Thursday, December 6, 2012
The OTHER Side
I, along with others recently went on a 21 day consecration. At the end of this consecration I went before the Lord in worship. As I was in worship the Lord instructed me to take communion with Him over what had been lifted before Him over the past 21 days. As I took communion the Lord reminded me that this act would place me on the OTHER side of those situations and circumstances which were lifted before Him. Meaning, I would no longer be in the present side of these situations and circumstances but I would be on the manifested, completed, and finished side. Even though, in the natural, it would still possibly look the same and look as though nothing has changed and seem I was in the same place I KNEW in my Spirit that I had crossed over and therefore needed to conduct myself as such. One thing I know, as a believer, you will ALWAYS be dwelling in something or some place that has not yet manifested.
This posture, of course, can bring about some challenges. The challenge of functioning from the OTHER side even though people, circumstances and situations seem to remain the same. A challenge I have learned can only be managed in prayer. It also brings the challenge of the unfamiliar. The OTHER side is a place that I have never tangibly been before, except in my time in the Presence. So yes, even though one may know what the OTHER side looks like, one must remember that being on the OTHER side before it actually does manifest demands a revelation so there can be a complete transformation.
I only understood this as a conversation took place this morning. My friend and I were discussing how our time in the Presence was different and how we almost felt at a loss. There were questions of what to do and what to declare. And at this moment the revelation kicked in.
IF we are truly on the OTHER side, even if only in our Spirit. The side of manifestation, completion and finish, then what WAS needed to get to that place is no longer needed. So of course our time in the Presence would be different and unfamiliar. IF I am already in the Promises and Occupying than my time in the Presence is going to be filled with rest, thanksgiving and praise. The Lord is no longer going to be speaking to me regarding what to declare and how to obey to get me to a place that I am already in. So of course it makes sense that He would be silent about what was purposed and needed to get me to my destiny. My time in the Presence would now consist of a worship that would produce new revelation and new declarations for the NEXT phase of my destiny.
It was clear to me at this point that the reason so many believers can't fully move forward and breakthrough to what they sense in their Spirit is because their souls never get to the place their Spirit is. Our mind, will and emotions (soul), instead of submitting to the Spirit and to that destined place, take dominion over our Spirit so that what is within our Spirit becomes suppressed to a point where we believe our senses more than we do our Spirit. To sustain and maintain on the OTHER side, until the actual, tangible, manifestation occurs is to completely transform from the inside out and to completely bring ALL of self to the OTHER side. Forgetting those things which are behind and pressing forward. Knowing that ALL things have passed and in THIS place all things have become new. Submitting every bit of your being to the Holy Spirit in you and allowing the fullness of the Holy Spirit to flow through your Spirit to self and all that you come in contact with. It demands a SHIFT! An alignment and new perspective that by Faith what was is no longer and what is to be... Already is. And from THIS standpoint is how one must live and how one will occupy!
From today moving forward... No matter how it appears, sounds, or is laid before you... CHOOSE to live and be in His Presence from the OTHER side... And watch the unseen to others become your seen...
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
What the Body can learn from our Soldiers... Unity!
In this season of foundation, order and alignment where we are transitioning from purpose into destiny and in this season where we are about to tangibly crossover into our promise both individually and corporately. A season where we must remain fortified and guarded and prepared for the battle, I believe there is much the body of Christ can learn as it pertains to unity from our men and women who serve and protect us, and our country (territory).
Recognizing that open doors bring opposition and that there will be some type of battle before occupying there is the realization that the only way to possess corporately is to unite together. After all, united we stand, divided we fall. Now, I understand that our battle is not with tangible enemies (Ephesians 6:12) as it is with our soldiers, but we are still in a battle and the tactics and mindset of our soldiers should be looked at and applied, especially as it pertains to their sense of brother/sisterhood and family that is not only seen and felt by others, but walked out by their actions toward one another to watch each others back and to not only complete their mission (assignment) but to ensure within their powers and/or abilities to have every man/woman return home and accounted for.
It pains my heart to see constant offense and strife within the very place that should exemplify this type of brother/sister hood and family bond. It boggles my mind how these things can occur and dwell in places that are supposed to breathe grace, love, compassion, edification and unity. It seems we do the opposite, and more so within the remnant, which really should be the strength and core of our foundation, even if it is not seen by the masses. More concerned with and focused on self-gain, who people are talking to, where people are seated, who is being used and who holds what title and or position instead of the assignment and/or vision at hand. More concerned with playing God rather than choosing to be like God (His nature, character and authority). Selah. God is everywhere and sees all. He will ensure that what is needed for the assignment and/or vision to succeed is provided. In the same, He will ensure that what is hindering the assignment and/or vision is removed. We often speak about how we are to steward the things of God but we must realize that in stewarding the things of God this also includes how we steward His children and the gifts and Anointing that are given to us and are before us. I often wonder how can we be trusted with the world, to reach the world, when we can’t even be trusted with one another?
While it is understood, that even among our soldiers there may be some jealousy if one gets a position of leadership before another, or maybe some other challenge among one another, it is also understood, especially for those called to the front lines, that when it is time to go forth, every attitude, emotion, etc., anything that could possibly assist in aborting the mission (assignment) is pushed to the back burner so to speak, because the focus must be staying alive, and again, not just for self but for those connected to them both on the field and back at safety. One veteran I threw out some questions to, said it best, “We had an enemy to fight, so we couldn’t be fighting each other.”
Maybe what might help us is to realize that just as in the military everyone serves a purpose so is the case within the body of Christ. 1 Corinthians 12:1-27 teaches us this very thing and the importance of ALL members of the body and their functions. In speaking with this veteran it was interesting to see that because he was on the front line he esteemed the people back on base as essential because that's where he and those with him would get their food and ammo. Too often, I believe, that within the body and probably society as a whole, we tend to base someone’s importance based off their title or position. We base how we treat others based off their status, title, wallet, influence or celebrity-ism. Call me off, but as a general in the Kingdom, while of course provision and opportunities are welcomed and appreciated, more important to me would be that I have people committed to going before the Lord for me in prayer. Please know, whether your position is one that is seen or not they are all just as important for within the body they all go hand in hand. One position cannot function without the other. If they attempt to do so it will lead to a breakdown in the operation. And that goes for any ministry, business, relationship, etc.
I believe that unity is one of the main ingredients needed in the foundation that we as a body are now building, along with grace and the fruits of the Spirit as mentioned in Galatians 5:22. I believe that if we make a conscious choice from here on out to do as our soldiers do when heading to the front line and place every attitude, emotion, etc., anything that could possibly assist in aborting the assignment and/or vision on the back burner and begin to walk in the above mentioned that we will begin to see the cracks of our current foundation sealed up and thereby no longer leaving room for the enemy or enemies to seep in and out of what we have been called to build and do. Our focus, in this season, must be our assignment and/or vision and corporately it can only be accomplished as we stand together, one for another, trusting that as we do, God will be faithful to us to do what He has promised.
-----
PS: Thanks to my old high school classmate Mike for allowing me to throw out some questions his way before writing this piece.
Recognizing that open doors bring opposition and that there will be some type of battle before occupying there is the realization that the only way to possess corporately is to unite together. After all, united we stand, divided we fall. Now, I understand that our battle is not with tangible enemies (Ephesians 6:12) as it is with our soldiers, but we are still in a battle and the tactics and mindset of our soldiers should be looked at and applied, especially as it pertains to their sense of brother/sisterhood and family that is not only seen and felt by others, but walked out by their actions toward one another to watch each others back and to not only complete their mission (assignment) but to ensure within their powers and/or abilities to have every man/woman return home and accounted for.
It pains my heart to see constant offense and strife within the very place that should exemplify this type of brother/sister hood and family bond. It boggles my mind how these things can occur and dwell in places that are supposed to breathe grace, love, compassion, edification and unity. It seems we do the opposite, and more so within the remnant, which really should be the strength and core of our foundation, even if it is not seen by the masses. More concerned with and focused on self-gain, who people are talking to, where people are seated, who is being used and who holds what title and or position instead of the assignment and/or vision at hand. More concerned with playing God rather than choosing to be like God (His nature, character and authority). Selah. God is everywhere and sees all. He will ensure that what is needed for the assignment and/or vision to succeed is provided. In the same, He will ensure that what is hindering the assignment and/or vision is removed. We often speak about how we are to steward the things of God but we must realize that in stewarding the things of God this also includes how we steward His children and the gifts and Anointing that are given to us and are before us. I often wonder how can we be trusted with the world, to reach the world, when we can’t even be trusted with one another?
While it is understood, that even among our soldiers there may be some jealousy if one gets a position of leadership before another, or maybe some other challenge among one another, it is also understood, especially for those called to the front lines, that when it is time to go forth, every attitude, emotion, etc., anything that could possibly assist in aborting the mission (assignment) is pushed to the back burner so to speak, because the focus must be staying alive, and again, not just for self but for those connected to them both on the field and back at safety. One veteran I threw out some questions to, said it best, “We had an enemy to fight, so we couldn’t be fighting each other.”
Maybe what might help us is to realize that just as in the military everyone serves a purpose so is the case within the body of Christ. 1 Corinthians 12:1-27 teaches us this very thing and the importance of ALL members of the body and their functions. In speaking with this veteran it was interesting to see that because he was on the front line he esteemed the people back on base as essential because that's where he and those with him would get their food and ammo. Too often, I believe, that within the body and probably society as a whole, we tend to base someone’s importance based off their title or position. We base how we treat others based off their status, title, wallet, influence or celebrity-ism. Call me off, but as a general in the Kingdom, while of course provision and opportunities are welcomed and appreciated, more important to me would be that I have people committed to going before the Lord for me in prayer. Please know, whether your position is one that is seen or not they are all just as important for within the body they all go hand in hand. One position cannot function without the other. If they attempt to do so it will lead to a breakdown in the operation. And that goes for any ministry, business, relationship, etc.
I believe that unity is one of the main ingredients needed in the foundation that we as a body are now building, along with grace and the fruits of the Spirit as mentioned in Galatians 5:22. I believe that if we make a conscious choice from here on out to do as our soldiers do when heading to the front line and place every attitude, emotion, etc., anything that could possibly assist in aborting the assignment and/or vision on the back burner and begin to walk in the above mentioned that we will begin to see the cracks of our current foundation sealed up and thereby no longer leaving room for the enemy or enemies to seep in and out of what we have been called to build and do. Our focus, in this season, must be our assignment and/or vision and corporately it can only be accomplished as we stand together, one for another, trusting that as we do, God will be faithful to us to do what He has promised.
-----
PS: Thanks to my old high school classmate Mike for allowing me to throw out some questions his way before writing this piece.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Rooted Trees
Today, as I was walking Gio, for some reason, I focused in on the trees.
I was amazed at how these trees, so tall and so wide were so stable. How these trees started off as something so much smaller but with the assistance of water and sun and other elements grew to be so beautiful, tall and strong. I thought to myself, “Wow! These trees must be so ROOTED in the FOUNDATION that even though extensions of their branches and leaves may fall off due to storms or seasons, the trunk of them yet remains. Yes, some trunks have pieces missing, are stripped, and even have carvings, but yet, they still remain strong enough to support the rest of what belongs to it.”
This caused me to first, thank God for the foundation of the Word that I have been rooted in. Second, it caused me to pray, that myself, and those connected to me would become so rooted in our foundation as it pertains to self, relationships, family, ministry and careers/business that even though people and/or things may fall off, that even though trials and storms may come, WE would still remain. Remain unmoved and unshaken as to what is going on around us or as to what is being laid before us and that we would also remain strong enough to continue to support the rest of what belongs to and is connected to us.
Though that dream and/or vision which is in you may seem small now continue to water it and expose it to things and people that can assist in its growth.Though when the storm is over you and/or your situation may appear empty, may appear as though you have experienced loss, and may appear, like the bark of some trees, stripped, missing pieces of you and carved into, regardless, find peace and count it all joy because the fact that you are still standing means you remained and are rooted in the very foundation you need to be in. And this is your guarantee that a season of fruitfulness, if it hasn’t already started, as it has in my life, is on its way and soon, you and everything that belongs to and is connected to you will begin to extend and blossom and those around you will not only see your fruit, but know you by it as well.
I was amazed at how these trees, so tall and so wide were so stable. How these trees started off as something so much smaller but with the assistance of water and sun and other elements grew to be so beautiful, tall and strong. I thought to myself, “Wow! These trees must be so ROOTED in the FOUNDATION that even though extensions of their branches and leaves may fall off due to storms or seasons, the trunk of them yet remains. Yes, some trunks have pieces missing, are stripped, and even have carvings, but yet, they still remain strong enough to support the rest of what belongs to it.”
This caused me to first, thank God for the foundation of the Word that I have been rooted in. Second, it caused me to pray, that myself, and those connected to me would become so rooted in our foundation as it pertains to self, relationships, family, ministry and careers/business that even though people and/or things may fall off, that even though trials and storms may come, WE would still remain. Remain unmoved and unshaken as to what is going on around us or as to what is being laid before us and that we would also remain strong enough to continue to support the rest of what belongs to and is connected to us.
Though that dream and/or vision which is in you may seem small now continue to water it and expose it to things and people that can assist in its growth.Though when the storm is over you and/or your situation may appear empty, may appear as though you have experienced loss, and may appear, like the bark of some trees, stripped, missing pieces of you and carved into, regardless, find peace and count it all joy because the fact that you are still standing means you remained and are rooted in the very foundation you need to be in. And this is your guarantee that a season of fruitfulness, if it hasn’t already started, as it has in my life, is on its way and soon, you and everything that belongs to and is connected to you will begin to extend and blossom and those around you will not only see your fruit, but know you by it as well.
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