined I went astray and I suffered for it. Now I've learned my lesson! It pays to obey your word!”<br /><br /><b><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />ARE YOU IN THE MIDDLE</span></b> OF DIFFICULTY, LOSS, OR AN ADJUSTMENT?<br />May I caution you?<br /><b><i><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Don't fight back!</span></i></b><br />And whatever you do, do not argue with God!<br /><br />Admit that God is dealing with you and allowing an affliction/a disciplining, a difficulty or disappointment, to address major issues of stubbornness, lazy spirituality, dependence upon others for water from the word, and more than often - a sour and willful independence that does not like accountability in every area.<br /><br /><b><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />ASK HIM, "WHAT IS IT THAT YOU ARE DOING?"</span></b><br />“Am I off the pathway that you have planned and have willfully gone my own way?”<br /><br />The Lord is seeking, looking, longing for you to turn away from things that are harmful and to bring you back to things that are in his purpose and plan.<br /><br />If we are willing to learn from these afflictions/disciplines, there will come a time when we will indeed look back with gratitude for the things we have learned and matured in.<br /><br />My dear friends. We were not created to serve ourselves or to meet our own needs. Whatever we need, the Lord will see to it that we get it, as we move along the pathway that he has chosen. You may be asking the question, “Why is it so hard for me to hear from the Lord at first when it comes to difficult issues and decisions?”<br /><br />We must understand we cannot instantly “unlearn” what we have lived our entire life. We must as the Scripture says be "transformed" from who we are to what we want to be.<br /><br />We need to understand with our whole heart that we were intended to be godly in every way. In our relationships with others, and above all, in our relationship with God the father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit. If one is out of order then both will be.<br /><br />But! As a dear brother in the Lord by the name of Larry Reese says, “We are not to fear the passing of time or fear that we are wasting time by spending time with the Lord, searching out his word, and being still in his presence. You will never lose anything by doing these things!”<br /><b><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />TRENDS, BLOGS, AND COMMENTS</span></b><br />It's no secret that social media has become quite a form of communication! One of the problems that can occur when “listening” to trends, blogs, and commentary from others is that sources quoted and information gathered might well be skewed to interject thoughts and opinions into the minds of those who never think for themselves.<br /><br />Believers in Christ are not to be uninformed, but they are to be wise about what they “ingest and digest” when it comes to the lifestyle of a Christian.<br /><br />Do not rely upon the wisdom of men to help you to ultimately reach the destiny that God himself paid the price for. He is not an ego-driven maniac looking for his entourage of followers to validate his importance!<br /><br />He "paid it forward" so that we would have the opportunity to walk upon a pathway, although narrow, that leads to purposeful living and a fruitful reaping of productivity that will only advance us into further opportunities to speak of hope and a purpose for others.<br /><b><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />BEWARE OF FALSE HUMILITY<br />AND THE UNDERTONES OF DISDAIN</span></b><br />If there were one thing that sickens the heart of God it would be underhanded and slippery craftiness oozing from those who resist the full aspect of allowing God to create in them a clean and contrite heart.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" ><span style=";font-family:Arial;" ><br />It always amazes me how individuals that need notoriety and a place of “mystical” influence seem to be able to cunningly discredit good and godly saints around them who have perhaps lovingly warned them about deceptive practices or micro-management control issues, knowing that they risk the loss of relationship when doing so.<br /><br />It is as if these individuals secretly feel entitled to sidestep the issue of preferring your brother or sister, and humbly listening to their insights and observances.<br /><br />Equally amazing, are those who listen to only one side of a conflict or disagreement, and then spiritualize-away the fact that harm or discord has happened.<br /><br />And so, the Lord allows the difficulties and afflictions to come and expose the areas of favoritism, embracing the “new and exciting” rather than the narrow and at times - dry pathway to mature godliness. There will always be among us, those claiming to have “THE” word of the hour, the “message of the forefathers”, and on and on the platitudes and justifications are listed to justify the mocking and putting down of the simple and unique message of self-abandonment.<br /><br /><b><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />LISTEN FOR THE SOUND OF MERCY</span></b><br />Listen to the “tone” in the voice of those addressing the crowd, the congregation, or perhaps a small study group. False humility has a highly "honeyed" pitch of barely restrained condescension, laced with heavy doses of unsolicited advice and counsel.<br /><br />Rarely will individuals who have an exaggerated view of their own importance allow others to warmly and intimately engage in transparent communication and dialogue regarding the unique and yet equal calling and gifting of each child of God.<br /><br /><b><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />NOW IS THE TIME -THE TIME IS NOW!</span></b><br />These words have been spoken out from the Lord over the lives of many who seemingly can hardly lift their heads due to delays, betrayals, losses, and a deep, deep internal anguish. It seems as if God sees greater fruitfulness when we are at the bottom of the proverbial "barrel"!<br /><br />Those who are forever wishfully proclaiming that the “bad times are over and good times are ahead” are sadly attempting to override the ache of the soul when it longs to return to the comfort zone of self indulgence.<br /><b><i><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><br />“But look, you are trusting in deceptive words that are worthless!”</span></i></b><br /><br /><b><span style="font-weight: bold;">Jeremiah 7:8</span></b><br /><br /><br />Know this. To avoid the chastening and bruising of our souls is a guarantee that not only will you cause devastating and brutal pain to others, but also most importantly, you shall grieve the Holy Spirit.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" ><span style=";font-family:Arial;" ><br />I encourage those of you reading and listening, to test the fruit of those who claim to have a special and mystical "in" with the Lord.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" ><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:12;" > <span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);font-size:130%;" >The Lord is not one who neither “excludes” nor leaves the broken out in the cold, nor does he invite into his inner courts of wisdom and revelation, those who would use it to their own personal advantage or fame.</span> <span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);font-size:130%;" > </span><span style="font-size:130%;"><b style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br />IT IS TIME! NOW IS THE TIME! THE TIME IS NOW!</span></b> </span><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);font-size:130%;" >It is time to face the chastening of the Lord in the light of the purpose he has behind it. Growing up and maturing finally in the things he has been dutifully prodding you to do for a long time now.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);font-size:130%;" >Procrastination fellowships with slothful and sloppy approaches to relationship with God and with mankind.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);font-size:130%;" >For once and for all make the decision to not blame-shift or deflect onto others what God is dealing with in the wickedness of your own soul.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);font-size:130%;" >Now is the time to be willing to lose your life, to be afflicted -- yes even to the point of having the Lord remove and expose those who have become disobedient, self-promoting, and abusive in the circles you walk within.</span> <span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);font-size:130%;" > </span><span style="font-size:130%;"><b style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><i><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><br />“SEE TO IT that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.” </span></i></b><b style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Colossians 2:8</span></b> <b style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style="font-weight: bold;">OPEN YOUR EARS</span></b> </span> <span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);font-size:130%;" >The Lord is speaking!</span> <span style="font-size:130%;"><b style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Listen!</span></b> </span><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);font-size:130%;" >He has wisdom to impart to you that may well save and instruct others who might fall into foolish behavior.</span> <span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);font-size:130%;" >It is not about your comfort, your "wants" nor even your dignity!</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);font-size:130%;" >It’s about a willingness to be the servant of the Savior, and to emulate His example.</span> <span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);font-size:130%;" >He Is Speaking...</span> <span style="font-size:130%;"><i style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />...Are we listening?</span></i> </span><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);font-size:130%;" > </span> <span style="font-size:130%;"><b style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><i><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">“The Sovereign LORD has given me an instructed tongue,<br /><br />to know the word that sustains the weary.<br /><br />He wakens me morning by morning,<br /><br />wakens my ear to listen like one being taught.”<br /></span></i></b><b style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Isaiah 50:4</span></b><br /><a title="http://www.marylindow.com/" href="http://www.marylindow.com/" target="_blank">www.marylindow.com</a></span><br /></span></span></p>Gary and Traci Carsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12456865281427269708noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-468890729767871309.post-22131009650461174122010-08-30T10:32:00.000-07:002010-08-30T10:38:19.758-07:00"There is a Rumbling on the Earth" by Barbara Yoder<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDkvYr32u0oNsxT4-EnpjRr9Po_BFowtfiPoy8Q8f0GFCk1yvfd57dxHVFyo5B1PTM1gk8AD4YcE93AgR9-rImaFErrShcds1v_ROVXl5-NWrVOtEYFeF2UMppAMlTPktan9hkWqfhWvo/s1600/BarbaraYoderCompressed.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 158px; height: 199px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDkvYr32u0oNsxT4-EnpjRr9Po_BFowtfiPoy8Q8f0GFCk1yvfd57dxHVFyo5B1PTM1gk8AD4YcE93AgR9-rImaFErrShcds1v_ROVXl5-NWrVOtEYFeF2UMppAMlTPktan9hkWqfhWvo/s320/BarbaraYoderCompressed.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511257571674123410" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-2023214"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" >I found this word in my file. It was a word I delivered in July of 2005. It was a very strange experience because I was sitting down behind a table we had on the platform at the church. It was at one of the large women's conferences we had, there were about 500 women present. We were in the midst of having a panel discussion dealing with leaders. Suddenly it was as if an earthquake was happening. I could feel this distinct rumble under my chair as if all of the earth under me was shaking. Furthermore, I not only felt it, I heard it. Everything was shaking, everything.<br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-2023218"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-2023220"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" >As I read it, I heard the Lord say this word is for now. I did not send it out then. I held onto it. I believe this word will help guide you, create understanding concerning the times and seasons we are in, and give you the key to the door of deliverance.</span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-2023221"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-2023223"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" >The Word -<br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-2023225"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-2023227"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" >There is a rumbling in the earth. God is rumbling you out of mindsets, positions, identity, locations, relationships, bondages, fears. I was sitting here and I could hear it, I could hear this constant ongoing and seemingly unending rumbling of rocks under us, and it was shaking everything. It was as if we were standing on rocks, round rocks; and they were all moving and rumbling. And they just kept rumbling. We could hardly maintain our footing.<br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-2023229"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-2023231"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" >What I want to say is that there is a rumbling in the earth. God has placed you on unsure footing. Because He is changing your mind; He is repositioning your feet, to place you where he has been developing you to stand. Not necessarily geographically but within the place that you are assigned. He is shifting your anointing, he is increasing your strength and courage and even now there is a shaking off of the old. There will be no old left.<br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-2023233"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-2023235"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" >Fear not the instability under your feet for it will shake and then it will shake and the shaking will not stop, for the Lord is creating a scenario for massive change. For the Church will not look as it has in the past. So look not to the past, but stand in the present, and look to the future. For the unsteadiness, the insecurity, the instability and the failure to be able to fully define-is of God.<br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-2023237"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" ><br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-2023239"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" >Because he wants you to let go of how you have known things to be; even how you view things; and He wants you to look to Him and to leaders that God has given to you, to reposition you for the new thing.<br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-2023241"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" ><br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-2023243"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" >Fear not the unsteadiness under your feet and also do not try to define it prematurely. As you wait upon the Lord, the Lord will bring the clarity and the definition. But even the instability and unsteadiness has been created by him. There is a rumbling that has already started in the heavens. But the Lord would declare to you that the rumbling is also now on earth under the feet of leaders, for He is calling us out of the old, out of the past, out of that which would trap us in nonproductivity and irrelevancy, to reposition ourselves for the future. And we will not only look spiritually different, but we will not look the same physically, the way we have in the past, for we have entered a season of massive change.<br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-2023245"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-2023247"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" >Fear not the rumbling, for I will shake you out of the systems and paradigms that have held the Church captive and I will cause you to be poured out in a whole new way to the world. I am shaking the Church and I am shaking the world. The rumbling will not soon disappear until it has accomplished its full work to shake the Church and to shake the world. For I will have a meeting place with my people, and what is left when the rumbling is done will be a people who release the kingdom of God on earth. And the Church will be poured out into the world. (Heb 12)<br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-2023249"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-2023251"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" >As I was pondering this word, the Spirit of God fell on me and I wrote the rest of this now, July 23, 2010.<br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-2023253"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-2023255"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" >I am delivering you out of Babylon and I am delivering Babylon out of you. For I will have a people in this hour who like Daniel stood within Babylon but Babylon was not in him. At times fear will grip you like a vise and you will wonder if you can withstand the fear. It will feel like terror will overtake you.</span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-2023256"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-2023258"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" >But I say to you it is part of the shaking, I am shaking you out of Babylon and shaking Babylon out of you so that you can stand in the midst and rule. When your shaking is complete, there will come a delivering mantle on you and you will cause the gates of Babylon to shake and its walls will fall.</span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-2023259"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" > </span></div><div id="ctrl-2023260"><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);font-size:100%;" ><b><a href="http://www.shekinahchurch.org/" class="userlink">www.shekinahchurch.org</a></b></span><b><br /></b></div>Gary and Traci Carsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12456865281427269708noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-468890729767871309.post-89887611672860419522010-07-27T10:13:00.000-07:002010-07-27T10:16:04.297-07:00The Law of Contrast - by Wade Taylor<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKSueexh5KtOXdsxSXQsnpcw1GvB09P4ET-t_jMl1-NlIbsGted0h_79rE3uaAuTQpR8mHDVZUBWv3ryxVxLUGDqjhW8_vNTstiJB2ZEW4IgeQ1uvbLRYraMRVVry_l32OxWE7dv5b0l4/s1600/tn_Wade+Taylor.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 156px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKSueexh5KtOXdsxSXQsnpcw1GvB09P4ET-t_jMl1-NlIbsGted0h_79rE3uaAuTQpR8mHDVZUBWv3ryxVxLUGDqjhW8_vNTstiJB2ZEW4IgeQ1uvbLRYraMRVVry_l32OxWE7dv5b0l4/s320/tn_Wade+Taylor.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498635754423876642" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-size:12;">Many years ago, I was privileged to speak at a ministers retreat north of <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Anchorage</st1:city>, <st1:state st="on">Alaska</st1:state></st1:place>. A few days after I returned home, I was able to go to <st1:country-region st="on">Barbados</st1:country-region>, an Island in the southern part of the <st1:place st="on">West Indies</st1:place>, for a much needed time of rest, and to spend time in prayer.<o:p></o:p></span></span> <p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);">When I left </span><st1:place style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" st="on"><st1:city st="on">Anchorage</st1:city>, <st1:state st="on">Alaska</st1:state></st1:place>, it was considerably below zero. The wind was driving the snow that was falling, and the cold was bone chilling. When I arrived in <st1:place st="on"><st1:country-region st="on">Barbados</st1:country-region></st1:place>, it was 85 degrees and the sun was shining brightly on the palm trees, especially on the multicolored flowers that were everywhere.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-size:12;">Both <st1:state st="on">Alaska</st1:state> and <st1:place st="on"><st1:country-region st="on">Barbados</st1:country-region></st1:place> were outstanding, each in their own way. I had exchanged majestic mile high, barren, yet impressive, snow covered mountains and ice glaciers for palm and coconut trees, along with the beautiful flowers and fruit trees that were everywhere. The contrast between <st1:state st="on">Alaska</st1:state> and <st1:place st="on"><st1:country-region st="on">Barbados</st1:country-region></st1:place> made a lasting impression on me.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-size:12;">Many Scriptural truths are established thru contrast. An example is in Luke 3:2:<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 1in; color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><b><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:12;" >“Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests, the word of God came to John, the son of Zechariah, in the wilderness.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-size:12;">Here, the religious system of that day is contrasted with a man clothed in a leather girdle, alone in the wilderness, but through whom God could speak. The contrast and irony in this passage of Scripture is intense.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-size:12;">“<i><span style="font-style: italic;">Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests</span></i>.” The fully developed and functioning religious system of that day should have been able to “<i><span style="font-style: italic;">hear</span></i>” the present word of the Lord. Since they could not hear, the Lord prepared an individual who could hear; who, at the appointed time, said something that had never been said before, “<i><span style="font-style: italic;">Behold, the Lamb of God</span></i>.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-size:12;">Another example is the life of Abraham, which is contrasted with that of <st1:place st="on">Lot</st1:place>. Or, Isaac, who is contrasted with Ishmael, or the life of Jacob, contrasted with that of Esau. In the New Testament, Mary, who sat at the feet of Jesus, is contrasted with Martha, who served.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-size:12;">As I meditated on the contrast that I saw so vividly between <st1:state st="on">Alaska</st1:state> and <st1:place st="on"><st1:country-region st="on">Barbados</st1:country-region></st1:place>, the Lord quickened these Scriptural contrasts to me, and I saw a principle at work.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-size:12;">In each of the above situations that were set forth in Scripture, through contrast, the natural lineage sought its own way and end, while the spiritual lineage was dependent on an act or intervention of God for its establishment and provision. In I Corinthians 15:45 we are told:<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 1in; color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><b><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:12;" >“That was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-size:12;">Initially, the natural seemed to flourish, but ultimately the spiritual lineage was brought forth to establish His purpose and glory. The contrast in each of these instances in Scripture is very pronounced and meaningful.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-size:12;">Many of us have struggled for years, seeking the higher purpose of the Lord for our lives. Through the goodness of the Lord, as we approach the end-time, this is beginning to change. The “<i><span style="font-style: italic;">line of the natural</span></i>” (<i><span style="font-style: italic;">those who seemingly are being blessed, while we patiently wait and trust</span></i>), will no longer predominate. We are beginning to enter a “<i><span style="font-style: italic;">new day</span></i>” in which the emphasis will be on the “<i><span style="font-style: italic;">spiritual line</span></i>” - the bringing forth of the higher purpose of the Lord, by preparing those who are being spiritually stirred; those who are seeking to go beyond their present spiritual experience, to better know His presence, His anointing, and His voice.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-size:12;">In our culture, we have been taught that “<i><span style="font-style: italic;">bigger is better</span></i>,” and that “<i><span style="font-style: italic;">quantity is a sign of the Lord’s blessing</span></i>.” Yet in the Scriptural examples, this is clearly disproven, as the establishing of the “<i><span style="font-style: italic;">spiritual line</span></i>” requires a time of testing and suffering. In each of these examples, the spiritual line flourished, after Divine Intervention and provision.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-size:12;">This pattern and principle will find its full outworking within each of us, who are willing to place the totality of our being, unconditionally in the hands of the Lord.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><b><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:12;" >“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be you transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”</span></span></b> Romans 12:1-2<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-size:12;">The Lord ever seeks to bring forth a “<i><span style="font-style: italic;">spiritual line</span></i>” - those who personally, experientially, know Jesus, and desire to walk with Him in the outworking of His present day purposes, as did John the Baptist who, through the time of his separation, became “<i><span style="font-style: italic;">the voice of One crying in the wilderness</span></i>.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-size:12;">If you truly find yourself to be spiritually hungry, and are searching for “<i><span style="font-style: italic;">something more</span></i>,” consider that the Lord may be calling you to come apart to Himself.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 1in; color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><b><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:12;" >“Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father in law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the <st1:place st="on"><st1:placetype st="on">mountain</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename st="on">God</st1:placename></st1:place>, <i><span style="font-style: italic;">even</span></i> to Horeb. And the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush <i><span style="font-style: italic;">was</span></i> not consumed.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 1in; color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><b><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:12;" >“And Moses said, I will now turn aside, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burned. And when the Lord saw that he turned aside to see, God called to him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here <i><span style="font-style: italic;">am</span></i> I. And He said, Draw not near here: put off your shoes from off your feet, for the place where on you stand is holy ground.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 1in; color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><b><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:12;" >“Moreover He said, I <i><span style="font-style: italic;">am</span></i> the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God. And the Lord said, I have surely seen the affliction of My people, which are in Egypt, And have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows; And I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land to a good land and a large, to a land flowing with milk and honey</span></span></b>….<b><span style="font-weight: bold;">”</span></b> Exodus 3:1-8<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-size:12;">So also for us, as we turn aside and allow the Lord to have His way in our lives, that which He intends for us is far better than anything that we could work out for ourselves – “<i><span style="font-style: italic;">a land flowing with milk and honey</span></i>.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 1in; color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><b><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:12;" >“But as it is written, Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for them that love Him. But God has revealed <i><span style="font-style: italic;">them</span></i> to us by His Spirit: for the Spirit searches all things, yea, the deep things of God.”</span></span></b> I Corinthians 2:9-10<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0.5in; color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-size:11;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;color:blue;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:Arial;font-size:11;color:blue;" ><span style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);font-size:130%;" ><a title="http://www.wadetaylor.org/" href="http://www.wadetaylor.org/"><span title="http://www.wadetaylor.org/">www.wadetaylor.org</span></a></span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>Gary and Traci Carsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12456865281427269708noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-468890729767871309.post-19654169771996038842010-07-27T10:07:00.000-07:002010-07-27T10:12:24.147-07:00The Transformation from Fragile to Fervent - by Mary Lindlow<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqfcixuTzxY68SNZsHuAwh9GmJN1BdzQY-gatNglbMCvw5U1JlUmY0ieIZ3hEIbGv7Oex4vmoADNR00ndYdRNSGqitNRpmgq2zwlIgCwzvi_xdB2T2Ea6R5bBWTBVwnHyX9aKuSjW_iy4/s1600/Mary+Lindlow+-+blk%26wht.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 193px; height: 198px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqfcixuTzxY68SNZsHuAwh9GmJN1BdzQY-gatNglbMCvw5U1JlUmY0ieIZ3hEIbGv7Oex4vmoADNR00ndYdRNSGqitNRpmgq2zwlIgCwzvi_xdB2T2Ea6R5bBWTBVwnHyX9aKuSjW_iy4/s320/Mary+Lindlow+-+blk%26wht.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498634670449636770" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >If you would ask the true "heart determined" believer in Christ today just what it is that they need now more than ever, it would be totally answered by the very raw words;<br />“I am need to have full clarity of mind and a fearless trust in the knowledge of how much God loves me.”<br /><br />WE ARE IN ONE HOT REFINERS FIRE !<br /><br />People are winding up in anger, disbelief and frustration over this "unfair" season the Bride of Christ is in! It just isn't fair! We have been so good! We have laid down everything! Why oh why are WE being singled out?<br /><br />I am weary with my crying; my throat is parched; My eyes fail while I wait for my God.<br />~ Psalm. 69:3<br /><br />“ I am weary with my sighing; every night I make my bed swim, I dissolve my couch with my tears. ~ Psalm. 6:6<br /><br />Does this sound like you right now?<br /><br /><br />EVERYONE IS GOING TO BE TESTED SOMETIME!<br /><br />The strongest impression I have received from the Father about the condition of His Bride is this. When things are going "fabulously" for her, when all of heaven is blessing, she wants to keep it that way!<br /><br />If she is not in a place of great humility and thankfulness for what the Lord is doing, she tends to assume that,” It’s about time folks knew just how long I've been waiting for them to see just how great this church, or ministry or intellectual skill I've been soooo blessed with is!"<br /><br />Then comes the attitude that we have to keep it allotted to only a few "real winners" like ourselves, and we become exclusive and look for only high rollers to run with.<br /><br />And then. AGAIN comes the TEST.<br />Persecution comes, mug slinging, attacks on personal integrity, character assassination, and again the fiery trial.........of our soul.<br /><br />TO REMOVE IMPURITIES - GOD USES A HOT OVEN!<br /><br />These trials as if by fire are only to test our faith, to show that it is strong and pure. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold--and our faith is far more precious to God than mere gold.<br /><br />“So if your faith remains strong after being tried by fiery trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.<br />~ I Peter chapter 1: 7<br /><br />HOW ARE YOU DOING?<br /><br />The Lord is working the Bride overtime right now to deal with selfish ambition, personal comfort, and any other areas of personal agenda or presumption.<br /><br />YES! Presumption. We as Christians have often presumed that because we are Christians… we should never experience severe sorrow, grief, loss, or devastation. This “fairy tale” stems from a huge level of denial and total self focus. It is also a very Western culture mindset.<br /><br />A dear friend of mine who went to <st1:place st="on"><st1:country-region st="on">China</st1:country-region></st1:place> and who was visiting a Chinese underground church group, had reality check that shook her to the core of her faith. She thought that she was coming to this group to “help and bless them.” When they asked her what could they pray for the church in American about in order to bless them she was flummoxed! Her reply was, “We came to see how we might help you!” How can we pray for you?”<br /><br />The response back was, “Pray that we would not be fearful or silent about the gospel of Jesus we share when the authorities beat us or imprison us. Pray that we remain strong enough physically to endure the persecution we receive and not fear what man may do to us.” SOBERING ISN’T IT!<br /><br />When others around us are going through loss, trauma, or heart breaking circumstances, sadly, many believers turn away in disgust or even more disturbing, display an arrogant attitude of thinking they are more blessed by God because their lives are not so complex or “shattered” as those around them who must have done SOMETHING wrong to bring these things upon themselves.<br /><br />Regrettably, some of the pain some saints are experiencing is due to the disobedience of those in the Body of Christ around them! They resist the hand of God and react against others in retaliation toward God bringing correction or exposure to their secret lifestyle of personal gain or need for power!<br /><br />WE ARE NOT ALONE!<br /><br />”For consider Him who has endured such hostility by against Himself, so that you may not grow weary and lose heart.” Heb. 12:3<br /><br />Admit it! It is hard to not lose heart right now! The world is in a tailspin and lukewarm Christians are showing their true colors! It's time to deal with this! It is NOT going to go away!<br /><br />AGONY IS MORE SEVERE WHEN IT IS "ENHANCED" BY BETRAYAL!<br /><br />Jesus went through it. Stephen went through it and so did hundreds of others! AND it hurts, and disillusions, and causes us to be so very very weary!<br /><br />Luke 21:16<br />“You will be delivered up and betrayed even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and [some] of you they will put to death.<br /><br />THE TRANSFORMATION FROM FRAGILE ……TO FERVENT IS COMING!<br /><br />When you may ask?<br /><br />For my determined purpose is that I may know Him. That I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly, and that I may in that same way come to know the power outflowing from His resurrection which it exerts over believers, and that I may so share His sufferings as to be continually transformed in spirit into His likeness even to His death, in the hope…<br /><br />… That if possible I may attain to the spiritual and moral] resurrection [that lifts me] out from among the dead even while in the body.<br /><br />Not that I have now attained [this ideal], or have already been made perfect, but I press on to lay hold of (grasp) and make my own, that for which Christ Jesus (the Messiah) has laid hold of me and made me His own.<br /><br />I do not consider, brethren, that I have captured and made it my own [yet]; but one thing I do, it is my one aspiration, forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the supreme and heavenly prize to which God in Christ Jesus is calling us upward.<br />Philippians 3:10-14 (Amplified Bible)<br /><br />HERE ARE A FEW THINGS THE LORD WOULD REQUIRE:<br /><br />1.) To gain HIS strength, we must relinquish our power or control over what we think of others. We will be judged by the way we judge others when they struggle. Pious and lofty lectures are not the Kingdom language of healing and restoration. Loving-kindness and Mercy reveal the heart of godly maturity in a believer when dealing with the sorrows and anguish of others.<br /><br />“Like one who takes away a garment on a cold day, Or like vinegar poured on soda, is one who sings songs To a heavy heart.” Proverbs 25:20<br /><br />2.) Reach out in kindness to those under fire. Encourage them to stand. Encourage them to seek the Lord. Bless them and don't talk about them when they struggle!<br /><br />"The Lord God has given me the tongue of disciples, That I may know how to sustain the weary one with a word. He awakens me morning by morning, He awakens my ear to listen as a disciple."<br />Isaiah 50:4 3<br /><br />3.) Get still. Stop organizing, planning, and pushing ahead into oblivion! God really does have a plan!<br /><br />“Though youths grow weary and tired, And vigorous young men stumble badly, Yet those who wait for the Lord, Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become cynical. “ Is. 40:30 -31<br /><br /><br />4.) TRUST FOR A MOMENT!<br />It's all about trusting God in the end. Oh yes it is! Will He REALLY refresh us in this time of struggle? His Loving Word says so.<br /><br />“For I satisfy the weary ones, And refresh everyone who languishes." Jer. 31:25 5<br /><br />The Lord is producing endurance whether we like it or not!<br /><br />“Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; For once he has been approved,<br />He will receive the crown of life, Which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. “<br />James 1:12<br /><br /><br /><br />THE FATHER IS URGING US TO RUN TO HIM.<br /><br />He is there! Even in the fog of struggle, loss, anxiety, and also in seeming success.<br /><br />He wants us to be desperate for Him and rely wholly on His voice. To make all of our decisions based on His plan for the whole earth!<br /><br />Seek Him. Lean into His Voice. Elevate Grace and Mercy…<br /><br />…And lower your own opinion of yourself and your abilities to “lecture” others into healing or restoration.<br /><br />WALK SOBERLY IF YOU ARE LIVING IN ABUNDANCE AT THIS TIME, ON ANY LEVEL.<br /><br />Keep the vigil of prayer you are keeping for others well lit by the reflecting memories of past times when you yourself needed the Merciful Hand of God to lift you from agony and redeem your life from the pit.<br /><br />Let us be so devoted to the “One” who lavished and spilled out all He had, that we might repeat His actions, and in so doing, bring His Glory to it’s fullest measure and depth.<br /><br />His Mercy…Endures...Forever.<br /><br />“Then will the lame leap like a deer, And the mute tongue shout for joy.<br />Water will gush forth in the wilderness And streams in the desert.” Isaiah 35:6<br /><br /></span><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;color:navy;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:Arial;font-size:10;color:navy;" ><span style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);font-size:130%;" ><a title="http://www.marylindow.com/" href="http://www.marylindow.com/">http://www.marylindow.com/</a></span><o:p><br /></o:p></span></span></b></p><b><span style=";font-size:85%;color:navy;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:10;color:navy;" ><o:p></o:p></span></span></b>Gary and Traci Carsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12456865281427269708noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-468890729767871309.post-33340413794859957272010-06-30T15:28:00.001-07:002010-06-30T15:30:24.794-07:00"Deeper Identification in the Fire" By Traci Carson<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2dzDCpWsPzGS2BfiDTaF6lbusoM_P4gAPPB_lQFdnGWlL6jnKljZxVNIZV_dMgDdh-EcMELH4xrarbpVpceud5Anq9yUQhwHyubMLjgIdoEIWVqKn62ChyZXAv9wThDFZxpo00T2lzOE/s1600/Traci+Carson+%28smaller+photo%29.bmp"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 136px; height: 173px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2dzDCpWsPzGS2BfiDTaF6lbusoM_P4gAPPB_lQFdnGWlL6jnKljZxVNIZV_dMgDdh-EcMELH4xrarbpVpceud5Anq9yUQhwHyubMLjgIdoEIWVqKn62ChyZXAv9wThDFZxpo00T2lzOE/s320/Traci+Carson+%28smaller+photo%29.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488697658348798098" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-9539091"><span style="font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;">Life is never easy. God never said it was. We all have our ups and downs. I know personally I’ve have walked so closely with the Lord that I couldn’t see myself being anywhere or doing anything outside of His leading. I knew His voice. I felt His very breath upon my face, His touch so gentle across my heart that no one, nothing, no place could take me from Him.</span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-9539095"><span style="font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-9539097"><span style="font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;">The next thing I knew I couldn’t hear Him, and His presence seemingly diminished. I would find myself saying, “Lord, where are You??... ”</span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-9539098"><span style="font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;">During this time of what seems to be a place of abandonment, we may find ourselves struggling with rejection, lies, and misunderstandings. The more we seek approval from others, the more we find ourselves slapped to the curb.</span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-9539099"><span style="font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-9539101"><span style="font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;">This experience may not at all be the result of sin in our lives, or even a lack of spiritual growth. In fact 1 Peter 4:12 tells us not to think it strange concerning the fiery trials we go through. The question is… “What will we do when going through these fiery times?”</span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-9539102"><span style="font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-9539104"><span style="font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;">A few years ago I was taken in the Spirit to the lake of fire. It was there that I was attempting to drown satan, but could not. I was exhausted!! Suddenly, Jesus appeared beside me. He took me over to a dock where we sat dangling our feet in the lake of fire. Jesus then began to speak to my spirit. I remember His mouth was moving, but I couldn’t hear His voice in the natural. As He spoke, my spirit understood every word. He proceeded instructing me in how to battle, and as He was doing this I was dipping my hands in the lake of fire and washing myself. I was filled with an inner joy and peace as I intensely listened to my Lord. I washed myself in the Fire (His Glory), and looked over at satan and saw him as a scrawny and pathetically terrified being, struggling to stay atop of the lake of fire, but all the while going down, down, down within the flames.</span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-9539105"><span style="font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-9539107"><span style="font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;">God’s nature is produced in the fire. His fire is a symbol of His glory, and of His purifying and testing. Only that which can stand the test of His Word will survive (Ps.105:19).</span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-9539108"><span style="font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-9539113"><span style="font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;"><b><i>“That the trial of your faith being much more precious than gold that perished, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (1 Pet.1:7)<br /><br /></i></b></span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-9539116"><span style="font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;">What I believe the Lord was showing me in the above experience was while my attention was on the adversary during my trials I was expending all my energy towards his wiles and ploys. When I gave all my attention to my Lord He was able to instruct me spiritually. In the natural I was not able to hear Him, it was only by the spirit that I understood that the lake of fire was God’s glory so awesomely powerful that satan could not withstand it. I basked in His Fire (Glory), and the more I basked in His glory, the smaller satan became. I thought, <i>“Is this the one who has made the earth tremble, who has shook kingdoms, who has made the world as a wilderness and destroyed cities…?” </i>(Is.14:13-17)<br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-9539118"><span style="font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-9539120"><span style="font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;">We may not understand why God allows things to happen in our lives, or why He waits so long to respond on our behalf, but we can be sure that all He allows, and all does agrees with all He is.<br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-9539122"><span style="font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-9539124"><span style="font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;">Now please don’t misunderstand me, there is warfare and God expects us to stand up and fight the good fight of faith. He has given us weapons for our warfare (Eph.6:10-18), and by His Spirit we learn how to war in the spirit and not the flesh. In my experience with the Lord He was instructing me how to fight in the Spirit and not the flesh. What He was instructing me to do was spend time in His presence, basking in His glory, and resting in Who He is.</span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-9539125"><span style="font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-9539127"><span style="font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;">Our part is pressing into Him even in spite of our circumstances. Unless we learn to walk through the darkness (lonely, misunderstood, rejected, etc.) we will never learn to drink from the cup of the Spirit from within.</span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-9539128"><span style="font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;"><b><i>“And I will give you the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places. That you may know that I, the Lord, who call you by your name, am the God of Israel.” (Is.45:3)</i></b></span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-9539131"><span style="font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-9539135"><span style="font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;">During times of darkness we can’t see the path in front of us. This is where God desires us to depend on Him totally and completely. From the beginning to the end He sees our path. He works out of us a dependency upon ourselves and others, and works into us a “deeper Identification” with Him.</span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-9539136"><span style="font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-9539138"><span style="font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;">Let’s not misjudge God or the men of God because of our circumstances. In Exodus Chapter six, we see where the children of Israel would not listen to Moses because of the anguish and cruel bondage that was put upon them. They blamed Moses for the hard labor, and here it was God the whole time testing their hearts. The only time they truly worshiped God was when He did signs and wonders through Moses. Then they believed in Moses as Gods vessel. But the moment hard times came they looked for other leaders and other gods.</span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-9539139"><span style="font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-9539141"><span style="font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;">To become the great warriors God has called us to be, we must worship God in the fire, the fire is for burning all that is not of Him out of us, and refining us into gold where we can see the reflection of Jesus Himself. It was in this place that Apostle Paul was finally able to say, <i>“It is no longer I who live, but Christ in me” (Gal.2:20). </i> Is this not our goal?</span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-9539142"><span style="font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-9539144"><span style="font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;">- Traci Carson</span></div><div id="ctrl-9539145"><span style="font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div id="ctrl-9539147"><span style="font-family:Tahoma;font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><b><a href="http://www.voiceofthetrumpet.org/" class="userlink">www.voiceofthetrumpet.org</a></b></span></span></div>Gary and Traci Carsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12456865281427269708noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-468890729767871309.post-9714223019499621252010-06-19T13:31:00.001-07:002010-06-19T13:34:57.281-07:00What On Earth is God Doing? By David Orton<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3fF2BdnhtZJgdb74YtP1cNpJrZ7XJ4KTFJ3AqXhTacLqB3oEjy7WrTk1-A48dmLHTIkUuOXr4_D31feyCOGLNBE-xO_5aTGesl4fydsMnfM69eLD_CiOFk3Yb30b8XHgsd5_J4e6rOxw/s1600/David+Orton.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 123px; height: 146px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3fF2BdnhtZJgdb74YtP1cNpJrZ7XJ4KTFJ3AqXhTacLqB3oEjy7WrTk1-A48dmLHTIkUuOXr4_D31feyCOGLNBE-xO_5aTGesl4fydsMnfM69eLD_CiOFk3Yb30b8XHgsd5_J4e6rOxw/s320/David+Orton.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484585361750643826" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-21918403"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" >Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Lk 12:32</span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-21918407"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-21918409"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" >The global financial system totters. Whole nations declare bankruptcy. Panic strikes the world markets. Political leaders meet late into the night searching for answers that don’t exist. Militant Islam invades through immigration and population growth. Secularism dominates the public square. And the church pursues cultural appeasement.</span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-21918410"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-21918412"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" >The nations are dismayed and men’s hearts fail them for fear. Where is God, and what on earth is he doing? Are there no answers for the nations? Does not God have a plan? </span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-21918413"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-21918415"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" >In the face of the economic and societal upheaval of the last one hundred years the Spirit of God cries out that he is the omnipotent One, the creator of the heavens and the earth, and the sustainer of all that is. The 20th century outpouring of the Holy Spirit is testimony to the fact that God is powerfully at work in the earth. On the one hand we have seen an increase of the kingdom in powerful outpourings and revivals, but on the other an increase of world wars, economic dislocation, societal turmoil, and natural disasters. </span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-21918416"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-21918418"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" ><b>More going on than meets the eye</b></span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-21918420"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" >Even so, how do we understand these contradictions? Are we being flushed down the toilet as some defeatist end-time theories would have us believe? Or is something more going on than meets the eye?</span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-21918421"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-21918423"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" >Paul, facing off with the wisdom of man, declares that, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him” 1 Cor 2:9</span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-21918424"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-21918426"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" >Human wisdom, fed by the five senses and natural reasoning, cannot see the things that God has destined for the heirs of salvation. But fortunately they are revealed to us by the Spirit (see v10). And so, something more than meets the eye is occurring.</span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-21918427"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-21918429"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" >Without a revelation of God and his kingdom our hearts will fear when he shakes the nations. This is why Paul prayed that the Ephesians, surrounded by an occult and pagan world, would receive the spirit of wisdom and revelation. Through seeing the ascended Christ by the Spirit, and apprehending his fullness, as his body, they would rule over principalities and powers.i He had declared to them “the whole plan of God”,ii causing the entire region of Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey) to hear the word in a two-year period.iii Whatever this whole plan was, clearly the modern church has lost it. Instead we have been fed a ‘part’, a truncated gospel, focusing either on personal salvation and holiness, or the baptism and ministry of the Holy Spirit.</span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-21918430"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-21918432"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" ><b>The whole plan of God</b></span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-21918434"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" >Prophetically speaking, the church has celebrated the feasts of Passover and Pentecost. In some measure, justification by faith and holiness (Passover) were restored as truths during the 16th to 19th centuries and the baptism of the Holy Spirit (Pentecost) in the 20th century, but the spiritual realities of the Feast of Tabernacles are yet to be celebrated. With her decline and Constantinian fall the church lost her grasp on the whole plan of God. However, this is now being progressively restored, as the wisdom writer so aptly declared, “The path of the just is like a shining light, shining brighter and brighter until the full day” (Prov 4:18). Over the last five hundred years God has been increasingly restoring light and truth to his people, setting them free from their Babylonian captivity.</span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-21918435"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-21918437"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" >And so, what is the whole plan of God? The feasts of Passover and Pentecost, we understand and experience in some measure, but what is the significance of the feast of Tabernacles? Much can be unpacked from the typology of the feasts.iv Nevertheless, we will resist this temptation and focus on only several salient points. Passover was initially celebrated in Egypt on the eve of Israel’s deliverance, Pentecost in the wilderness at Sinai, but Tabernacles was first celebrated in the Land as a celebration of realized destiny and a remembrance of the wilderness journey. As the feast of the Promised Land, celebrating Israel’s final realization of the covenant promises, Tabernacles foreshadows the church finally entering the fullness of the kingdom on earth, despite her lengthy wilderness wanderings.<br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-21918439"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-21918441"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" >Like Israel, the church has delayed its entrance into the fullness of the Land despite its celebration of Passover and Pentecost. Even though she has enjoyed the recovery of both feasts over the last several centuries, she still languishes in the wilderness through unbelief. She too has come to her Kadesh-Barnea.v With her nose up against the store window, looking into a land of milk and honey, of God’s kingdom coming to earth in miraculous power, she has pulled back in unbelief. Rather than occupying the land as a holy nation of king-priests and filling the whole earth with his glory she has been seduced by “doctrines of devils”, gullibly believing every defeatist and escapist end-time teaching, conveniently relieving her of the kingdom mandate to disciple nations.vi On seeing the giants of the land, the principalities and powers that rule cities and nations, she has found solace in escapist ‘rapture’ theories that wisp the church out of the world, rather than occupying until he comes.vii</span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-21918442"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-21918444"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" ><b>The gospel of the kingdom of God</b></span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-21918446"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" >We have lost the gospel of the kingdom of God.viii The gospel of personal salvation we understand, the message of the Holy Spirit’s ministry, we value; but the message of the kingdom, as proclaimed by Christ and his apostles is all but forgotten. This was the ‘whole plan of God’ that Paul proclaimed to the Ephesians:</span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-21918447"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" >8And he went into the synagogue and spoke boldly for three months, reasoning and persuading concerning the things of the kingdom of God. 9But when some were hardened and did not believe, but spoke evil of the Way before the multitude, he departed from them and withdrew the disciples, reasoning daily in the school of Tyrannus. 10And this continued for two years, so that all who dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks. Acts 19:8-10</span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-21918448"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-21918450"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" >So, what is the gospel of the kingdom of God? It is the good news of a new creation – a new order of God’s government – one of righteousness and justice, bringing peace to all peoples and nations.ix For many, it is a shock that this has already begun in the person of God’s Son. Through becoming man, living his sinless life, learning obedience through suffering, and finally through his death, resurrection and ascension to the Father, the kingdom has come definitively to this planet.<br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-21918452"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-21918454"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" >With God becoming man, a permanent shift of cosmic proportions has occurred.x Restored to the image of God, man has been reinstated to the rulership of the universe,xi and the new creation has begun.xii Consequently, we do not look to the second coming (nor to a future kingdom age), to achieve what God has already accomplished in the first coming. The kingdom of God came definitively in Christ when he rose from the grave as the firstfruits of all those who believe.xiii Ascending, as the son of man,xiv to the right hand of the Father he now rules the universe. From this position, he pours forth the promised Holy Spirit, imparting his perfected humanityxv and sonshipxvi to his body, and progressively extending his rule through itxvii until all his enemies are subdued under his feet.xviii Christ is, therefore, in heaven seated at the right hand of the Father until every enemy is defeated.xix He will not return until this occurs.<br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-21918456"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-21918458"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" >Every pretender to the throne, every idol, and false ideology – every rebellious human system will fall before Jesus returns. God is shaking the heavens and the earth until only the unshakeable remains – the everlasting kingdom of God.xx And when he does return only one enemy will remain – the last enemy, death. And this will be conquered through the final resurrection.xxi The gospel of the kingdom of God is the good news that the universe is now being renovated – that the creator-redeemer God has invaded time and history, exorcising every demonic force, infusing the world with his glorious presence.</span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-21918459"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-21918461"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" ><b>End-time scenarios</b></span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-21918463"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" >Therefore, any end-time scenario, which robs the body of Christ of its mandate to exemplify and extend Christ’s victory in the world must, at least, be seriously questioned, if not viewed as a diabolical lie. Likewise, any view that relegates the gospel to personal faith only, castrating its power to transform creation must be rejected. Every sphere of human endeavour and creativity, including nature itself, is transfigured by Christ becoming man. Christ will be satisfied with the reward of his suffering,xxii returning not only for a bride without blemishxxiii but also a planet leavened and liberated by the kingdom.xxiv The kingdom has come definitively through God in Christ, is coming progressively through the obedience of faith, and will come consumatively at the second coming.</span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-21918464"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-21918466"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" >Our Christology,xxv therefore, must inform our eschatology.xxvi Our revelation of Christ, as the incarnate Son of God (i.e. God in a human body in this world), and as the Son of Man (i.e. Man perfected in this world) determines our understanding of end-things. As the God-Man, he is the full stop, the climax of history, and the fullness of the Father in a time-space world.xxvii This is the promised kingdom age.<br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-21918468"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-21918470"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" >The old heavens and earth, the old covenant age has passed and the new has come – the new Jerusalem has arrived in the person of the Son.xxviii This will ‘fuss’ with many eschatological sacred cows – with escapist rapture theories, millennial schemes, and not to mention the role of Israel, the church, and the kingdom. Any deferment of the kingdom to another age, or abrogation of it to an old covenant ethnic identity is dismantled.xxix Christ and his body, the new Israel, in which there is neither Jew nor Greek,xxx is the climax of history – the fulfilment of the Edenic promise that the seed of the woman would crush the serpent’s head,xxxi and thus also, of all the covenants and promises through the fathers.xxxii</span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-21918471"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-21918473"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" ><b>Father’s purpose</b></span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-21918475"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" >God’s government in his Son was conceived in the heart of the Father before time began.xxxiii This has implications in how we approach God and our mission in the world.xxxiv If God’s purpose begins in the Fall of man, man and his dysfunction is the centre point. The purpose of the gospel is then man’s rescue and recovery, resulting in an image of God as saviour and healer, in modern parlance, a therapist. This is surely the case in the contemporary western church. Our half-baked theology has hopped into bed with the west’s cult of psychology and produced a monster – a church system geared to the therapy of self. With God portrayed as a ‘Dr Feelgood’ the shelves of Christian bookstores groan with titles promoting a life of maximised living – of emotional, relational, financial and sexual health. However, if God’s purpose begins in himself, the centre and circumference is found in him, in relationship rather than recovery.<br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-21918477"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-21918479"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" >Paradoxically, when he is in the centre recovery occurs, for God is revealed as the ‘Father of compassion and God of all comfort’ (2 Cor 1:3-4). As a Father his purpose is discovered in the desire for mature sons.xxxv While, in compassion, he provides for our every need during our infancy, he is focussed on bringing us to maturity, so as to share in the family business.xxxvi Recovery from the dysfunction of sin is necessary in this maturation process. He will not leave his sons in an eternal state of infancy.xxxvii And yet, this is where we want to remain, cooing and burbling in the playpen of personal salvation with our charismatic toys, but refusing the Father’s call toward spiritual adulthood. This then is the gospel of the kingdom of God – a call to mature sonship, so as to share with the Father in the governance of the universe. This is why it is ‘the Father’s good pleasure to give us the kingdom’ (Lk 12:32). God the Father has purposed to rule the universe through mature sons.</span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-21918480"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-21918482"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" ><b>Father’s DNA</b></span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-21918484"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" >Jesus is, therefore, the firstborn among many brothers.xxxviii The Father and God of us all has purposed to bring all his sons to glory, not just the firstborn. We all have the Father’s DNA.xxxix As Peter declares, we ‘have been made participators in the divine nature’ (2 Pet 1:4). With the Father’s supernatural genes planted within us, family likeness is inevitable.xl As some have said about my own kids, “The apple sure doesn’t fall far from the tree!” In fact, the power of genetic continuity is downright scary. More often than I care to admit, I hear an eerie echo of my parents or even grandparents in my words or behaviour.</span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-21918485"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-21918487"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" >And so, in this climax of history, God the Father will have a corporate Son in whom he delights. Having reached the full stature of Christ, as a fellow-heir with him, it will inherit the Father’s business. Having received the keys of the kingdom, a redeemed humanity will exercise dominion over the earth.</span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-21918488"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-21918490"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" >Therefore, there is no room for fear – the Father will give us the kingdom</span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-21918491"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-21918493"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-21918495"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" >*************************** </span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-21918496"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" >i. Eph 1:17-23</span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-21918497"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" >ii. Acts 20:27</span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-21918498"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" >iii. Acts 19:10</span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-21918499"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" >iv. An OT type is a prophetic symbol foreshadowing a spiritual reality fulfilled in Christ and his church. OT</span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-21918500"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" >Israel and her various institutions, as types (priesthood, sacrifice, tabernacle, temple, & feasts), all have their fulfilment in the spiritual realities of the new covenant (see 1 Cor 10:6, 11; Heb 8:2; 9:23, 24). All Israel were to gather in Jerusalem, three times a year, to celebrate the feasts of Passover (including Unleavened Bread), Pentecost (or Weeks), and Tabernacles. See Lev 23 for an outline of the Feasts. It is a common failure to so miss the symbolic and therefore spiritual significance of the feasts that keeping the natural and literal is mistakenly pursued. The principle is “first the natural, then the spiritual”.</span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-21918501"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" >v. Kadesh-Barnea was where Israel refused to go into the Promised Land because of unbelief (Num 32:8ff; Deu 1:19-38; Jsh 14:6-12).</span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-21918502"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" >vi. Gen 1:26; Mat 28:18-20</span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-21918503"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" >vii. Luk 19:13</span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-21918504"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" >viii. Mat 4:23; 9:35; 24:14; Lk 9:2, 60; 16:16; Acts 1:3; 8:12; 19:8; 20:25; 28:23, 31</span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-21918505"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" >ix. Isa 2:1-4; 9:1-7; Lk 2:11-14; 4:17-19; Rom 14:17; Rev 11:15; Psa 110; Psa 2</span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-21918506"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" >x. Rom 5:12-20; 8:18-22</span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-21918507"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" >xi. Psa 8:4-6; Gen 1:26; Heb 2:5-8; 1 Cor 6:2-3; 15:27; Rom 8:17-21</span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-21918508"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" >xii. 2 Cor 5:17; Gal 6:15; Isa 65:17; 66:22; Rev 21:1-5</span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-21918509"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" >xiii. 1 Cor 15:20-23; Col 1:18;</span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-21918510"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" >xiv. Dan 7:13-14; Mat 12:40; 16:28; 17:9; 19:28; 25:31-33; 26:24; Rev 1:13; 14:14</span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-21918511"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" >xv. 2 Pet 1:3-4; Heb 2:10-11; 5:8-9; Rom 8:1-4; Col 1:1-5;</span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-21918512"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" >xvi. Rom 8:15-16; Gal 4:6</span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-21918513"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" >xvii. Eph 3:10; 1:18-23; Mat 28:18-20; Isa 9:7; Pro 4:18; Eph 4:13</span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-21918514"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" >xviii. See Psalms 2 and 110 as the two most quoted Psalms in the New Testament. They show Christ the Son ascending to the right hand of the Father and ruling until every enemy has been subdued.</span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-21918515"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" >For Psalm 2, see Matt. 3:17; 17:5; Mark 1:11; 9:7; Luke 3:22; 9:35; John 1:49; Acts 4:25-26; 13:33; Phil. 2:12; Heb. 1:2,5; 5:5; Rev. 2:26-27; 11:18; 12:5; 19:15, 19.</span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-21918516"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" >For Psalm 110, see Matt. 22:44; 26:64; Mark 12:36; 14:62; 16:19; Luke 20:42-43; 22:69; John 12:34; Acts 2:34-35; Rom. 8:34; 1 Cor. 15:25; Eph. 1:20; Col. 3:1; Heb. 1:3, 13; 5:6, 10; 6:20; 7:3, 17, 21; 8:1; 10:12-13; 12:2.</span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-21918517"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" >xix. Acts 3:21; Psa 110</span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-21918518"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" >xx. Heb 12:25-27; Dan 2:44; 7:13-14</span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-21918519"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" >xxi. 1 Ths 4:13-18; 1 Cor 15:20-26</span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-21918520"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" >xxii. Isa 53:11-12</span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-21918521"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" >xxiii. Eph 5:27</span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-21918522"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" >xxiv. Mat 13:33; Rom 8:18-25</span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-21918523"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" >xxv. Doctrine of Christ and his work</span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-21918524"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" >xxvi. Doctrine of final things</span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-21918525"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" >xxvii. Heb 1:1-3; Eph 1:10</span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-21918526"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" >xxviii. Rev 21:1-3</span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-21918527"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" >xxix. Rom 2:28; 4:10-13; 9:6-8; Gal 6:15; Rev 2:9; Jn 1:47; 8:37-39</span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-21918528"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" >xxx. Rom 10:12; Gal 3:28; Col 3:11; Eph 2:11-22</span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-21918529"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" >xxxi. Gen 3:15</span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-21918530"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" >xxxii. Eph 2:12; 3:6; Rom 11:17; 15:8-12; Gal 3:16; Heb 1:1-3</span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-21918531"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" >xxxiii. Eph 1:4-12 ; 3:8-11; Rom 8:29; 1 Pet 1:19-20; Jn 3:35; 16:28; 17:5; 1 Cor 8:6; Heb 1:1-14</span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-21918532"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" >xxxiv. See chapter 3, ‘Snakes in the Temple: Unmasking Idolatry in Today’s Church’ by David Orton (Sovereign World: Tonbridge Wells, 2003)</span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-21918533"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" >xxxv. Heb 1:1-14; 2:10; 2 Cor 6:18; 2 Sam 7:14. Please note that the reference to “sons” in scripture is gender neutral, it includes both sexes.</span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-21918534"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" >xxxvi. Lk 2:49; Gal 4:1-7</span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-21918535"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" >xxxvii. Heb 12:5-12; 2:10; Eph 4:13-14</span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-21918536"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" >xxxviii. Rom 8:29; Col 1:15, 18; Heb 1:6; 2:10-12; Rev 1:5</span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-21918537"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" >xxxix. Jn 1:12-13; 1 Pet 1:3, 23; 1 Jn 3:9; 5:4, 18</span></div><div style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" id="ctrl-21918538"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" >xl. 2 Pet 1:3-9; Rom 8:29</span></div><div id="ctrl-21918539"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" ><br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(51, 204, 255);" id="ctrl-21918541"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" > <b><a href="http://go.netatlantic.com/t/23303409/73150962/154363/0/" target="_blank" class="userlink">www.lifemessenger.org</a></b></span></div>Gary and Traci Carsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12456865281427269708noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-468890729767871309.post-83109670669268062882010-05-30T06:54:00.000-07:002010-05-30T07:01:59.753-07:00The Radical Remnant - by Paul Keith Davis<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcMfQsnP0Bc7aNd9Pe0t2gCiUa6iNzCxRpj4quyb4kJox8k-b6vBzjke6TWPZPVyePdUzNf3xXd-EM_dqb25ytqar07VKt_ycCyzv7A-62v1Z_rMsSWWcfk_FtONF3tOOJnk8y5GJyk2Q/s1600/Paul+Keith+Davis.bmp"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 144px; height: 278px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcMfQsnP0Bc7aNd9Pe0t2gCiUa6iNzCxRpj4quyb4kJox8k-b6vBzjke6TWPZPVyePdUzNf3xXd-EM_dqb25ytqar07VKt_ycCyzv7A-62v1Z_rMsSWWcfk_FtONF3tOOJnk8y5GJyk2Q/s320/Paul+Keith+Davis.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477061809267641138" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-4653047"><span style="font-size:130%;">Say to Zion, "you are My people!" For some time this has been the expression I have heard coming from the Lord's Spirit. It is taken from Isaiah’s prophecies in a season of messianic promise when an anointed word will be placed in the mouths of God's remnant who prophesy from an atmosphere of the anointing to accomplish three things: Isaiah 51:15-16<br /><br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-4653051"><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-4653052"><span style="font-size:130%;">1.<span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"> </span>Found the revelation of God's Kingdom in the heavenly places</span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-4653053"><span style="font-size:130%;">2.<span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"> </span>Establish on the Earth what is founded in the heavens</span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-4653054"><span style="font-size:130%;">3.<span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"> </span></span><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);font-size:130%;" >Prophesy to the Zion Company (God's Radical Remnant) a season of </span><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);font-size:130%;" >de</span><span style="font-size:130%;">stiny and promise<br /><br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-4653055"><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-4653056"><span style="font-size:130%;">We are living in a time clearly defined as the "harvest" generation. All spiritual seeds are coming to maturity simultaneously; both the seeds of light and darkness developing and requiring an active response on our part. This will cause some who have straddled the spiritual fence to take one side or the other in this heightened spiritual environment in which we presently live.<br /><br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-4653057"><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-4653058"><span style="font-size:130%;">According to Revelations 3, we must either be blistering hot or we will find ourselves overcome by darkness. The times will no longer allow for lukewarm Christianity among God’s radical remnant. The spirit of anti-christ is coming to full maturity in the earth. Likewise, the Spirit of Christ is developing maturity in the hearts of a company who will demonstrate mighty expressions of spiritual authority and power in this day of spiritual restoration mingled with the promise of "new things." According to Zechariah 8:11-13:<br /><br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-4653059"><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-4653060"><span style="font-size:130%;">"But now I will not treat the remnant of this people as in the former days,' declares the LORD of hosts. “For there will be peace for the seed: the vine will yield its fruit, the land will yield its produce and the heavens will give their dew; and I will cause the remnant of this people to inherit all these things. It will come about that just as you were a curse among the nations, O house of Judah and house of Israel, so I will save you that you may become a blessing. Do not fear; let your hands be strong.'<br /><br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-4653061"><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-4653062"><span style="font-size:130%;">Throughout the Church Ages, there have been admonitions and promises given to those who overcome the spiritual adversity of their day to be sealed into the Kingdom and rewarded with significant spiritual blessings. “To those who overcome” is a noteworthy identification directing the destiny of the remnant of God’s people who are victorious in the struggle with our adversary who often counterfeits the genuine expression of God.<br /><br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-4653063"><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-4653064"><span style="font-size:130%;">The Lord has prophetically promised to establish a Biblical government with apostolic authority necessary for the preparation of His end-time Bride. A great opportunity of grace is being released to the Church...we must embrace it. This will begin the process of separating the precious from the worthless allowing us to "taste the good word of God and the powers of the age to come. (Hebrews 6:5) The Lord can only trust us with the fullness of His rich power and Kingdom authority, when our character and nature is consistent with His.<br /><br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-4653065"><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-4653066"><span style="font-size:130%;">Our previous lack of "comprehension" has greatly inhibited our ability to be the bright shining light in this dark world. This is beginning to change. The Lord is bringing forth a people of great spiritual understanding who will become beacons of light in the midst of deep darkness</span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-4653067"><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-4653068"><span style="font-size:130%;">This remnant will surface from the process of separation and washing in Truth will be anointed with Holy Spirit power and display the Lord's victory over demons, disease and death. This previous "span" of time has provided a season of preparation and purging for the ones being groomed for this anointing and commissioning.<br /><br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-4653069"><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-4653070"><span style="font-size:130%;">Washed By The Word<br /><br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-4653072"><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-4653073"><span style="font-size:130%;">It is presently the Holy Spirit’s desire to create radical purity essential for entering the secret place of the Most High and union with Christ. The emphasis of the Spirit is now fixed on the cleansing and purifying work necessary for believers to enter a higher dimension of anointing and relationship with God.<br /><br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-4653074"><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-4653075"><span style="font-size:130%;">That He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word that He might present to Himself the Church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she should be holy and blameless.</span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-4653077"><span style="font-size:130%;">–Ephesians 5:26-27<br /><br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-4653079"><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-4653081"><span style="font-size:130%;">When Holy Spirit anointing quickens the Word with life and power, truth is allowed to penetrate into the very fiber of our being, transforming us into the likeness of Christ. When the ultimate process of sanctification has been achieved, we will be presented to the Bridegroom in the fullness of His image. That is being washed by the water of the Word.<br /><br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-4653082"><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-4653083"><span style="font-size:130%;">The Holy Spirit will identify issues within us contrary to His nature and quicken the Word of Truth to provide a divine alternative; this is the process of “overcoming.” When we embrace the revealed Truth with our arms of faith, it will begin to change our nature and character to create purity and a Christ-like mind.<br /><br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-4653084"><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-4653085"><span style="font-size:130%;">The mark of genuine Christianity is clearly recognized in the virtue of a consecrated life. This takes place when our thoughts and ways are consistent with His. It is in the possession of the mind of Christ we discover the secrets of His Kingdom and embrace the keys that unlock the vast resources of our promised inheritance.<br /><br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-4653086"><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-4653087"><span style="font-size:130%;">Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. –Philippians 4:6-7<br /><br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-4653089"><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-4653090"><span style="font-size:130%;">There is available in God a place of peace and rest that serves as a guard or garrison over our hearts and minds. The term "guard" is taken from "phroureo" meaning to protect by a military guard or to prevent hostile invasion or an unwanted besieging. A spiritual watch is assigned to govern and express the pure and powerful qualities of God inherent in the Living Word.<br /><br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-4653091"><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-4653092"><span style="font-size:130%;">The Zadok Priesthood<br /><br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-4653094"><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-4653095"><span style="font-size:130%;">There is an emerging remnant of leaders that can be prophetically characterized by the Zadok Priesthood portrayed in Ezekiel 44. This distinguished division of the Priesthood remained faithful to the Word of God during times of apostasy and infidelity.<br /><br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-4653096"><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-4653097"><span style="font-size:130%;">For their faithfulness, they were rewarded with a divine invitation to minister to the Lord at His table. As they emerged from that place of intimacy and fellowship, a commission was granted to teach God's people the difference between the precious and the profane and extract the clean from the unclean. According to Ezekiel 44:15-16:<br /><br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-4653098"><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-4653099"><span style="font-size:130%;">But the Levitical priests, the sons of Zadok, who kept charge of My sanctuary when the sons of Israel went astray from Me, shall come near to Me to minister to Me; and they shall stand before Me to offer Me the fat and the blood," declares the Lord GOD. They shall enter My sanctuary; they shall come near to My table to minister to Me and keep My charge.<br /><br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-4653101"><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-4653103"><span style="font-size:130%;">This passage closely relates to Revelations 3:20-21. There is a present emphasis on the ministry of "inspired teachers" to prepare the body of Christ to receive the strong Apostolic and Prophetic ministries yet to function in fullness and maturity who will promote the separation of the “precious from the profane.” These anointed saints who “overcome” will provide fresh revelation of His Word reserved for this generation from a place of intimacy, fellowship and union with God.</span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-4653104"><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-4653105"><span style="font-size:130%;">God’s Government is coming forth to be properly placed in its role as the foundation with Jesus Christ as chief Cornerstone. These will be leaders in whom the Lord has found pleasure and can be trusted with the power and authority necessary for Kingdom purposes.<br /><br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-4653106"><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-4653107"><span style="font-size:130%;">They will be the judges and counselors who will not judge by what their eyes see nor what their ears hear, but in righteousness make judgments of equity and justice. The refiner’s fire is thoroughly purifying these leaders so the anointing would not be lost nor the wineskins destroyed for lack of character. It will be a true impartation of the divine nature and Holy character established in the spirit and soul of the Lord's leadership.<br /><br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-4653108"><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-4653109"><span style="font-size:130%;">Inspired Priests<br /><br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-4653111"><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-4653112"><span style="font-size:130%;">The term inspired priests is one taken from both Old and New Testament scriptures generally referencing teachers who receive their understanding of the Word "through a revelation of Jesus Christ." (Galations 1:12) The Apostle Paul stated that his revelation of the Word came not by the teaching of man nor by reading a book but by a divine revelation of Jesus Christ. The inspired teachers present truth that will begin to sanctify believers according to John 17:17; "LORD SANCTIFY THEM IN TRUTH; THY WORD IS TRUTH".<br /><br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-4653113"><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-4653114"><span style="font-size:130%;">One of the Old Testament redemptive names given to the Lord is Jehovah M'Kaddesh - The Lord Who Sanctifies (Exodus 31:13) The term holiness is derived from the Hebrew word "Kodesh" and is allied to "sanctify" and is translated as dedicate, consecrate, hallow or holy. "I am Jehovah M'Kaddesh - The Lord who sanctifies you". This term's main influence relates to moral and spiritual purity. In the New Testament, many scriptures relate to the process of sanctification, the sum of which is provided to the Church through the atoning work of Christ.</span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-4653115"><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-4653116"><span style="font-size:130%;">The inspired teachers will promote sanctification within the Church making her a suitable dwelling place for the fullness of God's Spirit. His manifest Presence will empower believers to become partakers of His divine nature and His Holy character. All of these purposes, related to the inspired priest or teacher, are identified with the true biblical definition of discipleship. That is, teaching believers to become the Lord's friend. This form of discipleship will also lead the church into the full revelation and realization of Galatians 5:22-23.<br /><br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-4653117"><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-4653118"><span style="font-size:130%;">The main assignment of the "inspired teachers" will be to Biblically reveal the requirements of the Lord for the end-time Church to taste the good Word of God and prepare her to walk in the powers of the age to come. Through their revelation of the Word by the Holy Spirit, they will teach the remnant necessary steps of preparation and consecration in order to be viable participants in the glorious ministry yet to come.<br /><br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-4653119"><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-4653120"><span style="font-size:130%;">Cleansing the Soul<br /><br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-4653122"><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-4653124"><span style="font-size:130%;">The Lord is looking for men and women who live in agreement with His Word and stand before Him as His spokesmen. In this place, we become the expression of His voice. Those who are depicted as the "overcomers" will be granted a white stone with a new name imparted to them and allowed to share in the "hidden manna" reserved for the time of the end. There are secrets and mysteries yet to be unfolded from the depths of God's Word that will transform the bride and make her ready for the Bridegroom.<br /><br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-4653125"><span style="font-size:130%;">Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.</span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-4653127"><span style="font-size:130%;">–2 Corinthians 7:1<br /><br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-4653129"><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-4653130"><span style="font-size:130%;">Conversely, there is a demonically inspired "dark light" that will send deluding influences into the soul of man with delusions of grandeur. That is why we must continually cleanse ourselves from all that would contaminate and defile both body and spirit.<br /><br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-4653131"><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-4653132"><span style="font-size:130%;">Delusions of grandeur and spiritual deceptions result in the manipulation of the church body through "selfish ambition" and "self justification." These will utilize the "control" and "religious" spirits to accomplish a counterfeit agenda and twist the Word of God to suit that agenda.</span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-4653133"><span style="font-size:130%;">The Lord's servants will always be meek and teachable. The Holy Spirit is calling us back to the place of a humble heart and contrite spirit, trembling at His Word. From this place of devotion, we will easily discern the demonic influences the enemy tries to initiate and quickly dispel them. This process will keep us “hallowed” before the Lord.<br /><br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-4653134"><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-4653135"><span style="font-size:130%;">Combining Spiritual Thoughts with Spiritual Words<br /><br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-4653137"><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-4653139"><span style="font-size:130%;">Through His Church, the Holy Spirit is beginning to unveil mysteries of the Kingdom by articulating and giving expression to spiritual thoughts with spiritual words. (1 Corinthians 2.13) It will be Kingdom Truth not taught by human wisdom, but the Holy Spirit granting the proper interpretation of spiritual Truth through spiritual language. From this posture, we will begin to understand His ways and apprehend His thoughts. The Lord is promising to reveal His thoughts and ways, which are much higher than ours. His is a "higher way" of holiness.<br /><br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-4653141"><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-4653143"><span style="font-size:130%;">Words, when anointed, become a spiritual "vehicle" that transports us from one realm to another…The natural word becoming spiritual through the anointing of the Holy Spirit. In John 6:63 the Lord stated that the words He spoke to them were both SPIRIT and LIFE.<br /><br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-4653145"><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-4653146"><span style="font-size:130%;">It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing; the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life. –John 6:63<br /><br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-4653148"><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-4653150"><span style="font-size:130%;">Through the anointing of the Spirit, words attain a spiritual life of their own. The Spirit gives life to the message of the Kingdom that points to the cross and transports one from the natural into the Spirit realm. It is in that place we discover the hope of our calling and the immeasurable greatness of His unlimited power toward those who believe.<br /><br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-4653151"><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-4653152"><span style="font-size:130%;">Jesus Himself was actually representative of the "anointed Word." He was the Word of God incarnate in flesh and He was the Messiah, which translated means, the Anointed One. God's inspired Word is a spiritual vehicle which delivers us from the natural realm to the spiritual. His anointing is the fuel that propels the vehicle. Without the anointing the vehicle cannot operate. The letter killeth but the Spirit giveth Life. (II Corinthians 3:6)<br /><br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-4653153"><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-4653154"><span style="font-size:130%;">For the ministered word to become spiritual food, it must proceed from the Presence of the Lord through an anointed ministry in an atmosphere of the anointing. As His anointed word is quickened within us and we receive from it an impartation of Spirit and Life, we are then growing into "the fullness of His stature".<br /><br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-4653155"><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-4653156"><span style="font-size:130%;">Re-Reading the Scriptures with Spirit Eyes<br /><br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-4653158"><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-4653159"><span style="font-size:130%;">A clear admonition is emanating from the Holy Spirit for us to truly re-read the written Word through Spirit eyes. Passages of scripture which we have read many times will now begin to take on new life as a fresh dimension of insight is deposited from the throne of Heaven.<br /><br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-4653160"><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-4653161"><span style="font-size:130%;">For many passages, it will be as though we have never read them because of the unique hidden truth that will emerge in this day. Even the prophet Daniel foresaw our generation and understood the revelations he was privileged to observe were reserved for the time of the end. We have now entered that day and the present dimensions of Truth will be unveiled.<br /><br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-4653162"><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-4653163"><span style="font-size:130%;">But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come. –John 16:13<br /><br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-4653165"><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-4653167"><span style="font-size:130%;">The result of this fresh revelation of Truth will begin to transform our natures from FEAR to FAITH. On the surface, it will make the coming days seem turbulent. Nonetheless, the end result will be the re-establishing of the church on a firm foundation of Truth and Faith.<br /><br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-4653168"><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-4653169"><span style="font-size:130%;">Fear is a great enemy the Lord desires to overcome in His people. Like Joshua of old, we are given the admonition to be strong and of good courage without fear or reservation in our approach to this next Spiritual season.<br /><br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-4653170"><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-4653171"><span style="font-size:130%;">With the dawning of this new day of Church history, God’s anointing is disbursed in the spiritual atmosphere so those ardently seeking Truth can lay hold of it and obtain great insight with understanding. As the Zion Company asks with sincerity for this deposit, it will be received. Our spiritual eyes will be illumined to see the scriptures from heaven's perspective not merely man's.</span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-4653172"><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-4653173"><span style="font-size:130%;">The spiritual realities that are being birthed in the earth now will have no end. They will literally flow into the millennial age and the coming manifestation of His Kingdom on the earth. Though we do not know when those days will be fully revealed, we do know that the purposes now being birthed will advance directly into that age.<br /><br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-4653174"><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-4653175"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:130%;">The Zion Company will begin to taste the good Word of God and the power of the age to come. Like the beloved disciple John in his notable revelations, we will be allowed to eat the open book containing the full manifestation of the Lord's redemptive plans and purposes. This will be the tasting of His Kingdom Word and a demonstration of Kingdom Might, in order to wonderfully introduce the Lord Jesus in Truth and Power, to an entire generation.</span><br /><br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-4653176"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></div><div id="ctrl-4653177"><b><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);font-size:100%;" ><a href="http://www.whitedoveministries.org/" class="userlink">www.whitedoveministries.org</a></span><br /></b></div>Gary and Traci Carsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12456865281427269708noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-468890729767871309.post-58231694545337347722010-05-18T11:59:00.000-07:002010-05-18T12:07:22.307-07:00Do You Hear Mother Jerusalem Calling? (Part One) by Traci Carson<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtv6aYrwLvhMBxZdlOISX3Fr3hHQSUmZXyLC1edocpTDFUNcU-OTxCs_hp1zXxfzi6zOWU-MarjPtZueWFkGEEwrf4plQjsGBzHOzgZh_gI2a66MiqGXQdKMevYBC2rs62BLPnRFjVLNM/s1600/Traci+Carson+%28smaller+photo%29.bmp"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 136px; height: 173px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtv6aYrwLvhMBxZdlOISX3Fr3hHQSUmZXyLC1edocpTDFUNcU-OTxCs_hp1zXxfzi6zOWU-MarjPtZueWFkGEEwrf4plQjsGBzHOzgZh_gI2a66MiqGXQdKMevYBC2rs62BLPnRFjVLNM/s320/Traci+Carson+%28smaller+photo%29.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472687663497357234" border="0" /></a><br /><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >The Lord has been and continues to dismantle our natural thinking and concepts of who He is and who He is not. <o:p><br /></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><b><i><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.” </span></span></i>(Isa.55:8,9)<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >The Word of God is Spirit. Our natural thinking, such as our physical locations and physical directions keep us from understanding the things of the Spirit. For instance, when we read the Word of God and we see the word “up” or “down”, we think in the natural sense of the word. Often times in Scripture when we see the word “up” there is a spiritually higher meaning than we comprehend. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><b><i><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">“…but we have the mind of Christ.” </span></span></i>(1 Cor.2:16)<o:p></o:p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></span></b></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><b><i><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.” </span></span></i> (Phil.2:5)<o:p></o:p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></span></b></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >Before we see the mind of Christ manifest in our personal lives, there is a decrease of our natural thinking, a dismantling of our concepts and understandings that have kept us from seeing His “higher” spiritual source of life in and through us.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >That which is “higher” is being revealed to those who have hearing ears to hear and not only hear, but apprehend that in which they hear. Presently there is the most beautiful revelation of our Heavenly Father and just how much He really loves us. We are coming to know, to experientially know (apprehend, comprehend, recognize and perceive the truth) our real Father; understanding that our DNA (Deoxyribonucleic nucleic acid) is of Him and not the natural. We were born natural first, but spiritual second (1 Cor.15:44-46). And since we, who have received Christ as Savior, Lord and King, are spiritual we are no longer of this world but of heaven – Hallelujah! (Eph.1:22,23; 2:6,19).<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >Deoxyribonucleic nucleic acid (DNA) is present in the cells of all living organisms. It can be referred to as the <i><span style="font-style: italic;">“building blocks of life,”</span></i> since DNA encodes the genetic material which determines what an organism will develop into. In maintaining the genetic blueprint for its parent organism, DNA also performs a number of other functions which are critical to life. I’m not going into great detail about DNA, but we must grasp the powerful existence of our Abba Father’s (Aramaic for Daddy) DNA within each one who has received His Son as Lord and Savior. When we are “Born Again” we have automatically become an eternal life breathing conscious existence of Christ’s Body. We are no longer of the natural, but now of the spiritual.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >In this message, I want to talk about our Mother. It takes both a father and a mother to bring forth the fullness of life that our God intended the Body of Christ to be.<o:p><br /></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><b><i><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">“… but the <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Jerusalem</st1:city></st1:place> above is free, which is the mother of us all.”</span></span></i> (Gal.4:26)<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >This New Jerusalem is the birthplace of our new nature. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><b><i><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">“…but you have come to Mount Zion and the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly of the church and the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the judge of all, to the spirit of just men made perfect, to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel.” </span></span></i>(Heb.12:22-24).</b><o:p></o:p></span> <span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" ><o:p><br /></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >Since our citizenship is not of this world, but of heaven (Phil.3:20; Eph.2:6), then we are to understand that we are from above (Gal.4:26). There is a difference between those who “rest” in the Lord Jesus, and those who trust in the law. The heavenly <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Jerusalem</st1:city></st1:place>, the true church from above walks in the liberty of Christ, and is the mother of all believers who are born of the Holy Spirit. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><b><i><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">“But he who was of the bondwoman </span></span></i>(Agar who bore Ishmael) <i><span style="font-style: italic;">was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman </span></i>(<st1:personname st="on">Sarah</st1:personname> who bore Isaac) <i><span style="font-style: italic;">was by promise. Which things are symbolic. For these are the two covenants; the one from Mount Sinai which gives birth to bondage, which is Hagar – for this Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia, and corresponds to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children – but the Jerusalem above is free, which is the mother of us all.” </span></i>(Gal.4:23-25)<o:p></o:p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></span></b></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >What and who is the New Jerusalem? It has nothing to do with the physical/natural city called <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Jerusalem</st1:city></st1:place>. The New Jerusalem is the Bride of Christ. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><b><i><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">“And I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.” </span></span></i>(Rev.21:2)<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >The Corporate Body of Christ has been in preparation for the Millennial Kingdom of God for the last two decades. Presently, there has been acceleration in time, a shift that is demanding a wake up call out of the false comfort that many have been caught up in. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >There are some who have been caught up in looking “up” in the natural. For anything spiritual/heavenly to take place, we must understand that which is higher comes “down” from God out of the heavenly as we seek His ways and thoughts. <o:p><br /></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >It does not yet appear what we shall be, because we are being transformed into His same image from “glory to glory (2 Cor.3:18).” <o:p><br /></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >When a new born baby arrives it doesn’t start grade school the next day does it? And so it is with the Corporate Body of Christ. As explained by Apostle Peter, a day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years is as a day (2 Pet.3:8,9). Peter was speaking prophetically of the Church age (two thousand years). The third-day however is the Millennial Day and it is here that the Body of Christ (which is exactly that – His body) will be perfected. This perfection that Christ spoke of is that of His body and His head coming together as one. For two thousand years Christ has looked for a place to rest His head. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><b><i><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">“Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of man has no where to lay His head”. </span></span></i></b>(Luke 9:58)<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >As we are entering in to the third day since the resurrection of Christ and about to see the birthing of the seventh day (millennial / the seventh day since creation) we shall have a deeper revelation of His “rest”. Again, there is a “rest/Sabbath” in Christ rather than “trusting” in the law as clarified in the symbolism of Isaac and Ishmael. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" ><span style="">In the first day so to speak (the <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Outer Court</st1:address></st1:street>) we are introduced to "the Way" (the Lord Jesus Christ Himself), wherein we have shook hands with our Savior. However, there is much more to this introduction than a hand-shake experience. Through the new and living way which Christ consecrated for us, we are able to meet with Him face to face (the "shewbread" or "bread of the face") as we move from the <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Outer Court</st1:address></st1:street> on into the Holy place where Truth is revealed. There is a Divine nearness and awareness within the Holy place that is not experienced by those who remain in the <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Outer Court</st1:address></st1:street>.</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><span style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);font-size:130%;" ><u2:p></u2:p></span> <p style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" ><span style="">In the second day (the Holy place) we encounter "the Truth" about who we are and who we are not, and who Jesus is, and who He is not. As we receive and walk in "the Truth", the veil is lifted from our eyes as we pass through into "the Life"(Holy of holies). We express here the very Life of Christ. We are dead to selfish ambitions, insecurities, and dis-ease.</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><span style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);font-size:130%;" ><u2:p></u2:p></span> <p style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" ><span style="">There are Divine conditions before entering into the Holy of holies. The Holy of holies was a perfect cube measuring 10 cubits on each side. This implies the perfection of condition it represents - the divine nature (2 Pet.1:4), which has been tested and tried. The entrance into the divine conditions was made possible through Christ who entered into heaven itself and now appears in the presence of God for us all (Heb.9:24).</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><span style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);font-size:130%;" ><u2:p></u2:p></span><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span><u2:p></u2:p></span><span style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);font-size:130%;" ><o:p></o:p></span> <p style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" ><span style="">As we enter into this “Third Day”, we are being drawn into the Holy of holies; it is here that we also abide in the spirit. We are no longer young men and women; we have now become spiritual adults. We have become perfect (mature) as Christ is perfect (Matt.5:48; John 17:23; Heb.6:1; Phil.2:5; Gal.2:20). We are maturing in Him, walking in true humility as we ever change from glory to glory (radiating the Shekinah glory of God) - 2 Cor.3:18. It is here within the Holy of holies that we walk in the 100-fold anointing. There is no flicker of light in this place. We are walking in the Divine Light that radiates the very Life of Christ to the lost and dying world. There is no indulgence of the flesh as our body has come in line with our soul that is now in line with our spirit. This is the character and nature of the Trinity (Gen.1:26).</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><span style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);font-size:130%;" ><u2:p></u2:p></span> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);font-size:130%;" >Read further in Part Two of this article</span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a style="color: rgb(51, 204, 255);" title="http://www.voiceofthetrumpetministries.vpweb.com/" href="http://www.voiceofthetrumpetministries.vpweb.com/"><span title="http://www.voiceofthetrumpetministries.vpweb.com/"><span title="http://www.voiceofthetrumpetministries.vpweb.com/"><span title="http://www.voiceofthetrumpetministries.vpweb.com/">www.voiceofthetrumpet.org</span></span></span></a><span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 255);"> </span><span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 255);"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>Gary and Traci Carsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12456865281427269708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-468890729767871309.post-28799296293641670292010-05-18T11:50:00.000-07:002010-05-18T12:08:05.210-07:00Do You Hear Mother Jerusalem Calling? (Part Two) by Traci Carson<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgD0EU3fl20hF5-_tXk3lebbDBe9tSFBDYWh8fZHvmG1Az_s-8uyNUnoe15OUQcPaPtmGksDr2I0qGpnYqcjz-fjRpZgvNWAO0jbxTyatb5Kz9OBQXCg-D-9gi5LmFVt7cZNkRmCDqmQg/s1600/Traci+Carson+%28smaller+photo%29.bmp"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 136px; height: 173px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgD0EU3fl20hF5-_tXk3lebbDBe9tSFBDYWh8fZHvmG1Az_s-8uyNUnoe15OUQcPaPtmGksDr2I0qGpnYqcjz-fjRpZgvNWAO0jbxTyatb5Kz9OBQXCg-D-9gi5LmFVt7cZNkRmCDqmQg/s320/Traci+Carson+%28smaller+photo%29.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472685463217997874" border="0" /></a><br /><p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" ><b><i><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">“And I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.” </span></i>(Rev.21:2)<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >The Corporate Body of Christ has been in preparation for the Millennial Kingdom of God for the last two millennia. Over the last 4 or 5 decades, there has been acceleration in time, a shift that is demanding a wake up call out of the false comfort that many have been caught up in. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >There are some who have been captured in a false rapture theology in looking “up” in the natural. They are looking for a way out of this world, while God is looking for a way in, and He wants to use you and me to do it. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><b><i><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">“The Lord will go forth like a warrior. He shall stir up jealousy like a man of war. He shall cry, yea, roar; He shall prevail against His enemies.” </span></span></i>(Is.42:13 -kj)<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >He created the world. He loved the world so much that He gave His only begotten Son for it (John 3:16). He does intend, destine, and purpose to take over the world (Rev.11:15). Yes, we ARE to take over the world and the fullness thereof. There are those who have a, limp wristed, roll over, slumped over, whispery, effeminate, pathetic jesus, that is NOT Jesus at all, and its time to release the real Jesus in this world. Will the real Jesus please stand up! <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >It does not yet appear what we shall be, because we are being transformed into His same image from “glory to glory (2 Cor.3:18).” <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >As I mentioned last week, when a new born baby arrives it does not start grade school the next day. And so it is with the Corporate Body of Christ. As explained by Apostle Peter, a day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years is as a day (2 Pet.3:8,9). Peter was speaking prophetically of the Church age (two thousand years). The third-day however is the Millennial Day and it is here that the Body of Christ (which is exactly that – His body) will be brought into maturity. This maturity that Christ spoke of is that of His body and His head coming together as one. For two thousand years Christ has looked for a place to rest His head. <o:p><br /></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><b><i><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">“Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of man has no where to lay His head”. </span></span></i></b>(Luke 9:58)<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >As we are entering in to the third day since the resurrection of Christ and about to see the birthing of the seventh day (millennial / the seventh day since creation) we shall have a deeper revelation of His “rest”. Again, there is a “Sabbath/rest” in Christ rather than “trusting/or working” in the law as clarified in the symbolism of Isaac and Ishmael. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >In John 14:6, the Lord says, <b><i><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">“I am the way, the truth, and the life…”</span><o:p></o:p></i></b></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><b><i><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></span></i></b></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >In the first day so to speak (the <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Outer Court</st1:address></st1:street> - justification) we are introduced to "the Way" (the Lord Jesus Christ Himself). <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify; color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >In the second day (the Holy place - sanctification) we encounter "the Truth" about who we are and who we are not, and who Jesus is, and who He is not. </span><span style="font-size:130%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><span style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);font-size:130%;" ><u2:p></u2:p></span> <p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >As we enter into this “Third Day”, we are being drawn into the Holy of holies - Glorification; it is here that we also abide in the spirit. We are no longer young men and women in this place; we have become spiritual adults. We have become perfect (mature) as Christ is perfect (Matt.5:48; John 17:23; Heb.6:1; Phil.2:5; Gal.2:20). We are mature in Him, walking in true humility as we ever change from glory to glory (radiating the Shekinah glory of God) - 2 Cor.3:18. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >There is much more than what I have written here regarding the first, second, and third day. I don’t want this message to lose its context, but want you to see what has been happening with the <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Corporate</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Church</st1:placetype></st1:place> over the decades and how she is changing from glory to Glory. To have a better understanding of these three dimensions, please link to </span><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" ><a title="http://vottmblog.blogspot.com/2010/04/three-dimensions-of-god-part-one-by_24.html" href="http://vottmblog.blogspot.com/2010/04/three-dimensions-of-god-part-one-by_24.html"><span title="http://vottmblog.blogspot.com/2010/04/three-dimensions-of-god-part-one-by_24.html"><span title="http://vottmblog.blogspot.com/2010/04/three-dimensions-of-god-part-one-by_24.html">The Three Dimensions of God </span></span></a>. <o:p></o:p><o:p><br /></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >Let’s go back to Heb.12, starting with verse 18-21. These verses are referring to ancient <st1:country-region st="on">Israel</st1:country-region>, a people who came out of <st1:place st="on"><st1:country-region st="on">Egypt</st1:country-region></st1:place> (a type and shadow of world and sin - captivity) and wandered in the wilderness. And so it has been with the Church. Out of spiritual <st1:place st="on"><st1:country-region st="on">Egypt</st1:country-region></st1:place>, into the wilderness where she has been learning and preparing herself for the land of milk and honey. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >From verses 18-21 we see a strong contrast between the Old Covenant and the New Covenant. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >In Gal.4:21-26 we also see powerful symbolism in the Old (human effort), and the New (Redeemed by the Blood of Christ). Apostle Paul tells us that we have not come to the “human effort” of the Old Covenant. We are not working our way to heaven, we are already there (Eph.2:6; Phil.3:20)!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><b><i><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">“But you have come unto <st1:placetype st="on">Mount</st1:placetype> <st1:placename st="on">Zion</st1:placename>, and onto the city of the living God, the heavenly <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Jerusalem</st1:city></st1:place>, to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn which are registered in heaven...” </span></span></i>(Heb.12:22,23)<o:p></o:p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></span></b></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >If we see through the eye of the Spirit we will grasp that we are a heavenly/spiritual people who are from “above” and not of this world. We may be in the world, but we are not of this world. We are in the world with a mission from above (higher thoughts, higher ways – Is.55:8,9) with a panoramic and aerial” <i><span style="font-style: italic;">Cristocentric”</span></i> (Christ-centered) viewpoint. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >So, what exactly is this <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Jerusalem</st1:city></st1:place>, and how is she our mother? <o:p><br /></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >The Body of Christ has <em><b><span style="font-weight: normal;">diverse</span></b></em> members, <em><b><span style="font-weight: normal;">men and women who are </span></b></em>of different <em><b><span style="font-weight: normal;">ethnic</span></b></em><b><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span></b>groups. In Christ there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, there is neither male nor female, for we are all one in Christ Jesus (Gal.3:28). Men are referred to as the Bride just as much as women are the son’s of God, and also referred to as brethren. So, collectively we, men and women, black, red, yellow and white, rich and poor make up the Body of Christ.<o:p><br /></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >Our Beloved Christ is the “firstborn” of many brethren (Rom.8:29). He lamented over <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Jerusalem</st1:city></st1:place> and longed to gather her as a hen gathers her chicks (Matt.23:37). In Is.40:11, we see a pictorial of Christ gathering His children into His arms and carrying them in His bosom.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >For some it is difficult to see God as who He really is. When God said, <i><span style="font-style: italic;">"Let US make man in Our image, according to Our likeness..." </span></i>it was with the intention of just that. In this message I am not making God out to be male or female... God is God. Out of Him <i><span style="font-style: italic;">both</span></i> came - we, men and women, have our essence, and from Him we come. They (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) are complete in each other, and we are complete in Them.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >Before I go on, there needs to be something addressed that is quite difficult in our day and age. We live in a world where all should be treated the same regardless of little to no effort of progress on the individuals part. In fact, others should carry their lazy derrieres through life. This is not Biblical. When Peter said in Acts 10:34 that he perceived that God shows no partiality, most fail to read the following verses where it clearly states <i><span style="font-style: italic;">that whoever fears Him and works righteousness</span></i> (promises to obedience)<i><span style="font-style: italic;"> is accepted by Him.</span></i> So, in pointing out that Scripture I hope we understand there are things we must do to enter “into” as His Bride Company.<b><span style="font-weight: bold;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >Not all Christians will be the Bride. Yes, I did write that. This does not mean Christians who are not the Bride will go to hell. What it does mean is they are not chosen to reign with Christ in the <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Millennial</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Kingdom</st1:placetype></st1:place>. There is a remnant of people who have and continue to press into Christ with a burning desire. They are “Red Hot” for Jesus. Those who continue to straddle the fence, wallow in false comfort, flirt with the world, remain in self-righteous deeds, and not deal with their earthly nature will not be chosen (Rev.3:15; Matt.25:1-13).<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >There is the “Mother Jerusalem”, and there are “the daughters of <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Jerusalem</st1:city></st1:place>”. The daughters are not the Bride of Christ. The daughters of <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Jerusalem</st1:city></st1:place> are those who never grow up into maturity (song.8:8), nor do they come to understand the deep intense passion for the Bridegroom. They say, <i><span style="font-style: italic;">“What is your beloved more than another beloved, O fairest among women? What is your beloved more than another beloved, that you so charge us </span></i>(Song.5:9)<i><span style="font-style: italic;">?</span></i> The daughters of <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Jerusalem</st1:city></st1:place> remain in the <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Outer Court</st1:address></st1:street>, and may from time to time attempt to enter into the <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Holy Place</st1:address></st1:street>, but soon run back to the outer court because the <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Holy Place</st1:address></st1:street> demands that their soul come in line with the Spirit of God rather than their flesh.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >The Revelation 3:15ners will never understand the passion for Christ as the Bride Company has for her Beloved. He is all she can think about, dream about, live for and be enraptured by. The Bride Company is consumed by His Life and no other.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >The Mother Jerusalem is those within the Body of Christ who live, move and have their being in Christ who is the first born of many brethren (Rom.8:29). He gathers His children as a hen gathers her chicks (Matt.23:37). He gathers His children into His arms and carries them in His bosom (Is.40:11). Those who press into Him and long to live, move, and have their being in and through Him gather the daughters (the children) of <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Jerusalem</st1:city></st1:place> into their arms, carrying them in their bosom. Crying out in intercession for the prospering of their souls before Father in Jesus name (3 John 2-4). <o:p><br /></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);font-size:130%;" >These men and women serve the people with their lives. They give and give and give with little to no knowledge from the children of what they give. Like Jesus, like apostle Paul, the Beloved John, and so many known and unknown of Christ from the past to present, there are men and women who travail in birth until Christ is formed into the people (Gal.4:19). Mother Jerusalem carries the key of the children's souls in her bosom.<br /></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a style="color: rgb(51, 204, 255);" title="http://www.voiceofthetrumpetministries.vpweb.com/" href="http://www.voiceofthetrumpetministries.vpweb.com/"><span title="http://www.voiceofthetrumpetministries.vpweb.com/"><span title="http://www.voiceofthetrumpetministries.vpweb.com/"><span title="http://www.voiceofthetrumpetministries.vpweb.com/">www.voiceofthetrumpet.org</span></span></span></a><span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 255);"> </span><span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 255);"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br /><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>Gary and Traci Carsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12456865281427269708noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-468890729767871309.post-34723366797452999482010-05-05T10:58:00.000-07:002010-05-05T11:24:02.518-07:00This Present Awareness - by Joann Mcfatter<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ5tx6ygSQi_6AdH1rTVaML-EW1MQ3hjmCQMP7j-NchNCLbo992ZUit-5VLs7lRupfP4SeuPf7edcky97bmFrUMx9eDCqMmI6UU6OrthS4Jpr7un5jw4tWBaHCymUvI7pU8jzpDaR7BSs/s1600/JoAnn_McFatter_100pixels_fade_06.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 114px; height: 146px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ5tx6ygSQi_6AdH1rTVaML-EW1MQ3hjmCQMP7j-NchNCLbo992ZUit-5VLs7lRupfP4SeuPf7edcky97bmFrUMx9eDCqMmI6UU6OrthS4Jpr7un5jw4tWBaHCymUvI7pU8jzpDaR7BSs/s320/JoAnn_McFatter_100pixels_fade_06.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467847132314913986" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-96701"><span style="font-size:130%;">As we carry on in the faith, holding to our belief systems and trusting God will move in and through us along the way, I would like to put things on pause for a moment. Yes, I would like you to push the pause button and just be aware of this very moment........... There it goes - it has already passed. Hit pause again and just try to be fully aware of this marked point in time in your life.........and there it goes again. </span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-96705"><br /></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-96707"><span style="font-size:130%;">Being fully aware of the moment is a challenge we don’t impose upon ourselves because we are often simply on automatic. Life is one continuous flow for us as the moments, sometimes hours go by without a trace of awareness of what we are to be experiencing in God. Every second of every minute of every hour of every day of every week of every month of every year we are made in God’s image and created to function as one with Him at all times and in all situations, ever conscious of God in us, ever aware of this oneness. </span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-96708"><br /></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-96710"><span style="font-size:130%;">And all Mine are Yours, and Yours are Mine, and I am glorified in them. Now I am no longer in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father, keep through Your name those whom You have given Me, that they may be one as We are. John 17:10-11 </span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-96711"><br /></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-96713"><span style="font-size:130%;">I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word: that they all may be one as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one. John 17:20-22 </span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-96714"><br /></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-96716"><span style="font-size:130%;">There is a never ending flow in us that comes from the very essence of who He is as we accept Him as our personal Savior and live out our lives, filled with His Spirit. We are so tied into the physical aspect of who we are that it’s difficult for us to wrap our minds around the fact that we are first and foremost a spiritual being, made in God’s image, encased in this temporal physical manifestation. </span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-96717"><br /></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-96719"><span style="font-size:130%;">The fact that we live this life in a physical body throws off our perspective because it results in our having such a strong mindset toward the physical realm. But did you know that you as a physical being actually flicker in and out of time and space millions of times per second? It’s not so as you would notice because it happens so rapidly that our natural eye is unable to distinguish it. </span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-96720"><br /></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-96722"><span style="font-size:130%;">It’s a scientific fact that our being is an energy flow that manifests in a physical way, just as does the bed you lay on, the table you sit at, the chair you sit on - everything. Newtonian Science held the belief that if you can see it, touch it, feel it - that is reality. With the discovery of Quantum Physics, the study of matter at the sub-particle level, we find that there is much more going on in the universe than we ever imagined. </span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-96723"><br /></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-96725"><span style="font-size:130%;">This world we live in is held together by God’s awareness of all things, in all of creation, at all times! Amazing! It’s astonishing what science is discovering that redefines our perspective of our existence. And yet, as Christians, we should be excited that what is being revealed through all of these studies are all found in the Word! </span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-96726"><br /></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-96728"><span style="font-size:130%;">While we do not look at the things which are seen, but the things which are not seen, for the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:18 </span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-96729"><br /></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-96731"><span style="font-size:130%;">And He is before all things and in Him all things consist. Colossians 1:17 </span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-96732"><br /></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-96734"><span style="font-size:130%;">Science has been discovering the mysteries of the gospel and unfolding them to us, if we have an ear to hear, especially in these last few decades. One such discovery has to do with the fact that we are energy. ( I have written of this before - you can check out articles on my website, www.joannmcfatter.com that can go into a bit more detail, with many more such writings to come. ) </span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-96735"><br /></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-96737"><span style="font-size:130%;">As energy we are much more pliable and have much more influence as a created human being than we are aware of. There is that word again.....aware…..and therein lies the key. To the degree that we are aware of who we are in Christ and the dominion we are given we will be effective. How we influence our surroundings and are impacted by them is greatly impacted by our awareness of the interaction between ourselves and the world around us, both physical and spiritual. </span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-96738"><br /></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-96740"><span style="font-size:130%;">We must awaken to the fullness of who we are intended to be with a full awareness of the eternal and physical realms at the same time. One foot in each realm, as a spirit being encased in a physical body, yet not limited by its boundaries! God alone is our boundaries and our borders, not this physical realm. We need to live in the full awareness of this as we awaken to the position we hold in Him, both in heavenly places and on the earth. We are “seated with Him in heavenly places” WHILE we are yet in these mortal bodies on the earth! </span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-96741"><br /></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-96743"><span style="font-size:130%;">And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. Romans 13:11 </span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-96744"><br /></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-96746"><span style="font-size:130%;">Therefore he says: ‘Awake, you who sleep, arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light.’ </span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-96747"><span style="font-size:130%;">Ephesians 5:14 </span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-96748"><br /></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-96750"><span style="font-size:130%;">Both of these verses are in the context of coming out of a dullness of mind and spirit so that we do not fall into the complacency of the day, whether it be sin or unbelief. We can no longer afford to live the days, hours and moments on automatic, but must become aware of every present moment in our lives. All we have is this present moment. </span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-96751"><br /></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-96753"><span style="font-size:130%;">What is in the past is gone and what is in the future has not yet been, at least that is true of what goes on in our time and space realm. But in every moment we have the endless possibilities of how our lives can change, how our mentalities can shift and our awareness can become stronger and influence not only ourselves, but the world around us. </span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-96754"><br /></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-96756"><span style="font-size:130%;">Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 2 Corinthians 5:16-17 </span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-96757"><br /></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-96759"><span style="font-size:130%;">Unfortunately, we are still buying into the old. We still believe we are ruled by the limitations set on man between the fall and resurrection of Christ! Let it not be so any longer! We have NO idea what an amazing creation we are in Christ and have been living our lives in the deafening dullness of what has been before - the way of the old man! </span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-96760"><br /></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-96762"><span style="font-size:130%;">When words are released into our ear, it is nothing but vibrations that we have attached learned meaning to. Air molecules vibrate, sending a signal to the inner ear, which then sends a message to the auditory part of our brain where the message is relayed and affects our whole being. If it is a language we don’t understand, we have no awareness of what is being spoken and our body doesn’t respond or become aware of what has been relayed. </span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-96763"><br /></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-96765"><span style="font-size:130%;">On the other hand, if it is in a language we recognize, we take in that sound with awareness and it influences us for positive or negative, depending on the message. It can cause a reaction at the cellular level as though you just took into your body a drug composed of chemicals! That’s how impacting our emotional and spiritual response to things can be on our body, on our whole being. Medicine is just now coming to grips with the reality of how body, mind and soul inter-relate. That is how God created us to interact with each other and our surroundings. That is why he urges us repeatedly in scripture to think on the good, the ‘whatsoever things are pure’. EVERYTHING we come across leaves some sort of impact. Any two particles that have ever interfaced are connected forever. Science is now learning just how ‘one ‘we all are in Christ, in whom all things exist! </span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-96766"><br /></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-96768"><span style="font-size:130%;">And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things. Philippians 4:7-8 </span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-96769"><br /></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-96771"><span style="font-size:130%;">To be aware every moment of every day of the positive things in ourselves and those around us could drastically change our lives. That, I believe, is why He urges us repeatedly in scripture to have a grateful heart; So that we can live in that place of abiding love. To be conscious at all times - in this present moment - of the flow of God in us so that we have a constant awareness of our oneness with Him would cause us to view circumstances around us very differently. </span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-96772"><br /></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-96774"><span style="font-size:130%;">I wonder if that is not what is behind Paul urging us to pray without ceasing. Perhaps that is why he found it so beneficial to always be praying in tongues to the point that he said ‘I pray in tongues more than ALL of you! It put him in a place of acute awareness of his oneness with God. </span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-96775"><br /></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-96777"><span style="font-size:130%;">Yes, our own awareness of the goodness of God in these days will go a long way to bring us through some challenging circumstances. We will do well to be awakened to the reality of the Spirit realm and the spiritual truths in scripture that can overcome what we are both seeing and not seeing with the natural eye. </span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-96778"><br /></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-96780"><span style="font-size:130%;">In doing so, we put on the full armor of God as we wash over our minds and hearts with God’s perspective of things. Does it mean there are no troubles? Not at all, but we move through them with ‘grace grace‘ on our lips and with that same acute awareness at all times of the love and goodness of God that Paul had, loosing miracles to flow through him. </span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-96781"><br /></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-96783"><span style="font-size:130%;">So he answered and said to me: ‘This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ”Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord of Hosts. Who are you, o great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you shall become a plain! And he shall bring forth the capstone with shouts of ‘Grace, Grace to it ‘’ Zechariah 4:6-7 </span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-96784"><br /></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-96786"><span style="font-size:130%;">It is time to shift our focus to things that hold eternal value so that we might be ones who will be able to bring healing and deliverance to the masses in this hour. We've heard over and over that the darkness will get darker and the light lighter, but we cannot presume that we will partake of this light if we have not looked into the Light as preparation. We are changed as we behold Him. We need to exercise our spirit man to release strength and clarity of mind as we “set our thoughts on things above.” </span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-96787"><br /></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-96789"><span style="font-size:130%;">As for me, I will see Your face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied when I awake in Your likeness. Psalms 17:15 </span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-96790"><br /></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-96792"><span style="font-size:130%;">To be ever present with Him is to be acutely aware in every moment that He is in us and we are in Him. Out of that present awareness, that place of oneness, we will see change in ourselves, as well as in the atmosphere around us. As we practice His Presence, as Brother Lawrence would say, we will begin to flow from His boundaries and borders, and not be limited any longer to our old mindsets. </span></div><div style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" id="ctrl-96793"><br /></div><div id="ctrl-96795"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);">We will experience the realities of the eternal even while we are yet in this dispensation of time, reaching into the age to come and bringing it into the here and now. To accomplish this, we must awaken to this present awareness of who we are in Christ -- at all times. In this present moment that has just passed, the one that we are in at this moment, and the one that is to come. We are made in His image, the One Who was and is and is to come!</span><br /><br /></span><p style="text-align: justify; margin-left: 0.5in;" class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;color:blue;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold;"><a title="http://www.joannmcfatter.com/" href="http://www.joannmcfatter.com/" target="_blank"><span title="http://www.joannmcfatter.com/" style="color:blue;"><span style="color: blue;" title="http://www.joannmcfatter.com/">http://www.joannmcfatter.com</span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><br /></div><div id="ctrl-96796"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" > </span></div><div id="ctrl-96800"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" > </span></div>Gary and Traci Carsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12456865281427269708noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-468890729767871309.post-61050396700244107232010-04-30T11:13:00.000-07:002010-04-30T11:18:09.832-07:00Living Stones, or Telecommunication Clones? by Traci Carson<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVN2ixxK5sOmpzSJVjk5ComXy1bw97Sfi8N-_uT26ECzL4GCuWaqiKM4861HkpvCAF5nXSY5l3Vk8_tl03_244J-whjXiu0Ha0seBA96NvU0B9UR8eRelkuDi7l529F9IcbySiIsGvaIs/s1600/Traci+Carson+%28smaller+photo%29.bmp"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 136px; height: 173px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVN2ixxK5sOmpzSJVjk5ComXy1bw97Sfi8N-_uT26ECzL4GCuWaqiKM4861HkpvCAF5nXSY5l3Vk8_tl03_244J-whjXiu0Ha0seBA96NvU0B9UR8eRelkuDi7l529F9IcbySiIsGvaIs/s320/Traci+Carson+%28smaller+photo%29.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465995761475908930" border="0" /></a><br /><p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span lang="EN"><span style="font-size:100%;">The Internet has truly been a blessing. This global system of interconnected computer networks not only has served billions of users worldwide, but has also has been active in gathering the Body of Christ together more than any other resource created by man. There are network of networks of private, public, academic, business, etc. of local to global that are linked by a broad array of electronic and optical networking technologies. </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" ><span lang="EN">Most traditional communications such as telephone and television services are redefined using the technologies of the Internet, giving rise to services such as Voice over Internet Protocol. Newspaper publishing has been reshaped into Web sites, blogging, and web feeds. The Internet has enabled and accelerated the creation of new forms of human interactions through instant messaging, internet forums, and social networking sites. Wow, what an incredible time we live in!<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >Although this is indeed an incredible time to live in, it is also a time of increased busy-ness that is overwhelming and wearing out the multitudes. Many things to do, places to go, faces to see, contacts to be made, and so many more foxes that are presently spoiling the vine (Song 2:15). I have often wondered how people get their work done. How do they communicate on face-book, twitter, myspace, dozens of other networks, plus text message their friends and family and function as a responsible employee, let alone have time for the Lord? <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >It seems most are seeking the internet first thing rather than the Lord. This isn’t everyone, but I dare say most of us have been caught up in this trap from time to time. In seeking the internet we find ourselves comparing ourselves with those who commend themselves, measuring ourselves and comparing ourselves among others causing ourselves to be in great error (2 Cor.10:12). <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >You and I who are in Christ are a “living stone” being built up a spiritual house, a city that is set on a hill that cannot be hidden because its on a hill for all to see with such brightness, such illuminating power wherein revealing the Glory of the Lord (Matt.5:15). <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><b><i><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></i></b></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><b><i><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> “Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious, you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ” </span></span></i></b>(1 Pet.2:4,5)<b><i><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >There is a vital part in us being “living stones.” Christians should be likened to a “nuclear” radiation that transmits the presence of the Lord to all who are near. As our very being has the life and energy of the Holy Spirit, we come alive like a transmitter. We affect all those who are near us. What we must understand is this <i><span style="font-style: italic;">manifest presence “appearing” (Parousia – presencing) </span></i>of our Lord doesn’t happen without the “epignosis” (<i><span style="font-style: italic;">experiential intimate knowledge</span></i>) of Him. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="line-height: 13.5pt; color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >Each individual is different. It is vitally important that we understand what our expression is and not clone another (</span><span style="font-size:130%;">Please read 1 Cor.12). When we learn to be what we really are and release ourselves with good grace all that we are not, we find ourselves in Peace that is fulfilling and everlasting. The most exhausting tormenting thing in life is being something we were never created to be. We betray ourselves and others around us by what is false within. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="line-height: 13.5pt; color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="line-height: 13.5pt; color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >Imitating others can be the highest form of honor to those who are being imitated. Apostle Paul said to join in following him as an example, and note those who so walk, as you have us as a pattern (Phil.3:17). Paul wasn’t saying to clone him, or take on his personality and actions. People who clone personalities and anointing rob themselves of God’s gift in them. They are missing the incredible gift of Christ’s expression within themselves that no one on the face of this earth has but them.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: 6pt; color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: 6pt; color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >It is by coming to the Lord and sitting with Him in silence that the impartation is released. We don’t just function out of the gift He has given, but we minister in and through Christ Himself. Not only is He in us, but we are also to be in Him (John 15:4-9). We can become so entangled in a system which constitutes our ministry that we forget the objective. Christ's image and the effects of His image should always be our goal. It is possible to function out of our gifting, or someone else’s, rather than the Spirit with little to no relationship with our Lord. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><i><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-style: italic;">“Many will say to Me in that day, “Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast our demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?” And then I will declare to them, “I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness</span></span> </i>(Matt.7:22,23)<i><span style="font-style: italic;">”.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >Time of solitude with the Lord is where we come to “experientially” know Him, not just about him, but truly “<i><span style="font-style: italic;">know</span></i>” Him. There is a deep relationship with the Lord wherein we experience Christ and His indwelling presence in reality. Not one thing, not any other person, nor any other place can ever increase the anointing than the Anointer Himself. We can have hands laid on us all day long, all week long, we can have people call us, text us, pray for us and write us great prophetic words that will only temporarily refresh us, and I thank God for such times, as I’ve truly needed the encouragement from my brethren, but the only lasting restoration in our life is the aboding habitation of Christ that only comes by spending quality time in Him.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >There is a higher dimension of communion with our Lord that He is seeking to bring us into. Presently the Lord is dealing with our willingness to settle for "less" than what He has intended for us. There is a longing in the heart of the Lord for a people who will relate to Him. There is a <b><i><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">"deep that is crying out to a deep within us"</span></i></b>(Ps.42:7), that He might find the satisfaction which He envisioned when He created us. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);font-size:130%;" >There is many seeking a greater, higher dimension in Christ, but not seeking Him to get there. They seek facebook, twitter and other networks to see what are the latest greatest revelations, the latest format, and applicable sensations. It has come down to a pretty big problem - how to rebel and conform at the same time.<br /></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <span style="color:#333333;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"></span></span><a style="color: rgb(51, 204, 255);" title="http://www.voiceofthetrumpetministries.vpweb.com/" href="http://www.voiceofthetrumpetministries.vpweb.com/"><span title="http://www.voiceofthetrumpetministries.vpweb.com/"><span title="http://www.voiceofthetrumpetministries.vpweb.com/"><span title="http://www.voiceofthetrumpetministries.vpweb.com/">www.voiceofthetrumpet.org</span></span></span></a><span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 255);"> </span><span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 255);" ><o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br /><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>Gary and Traci Carsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12456865281427269708noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-468890729767871309.post-9723304573234417302010-04-24T17:17:00.000-07:002010-04-24T17:26:34.562-07:00Re-Genesis: Spiritual System Restored - by Doug Fortune<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaC0-eMS6TsgZ_8Fvm6M5gwKUYu9K6ikFZPJ7r3lDbfNqIqwrCdM5wdK1xsp_u_dFClBVzskFgaQnlyhxSCEMTTJHfK-l5ZLaCn7B__-lSwp7m5dDHW2KVp3UTxR44-KFnYxduH1LLCRQ/s1600/dougnew.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 151px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaC0-eMS6TsgZ_8Fvm6M5gwKUYu9K6ikFZPJ7r3lDbfNqIqwrCdM5wdK1xsp_u_dFClBVzskFgaQnlyhxSCEMTTJHfK-l5ZLaCn7B__-lSwp7m5dDHW2KVp3UTxR44-KFnYxduH1LLCRQ/s320/dougnew.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463864801217470434" border="0" /></a><br /><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;" ><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);">"Nevertheless, do not let this one fact escape you, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years and a thousand years as one day." (2 Peter 3:8) Those who are familiar with what some are calling the "Third Day" Church are well acquainted with this verse from Peter's writings. It is one of the primary verses upon which "Third Day" concepts are built, as many see us moving into the third prophetic thousand year "day" of Jesus Christ. I do believe this is an accurate spiritual picture, however when it comes to our understanding of "time" there may be more to that verse than meets the eye.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);">Physicist Itzhak Bars, of the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Southern California (USC), has an interesting theory. He believes there is another dimension of time (other than the one we are used to) and is conducting research to prove his theory. He explains, “There isn't just one dimension of time. There are two. One whole dimension of time and another of space have until now gone entirely unnoticed by us." Time is no longer a simple line from the past to the future, in a four dimensional world consisting of three dimensions of space and one of time. Instead, the physicist envisages the passage of history as curves embedded in six dimensions, with four of space and two of time.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);">For many years the scientific community has had a bit of a dilemma, because the theory of relativity and quantum theory do not fit together at all. In other words, the equations used in the study of very large things like planets (theory of relativity) and the equations used in the study of very small things like atoms (quantum theory) are at odds. Some piece is missing in the picture puzzle of physical reality. Itzhak Bars thinks one of the missing pieces is a hidden dimension of time. With two times, Bars believes, many of the mysteries of today’s laws of physics may disappear.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);">Of course these findings merely reinforce something we have known for many years, because in your Bible there are two different Greek words, both translated as "time." There is chronos time (chronological/ natural), and then there is kairos time. I am beginning to wonder, however, if perhaps there is more to kairos time that just our current definitions as "the appointed time" or the "time of the spiritual realm." </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);">We know that chronos time is linear- a simple line from the past to the future. What if kairos time is indeed more circular or spherical in essence, as implied by the physicist quoted? Recent quantum theory shows additional circular/ spherical dimensions woven within the three dimensions we are used to thinking of. What if indeed, time is the same? This would certainly help explain the following verse that speaks of the way Father perceives things, "Declaring the end and the result from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done..." (Isaiah 46:10 Amplified Bible) I believe this is more than mere prophetic foreknowledge.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);">Now then, this is all great fodder for contemplation and pontification, but what on earth can it have to do with my everyday life?</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);">When distilled down to its' essence, linear/ chronos time is really the measure of both the growth and the decay of things. Before Adam transgressed, thereby bringing decay and death into all creation, chronos time was basically irrelevant because there was no death and decay. Perhaps Adam lived in an "ever-present NOW" free from the constraints and ramifications of linear time. Perhaps this "ever-present NOW," free from the constraints and ramifications of linear time is where Father wants US to live.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);">As I have been contemplating this idea of kairos/ circular/ spherical time, words keep coming up in my spirit like restoration and regeneration, or a RE-genesis. This verse is brewing in me, "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of RE-GENERATION, and renewing (re-NEW-ing) of the Holy Ghost;" (Titus 3:5 my emphasis in parenthesis) </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);">A re-genesis brings a new REALITY. And what is this new "reality" birthed from a re-genesis?... it is a re-ALL-ity! Allow me to explain with a Scripture verse; "...so that God may be ALL IN ALL [be EVERYthing to EVERYone, supreme, the indwelling and controlling factor of LIFE]. (1Corinthians 15:28 Amplified Bible) I believe that this new re-ALL-ity is available in the "ever-present NOW" that Christ is calling us to.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);">His desire is to indeed be ALL IN ALL in us, the indwelling and controlling factor of LIFE that is free from the constraints and ramifications of linear time. He makes ALL things NEW in this dimension of the "ever-present NOW." "And He that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make ALL things NEW." (Revelation 21:5)</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);">Once again, this is all great fodder for contemplation and pontification, but how on earth can it become a REALITY in my everyday life? I believe that His intention is not to merely patch things up, to make us better people and try to get things running smoothly again. Rather, this restoration/ regeneration/ RE-genesis He is offering circumvents linear time. Perhaps it might be likened to a "restore" point on your computer.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);">Every time you download or install a new application, or software update, you make changes to your computer. Sometimes that change may make your system unstable. Have you ever wanted to go back to the way it was? With System Restore, you can. You can use System Restore to remove any system changes that were made since the last time you remember your computer working correctly. System Restore basically puts everything back to how it was before any damage happened. In doing so, you do not lose your current data, you are just put back to a point before any harm was done.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);">As we look at the mess that some of us are in with very "unstable systems," often it is difficult to envision actually getting patched up enough to where we can function normally. When we look at the healing that is needed, and the issues that need dealing with, sometimes it is easy to get bogged down in unbelief. It is much easier for me to believe that Father can set us to a spiritual System Restore point that puts everything back to how it was before any damage happened, than it is to believe that He can fix such a mess.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);">Whether it is on a personal scale or a global scale, I don't believe He wants to merely fix our mess. He wants to REAL-IZE His glory in us; "To whom God was pleased to make known how great for the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ within and among you, the Hope of realizing (re-ALL-izing) the glory." (Colossians 1:27 Amplified Bible) And how is His glory realized in us?... I believe that we have a part, and our part in re-ALL-izing the glory is seeing with REAL-EYES; "Since we consider and look NOT to the things that are seen but to the things that are UNSEEN; for the things that are visible are temporal (brief and fleeting), but the things that are invisible are DEATHLESS and EVERLASTING." (2 Corinthians 4:18 Amplified Bible) Did you catch that?... the things that are invisible, the things that we must see with "real-eyes" are DEATHLESS and EVERLASTING!</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);">We must see with "real-eyes" His glory being REALized in us, NOT in the future, but in the "ever-present NOW." This is appropriated by FAITH... not just any kind of faith, but NOW-faith; "NOW FAITH is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses]... By faith we understand that the worlds [during the successive ages] were framed (fashioned, put in order, and equipped for their intended purpose) by the word of God, so that what we SEE was NOT made out of things which are visible." (Hebrews 11:1, 3 Amplified Bible)</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);">I love that! What a concept... faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses! More than a concept, it is TRUTH to live by! What is visible to us now, what we SEE, did not start out that way... they were NOT made out of things which are visible! </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);">Jesus said of us, "They are not OF the world, even as I am not of the world." (John 17:16) This does not merely mean that we are not "worldly" in our behavior. It means that we can operate outside of the constraints and ramifications of linear time in an "ever-present NOW," operating from a spiritual System Restore point.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);">So, what does all this have to do with prayer? There is a secret found in Matthew 16:19. I believe that Young's Literal Translation says it well, "And I will give to thee the keys of the REIGN of the heavens, and whatever thou mayest bind upon the earth SHALL be HAVING BEEN bound in the heavens, and whatever thou mayest loose upon the earth SHALL be HAVING BEEN loosed in the heavens." Firstly, the "Reign of the Heavens" is what we are establishing upon the earth. Now then we come to such interesting wording- "shall be having been." It almost sounds like a contradiction. "Shall be" sounds like something future, and "having been" sounds like something past. Within the limitations of a "linear time" mindset, this cannot really be reconciled. However, when we shift to a circular/ spherical time of the "ever-present NOW," it makes perfect sense.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);">I believe that our prayer can be what activates a spiritual System Restore point! Our binding prayer is what takes things back and binds them to a point before disorder occurred- that is the "having been" part. Our loosing prayer is what looses or removes any limitations and ramifications of what the damage/ disorder could have produced- that is the "shall be" part. It is as if our prayer goes "Back to the Future."</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);">"And He that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make ALL things NEW." (Revelation 21:5) I must allow Him to sit upon my "throne" and make all things totally new, a re-genesis of a new reality. The word translated as "new" in this verse is kainos in Greek. Its' meanings include- new, recently made, fresh, unused, unworn, of a new kind, unprecedented, novel, uncommon, unheard of. Father desires to make US a new kind!... unprecedented!... novel!... uncommon!... unheard of!...</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);">"And I SAW a NEW heaven and a NEW earth..." (Revelation 21:1) What do WE see? Do we see with REAL-eyes, and REALize His glory? I believe it is time to step into a NEW heaven and a NEW earth... it IS available as we move into the spherical time of the "ever-present NOW!"</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:78%;color:blue;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:Verdana;font-size:9;color:blue;" ><span style="font-size:130%;"><a title="http://www.inchristinternational.com/" href="http://www.inchristinternational.com/"><span title="http://www.inchristinternational.com/" style="color:blue;"><span title="http://www.inchristinternational.com/" style="color:blue;">http://www.inchristinternational.com/</span></span></a></span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>Gary and Traci Carsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12456865281427269708noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-468890729767871309.post-42001270586301164882010-04-24T17:04:00.000-07:002010-04-24T17:06:13.945-07:00From Gimmel to Dalet, From Warrior to Farmer - by John L. Moore<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEkAaTmIqoJF2EDFSki0We2TILpzygVFBud6hBK5URGb8ztoPqaYqfgMfTfrJM-h1A6iQ9gzBU1iibXG2PbYJNsYkLf6GfdmkXhyyuR_KFLkmi8PUJNuzn3FD_3SRdYgfofm6pgYZbb1A/s1600/dad2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 195px; height: 185px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEkAaTmIqoJF2EDFSki0We2TILpzygVFBud6hBK5URGb8ztoPqaYqfgMfTfrJM-h1A6iQ9gzBU1iibXG2PbYJNsYkLf6GfdmkXhyyuR_KFLkmi8PUJNuzn3FD_3SRdYgfofm6pgYZbb1A/s320/dad2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463859602950009490" border="0" /></a><br /><p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;">"<b><span style="font-weight: bold;">I was no prophet, nor was I a son of a prophet, but I was a sheep breeder and a tender of sycamore fruit."</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><b><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Amos 7:14</span></span></b><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><b><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">"But he will say, 'I am no prophet, I am a farmer; for a man taught me to keep cattle from my youth."</span></span></b><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><b><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Zechariah 13:5</span></span></b><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><b><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> "They shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks..."</span></span></b><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><b><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Micah 4:3</span></span></b><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><b><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">From Gimmel to Dalet, we are passing through Great Doors, from Warrior-Prophet to Farmer-Soldier</span></span></b><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">The change of seasons taking place in the spiritual is going to have a significant impact upon the Body of Christ as the Lord Jesus shifts His emphasis on our training from that of a soldier to that of a farmer.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">The warrior anointing has been on the Church for about 20 years. This modern militant period, though it has had its excesses, has been good as the Church learned the disciplines of warfare: when to march, when to charge, when to take a stand. Intercessors earned new respect and prophets were instrumental as “scout-snipers” that went ahead of the praising Army, spying on the land and taking out key spiritual strongmen.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;">Warriors are <b><span style="font-weight: bold;">peacemakers. </span></b>Through warfare they liberate a people in bondage. Warriors do not make good <b><span style="font-weight: bold;">peacekeepers. </span></b> Warriors are trained for war and anything less than action, adventure, and adrenaline, bore them to tears. I typify this, I thrive on warfare. My training in the natural and the spiritual is in hand-to-hand combat. A warrior finds no greater peace than stepping into the cocoon of life-and-death conflict where senses heighten and time slows to a crawl.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;">Warriors take the land but they do not keep the land. The land is occupied by those who settle it, till the soil, plant the seed, tend the plant, and labor in harvest. In other words: <b><span style="font-weight: bold;">Farmers.</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><b><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></b></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;">Warriors live for conquest and travel. Farmers live for home and hearth.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;">Warriors who war too long do not recognize their own weariness. They confuse their malaise for a lack of action and start seeking new battles.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;">In <b><span style="font-weight: bold;">Deuteronomy 20:19-20 </span></b>the Lord warns His people:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><b><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">“When you besiege a city for a long time, while making war against it to take it, you shall not destroy its trees by wielding an ax against them; if you can eat of them, do not cut them down to use in the siege, for the tree of the field is man’s food. Only the trees which you know are not trees for food you may destroy cut down, to build siege works against the city that makes war with you, until it is subdued.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><b><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></b></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;">In other words, the fog of combat can so cloud our senses that we destroy our fruit.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;">A key to wise warfare is to use the proper wood in constructing your war engine to fight the enemy who “makes war with you.” The Body of Christ has wrongly followed a scorched-earth policy in recent years. Much spiritual warfare is not warfare at all, nor is it necessarily spiritual. Much of it resembles psychological “transference,” the trait of transferring your pent-up emotions and needs against a substitutionary foe. This is simply self-generated terrorism within your own vineyard. When all chest-pounding, drum-beating and saber-rattling is over, the soul feels relief because the flesh is exhausted but the garden is in ruins.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;">Mercenaries have a commitment to war and the study of war but they do not have a commitment to land.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;">The true citizen/soldier, the farmer/patriot that built this nation, has a commitment to the land. He fights for liberty, he goes to war to defend friends and family, but he instinctively sees his land as a garden not a battleground. He has a pastor’s heart because he is concerned for the pasture. When all is said and done and the battle is won, he knows he must still feed the sheep.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;">The hope for our nation, the world, and the Church lies in returning to common sense. Common sense has best been taught primarily through two sources: The Bible and Nature. The more our Nation turns away from the Bible and the more we embrace urban (unnatural) environments the more evil our culture becomes.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;">Warfare will continue until all Kingdoms are put under His feet. But warfare for the sake of warfare is not warfare at all. It is foolishness and insanity.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;">Warfare in the Kingdom is not determined by who claims the field, but by who plants it.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><b><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:Georgia;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></span></b></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;color:navy;"><span style=";color:navy;" > </span></span><span style="font-size:85%;color:blue;"><span style=";font-size:11;color:blue;" ><span style="font-size:130%;"><a title="http://www.johnlmoore.com/" href="http://www.johnlmoore.com/"><span title="http://www.johnlmoore.com/" style="color:blue;"><span title="http://www.johnlmoore.com/" style="color:blue;">www.johnlmoore.com</span></span></a></span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>Gary and Traci Carsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12456865281427269708noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-468890729767871309.post-33563611621542585772010-04-24T16:55:00.000-07:002010-04-27T07:43:24.510-07:00Do Not Fear the Winds of Change - by Traci Carson<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE9Uc5g35_bnRQNGnUcaTgD8NKSoKTNOvydJHsT_TeZAMUTcPl5oOvQKBDmN90yZlYtRo4-exYSzurIn90jdKE4noFHdii7Lf2vbOlIVef_cLsgKWAxc64Cp5-8Wpuv7eAw69REVsJtrU/s1600/Traci+Carson+%28smaller+photo%29.bmp"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 136px; height: 173px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE9Uc5g35_bnRQNGnUcaTgD8NKSoKTNOvydJHsT_TeZAMUTcPl5oOvQKBDmN90yZlYtRo4-exYSzurIn90jdKE4noFHdii7Lf2vbOlIVef_cLsgKWAxc64Cp5-8Wpuv7eAw69REVsJtrU/s320/Traci+Carson+%28smaller+photo%29.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463857618962393394" border="0" /></a><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" ><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><br />Stepping out in to a new place can be nerve wracking. It's the realization that we are about to enter the unknown without really knowing the outcome. Faith and Hope into the unseen is the Lord’s creative vision for our life in the future (2 Cor.4:18). If we remain in the known zone we will not go any further. </span><o:p></o:p></span> <p style="line-height: 13.5pt; color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >The Lord’s Comfort Zone is most often expanded through discomfort. Living in the name of comfort has killed more dreams, more opportunities, more actions, and more growth than everything else combined. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><em><b><i><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Thus says the Lord, who makes a way in the sea and a path through the mighty waters... Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert." </span></span></i></b></em><strong><b><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">(Is. 43:16,18-19)</span></b></strong><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" > <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >The Lord is calling those with the spiritual receptivity to "a way where there is no way outside of Him." It is His ultimate purpose in these last days that we enter into that which the Lord has purposed to do in the Millennial age that is before us. Through the prophet Isaiah, the Lord declares that He will do a "new thing" in the earth. He is seeking out a people today who are also seeking Him and allowing Him to reveal Himself to them, and then bring forth this "new thing" through them. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >We shouldn’t be dismayed by the opposition that comes against us during this time of pressing through this narrow place that is set before us. This path is not wide, but narrow and there are few who find it (Matthew 7:13,14). Those who find this path are ones who understand “Grace” and “Mercy” and walk in the Righteousness of Christ. Self-righteousness will destroy ones true walk with the Lord. It seduces people who seek certainty, seek approval, seek and love to flatter<i><span style="font-style: italic;">. </span></i>There has never before been a time as we are in now where seeking approval has been more temptuous. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >These times are in the Lord’s Hand; the way is open before Him and He has it all under control in spite of what others may think or not think. We do not all have to be clones. What our brother and sister is doing down the street at their local fellowship may not be the same function or expression that we are doing. I really don’t know how long it will be before the Corporate Body of Christ “get’s” this liberating revelation.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >As I was sitting in the Lord’s presence in almost complete despair at the pressure of deep darkness that was attempting to overtake us, the Lord spoke great wisdom to me. He said that His people must learn to rest and be at peace in the battle. The battle will not go away, but the turmoil and fear of the battle will if we learn to rest and be at peace through it, for in and through Him no weapon formed against us shall prosper (Is.54:17).<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >Through these winds of change there are obstacles that many of us have thought were the adversary and it is the Lord Himself. He is protecting many of us from ourselves – praise Him! This is where discernment comes in, where we must know His voice, know His hand and therefore not move against His workings. The Lord’s winds are not always favorable, for it is the winds that bring forth the changes necessary for the Kingdom age that we are entering. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >As we press into the wind I sense there are many who are discouraged, despondent, and depressed about their present condition. Beloved ones, listen to me, the Lord encourages you to comprehend His truth spoken through apostle Paul; that He chooses the foolish things to confound the wise, and the things which are nothing to crush man’s pride in those things that he has built himself (1 Cor.1:27). <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >Be diligent, but be patient. I honor My Word, and will honor those that exalt My Word and make it the final authority to settle all challenges that confront them. My Word never returns void. It shall accomplish its purposes through a people who don’t look for an escape route, but press on and into me no matter the fierce opposition (Is.55:11; 2 Thess.1:10). <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><i style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-style: italic;">“Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” </span></span></i></span><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);font-size:130%;" >(Is.41:10)<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <span style="color:#333333;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"></span></span><a title="http://www.voiceofthetrumpetministries.vpweb.com/" href="http://www.voiceofthetrumpetministries.vpweb.com/"><span title="http://www.voiceofthetrumpetministries.vpweb.com/" style="color:navy;"><span title="http://www.voiceofthetrumpetministries.vpweb.com/"><span title="http://www.voiceofthetrumpetministries.vpweb.com/"><span style="color: navy;" title="http://www.voiceofthetrumpetministries.vpweb.com/">www.voiceofthetrumpet.org</span></span></span></span></a> <span style="color:#333333;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></span><br /><o:p></o:p></p>Gary and Traci Carsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12456865281427269708noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-468890729767871309.post-71937493996587151732010-04-24T13:38:00.000-07:002010-04-24T13:44:47.545-07:00A Present Word - by Wade Taylor<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiieTsz-DTjHW6ngPpnJgwJ-_oCzcNuRIrgOfV9AUDG0H99ljjOK5SqzeSekFmqc6ILL_4tpmGmzv1h70PoYkEFhOunGbvMMEROYhTGFYTb55k_b43VG4l9xr1Pm6YK8VyQmb-2NUcMcko/s1600/tn_Wade+Taylor.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 156px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiieTsz-DTjHW6ngPpnJgwJ-_oCzcNuRIrgOfV9AUDG0H99ljjOK5SqzeSekFmqc6ILL_4tpmGmzv1h70PoYkEFhOunGbvMMEROYhTGFYTb55k_b43VG4l9xr1Pm6YK8VyQmb-2NUcMcko/s320/tn_Wade+Taylor.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463806449158356386" border="0" /></a><br /><p style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 1in; text-align: left; color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="msonormal61"><span style="font-size:130%;"><b><span style="font-weight: bold;">“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me.” </span></b><o:p></o:p></span></p><span style="font-size:130%;"><u1:p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"></u1:p></span> <p style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 1in; color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="msonormal61"><span style="font-size:130%;"><u1:p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"> </span></u1:p></span><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" > <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 1in; color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="msonormal61"><span style="font-size:130%;"><b><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">“After this I looked, and behold, a door </span></span></b><i><span style="font-style: italic;">was</span></i><b><span style="font-weight: bold;"> opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard </span></b><i><span style="font-style: italic;">was</span></i><b><span style="font-weight: bold;"> as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will show you things which must be hereafter. <u1:p></u1:p></span></b></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 1in; color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="msonormal61"><span style="font-size:130%;"><b><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><u1:p> </u1:p> </span></span></b></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 1in; color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="msonormal61"><span style="font-size:130%;"><b><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">“ And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.”</span></span></b></span><span style="font-size:130%;"> Revelation 3:20, 4:1-2<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 1in; color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="msonormal61"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" > <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="msonormal61"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >The door upon which Jesus is knocking is at the end of the message to the seventh and last Church. It relates to the time of transition from the Church Age into the Millennial Kingdom Age. All that precedes these words, “<i><span style="font-style: italic;">after this I looked</span></i>” concerns the Church. All that follows relates to the Kingdom.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="msonormal61"><span style="font-size:130%;"><u1:p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"> </span></u1:p></span><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" > <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="msonormal61"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >Jesus said that a right response to His knocking on the door of our spirit will lead us into an active, personal relationship with Him, and will result in our having a part in the establishing of the <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Millennial</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Kingdom</st1:placetype></st1:place>.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="msonormal61"><span style="font-size:130%;"><u1:p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"> </span></u1:p></span><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" > <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="msonormal61"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >Notice that the door opened when John looked. This requires our having a present “<i><span style="font-style: italic;">upward gaze</span></i>” toward the Kingdom - “<i><span style="font-style: italic;">I looked</span></i>... <i><span style="font-style: italic;">and behold, a throne.</span></i>” It is in direct relationship to our ability to hear spiritually – “<i><span style="font-style: italic;">the first voice which I heard</span></i>.” This speaks of our spiritual ear.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="msonormal61"><span style="font-size:130%;"><u1:p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"> </span></u1:p></span><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" > <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 1in; color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="msonormal61"><span style="font-size:130%;"><b><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">“He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the Churches.”</span></span></b></span><span style="font-size:130%;"> Revelation 3:22<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="msonormal61"><span style="font-size:130%;"><b><u1:p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span></span></u1:p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"> </span></b><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="msonormal61"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >This “<i><span style="font-style: italic;">voice</span></i>” has a very particular quality. It is as a “<i><span style="font-style: italic;">trumpet that is talking with me</span></i>” - a quickened revelatory word of direction and purpose. It is being imparted to those, who as overcomers, have cultivated their ear to hear. These are receiving an understanding of all that is about to take place in relation to the closing out of the Gentile Age and the establishing of the <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Millennial</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Kingdom</st1:placetype></st1:place>.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="msonormal61"><span style="font-size:130%;"><u1:p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"> </span></u1:p></span><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" > <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="msonormal61"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >Jesus entered this world as a baby to become the “<i><span style="font-style: italic;">Lamb of God,</span></i>” and died on the cross to pay the full penalty for our sin.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="msonormal61"><span style="font-size:130%;"><u1:p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"> </span></u1:p></span><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" > <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 1in; color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="msonormal61"><span style="font-size:130%;"><b><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">“Though He were a Son, yet learned He obedience by the things which He suffered; And being made perfect, He became the author of eternal salvation to all them that obey Him.”</span></span></b></span><span style="font-size:130%;"> Hebrews 5:8-9<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="msonormal61"><span style="font-size:130%;"><u1:p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"> </span></u1:p></span><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" > <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="msonormal61"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >He is again coming, not as a lamb, but as the “<i><span style="font-style: italic;">Lion of the tribe of <st1:place st="on"><st1:country-region st="on">Judah</st1:country-region></st1:place></span></i>.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="msonormal61"><span style="font-size:130%;"><u1:p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"> </span></u1:p></span><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" > <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 1in; color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="msonormal61"><span style="font-size:130%;"><b><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">“His head and His hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and His eyes were as a flame of fire; And His feet like to fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and His voice as the sound of many waters.”</span></span></b></span><span style="font-size:130%;"> Revelation 1:14-15<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="msonormal61"><span style="font-size:130%;"><u1:p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"> </span></u1:p></span><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" > <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="msonormal61"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >We have come to the “<i><span style="font-style: italic;">fullness of times</span></i>” and Jesus is taking His place as our head for the outworking of all that follows. Therefore, His voice has become as the “<i><span style="font-style: italic;">sound of many waters</span></i>.” This is the “<i><span style="font-style: italic;">voice of the trumpet</span></i>.” Like the mighty Niagara river which flows over the Falls in a narrow channel in order to produce power, this corporate voice is beginning to function as one body under the direction of One Head, which all will be saying and doing exactly the same thing.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="msonormal61"><span style="font-size:130%;"><u1:p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"> </span></u1:p></span><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" > <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="msonormal61"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >The present exhortation of this voice is for us to “<i><span style="font-style: italic;">Come up... and I will show you things which must be hereafter</span></i>.” This refers to those who have rightly responded to the promise given in Revelation 3:21:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="msonormal61"><span style="font-size:130%;"><u1:p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"> </span></u1:p></span><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" > </span><span style="font-size:130%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 1in; color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="msonormal61"><span style="font-size:130%;"><b><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">“To him that overcomes will I grant to sit with Me in My throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with My Father in His throne.” </span></span><u1:p></u1:p></b></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="msonormal61"><span style="font-size:130%;"><u1:p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"> </span></u1:p></span><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" > <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="msonormal61"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >When John heard this heavenly call, he was able to say, “<i><span style="font-style: italic;">Immediately, I was in the spirit</span></i>.” The Lord is presently separating us from earthly things, in order for us to become more perceptive to spiritual things.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="msonormal61"><span style="font-size:130%;"><u1:p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"> </span></u1:p></span><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" > <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="msonormal61"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >When John looked, he said, “<i><span style="font-style: italic;">Behold a throne</span></i>.” This is “<i><span style="font-style: italic;">governmental</span></i>” and speaks of authority. It relates to the restoration of the “<i><span style="font-style: italic;">dominion</span></i>” that Adam lost, which will operate during the present time of increasing tribulation, and will have a part in the establishing of the <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Millennial</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Kingdom</st1:placetype></st1:place>.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="msonormal61"><span style="font-size:130%;"><u1:p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"> </span></u1:p></span><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" > <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="msonormal61"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >This end-time “<i><span style="font-style: italic;">dominion</span></i>” will be given to an overcoming people who will have been lifted up into “<i><span style="font-style: italic;">apostolic authority</span></i>.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="msonormal61"><span style="font-size:130%;"><u1:p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"> </span></u1:p></span><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" > </span><span style="font-size:130%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 1in; color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="msonormal61"><span style="font-size:130%;"><b><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">“And he that overcomes, and keeps My works to the end, to him will I give power over the nations: And he shall rule them with a rod of iron</span></span></b></span><span style="font-size:130%;">….<b><span style="font-weight: bold;">”</span></b> Revelation 2:26-27<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="msonormal61"><span style="font-size:130%;"><u1:p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"> </span></u1:p></span><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" > <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="msonormal61"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >These overcomers are presently being dealt with by the Lord in order to be prepared to become an end-time “<i><span style="font-style: italic;">apostolic-prophetic</span></i>” witness and ministry.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="msonormal61"><span style="font-size:130%;"><u1:p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"> </span></u1:p></span><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" > <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="msonormal61"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >As a part of end-time ministry, there are apostles and prophets whose purpose is to impart into and perfect the Body, lifting those who respond from the gift and office realm, into the higher spirit realm. Thus, the apostle imparts <i><u><span style="font-style: italic;">apostolic</span></u></i> enabling and anointing into the Body. The prophet imparts<u> <i><span style="font-style: italic;">prophetic</span></i></u> enabling and anointing into the Body.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="msonormal61"><span style="font-size:130%;"><u1:p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"> </span></u1:p></span><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" > <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="msonormal61"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >At this present time, there are those who are being called to “<i><span style="font-style: italic;">come up</span></i>” in order to become an apostolic-prophetic people who will begin to function as overcomers with Jesus taking His place as their Head - “<i><span style="font-style: italic;">if any one hears My voice</span></i>... <i><span style="font-style: italic;">I will come into him.</span></i>” This is beyond, and more than the present understanding that most have.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="msonormal61"><span style="font-size:130%;"><u1:p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"> </span></u1:p></span><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" > <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="msonormal61"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >The Lord is becoming the active Head of those who have unconditionally submitted the totality of their being to Him. These are being called apart and “<i><span style="font-style: italic;">made ready</span></i>” to function in spiritual authority - the word with “<i><span style="font-style: italic;">consequence</span></i>,” which will affect both the Church and the Nations.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="msonormal61"><span style="font-size:130%;"><u1:p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"> </span></u1:p></span><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" > <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="msonormal61"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" >This will enable Jesus to again live His life through these submitted ones as an end-time <i><span style="font-style: italic;">corporate witness</span></i> – “<i><span style="font-style: italic;">the voice of many waters</span></i>.” This will require a high level of submission and integrity, as these will hear directly from the Head and function in obedience to His word. The five-fold ministry is being dealt with to recognize this new end-time relationship, and allow it to function in its full purpose and outworking.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="msonormal61"><span style="font-size:130%;"><u1:p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"> </span></u1:p></span><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;" > <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="msonormal61"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);">Therefore, it is imperative that we spend quality time “</span><i style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style="font-style: italic;">waiting</span></i><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);">” in the presence of the Lord with an upward gaze in expectancy, that we may be able to hear and rightly respond, in order to become a part of this desperately needed end-time ministry.</span></span></span></span></p><p class="msonormal61"><span><span pt family="SERIF" lang="0" style="font-family:Georgia;font-size:100%;color:#0000ff;"><a title="http://www.wadetaylor.org/" href="http://www.wadetaylor.org/">www.wadetaylor.org</a><br /> </span></span><br /><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:12;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>Gary and Traci Carsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12456865281427269708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-468890729767871309.post-4472308960325689552010-04-24T13:33:00.000-07:002010-04-24T13:49:25.922-07:00Why Pray?... Why Now?... by Doug Fortune<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIQPv5zKFoX3bUITQU9R5tKQxvELJspAZBsq0hZCDoOvET9AOYhvrP1P8mBw8u6La48hrJ29boGfFb2Fl1gcfsb5fyjNDsK3trvdJECQvIXgEtFXeALZSc8bCkqTq2OyvITwhLAGHzbqE/s1600/dougnew.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 151px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIQPv5zKFoX3bUITQU9R5tKQxvELJspAZBsq0hZCDoOvET9AOYhvrP1P8mBw8u6La48hrJ29boGfFb2Fl1gcfsb5fyjNDsK3trvdJECQvIXgEtFXeALZSc8bCkqTq2OyvITwhLAGHzbqE/s320/dougnew.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463805218167241170" border="0" /></a><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" ><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:11;" ><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);">I guess I was under the impression that God is sovereign, that He holds the destiny of all things in His hands. It appears that He has a purpose and a plan, and He is going to do what He is going to do. In fact, some of us are beginning to gain a deeper understanding that He has ALREADY done what He is going to do; "Declaring the end and the RESULT from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I WILL DO all My pleasure and purpose..." (Isaiah 46:10 Amplified Bible), "Then said the Lord to me, You have seen well, for I am alert and active, watching over My word to PERFORM it." (Jeremiah 1:12 Amplified Bible)</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);">If then, this is indeed the case, why on earth should I pray!?! Perhaps it is just a good exercise?... perhaps something to keep me busy so I don't get into mischief? Why on EARTH should I pray if Father is sovereign? </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);">That is the key... it is because we are on EARTH; "The heaven, even the heavens, are the LORD'S: but the EARTH hath He GIVEN to the children of MEN." (Psalms 115:16) The wording translated as "hath He given" is nathan in Hebrew. It's meanings include- to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, requite to, put upon, appoint, assign, designate. Yes, Father is indeed sovereign, but in His sovereignty He has entrusted the affairs of the EARTH to US.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);">With this in mind, there is much talk in the Church these days about going to the next level, the next dimension in God in order to impact the earth. If we are going to the next dimension in God, then let's ask the question, What IS IT and how do we get there?</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);">What Is It?-</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);">Some have called it the Third Day, Beyond the Veil, the Kingdom Age, the Holy of Holies, Mature Sonship, the Deeper Life, the Christ-Life, the Parousia, the Feast of Tabernacles, the Melchizedek Priesthood, etc. All of these terms point to the same basic spiritual principle. Personally, I like the analogy of the Tabernacle and going Beyond the Veil into the Holy of Holies, as it is easy to understand.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);">The Outer Court of the Tabernacle, containing the Brazen Altar and the Brazen Laver, speaks of our initial salvation experience in God, as it is all about the shedding of blood, dealing with sin, and washing in the Water of the Word. This could be likened to the Evangelical experience. This experience could also be foreshadowed in the Feast of Passover.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);">The </span><st1:street style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" st="on"><st1:address st="on">Holy Place</st1:address></st1:street><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);">, which contained the Golden Candlestick, the Table of Shewbread, and the Golden Altar of Incense, speaks of our being baptized in the Holy Spirit. In this dimension we come into the revelatory realm (the prophetic, word of knowledge, word of wisdom, etc.) through the illumination of the Golden Candlestick, which speaks of the Holy Spirit. As we are baptized in the Holy Spirit, we receive a new "language" for prayer, which the Golden Altar of Incense speaks of. One of the things the Table of Shewbread speaks of is our receiving a revelation of divine healing as the "children's bread." These are experiences we come into in this dimension of the Holy Spirit. This could be likened to the Pentecostal/ Charismatic experience. This experience could also be foreshadowed in the Feast of Pentecost.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);">This is where many Christians have come to rest in their spiritual growth. We know however, that there is another dimension in the Tabernacle- the Holy of Holies. There is another feast- the Feast of Tabernacles. There is something beyond the Pentecostal/ Charismatic experience in our spiritual growth that we are moving into. This is the next level, the next dimension in God that is to impact the earth.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);">The Holy of Holies contained the Ark of the Covenant. This was the place of God's manifest Presence, His Shekinah Glory; "And there I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubims which are upon the ark of the testimony, of all things which I will give thee in commandment unto the children of </span><st1:place style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" st="on"><st1:country-region st="on">Israel</st1:country-region></st1:place><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);">." (Exodus 25:22) As we experientially move into this next level, this next dimension in God, it is His manifest Presence, His Shekinah Glory in a people that impacts the earth. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);">How Do We Get There?-</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);">In keeping with our analogy, since the Golden Altar of Incense was located in the </span><st1:street style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" st="on"><st1:address st="on">Holy Place</st1:address></st1:street><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);">, it would seem that prayer falls in the dimension of the Pentecostal/ Charismatic realm. There is a verse we need to consider, however; "But [inside] beyond the second curtain or veil, [there stood another] tabernacle [division] known as the Holy of Holies. It had the golden ALTAR OF INCENSE and the </span><st1:place style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" st="on"><st1:state st="on">Ark</st1:state></st1:place><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"> (chest) of the Covenant, covered over with wrought gold." (Hebrews 9:3-4 Amplified Bible) This verse clearly states that the Altar of Incense was in the Holy of Holies, but we know that the Altar of Incense was in the </span><st1:street style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" st="on"><st1:address st="on">Holy Place</st1:address></st1:street><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);">. Either we have a contradiction or there is an explanation for this discrepancy.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);">For the explanation, we must refer to the Mishnah, which is the first major written redaction of the Jewish oral traditions called the Oral Torah. According to the Mishnah, the Golden Altar of Incense was taken into the Holy of Holies on the Day of Atonement. This is the ONLY piece of furniture in the Tabernacle that was moved from one part of the Tabernacle to another. On the Day of Atonement, the Golden Altar of Incense transitioned from the </span><st1:street style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" st="on"><st1:address st="on">Holy Place</st1:address></st1:street><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"> to the Holy of Holies. It transitioned from one "dimension" to the next... are you beginning to get a picture? It is also significant that the Day of Atonement happened right before moving into the Feast of Tabernacles.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);">I believe that if we are truly going to impact the earth by moving into this next "dimension" in God, foreshadowed by the Feast of Tabernacles and the Holy of Holies, there is one thing that will serve as the catalyst to transition us there- PRAYER! Prayer IS the Golden Altar of Incense! </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);">Yes, we have talked about going to the next level, transitioning into the next dimension in God for a long time, but I don't know that we have seen a great deal in the way of results! Why is that?... because talking about it won't get us there. Prayer is the KEY!... and not just any kind of prayer, either. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);">The incense in this Golden Altar was lit on fire by coals that came from the Brazen Altar, and the fire came out from God initially to light the sacrifice on the Brazen Altar. This fire that originated with God was to be kept burning continually; "And the fire upon the altar shall be kept burning on it; it shall not be allowed to go out. The priest shall burn wood on it every morning and lay the burnt offering in order upon it and he shall burn on it the fat of the peace offerings. The fire shall be burning continually upon the altar; it shall not go out." (Leviticus 6:12-13 Amplified Bible) These coals from fire that originated with God were used to light the incense; "He shall take a censer full of burning coals of fire from off the [bronze] altar before the Lord, and his two hands full of sweet incense beaten small, and bring it within the veil [into the Holy of Holies], And put the incense on the fire [in the censer] before the Lord, that the cloud of the incense may cover the mercy seat that is upon [the ark of] the Testimony, lest he die." (Leviticus 16:12-13 Amplified Bible)</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);">Just as with the natural incense in the Tabernacle, the "incense" of our prayer must be lit with a fire that originates with Father. The prayer that will transition us into the next dimension must be the "prayer" that is burning in the heart of God! How many times have we come before Father with our list of things we want Him to do? Perhaps it is time to declare the "prayer" that is burning in Father's heart!</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);">I believe we are living in the fulfillment of this Day of Atonement and Father is beckoning us inward, as the Golden Altar of Incense transitions us into a new dimension! We can continue to talk about it with little results, OR we can enter into His plan and become that moving Altar of Incense!</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);">So, why prayer?... because is Father's PLAN to transition us into the next dimension! Why now?... because it is TIME to transition into the next dimension!</span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:Garamond;font-size:100%;color:blue;"><span style="font-family: Garamond; color: blue; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold;"><a title="http://www.inchristinternational.com/" href="http://www.inchristinternational.com/"><span title="http://www.inchristinternational.com/" style="color:blue;"><span style="color: blue;" title="http://www.inchristinternational.com/">www.inchristinternational.com</span></span></a> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" ><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:11;" ><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" ><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:11;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p>Gary and Traci Carsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12456865281427269708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-468890729767871309.post-46274809692765166802010-04-24T13:27:00.000-07:002010-04-24T13:47:49.692-07:00Your End-Time Lense - by John L. Moore<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAlCcrjXkKUYX3R8nHTbniynle61yFvK5LoZ4eaJJm041w-ytPZ5XERuOloQXGkFrg30uPzAp2X_LyOP6HrvJcY3dW4Z3eyk_pUKpjlmFhv6VLSaHFRbTOVUu1E4en3zLRWBoYFwBgQlU/s1600/dad2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 201px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAlCcrjXkKUYX3R8nHTbniynle61yFvK5LoZ4eaJJm041w-ytPZ5XERuOloQXGkFrg30uPzAp2X_LyOP6HrvJcY3dW4Z3eyk_pUKpjlmFhv6VLSaHFRbTOVUu1E4en3zLRWBoYFwBgQlU/s320/dad2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463803810198659250" border="0" /></a><br /><p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:Verdana;" >"O that Christ crucified were the universal burden of men of God. Your guess at the number of the beast...your conjectures concerning a personal Antichrist -- forgive me, I count them but mere bones for dogs; while men are dying and hell is filling, it seems to me the veriest drivel to be muttering about an Armageddon...I would sooner pluck one single brand from the burning than explain all mysteries."</span></span></b></span><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:Verdana;" >Charles Spurgeon as quoted by J. Lee Grady in<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i><span style="font-style: italic;">Charisma</span></i></span></span></b></span><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-family:Verdana;">As most of you know, <st1:place st="on"><st1:state st="on">Montana</st1:state></st1:place> has been in the news a lot lately because of the private prison in Hardin. When news about the arrival of the prison's private security force first hit the internet rumors of the wildest source abounded. Suddenly <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Hardin</st1:city>, <st1:state st="on">Montana</st1:state></st1:place> was an occupied city with roadblocks on the town entrances and stormtroopers in black uniforms going from house to house confiscating weapons and herding residents into the prison for forced Swine Flu inoculations. I received a number of emails and phone calls from people, some bordering on hysteria, asking: "What's going on in <st1:place st="on"><st1:state st="on">Montana</st1:state></st1:place>?"<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-family:Verdana;">It turns out there was no government conspiracy. The situation in Hardin was caused by poor small-town governance and the gullibility of local residents.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Which leads me to this, which end-times worldview is the lens through which you are looking? Are you staring through "<b><span style="font-weight: bold;">darkness will cover the earth and deep darkness the peoples"</span></b><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>or through<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><b><span style="font-weight: bold;">"Arise, shine, for your light has come?"</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-family:Verdana;">The lens on spiritual eye determines our perception of reality. Fear, doubt, and despair is the product of a dark lens. The lens of His glory produces brightness and a clear eye.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-family:Verdana;">We are in a winnowing time. We are passing through a narrow gate as we move, as a Body, from the Feast of Pentecost into the Feast of Tabernacles. Pentecost represents the harvest of barley and wheat. Both barley and wheat must be thrashed to separate the kernels that can be ground into flour. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-family:Verdana;">The Feast of Tabernacles, the seventh of seven Biblical feast, is the final harvest, the harvest of fruit. Fruit is simply plucked from the tree. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Pentecost is the only feast of the three main feasts (Passover, Pentecost and Tabernacles) that allows for leavened bread. Hence, in Pentecostal experiences, there is always a mixture.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Tabernacles is a feast of unleavened bread and a time when God's people dwell in a "sukkoth" with Him. We are to tabernacle with the Father in our little organic hut under an open heaven. (In Jewish tradition the three-sided hut was lightly thatched so the roof would provide some shade but one could still look up and see the stars.)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-family:Verdana;">At the end of the book of Ezekiel, where "Ezekiel's temple" is described, it is interesting to note that the feast of Pentecost is not mentioned. Passover (salvation through the lamb of God) is celebrated. Tabernacles (being a living <st1:place st="on"><st1:placetype st="on">temple</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename st="on">God</st1:placename></st1:place>) is celebrated. But the feast that allowed for leavened bread is not mentioned. Pentecost is a feast of temporary gifts, trial-and-error practice, and the placing of a down payment on a permanent habitation. Tabernacles is the promised possession.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-family:Verdana;">As we transition from Pentecost to Tabernacles many will try to cling to the old for the old always represents security. Let go. There are things to be realized which have not been seen before but only hinted at through the deep mysteries of the Word and the vaporous desires of our longing hearts.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Many of us have been through years of testing to prove ourselves as true prophets. We have been tested as well to be proven as true priests. We are now in a season of kingly refinement. Which king is enthroned in our hearts? The King of Kings or the king of self?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;" ><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);">The King of Kings says all things will be put under His feet. The king of self fears the passing of our own pitiful little kingdom.</span></span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:85%;color:navy;"><span style="color: navy; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-size:85%;color:blue;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: 11pt;"><a title="http://www.johnlmoore.com/" href="http://www.johnlmoore.com/"><span title="http://www.johnlmoore.com/" style="color:blue;"><span style="color: blue;" title="http://www.johnlmoore.com/">www.johnlmoore.com</span></span></a> <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;" ><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;" ><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;" ><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p>Gary and Traci Carsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12456865281427269708noreply@blogger.com6