The Walls Are Coming Down

Today I feel the Lord is saying: “The walls are coming down.” Like Joshua, you have been marching around the walls of your promises and inheritance. You have been praying your best prayers, giving it your all, and you have seen no change whatsoever. It feels pointless, futile, useless - you think you may as well give up. But the Lord would say:

“The walls are coming down.”

You are so much closer than it appears.  Keep walking, declaring His Word, standing on His promises, keep your faith strong, fix your eyes on the prize.  The walls are coming down.  That which looks so formidable and impenetrable will crumble before you.  You will break through.  You will enter the land.  You will receive your inheritance. 

The only thing that can stop you is if you choose to give up. 

The walls are coming down.

—

Joshua 6:8-21

“When Joshua had spoken to the people, the seven priests carrying the seven trumpets before the LORD went forward, blowing their trumpets, and the ark of the LORD ’s covenant followed them. The armed guard marched ahead of the priests who blew the trumpets, and the rear guard followed the ark. All this time the trumpets were sounding. But Joshua had commanded the army, “Do not give a war cry, do not raise your voices, do not say a word until the day I tell you to shout. Then shout! ” So he had the ark of the Lord carried around the city, circling it once. Then the army returned to camp and spent the night there. Joshua got up early the next morning and the priests took up the ark of the Lord. The seven priests carrying the seven trumpets went forward, marching before the ark of the Lord and blowing the trumpets. The armed men went ahead of them and the rear guard followed the ark of the Lord, while the trumpets kept sounding. So on the second day they marched around the city once and returned to the camp. They did this for six days. On the seventh day, they got up at daybreak and marched around the city seven times in the same manner, except that on that day they circled the city seven times. The seventh time around, when the priests sounded the trumpet blast, Joshua commanded the army, “Shout! For the Lord has given you the city! The city and all that is in it are to be devoted to the Lord....

....When the trumpets sounded, the army shouted, and at the sound of the trumpet, when the men gave a loud shout, the wall collapsed; so everyone charged straight in, and they took the city. They devoted the city to the LORD and destroyed with the sword every living thing in it—men and women, young and old, cattle, sheep and donkeys.”

Don’t Miss the Signs

I was talking with a designer today about new signage/branding for the church I lead, when I felt the Lord continually impress the word ‘SIGN’.  This is a time when the Lord is giving His people unusual and significant signs to point the way into our future and to show us what He’s up to.  It’s happening now.  Many of these signs will confirm what you already sense.

These signs may be physical things that you see - a billboard, a news headline, a social media post.  But they will also unexpected interactions, unexplainable happenings, even signs in nature around you. 

A sign always points to something beyond itself. So when your attention is drawn to something, or when something unusual happens, don’t get too fixated on the sign but ask yourself: ‘What is this sign pointing to, what is God trying to show me?’

God is longing to communicate with you and wants to signpost the way into the good future He has for you.  Keep your eyes open and your spirit sensitive. 

— 

Matthew 16:2-3

“He replied, “When evening comes, you say, 'It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,' and in the morning, 'Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.' You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times.”

—

John 20:30

“Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book.”

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Acts 2:19

“I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood and fire and billows of smoke.”

—

Isaiah 38:7

“This is the Lord's sign to you that the Lord will do what he has promised...”

—

Isaiah 7:11

“Ask the Lord your God for a sign, whether in the deepest depths or in the highest heights.”

Don’t Be Scared of the Scarecrow

A scarecrow is placed in a field to frighten birds away from stealing the fruit or crops.However, to a wise bird, a scarecrow is an advertisement. It announces that the best and juiciest fruit is there for the picking.

The giants in your life which are intimidating you, the things that paralyse you with fear, the challenges you are currently facing, even the attacks of the enemy are nothing but an advertisement that this is the area where God has placed the greatest fruitfulness in your life. See them as a sign that this is where you will have the most significant impact if you press forward in spite of the obstacles and opposition. The adversary knows this, which is precisely why he is focusing his attention on deterring you from this very place.  Or, if you are already there, he will attempt to get you to exit or escape from it prematurely because of the resistance or pressure. 

Don’t run, press through, stand firm.  Your greatest fear is often the signpost to your purpose and the doorway to your destiny.

— 

John 15:18-21

“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember what I told you: 'A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the one who sent me.”

—

1 Corinthians 16:9 “.... a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me.”

—

Philippians 1:27-28

“… stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you...”

—

James 1:2-4 “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

The Concealed will be Revealed

This morning as I was preparing to preach from Revelation 1 in my home church I felt the Lord draw me to the word revelation* in the original Greek. The word is 'apokalypsis' and it literally means to unveil or reveal. The cover is removed, the curtain is pulled back and that which was hidden is now visible for all to see.

I sensed the Lord saying that this next few weeks is going to be a time of significant apokalypsis. Things which have been concealed are going to be revealed. The hidden is going to be made plain. Secrets will be uncovered. We will see things as they really are behind the masks and smokescreens. The facade is coming down, deception, lies and hypocrisy will be exposed. It's going to happen on a personal scale but also on a worldwide scale. God is going to show the truth of how things really are. There is more going on than meets the eye. For His people, this will be a time of standing as people of integrity, purity and righteousness. We will be vindicated. We are children of the light. Simply shine!

— 

Revelation 1:1

“The revelation from Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place.”

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Daniel 2:47

“... he king answered unto Daniel, and said, Of a truth it is, that your God is a God of gods, and a Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets..”

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Luke 12:3 “What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs.”

—

Matthew 5:14 NIV

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.”

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Ephesians 5:13 NIV

“But everything exposed by the light becomes visible - and everything that is illuminated becomes a light.”

—

1 Thessalonians 5:5 NIV

“You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness.”

Choose Friends Wisely

When Jesus walked the earth, he had different groups of people around him: the crowds, followers, the disciples and also friends. But then he had an inner circle of Peter, James and John. They got access to Jesus and to certain events and experiences that the other nine disciples didn't Yet, you never see Jesus apologising to the others. He was very strategic in who allowed into his closest inner circle. We don't know why he chose these three, but Jesus knew.

In the age of social media "friends" and casual acquaintances, I believe the Lord wants us to be very prayerful and strategic about who we allow into our closest inner circle. Often we give people too much time or access because we are scared to say 'no' or we are afraid of offending them. We only have so much capacity for intimacy, so we have to be very deliberate, discriminating and discerning in who we let into our lives, especially who we entrust with the deep things in our hearts. Choose friends carefully. They will greatly impact your future.

— 

Matthew 17:1-2

“After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light.”

—

Mark 5:37; 40-42

“He did not let anyone follow him except Peter, James and John the brother of James...

...But they laughed at him. After he put them all out, he took the child's father and mother and the disciples who were with him, and went in where the child was. He took her by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum!” (which means “Little girl, I say to you, get up!”). Immediately the girl stood up and began to walk around (she was twelve years old). At this they were completely astonished.”

—

Mark 14:33-34

He took Peter, James and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,” he said to them. “Stay here and keep watch.”

When Your Dream Looks Dead

There will be moments in your life will it seems like your dream is dead. When the promises of God are so far removed from your current reality that you begin to wonder, “Did God really say...?” or even, “Does God really care?”

This must have been how Joseph felt when he was languishing in prison as an innocent man. David probably felt like this when he spent years on the run as a fugitive from Saul. Even Jesus cried out in the depth of his intense isolation and pain, “God, why have you forsaken me?”

That darkest hour when the pain doesn’t seem to be going away, when you feel so alone, when you have had enough.... that’s when you need to cling to what you know about God... His nature, character, goodness, faithfulness, power, love. He cares so deeply and intimately about you - your future, your family, your finances, your health, your relationships. His promises will prevail.  His Word will move mountains.  His power will bring breakthrough. The dream looks dead but our God is known for resurrection!

— 

Romans 4:17

“...the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not.”

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Romans 8:11

“And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.”

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Acts 2:24

“But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him.”

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Acts 3:15

“You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this.”

Future Under Construction

Recently, close to where we live, a road was being widened.It seemed like it was under construction forever. During the work the traffic was slower, there was digging, dust and dirt everywhere, it looked like no real progress was being made.The construction company signs were the only evidence that something important and worthwhile was happening amidst the mess.And then suddenly, it seemed almost overnight, the new road opened. It was wider, faster, smoother and less congested.

At the minute, as you look at your life, it might just seem messy, disrupted, slow, frustrating, like nothing much is happening.  There’s a lot of digging and dirt, but not much to show for it.  You wonder is any progress being made. Is it really worthwhile? Will it ever be finished?

However, if you really look with eyes of faith, you will see signs that God is deeply at work.  He is preparing you for something completely new.  He is removing obstacles, clearing ground and making a way for you.  Nothing new is ever built without a process of construction. 

— 

Isaiah 26:7 “The path of the righteous is level; you, the Upright One, make the way of the righteous smooth.”

—

Isaiah 40:3-5 “A voice of one calling: “In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord ; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. And the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all people will see it together. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”

—

Isaiah 42:16 NIV

“...along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them.”

—

Isaiah 62:10

“Pass through, pass through the gates! Prepare the way for the people. Build up, build up the highway! Remove the stones. Raise a banner for the nations.”

When the Grace Lifts

 There comes a time in every position, place, ministry and role when the grace which was once upon you has lifted.  You’re doing what you’ve always done but it is simply not working any more. You’re diligently fulfilling your duty but the joy has disappeared. You’re going through the motions without any sense of purpose and mission. This could well be a sign that it’s time to start to prepare to move on.

There was a season in David‘s life when serving Saul by playing the harp would soothe the king’s inner conflict and quench evil spirits.  However, one day that all changes. As David plays, Saul hurls a spear at him, attempting to kill him.  From this point forward, David’s relationship with Saul and his role would never be the same. He would have to move on.  There comes a point when you can simply no longer stay where you are. It is too dangerous, damaging and detrimental to you and to those you love.  It’s time to start preparing a graceful and strategic exit.  Go where you are celebrated, not tolerated.

— 

1 Samuel 16:21-23

“David came to Saul and entered his service. Saul liked him very much, and David became one of his armor-bearers. Then Saul sent word to Jesse, saying, “Allow David to remain in my service, for I am pleased with him.” Whenever the spirit from God came on Saul, David would take up his lyre and play. Then relief would come to Saul; he would feel better, and the evil spirit would leave him.”

—

1 Samuel 18:10-12

“The next day an evil spirit from God came forcefully on Saul. He was prophesying in his house, while David was playing the lyre, as he usually did. Saul had a spear in his hand and he hurled it, saying to himself, “I'll pin David to the wall.” But David eluded him twice. Saul was afraid of David, because the Lord was with David but had departed from Saul.”

Live Clean, Live Free

 God is calling His people in these days to live clean and live free.  To raise our standards.  Although we are positionally righteous through Christ’s atoning death, we also need to walk in practical holiness in our daily lives. This includes purity in our thinking, being careful in our speech, guarding our eyes, taking every thought captive in submission to Christ.

There is a level of confidence, authority and deep joy that comes from living a holy life.  On the other hand, continuous and wilful sin brings insecurity, passivity and fear of man.  Purity attracts the anointing and favor of God.  Sin repels it.  Sin is always seeking to drag us down and make us less than we are.  It steals, kills and destroys.  It is cancer to the soul. It is toxic to your heart.  It poisons relationships.  Therefore kill sin or sin will destroy you.

God wants us to have clear consciences so that we can be as bold as lions who live as overcomers in every area of life.  Grace is not a license to sin - grace is an empowerment to say ‘yes’ to righteousness.  Be holy as He is holy.

— 

1 Peter 1:15-16

“But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”

—

Proverbs 28:1

“The wicked flee though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.”

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Titus 2:11-14

“For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope---the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.”

—

John 10:10

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

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Romans 12:1

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God - this is your true and proper worship.”

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Galatians 5:1

”It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”

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James 1:15

“...after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.”

Pruning To Make Room

 God has been speaking to me today about the need for pruning in our lives.  In nature, pruning is defined as the targeted removal of diseased, damaged, dead, non-productive, or otherwise unwanted tissue from plants.  It enables the limited nutrients available to be directed to those areas where they will produce the greatest harvest/results.

As people with limited time, energy and resources, pruning in our own lives is similar.  In John 15, Jesus uses pruning to illustrate how we might create endings in our lives so new life can grow and thrive. If you going to step into all that God has for you in the future, the harsh reality is that you’re probably going to have to ruthlessly prune away some things, even good things, so that you can focus on the best things.  It could be something or someone who was right for a season in your life – but that season has long passed and they are still there.  It’s time to prune.

What is in your life today which is not in line with what you want your tomorrow to look like?

— 

 John 15:1-4

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.  You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.”

Angels on their Way

From many of you this past week has been unusually difficult, you have been pushing through resistance - mostly spiritual but also some of it physical. At times you have felt angry and frustrated, weary and worried, agitated and anxious. People have let you down and some relationships are strained.  You have tried to pray but it has felt like nothing much has changed.  It’s all starting to take its toll.  Like Elijah in 1 Kings 19, you have had enough. You just want to walk away, to escape, to run.  You’ve tried to be faithful and honorable but you feel disappointed, alone, misunderstood.

The Lord wants you to know today that He is coming to minister to you. He has seen your struggles, your hidden tears, your despair.  He is on your side.  His Angels are now on assignment. They’re coming your way.  They will give you fresh courage, confidence and capacity to press through.  Listen to the whisper of the Spirit, experience His comfort, catch the wind.  You’re not finished.  Not even close.

— 

 1 Kings 19:1-15

“Now Ahab told Jezebel everything Elijah had done and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. So Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah to say, “May the gods deal with me, be it ever so severely, if by this time tomorrow I do not make your life like that of one of them.” Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, while he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.” Then he lay down under the bush and fell asleep. All at once an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.” He looked around, and there by his head was some bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and then lay down again. The angel of the Lord came back a second time and touched him and said, “Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you.” So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God. There he went into a cave and spent the night. And the word of the Lord came to him: “What are you doing here, Elijah?” He replied, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, torn down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.” The Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.” Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper....

... The LORD said to him, “Go back the way you came.”

Living with Inconsistency

On any given day we all fluctuate between faith and fear, strength and struggle, kindness and selfishness, confidence and insecurity, knowing that God is in control and yet feeling that we have been forgotten about.

This has been the reality for the saints throughout the ages. We want to love Jesus with every fibre of our being but we are so overwhelmed at times with our own inconsistency and brokenness.

The truth is - this never goes away, at least not this side of Heaven.  Hear this and be encouraged today, wherever you find yourself - the Father’s relentless love towards you never waivers for one second; the precious blood of Jesus covers and cleanses every single sin; the life-giving power and presence of the Holy Spirit dwells within you and is at work conforming you to be more like Christ.

You belong to Him. No matter how you feel or what you’ve done, this is the Gospel truth.  Stand firm on it today.  Build your life on it, not on your feelings.

— 

 1 John 3: 1:

"See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!"

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John 10: 27-29:

"My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.  I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.  My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand."

—

Ephesians 1: 4-8:

"...he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will – to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us.

—

1 John 1: 9:

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."

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Romans 8: 31-39:

"If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all – how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?....Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?...No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Transportation to Your Destination

 Often what we think is our destination is actually our transportation. It is not the place where we are going to stay, but it is where we are being equipped and trained today - for all that God has purposed for our tomorrow.We can’t fast-track the journey but we can delay it by not fully immersing ourselves in what God is doing right now, in this place. Until we learn what we need to know here, and pass this test, we cannot proceed to the next level.That is why many people remain stuck, sometimes for years. They are unwilling to surrender to the present process because they’re so focused on their future.

Even if you don’t like where you are right now, seize it and squeeze out of it everything that God has placed in it.  God has you here for a purpose, He never wastes time, so don’t squander His opportunities.  They may not look like the vision that you have in your heart but they are the steps which must be climbed to get you to that stage.

There is no escalator or elevator in the kingdom.  There are only steps and each one must be taken individually before you can progress to the next one.  This is not your destination - it is your transportation.

—

Job 23:10-12

“But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold. My feet have closely followed his steps; I have kept to his way without turning aside. I have not departed from the commands of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread.”

—

Proverbs 16:9

“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”

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Genesis 50:20

“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”

Don’t React, Respond

When the soldiers came to arrest Jesus in the garden, Peter’s instinctive response was to lash out with a sword violently. He thought he was doing the right thing but it was actually going to hinder God’s plans and purposes from being fulfilled.

Be very careful how you respond and react to situations affecting you right now, especially those that are unexpected, disruptive, negative or hurtful. Don’t allow past pain or rejection to cause you overreact or lash out in a way you will later regret.  This is a brand new season, but the enemy is trying to drag the past into the present to abort your future.  Don’t let your emotions or negative thinking consume you or control your responses.  Recognise the true source of the attack. It looks physical, it even looks personal - but ultimately it is spiritual.  The enemy is so deceptive and manipulative in how he uses people and circumstances to attempt to derail your destiny.  He knows exactly what buttons to push.  Rise above it, see beyond it, grow through it.  You’ve been in similar situations before - learn from them. Get the Father’s perspective, soak in His peace, pursue His wisdom.  Respond appropriately instead of reacting instinctively.

—

John 18:10-11

“Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's servant, cutting off his right ear. Jesus commanded Peter, “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?”

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Ephesians 6:12

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

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1 Peter 5:8

“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”

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2 Timothy 4:5 NIV

“But you, keep your head in all situations...”

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2 Corinthians 2:10-11

“And what I have forgiven - if there was anything to forgive - I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.”

Sit or Fight?

 When speaking about the kingdom of God, Jesus in one place exhorts us to “receive the kingdom of God like a little child.”Yet, elsewhere He says “the violent take it by force.” These two ways of advancement in the Kingdom seem to contradict each other. Yet both are true.

One way we experience breakthrough is simply by learning to receive our inheritance because of our identity as a son or daughter of God.  It is not based on anything we do but solely on His grace and favour.  We rest and position ourselves to receive.

However, there are also times when we need to war, to contend for and passionately take hold that which God has said is ours. There is a future that you will need to fight for.  In this case, the weapon we use is the prophetic promises of God.  Your destiny is often on the other side of a battle and the only way to win is by decreeing what God has said over your life. 

The key is in determining what season you are in and discerning the will of God for that area of breakthrough.  When you fight for that which you can only get by inheritance you get exhausted.  When you rest when you should be battling you will be frustrated.  In your life right now, what do you need to rest and receive? What do you need to contend and fight for?

—

Luke 18:17

“Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”

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Matthew 11:12

“From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force.”

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1 Timothy 1:18

“This charge I entrust to you, Timothy, my child, in accordance with the prophecies previously made about you, that by them you may wage the good warfare.”

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Exodus 14:14

“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

—

Numbers 13:30

“Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, “We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it.”

New Places / New Relationships

New positions, promotions, places and platforms inevitably lead to the forming of new relationships. After David had killed Goliath, a intimate brotherly bond formed between himself and Jonathan, the king’s son.Their backgrounds were different but their hearts were similar in many ways-they were both brave, valiant young men, cut from the same cloth, born for battle.Jonathan helped David to understand the protocol of royalty.He was unquestionably faithful and completely loyal.  Their bond would remain until the very end.

In the new place that you find yourself, your relationships must change. That doesn’t mean that all old relationships are null and void. But God will bring into your life new friendships with people who have a heart akin to your own.  People to help you acclimate and transition into your new environment.  Who understand the new level you are at and don’t feel any need to compete with you for position.

You may have been betrayed, rejected and abused by friendships in the past. However don’t let this make you push away God’s provision for you in the present. Don’t drag your past pain into your present.  God is requiring you to adopt a new mentality - a new normal - and only these new key relationships can help you fully embrace it.

—

1 Samuel 14:14

“In that first attack Jonathan and his armor-bearer killed some twenty men in an area of about half an acre.”

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1 Samuel 18:3-4

“Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. Jonathan took off the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, and even his sword, his bow and his belt.”

—

1 Samuel 23:16; 18

“Saul’s son Jonathan went to David at Horesh and helped him find strength in God....

...The two of them made a covenant before the Lord. Then Jonathan went home, but David remained at Horesh.”

—

2 Samuel 1:26

“I grieve for you, Jonathan my brother; you were very dear to me. Your love for me was wonderful, more wonderful than that of women.”

Yapping Biting Dog

In Genesis 3, after the fall, God pronounces this curse on Satan: “he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.”

It is a prophetic picture of the future victory of Jesus through his cross and resurrection.  This morning as I was praying this verse kept coming to me as a picture of the enemy’s tactic against God‘s people right now. He is biting our heels.  It’s almost like a little yapping dog that never goes away. It’s not big enough to do significant damage but over time it just becomes exhausting, irritating and frustrating.

For a number of weeks now there have been lots of little attacks and small setbacks - nothing hugely significant, but just one thing after another. It could be difficult conversations, unexpected bills, silly misunderstandings, relational tensions, people gossiping or lying about you, minor health issues, cars and other things breaking down.  One little thing after another has brought a weariness and a desire to retreat.

However, don’t forget the other part of the curse in Genesis 3: “he [Jesus] will crush your head.”  Satan is a defeated foe, one day he will be completely destroyed, he knows his time is short and his ability to attack God’s people is limited. 

Treat him like yapping dog.  Don’t be afraid of him.  Use your authority to remove him. Contain him. Silence him. Rebuke and renounce him from your life. Don’t give him any place or any area of your territory. He’s all bark and no bite. On the other hand, the mighty Lion of Judah is with you. He is about to roar and when He does, all of hell will shake!

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Genesis 3:14-15

“So the Lord God said to the snake, ‘Because you have done this, ‘Cursed are you above all livestock and all wild animals! You will crawl on your belly and you will eat dust all the days of your life. And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.’”

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Revelation 5:5

“Then one of the elders said to me, ‘Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.’”

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Revelation 12:10-12

“Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: ‘Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Messiah. For the accuser of our brothers and sisters, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down. They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death. Therefore rejoice, you heavens and you who dwell in them! But woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has gone down to you! He is filled with fury, because he knows that his time is short.’”

Containment & Vindication

When Joseph was thrown into prison unjustly there was an unusual situation where he was physically constrained and contained, yet because of Divine favor upon him, he was also placed into a position of significance and authority. What the enemy attempted to do through lies, false accusations, wrongful imprisonment and damaged reputation was all actually a set up positioning Joseph for his greatest promotion.

Many of God’s people have felt contained, constrained, restricted, hemmed in, misunderstood and even falsely accused over this past season. Yet even here you have seen a measure of favor on your life.  It has been difficult because you have the unable to defend yourself against those who have hurt you, your reputation might have been damaged, you may have been betrayed by those you trusted - yet the Lord is always just, He is your defender and He is coming to vindicate you.  The falsehoods were spoken against you in private, but the promotion and justification the Lord brings is going to be public.  Guard against anger, resentment and a desire for revenge, they are poisonous to your spirit.  Trust the Lord to deal righteously and justly with your enemies.  The containment is being lifted, freedom is coming, be expectant for elevation.

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Genesis 39:20-23

“Joseph’s master took him and put him in prison, the place where the king’s prisoners were confined. But while Joseph was there in the prison, the Lord was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden. So the warden put Joseph in charge of all those held in the prison, and he was made responsible for all that was done there. The warden paid no attention to anything under Joseph’ s care, because the LORD was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did.”

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Psalm 37:5-10

“Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun. Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret - it leads only to evil. For those who are evil will be destroyed, but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land. A little while, and the wicked will be no more; though you look for them, they will not be found.”

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Isaiah 54:17

“...no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from me,” declares the Lord.”

When Word & Spirit Collide

In Genesis 1, before creation, we are told that the Spirit of God hovered or brooded over the darkness and chaos.  It was only when God spoke, that the words of God collided with the Spirit of God and a new creation was formed, darkness was dispelled, chaos dispersed, life came forth, there was calm and order.

The Spirit of God is hovering and brooding over any chaos, darkness, confusion and disorder in your life at this time.  As you prophetically speak and declare the Word and promises of God over your circumstances and situation, that Word and the Spirit will collide and become a potent and unstoppable force.  Things will begin to shift, new realities will form, destiny will be realigned, chaos will come into order, darkness will be pushed back, fresh life will burst forth.  As a son/daughter of God you were born again by the Word and Spirit.  Combined they are the most creative force in the universe.  Take time today to soak in the Spirit’s presence and speak what God is saying over your life until what you see comes into line with what He says.

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Genesis 1:1-3

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.”

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Ezekiel 37:4-5NIV

“Then he said to me, “Prophesy to these bones and say to them, ‘Dry bones, hear the word of the LORD! [5] This is what the Sovereign Lord says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life.’”

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John 6:63

“The words I have spoken to you - they are full of the Spirit and life.”

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John 3:5-6

“Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit b gives birth to spirit.”

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1 Peter 1:23

“For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.”

Everything is Shaking

 These are unusual days.  Days when everything that can be shaken is being shaken. Days when, as God’s people, we must be confident and humble; have conviction and compassion; be bold and kind; be uncompromising yet full of grace.

These are days when the foundations are being eroded and truth is being undermined. Therefore, as God’s chosen people, we simply cannot afford to give up ground to the enemy,  capitulate to culture or compromise Holy Scripture.  Future generations need us to be a faith-filled people who are willing to stand strong in the midst of affliction and adversity.

The pressure to conform or to be silent is so intense.  The world around us desperately needs to see Christ followers who are bold, authentic, faithful, holy and passionate; who love Jesus and His truth more than we love our own lives.  A ‘selfie-centred’ world needs to see a selfless, sacrificing people who serve our cities and communities in the name of Jesus. 

This is our day. Today is your day. Live boldly.

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John 16:33

“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

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Hebrews 12:27-29 NIV

“The words “once more” indicate the removing of what can be shaken - that is, created things - so that what cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our “God is a consuming fire.”

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1 Peter 1:13-17

“Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” Since you call on a Father who judges each person's work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear.”

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Ephesians 6:12

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

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Titus 2:11-13

“For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope - the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ...”