Inexhaustible Grace

Inexhaustible Grace

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As I look back over nearly six decades of serving Jesus, the most overwhelming revelation that I carry is an awe at my Father’s inexhaustible grace. I am so fully aware of the numerous times when Father, in His holiness and power, was well within His rights to have cancelled me from the race. But He didn’t!

The Bible contains a myriad of stories of those who failed, yet God forgave them, restored them, and brought them back into His service. Some of those stories are truly amazing!

Father sees things so differently to you and me.

For us humans, including most Christians, mercy and forgiveness will only go so far. “Enough is enough!” When someone has repeatedly failed our expectations and has disappointed us by word or deed, indignation begins to settle in. Frustration leads to the point that makes further forgiving that person an elusive response.

Why is the human reaction so very different to the divine response?

Because we look through a different set of eyes, motivated by a different desire for behaviour and outcome.

For many, their need is to have their own offense appeased by seeing justice served. Surely a righteous God will make others pay for their sin in some way. After all, we have been offended! Potentially for the third time!

GOD’S GRACE IS NOT LIMITED!

So often our grace has limits. But Father’s inexhaustible grace doesn’t!

Matthew 18:21–22 (NKJV) “Then Peter came to Him and said, ‘Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.’” 

That is 490 times!

We so often look for behaviour that meets our standard. Perfection becomes a requirement even though we have never achieved it ourselves. We look for one dressed in pure white robes and a crown of purity on their heads; God simply looks for a broken heart in a loincloth!

Because of the atonement of Jesus, Father looks for one thing only.

1 John 1:9 (NKJV) “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

He isn’t looking for sinless people who have been made to bear a just penalty. He is looking for people who will honestly confess their desperate repentance and return to Him.

GRACE IS CONNECTED TO REPENTANCE

Permit me a moment of teaching on this. The word “repentance” in the New Testament is the Greek word: “metanoia” which literally means: “a change of mind” or “a change in thinking”. In the context of other critical NT scriptures, it goes beyond just changing your opinion. It implies: “a deep, inner transformation of heart and mind, a turning away from sin and turning toward God, a commitment to a new way of living.”

What I want you to notice is that repentance is: “a turning away from sin and turning toward God, a commitment to a new way of living.” It is not the acknowledgement of arriving at the finishing post with glory. It is the moment when one makes “a commitment to a new way of living”.

We look for a satisfying progress towards perfection. God just looks for a sincere, authentic acknowledgement and turning. Sometimes that turning is highly evident by an emotional response that meets our criteria of “repentance”. Other times we see no tangible evidence of the change that we have decided is necessary. Maybe our Father sees something we don’t.

Psalm 51:17 (NKJV)“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit,
A broken and a contrite heart—
These, O God, You will not despise.”

REMEMBER WHERE YOU HAVE COME FROM!

What is a key to living life free from self-righteous indignation? It is simply acknowledging the vastness of failure that we ourselves remember God forgiving us for. Maybe we need a refresher course in this!

Luke 7:47 (NKJV) “Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little.”

 This scripture does not refer to how much sin one has been forgiven, but rather, their consciousness of their gratitude to Jesus and embracing the unlovely. Their gratitude of grace empowers them to release it to others.

When we lose sight of the myriads of times Father has had to go “the extra mile” with ourselves, we find grace leaking out and indignation creeping in.

I am almost 78. It is my most fervent prayer that others will see His fatherhood in me. That means His infinite capacity to forgive repeatedly and lovingly work to restore, rather than condemn.

Does that mean I may face bitter disappointment at times? Yes. Will I sometimes see others abuse my extension of grace? Yes. But I would rather face disappointment 77 times 7 than even once hold an honestly broken heart in the chains of my own self-righteous requirement.

I am not speaking of the proud and defiant response that will not acknowledge their wrong. Definitely not! I am speaking of those, who in their own mind, have admitted they have done wrong and are endeavouring to embrace repentance. This would include those who are still struggling to see the full reality of their sin but are honestly desiring to do so. They are in process, and I want to aid that process, not close the door to it.

The wonderful thing about inexhaustible grace is that because it is a flowing forth of the Holy Spirit, it not only impacts the recipient but enriches the vessel through whom it flows.

My friends: live a rich and empowered life as HIS love flows through you in His forgiving, restorative, inexhaustible grace.

Having been loved MUCH, let us love MUCH!

On the journey,

David

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When God Speaks - Divine Order

When God Speaks – Divine Order

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One of the questions that many believers ask is, “How do I know if I am actually hearing God speak? Am I being subjective?” Knowing God’s voice is not meant to be complicated. In fact, tuning in to what God is saying can be beautifully simple when we understand His patterns and divine order.

  1. God is ALWAYS SPEAKING about who He is.

God is an unseen God, beyond comprehension. In our humanity, we tend to look at the natural first, rather than the spiritual. So, in His kindness God continually declares who He is as a triune God, so that we can know Him better. God is always speaking, because God is the living Word!

When we are talking about WHO God is, we can never fully understand God. Any list would be inexhaustible – so here are just a few ways in which God speaks about who He is:

  • GOD’S SOVEREIGNTY: God is self-existent. Immortal. Father, Son, Holy Spirit. The living Word. (John 1:1-5, Isaiah 46:9-10, Deuteronomy 3:24, Psalm 103:19)
  • GOD’S NAMES: Jehovah Jireh. Prince of Peace. Abba Father. Alpha and Omega. (Isaiah 9:6, Revelation 1:8, Matt 1:23, Romans 8:15, Revelation 5:5)
  • GOD’S CREATION: Declares His unmatched power, authority, wisdom, and divine order. (Psalm 19:1, Jeremiah 10:12, Romans 1:20, Proverbs 3:19-20)
  • GOD’S CHARACTERISTICS: Speaks of His unchanging nature. His love, faithfulness, justice, compassion, holiness, mercy. (Psalm 86:15, 1 Samuel 2:2, Lamentations 3:22-23, Psalm 50:6)
  • HOLY SPIRIT: The Spirit testifies about Jesus and God’s presence displays His glory. (John 15:26, Exodus 19:16-19, Acts 2:1-4, Psalm 139:7, 1 Kings 8:11)

Something is immediately unlocked when we understand that God is always speaking about who He is. Lean into what God is saying about His character, names, power, and sovereignty, and experience a beautiful shift of hearing God’s voice!

  1. God is FREQUENTLY SPEAKING about who we are and His plan of redemption for mankind.

God desires relationship with every person, and we are created to hear His voice. Because of His love, God is frequently speaking about who we are, and His plan of redemption for humanity. When God speaks according to His divine order, we gain a beautiful understanding of our identity. We can find these wonderful truths about who we are woven throughout scripture:

  • CREATED IN HIS IMAGE: We are fearfully and wonderfully made, precious in His sight (Genesis 1:27, Psalm 139:13-16, Isaiah 43:1)
  • GOD’S REDEMPTIVE PLAN: Jesus came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10, 1 John 4:9-10, John 3:16, Romans 3:21-24)
  • IDENTITY IN CHRIST: As believers, we are royal heirs, sons and daughters, blessed with every spiritual blessing (Romans 8:15-17, 2 Cor 5:17, 1 Peter 2:9)

As humans, we can tend to see parts of ourselves incorrectly because of environment, challenges, or the words or actions of others. God knows this, so He frequently speaks into our identity to bring us back to a place of truth and security in Him.

  1. God is REGULARLY SPEAKING about every facet of life and godliness.

God created us, and He knows what we need for our daily living. But many believers try to hear from God from a starting place of how to live life and completely miss the wonder of knowing who God is. This can lead to rules instead of relationship, behaviour instead of being, and tasks instead of time with the Lord.

2 Peter 1:3 (NIV) His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.

Notice how in this scripture, what we need for a godly life starts through our knowledge of Him! Everything we need comes from His divine power. When we start with who God is, and when we know who we are, we are correctly positioned to hear God speak to us about every aspect of our lives, such as:

  • HIS WILL AND PURPOSE FOR OUR LIVES (Jeremiah 29:11, Psalm 33:11, Heb 13:21)
  • HIS WISDOM, WAYS AND DIRECTION (Proverbs 2, John 14:15, Psalm 119)
  • HIS COMFORT, HOPE AND PEACE (Isaiah 41:10, John 16:22, 2 Cor 1:3-4, Phil 4:7)
  • RELATIONSHIPS, FINANCES, PRACTICAL LIVING (John 13:34, Prov 13:11, 1 Tim 4:8)
  • HIS CHURCH AND HIS PEOPLE (Romans 12:4-5, Hebrews 10:24-25)
  • USING OUR GIFTS TO SERVE OTHERS (Mark 10:45, Romans 12:4-8, 1 Cor 12)

  1. God is RARELY SPEAKING to our questions of where, how, or why.

There are things God is always speaking about, and then there are areas where God seems to hardly speak at all! We’ve probably all asked God some questions that don’t really seem to get an answer. “Why is this happening God?” “Where are you God in all this?” “What happened when I prayed for this person, and they didn’t get healed?”

  • WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME? Why are you silent? (Psalm 22:1)
  • HOW LONG LORD? How are you going to get me through this? (Psalm 13:1-2)
  • WHERE ARE YOU GOD? Where are your miracles? (Psalm 115:2-3)

Sometimes the heavens seem like brass when we are crying out to God! Our heavenly Father is truly a loving God, and yet He rarely answers questions of where, why or how. And when God speaks according to His divine order, He may not give the answers we want.

In Judges 6:12-16, Gideon asks similar questions, but God answers according to His divine order. God spoke to the WHO (who He is, and who Gideon was) and the WHAT (what He would do and what He was commissioning Gideon to do), but He didn’t answer the where, how or why. And this is often what happens in our own lives. Although this truth might seem confronting, in reality it can be very freeing. Understanding God’s ways (which are higher than ours) stops us striving and stressing to get answers, and brings us back to a focus on who God is and His incredible love for us.

QUESTIONS IN THE MIDST OF CHALLENGES

If we are constantly trying to get our questions answered in the midst of challenges, a few things can happen:

  • We misunderstand the nature of how God communicates to us
  • We incorrectly presume God is either not speaking to us or doesn’t care
  • We compare ourselves to others who God seems to be speaking to
  • We get frustrated, disillusioned, and accuse God of being unfair

There is a healthy pattern in the Psalms where people cry out to the Lord in their distress. They ask questions, but don’t get bitter when God is silent. The writers in Psalms turn back to divine order, choosing to focus on who God is. They start with questions but come back to praising Him because He is faithful and trustworthy. And this is how we continue to hear God speaking, even in the darkest valley. The more we know who God is, the more we understand His heart for us even during the tough times.

UNDERSTANDING OUR PERSONAL BIAS FOR HEARING GOD SPEAK

Even when we know God speaks in divine order, and even when we know the importance of intimacy with God to know Him better, we can develop a bias when we are seeking to hear God’s voice.

  • If we are LEADERS, our primary focus can become hearing what God is saying about the church or those we are leading.
  • If we are in BUSINESS, our primary focus can become hearing from God about future direction or solutions to current problems.
  • If we are serving through SPIRITUAL GIFTS, our primary focus can become hearing from God for others.
  • If we have a lot going on in our FAMILY or FINANCES or HEALTH, our primary focus can become hearing from God for our current needs.

Hearing God speak should be primarily about what HE WANTS TO SAY, not about WHAT WE WANT TO HEAR.

God is always speaking. So today, I encourage you to open your ears to the awesome, majestic God who created you! Look for who God is in His Word. Hear the declarations of incredible wisdom and divine power in every detail of nature. Reflect on His goodness and patience, and be thankful that you are a part of His family. And from that place, you will hear God speaking clearly to you.

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The House Of God

The House Of God

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Churches around the globe welcome people on Sunday into the house of God. Wonderfully, many know the true meaning of this term. Their celebration together becomes a place of deep connection between the heart of God and the heart of man. But tragically, many are simply referring to a building or gathering.

Each of us are being called into the house of God. But perhaps the meaning of this phrase is not what you think!

In Genesis 28:10-22 we read about the amazing encounter between Jacob and God.

It is a staggering story! Here is a mortal man, proven to be flawed, who has the God of the universe meet with him in a vivid dream. God makes a covenant with Jacob. This was such a real and powerful experience, that Jacob knew that it was not merely the effect of sleep. He had experienced a face-to-face encounter with his Creator.

What happens next has resulted in a term that today in so many places, tragically, has lost its significance and power: ‘The House of God’.

WHAT CONSTITUTES THE HOUSE OF GOD?

Genesis 28:18-19 (NKJV) Then Jacob rose early in the morning, and took the stone that he had put at his head, set it up as a pillar, and poured oil on top of it. And he called the name of that place Bethel; but the name of that city had been Luz previously.

Bethel is the Hebrew word ‘ḇêyṯ-’êl’ meaning, “The House of God”. Luz was a town of the Hittites: the daughters of which had so grieved Isaac and Rebekah when Jacob’s brother, Esau, had married them. It was therefore a place associated with bringing grief to the apostolic leaders, the keepers of Abraham’s covenant and, therefore God Himself. It speaks of mixture and compromise in the hearts who were supposed to be guardians of the covenant.

But in one incredible night of God’s grace, Luz has its destiny and legacy changed forever. The transformation of Luz to Bethel is a prophetic picture of God’s redemptive capacity. It is a symbol of God’s power to transform and redeem! What had been identified as a source of grief to God and His people, now becomes a place of new beginnings and wonderful promise.

God’s heart is to restore and re-empower any churches or places of gathering that have lost their way and allowed secularisation to rob them of their spirituality. Likewise, even in our own lives, the places of regret or darkness can know the touch of the Redeemer when we hunger after Him.

KEY AREAS IN GOD’S HOUSE

From this passage about Jacob, we can identify four areas which form the foundation for ‘The House of God’ in our Father’s eyes.

1. Hunger

Jacob arose early in the morning. He demonstrated a hunger to meet with God. Without hunger, my friends, there cannot be encounter. A great prayer to start with is, “Father, place a desperate hunger for you in my heart!”

2. Worship

Jacob set up a pillar. The Hebrew word for pillar is ‘maṣêḇâ’ which means “a monument or memorial stone, established to be a focus of worship”. True worship is not the songs we sing, but rather the surrendered heart that sings them. Worship is a lifestyle of adoration and gratitude towards God, not just a song.

3. The Anointing of the Holy Spirit

Jacob poured oil upon the pillar. Oil, biblically, always speaks of the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Even more importantly, it speaks of The Holy Spirit as a person. The Holy Spirit’s desire is to saturate and direct all that happens in our place of worship. He is to be “poured” out in our midst as we gather.

Only as churches and gatherings honour and obey the supreme oversight of the Holy Spirit can they legitimately be called “The House of God”. We all need the opportunity to experience the presence and voice of the Holy Spirit as we gather. Without it, even the finest building, the most talented worship team or preacher will never make it His house.

4. The Word of the Lord

Most powerful of all in this passage was the fact that God spoke! He declared the basis of His covenant with Jacob. God gave Jacob clear instructions for his future and reminded him that His instructions should be obeyed. Obeying the conditions of the covenant would ensure that Jacob’s future promises would be possessed.

The Word of the Lord, powerfully and prophetically declared, must be the experience of those that gather in the house of God. If people do not feel commissioned, empowered, and surrendered to Father’s covenant intention for their lives, we may have had a great service, but we have not experienced the house of God.

EVERY MOMENT AN ENCOUNTER

Hunger, worship, the supremacy of the Holy Spirit and the impact of God speaking from His Word, are all vital in our lives. Both collectively and personally, these areas are the expectation of God for HIS house.

The wonderful thing is that we can experience that incredible encounter not only when we gather together, but in every moment of our life!  The house of God is simply where we have an encounter with Father – an encounter of wonder, surrender and obedience.

Additionally, when these ingredients are present in a church gathering, and the collective hunger cries out with passion, it is particularly powerful! The synergy of hearts in such unity is something that God cannot resist. He is compelled to invade that place with His presence, and encounter will occur.

Welcome to days of hunger and encounter, my friends.

David

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Why Do We Exist?

Why Do We Exist?

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One of the big questions of life is “Why do we exist?” Whether we know God or not, most of us will ask this question at some time in our lives. God created us as curious beings. We love to know how things work. Young children instinctively and frequently ask the question “Why?”, and in different ways, we never outgrow this desire to understand.

For many, this question of why we exist remains unanswered. For us as followers of Christ, God so lovingly speaks into this through His precious Word. Let’s look at a scripture in Jeremiah which gives us some insights into why we exist.

Jeremiah 1:4-5 (NIV) The word of the Lord came to me, saying, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”

We exist because we were conceived in the mind of God.

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you…”

The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit live eternally in perfect harmony and unity. They love each other’s company. And this is what makes our existence even more special. Our starting point was in the desire and the design of God. We exist because God wants us to exist! God did not need to create us in order to complete Himself – He created us because He wanted to share His love and enjoy relationship with us.

The truth is, before we were naturally conceived, we were conceived in the mind of God. He knew us before our parents conceived us. The word ‘knew’ in this Scripture means to know; to ascertain by seeing. God saw us before there was anything to see!

This impossible reality points to the eternal nature of God. This also makes clear our value to God and His overwhelmingly wonderful heart for us as humans. He desired us as His children and to be part of His family.

We were created by the will of God.

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you…”

God saw us in the realm of the spirit before He formed us in the natural realm. The word ‘formed’ means to mold into a form, especially as a potter, to determine.

There are no accidents in God – there are only masterfully created designs! God did not make a mistake in how He made us. Remember, God saw us before He formed us, and He formed us exactly as He saw us. You were created just as you should be.

Psalms 139:13-16 (NIV) For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

David declared that God saw his unformed body. Before there was anything, God saw everything. This is true for every one of us. God saw us, then God formed us.

We are called by the will of God.

“…before you were born I set you apart…”

We were not called by God as an afterthought. We were called by God before we were conceived or born!

Throughout the Bible, we read that God called people by name. He did this with Adam and Eve, with Moses, with Samuel, and with the disciples. He still does this today, and He has done it with you.

John 15:16 (NIV) You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.

Think of a school yard pick to choose teams for sports. Two captains are chosen, and then with each taking turns, they choose who they want on their team. God Almighty chose you! This choosing is your calling by God to Himself. Our significance is not primarily in what we are called to do for God, but in the truth that we are called by name to be His child and His friend.

We exist because we are commissioned to work with God.

“…I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”

God doesn’t exist to help us in our work. We exist to help God in His work!

Jesus exemplified this continually throughout His life and ministry. He only did what He saw His Father doing, and He was led and anointed by the Holy Spirit. Jesus lived on mission, and He was about His Father’s business.

Our lives are to look the same.

“I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last.”

God has placed within us all that we need for Him to be seen through us. Every gift and ability, every talent and nuance of our lives is given to be used in the work of God. From the Genesis of time, we were created to take care of what God owns. Adam and Eve looked after and worked the garden that God placed them in and called them to steward on His behalf. You and I also are placed on this earth to work with God in what He is doing.

Why do we exist? We exist by the will of God, for relationship with God, and for the glory of God.

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Isaac's Wells

Isaac’s Wells

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In Genesis 26 we read the story where of Isaac’s wells – where Isaac digs and reopens wells.

Prophetically this paints the picture of those who, today, dig those internal wells of capacity, that the river of life might fill them and flow through them to water others who are dry and thirsty. Jesus declared this as part of our inheritance, “this He spoke concerning the Spirit” (John 7:37-39). Let’s take a closer look and learn together.

Isaac is accessing his covenant right secured by Abraham his father. He is walking fully in the will of God as he achieves two goals: recover the wells of his father, Abraham (the origin of the covenant he walked in) and secondly, digging wells of his own discovery and initiative.

His first goal was clearly vital. Time and the adversaries of God had “stopped up” those wells of his father, Abraham. Instead of writing them off and going ahead with his own wells, he takes the time and focus to dig those wells afresh. He re-establishes those sources of life which were his inheritance from his father Abraham.

His second goal was to not depend upon his inherited “wells of life”, but to discover and establish his own source of life and ministry.

INHERITED WELLS AND FRESHLY DISCOVERED WELLS

Ideally, just like Isaac’s wells, our anointing and grace for life and ministry will come from both these sources: that which is inherited and that which is freshly discovered. Which brings us to the digging of his own well.

In Genesis 26:19-22 we have Isaac, in the will of God, digging his own well (a source of life and ministry for himself and others). He faithfully has the well dug only to have the herdsmen of Gerar quarrel and contend for it.

Even though he was in the will of God and had been the one who had paid the price to have the well dug, therefore legally his well, he makes a choice. Isaac realises that to have his rights (but with ongoing contention) is to lose the objective of the well as a place of peace and refreshing.

He surrenders it in order to avoid contention and digs another well, but the same thing happens. There are quarrels and contention by those who want the benefit without paying the price, and whose arrogance and greed is in stark contrast to the godliness of Isaac.

The response from Isaac could have been, “Enough is enough!” “I am in the right here!” “It’s my well!” Such responses could have well been justified. But, once again, he knows that to be right is not the issue. The issue is to establish a place of peace and refreshing, where he and those he loved could draw from the well of living water.

He surrenders to the injustice for the second time and walks away from that which was rightfully his.

ISAAC’S WELLS – THE PLACE OF FRESH COVENANT

Isaac finally comes to Beersheba (the place of fresh covenant) and establishes his well of life without quarrel or contention. It is interesting that immediately after his digging of this third well that his sworn enemies come to him and recognise that the Lord, indeed is with Isaac, and make a covenant of peace with him (Genesis 26:28-29).

My friends, there is a time to stand and fight the devil and prevail in your God-given right and authority. Absolutely! But there are also those times when, to get your way and establish your own “well” you will have to live in contention, and therefore never achieve the greater goal of peace and refreshing.

We need to discern when it is that Father is telling us to persevere and contend for His truth to be established. But we also need to discern when it is that our grit and determination to establish our own well will be at the expense of the greater goal: “To live in peace with all men” and “if your enemy is thirsty, give him a drink” (from your well) Romans 12:18-21.

Who knows when the witness of your humility and sacrifice may soften the heart of those who have previously been your fiercest opposition. If your heart and motivation is pure, Father will give you the well of His choice, and it will be an extraordinary source of living water and the favour of God. It will be without contention and truly be a place of peace and refreshing.

In the strength of surrender, David

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Celebrate Life

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I pulled myself up recently with my wayward thoughts and sometimes wayward speech. Over the last 10 years, how did I become ‘old’! How did I get from a fit, active, and healthy 40-year-old, to a 77-year-old with aches and pains, sags and bags, wrinkles, and diminished strength and health? And how much do I really celebrate life?

Ageing has taken place. Ageing is a life process.

When a baby is born, it’s a newborn. Over time it becomes a one-year-old. Then a five-year-old. Later a twenty-one-year-old… the aging process continues, and so on and so forth. It only stops when we die.

We age, we change, we mature (hopefully) and we sure look different as the decades pass. Old age is NOT for the faint-hearted!

BUT AGE IS JUST A NUMBER! OLD IS A STATE OF MIND!

I know that random things can happen that can rob people of their minds and health. It’s extremely sad. But those of us who can think clearly can make a choice.

Either I can believe that because I am old, my best years are well and truly behind me. I can allow this thinking to affect me. I can mistakenly think that I have reasons to stop loving life and exploring new possibilities in God. My negative thoughts make every area of my life worse and bring unhappiness. Or I understand that I may be 77 or 80 or whatever age… BUT I CHOOSE LIFE! I choose to believe that God still has plenty for me to do. I am useful and fruitful as I abide in Him.

Recently I saw a comment on social media about actor Clint Eastwood. (This is not an endorsement of Clint, just an observation.) Clint is in his 90’s and is still involved in directing movies and active in his life.  At the age of 88, he was asked what the key was to being so alive and energetic. He answered, “I don’t let the old man in.” It struck a chord with me. It’s a way of thinking! A choice.

Proverbs 23:7a (NKJV) For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.

WHAT DO WE CHOOSE TO THINK? HOW MUCH DO WE CELEBRATE LIFE?

I have friends in their 80’s whose thinking is based on the Word of God. They are a joy to be around! They think young, are full of gratitude and joy, and have a positive outlook on life. (Contrasted by those who are negative, complaining, unhappy and have a pessimistic outlook.)

My source is God, “For in Him, we live and move and have our being”. (Acts 17:28a) The Holy Spirit within me gives me the strength to face everyday challenges with wisdom and perseverance. He is my strength, even if I am weak. He is the ‘difference Maker’.

Proverbs 18:14a (NKJV) The Spirit of a man will sustain him in sickness.

Our spirit is stronger than our body… now ain’t that the truth! Our Spirit can change our body! We can experience peace and joy at the same time as we experience pain. I choose to think young.

I am grateful for all that I have. God has purpose and ministry for me now and in my future. I choose to serve others, love, encourage, step out in faith and obey His commandments. There is a daily decision to stand on the promises of God and believe in the truth of His word. I endeavour to live by faith, and I trust Him.

This is a great promise:

Isaiah 46:3-4 (NIV) “Listen to me, you descendants of Jacob, all the remnant of the people of Israel, you whom I have upheld since you were conceived and have carried since your birth. Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He, I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.”

We all need a personal conviction that God is good and that He is ordering our steps. He has been faithful throughout my lifetime, and I know that He always will be.

Note to self: Don’t let the old lady in! 😃

CELEBRATE LIFE!

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A Key To Hearing God’s Voice

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God can speak to anyone at any time He chooses. Saved or sinner, king or servant, male or female, young or old – God is sovereign, and He will speak whenever and however He pleases! But there is a simple key to hearing God’s voice that we can all benefit from.

Every follower of Christ has the capacity to hear God clearly. God created us for intimate relationship, that we would know Him and recognise His voice. And although God is sovereign in all things, it shouldn’t surprise us that He is looking for those who genuinely seek after Him, so that He can share a deeper level of relationship with us.

DEVOTIONAL PLANS TO HELP YOU HEAR GOD’S VOICE

     

Psalm 25:14 (NIV) The LORD confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them.

To confide is to trust someone enough to tell them of a secret or private matter, or to entrust something to someone in order for them to look after it. The KJV says ‘the secret of the Lord is with them that fear him.’ This word ‘secret’ speaks of close deliberation and familiar conversation between God and mankind from a place of intimacy and relationship.

While we all have plenty of acquaintances, we probably have only a few people who we would trust with very personal things in our lives. In the same way, God is looking for trusted believers who He can share His intimate thoughts with.

A POWERFUL KEY TO HEARING THE LORD IS FEARING THE LORD

Psalm 25:14 tells us that the Lord confides in those who fear Him. So, what is the fear of the Lord? It is not just awe and wonder at His majesty. It is not just to morally revere God or even to tremble in His presence. Yes, it is all this, but it is much more. Scripture shows us that the fear of the Lord is linked to walking in obedience to His ways.

Psalm 25:12 (NIV) Who, then, are those who fear the Lord? He will instruct them in the ways they should choose.

Psalm 128:1 (NIV) Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in obedience to him.

Psalm 111:10 (NIV) The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.

The fear of the Lord is not just the EMOTION of reverence or the EXPRESSION of wonder; it is the ACTION of obedience.

We unlock a key to hearing God’s voice through our obedience. Proverbs 3:32 tells us that the Lord ‘takes the upright into His confidence’. Jesus said that we are His friends if we do what He commands (John 15:14-15). When it comes to your relationship with God, are you a casual acquaintance, or are you a trusted friend that He can confide in?

  • If you want to hear the Lord, then you have to fear the Lord.
  • If you want to receive His revelation, then you have to accept His ways.

God truly delights to speak to His children. If you have any doubt of this, just open your Bible! Ask the Lord to speak to you and ask Him what is on His heart. The Lord wants to confide in you, and a humble heart and obedient response opens the door to hearing God’s voice in greater measure.

VIDEOS TO HELP YOU HEAR GOD’S VOICE

   

Deeper, Stronger, Further

Deeper, Stronger, Further

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God gave me a prophetic picture for the Church. I saw a picture of a seed being planted, and it was growing into a strong and a healthy tree. First, I saw the roots growing down. Then I saw the trunk growing up. Then I saw the branches growing out. Finally, I saw lots of fruit on this tree! I was aware that before there was fruit, there were roots growing down, a trunk growing up, and branches growing out.

Father is more pleased with our spiritual growth than he is with a static spiritual position. God is calling the Church back to three truths in regard to deeper, stronger, and further.

DEEPER

Deeper is DISCIPLESHIP – the roots growing down.

The starting point of discipleship is found in the following well-known verse:

Matthew 4:19 (NIV) “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.”

Discipleship is all about following Jesus. To be clear, following Jesus means that He is leading us. And this brings us to a very interesting verse. To the disciples who had been following Jesus for some time, Jesus brings a clarification of what following Him should look like. Here’s what He said:

Matthew 16:24 (NIV) Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.”

This instruction was spoken just after Peter tried to tell Jesus that He didn’t need to go to the cross. Peter tried to lead Jesus, and many times, we can do the same. It is an easy trap to fall into if we tell God why He has got it wrong. Disciples follow Jesus, they don’t lead Him.

Here’s two statements that are worth meditating on as we consider growing down deeper in discipleship:

  • If we are not denying ourselves and taking up our cross, then we are not following Jesus.
  • If we are doing everything that we want to do, then we are not following Jesus.

STRONGER

Stronger is PERSEVERANCE – the trunk growing up.

Some time ago, I remember saying to God, “Lord, I want it to be easier.” His reply to me was immediate and it left me nowhere to hide. He said, “I want you to be stronger.” God had my attention!

Ephesians 6:10 (NIV) Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.

I had a revelation: If I’m not being strong, maybe it’s because I’m not in the Lord. It is so easy to go from being in the Spirit to being in the flesh, and then going back and forth between the two, even in a single conversation. What is needed is for us to learn to remain in God.

John 15:5 (NIV) “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

One of the keys to becoming stronger through perseverance is learning to respond towards God, rather than to react against people or circumstances. This is easier said than done, but it most definitely is possible in God.

I then heard the words, “Trees grow towards the sun.” I knew this was the Lord speaking so I Googled what I heard, and I found out about phototropism – plants grow towards the source of light. As persevering disciples of Jesus, we too grow up towards the light of the Son of God as we keep our eyes fixed on Him.

FURTHER

Further is EVANGELISM / MISSION – the branches growing out.

Luke 19:10 (NIV) “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

This foundational reality is a central truth of our faith that Father is reestablishing. Lost people matter to God, and they must matter to us too. As the church, we do not exist for ourselves. Our focus must not remain on us simply enjoying God and His presence. Let’s go back to our opening verse:

Matthew 4:19 (NIV) “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.”

When Jesus called people to follow Him, He made it clear that following Him would result in disciples that fished for people. One evidence that we are following Jesus is that we are fishing for people. Conversely, if we are not fishing for people, are we in fact actually following Jesus?

John 15:1-2 (NIV) “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.”

God is restoring the Church to deeper discipleship (deny yourself), stronger perseverance (take up your cross), and further evangelism and mission (follow Jesus). The result will be even more fruit for the glory of God!

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Green Pastures and Still Waters

Green Pastures And Still Waters

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Throughout our world today there is such conflict. There are wars, and so many people are afflicted by tragedy. In our own world, there are often challenges and conflicts that carry no explanation and tug us towards that place of bewilderment.

In the midst of devastating news, hurled at us from every corner of the globe, it is so very easy to lose sight of the Prince of Peace who is the Lord and director of our lives.

Today I want to draw us all back to what the Bible calls “green pastures and still waters”.

Psalms 23:2-3 (NKJV) He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul: He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.

To me it is most evident that the restoring of our soul (that refreshing, replenishing, and bringing back to vibrancy) is only possible when we draw aside from the flurry of the battle. It is only possible when in quietness of heart, we listen to the voice of our Father in a place of stillness.

In this time of Christmas and the New Year soon to be upon us, we find ourselves asking the questions, “What will the future hold?” “What can I do better in 2024?” “Will the pain in 2023 bring in something beautiful in 2024 – and if so, how?”

My friends, the answers to these questions do not lie in the wrestling of our own mind, but in finding a place of stillness, so that the mind of our Father might become apparent to us. Such times will not just happen. They need to be prioritized and planned for.

Allow me to quote from my book “The Truman Parable” (which I urge you to read this holiday period).

“In the tranquility and stillness of the early morning, I walk among the acres of gum trees a few minutes from my home. For me, this is my Father’s garden. As I talk out my heart to Him and listen for His heart in return, it is as if the past 6000 years are erased. We are in the garden together again.”

Green Pastures – The Place Of Intimacy

In the green pastures, I hear His desires, His passions, and His plans for my future. I feel the warmth of His love and the wonder of His unconditional acceptance when I am beside the still waters.

He reminds me that striving is no longer needed, that the access to His grace and to His heart is open wide. It is there that I discard all formality of prayer, and simply commune with my loving Father.

Your garden is not a matter of geography. Your garden is the place of intimacy with your Father in which there are neither restrictions nor barriers to the giving and receiving of unqualified love.

I am believing that for every one of you, 2024 will be a year of discovery and wonder. A year of new empowerment and fruitfulness. The voice that will direct you to such awesome green pastures is found beside still waters. I pray we all will make such times our priority.

With much love and an anticipation for your future,

David.

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Isaiah 58:12b  “…And you shall be called the Repairer of the Breach,
The Restorer of Streets to Dwell In.”

“The Breach” is a reference to a wall that once protected and kept the city secure, having fallen into disarray and crumble. The city had become vulnerable to attack from adversaries.

It describes those in The Body of Christ who have become exposed in their minds and hearts due to the ravaging nature of both neglect and the winds of adversity. Their vulnerability has led to their discouraging sin and defeat. That defeat then brought accusation and hurt to the Church.

Then came their anguished and heart-felt repentance.

Their cry for help can be a confused and bewildering miscommunication that some believers question the validity of. Those who are in pain struggle to respond to the rejection and further accusation, and this can lead to reactions of anger – which we may take personally instead of understanding the pain that lies within.

The cry of the vulnerable is for one to come and “repair” the breach with understanding and healing. But all too often, the Pharisee comes instead, with judgement and condemnation. The pain intensifies and a wounded brother becomes a disillusioned adversary. The Pharisee congratulates himself on his diagnosis, rather than realising his part in compounding the tragedy.

Isaiah reminds us that there is also the call to be “A Restorer of Streets to Dwell in.”

The Hebrew word for “streets” in this passage is translated “a path that was once trodden”. “The Restorer” was one that would have the responsibility to “return back to former status and function”.

Again, the picture is of a Christian (often a leader) who has held a position and function of significance in the Body of Christ but fell into neglect and disarray. Their demise is evident, and their failure has resulted in an ever-mindful sorrow, regret, and repentance. Their cry is now for “The Restorer” who will see beyond the disrepute their failure has caused. Their hope is that others will see the heart of one now crying out for, not only the forgiveness of a merciful God, but the forgiveness of merciful brethren.

Instead, the Pharisees line up to hurl their stones and religiously proclaim that their need to be seen as righteous in the eyes of society and the media will not permit them to see such a one restored to ministry life. Their sin is the greater offense to God.

Too many in the Body of Christ have sat in such self-righteous judgement, and a God of restoration sees them for the stumbling blocks that they are. Unless repented of, their attitudes produce dryness of spirit and, eventually, their own darkness.

God’s Word is clear:

Isaiah 58:9-10 “If you take away the yoke from your midst,
The pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness,
10 If you extend your soul to the hungry
And satisfy the afflicted soul,
Then your light shall dawn in the darkness,
And your darkness shall be as the noonday.”

Galatians 6:1-2 Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. 2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

My challenge to us all is this: let us remember our own desperate need for grace (past and present) and let us reach out with the heart of “A Restorer” to re-embrace these fallen warriors of the Kingdom. In doing so, we see “A Gift of The Christ to the Church” restored to live a fruitful life and cause the heart of our Father to rejoice.

In love and hope,

David.

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Christ As Cornerstone

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Both Old and New Testament Scripture refers to Jesus as the cornerstone. We know that Jesus is the head of the Church, but there is a particular significance to the cornerstone.

1 Peter 2:6 (NIV) For in Scripture it says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame.”

In a physical building, a cornerstone is the first stone laid for a structure, with every other stone laid in reference to that stone. In relationship to the Church, the cornerstone, Jesus Christ, defines what is straight and true. We find our identity both corporately and individually in the cornerstone. Jesus orients us in a particular direction, and He defines the original foundation and intention of the Church.

Church Movements In Relation To The Cornerstone

Many local churches are part of a movement, and there are numerous different church movements around the globe. Movement speaks of motion, and movement can be measured. There are many things we can measure in movement, including speed, distance, time, and angle. From a physics perspective, we measure from one fixed point towards another point. And for a fixed reference point, we typically use the earth (or something on the earth) as the starting place for measuring movement.

There are natural measurements, but there are also spiritual measurements. When it comes to the correct measurement of churches or church movements, we have to do that from a kingdom perspective, not from logic or natural measurements.

Spiritual Measurements

In the kingdom, everything is upside down – or more precisely, right side up! Essentially things are often opposite to what we expect. In the kingdom, rather than using earth as our fixed point, we use Christ as our fixed point. On earth, we measure AWAY from a fixed point – but in the kingdom, we measure TOWARDS the fixed point of the cornerstone of Jesus Christ. We measure from heaven’s perspective, not from earth’s perspective. In the kingdom, our primary measurement is not size or speed – it is whether the church and its members are moving closer to Jesus. From heaven’s perspective, our measurement is not about how impressive our programs are, but whether we are becoming more of a reflection of Jesus both individually and corporately. Faster is not always better – are we moving closer to Jesus, or are we just getting busier with more events?

There is nothing wrong with recording statistics or measuring church growth (after all, on the day of Pentecost it was recorded that 3000 people were added to the Church). However, these measurements in the book of Acts came as a result of having the focus firmly on Jesus. Salvation came to the people because the gospel was preached with power and authority. When we are operating from kingdom priorities, then church movement (towards Jesus) will result in salvations and true church increase, not just transfer growth!

Living Stones

In addition to Christ as the living Cornerstone, the apostle Peter refers to us individually as living stones.

1 Peter 2:4-5 (NIV) As you come to him, the living Stone – rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him – you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

As we constantly position ourselves towards Jesus, we are being built into a spiritual house. But it is important to remember that this is not just a personal focus towards Christ – the Church is a Body with many members. This speaks not only of individual members in a local church, but each church around the world being a part of The Church.

There Are No Square Pegs In Round Holes

One of the sayings of the world when people feel like they don’t feel like they fit in is, “I feel like a square peg in a round hole.” But there is no place for this humanistic language in the Church. There are no square pegs in round holes in the Church, only living stones with each member fitly joined together.

A round hole speaks of isolation. And a peg is something that holds on to something else and does not move. These things cannot define being a part of the Church because discipleship is all about movement and relationship – relationship with God, and relationship with others. Isolated believers and isolated churches are unhealthy. A healthy spiritual building consists of living stones, moving consistently towards Jesus. And as we engage in discipleship, we (as living stones) come into contact with other living stones, and we are further refined – in the same way as iron sharpens iron.

When we truly have a revelation of heaven’s perspective, it changes everything. Our focus changes. We stop striving for natural outcomes and we live from an eternal perspective. Instead of being competitive towards other churches or ministries, we celebrate when they have a harvest of souls or build a new building. Instead of being jealous when someone is operating in the gifts of the Spirit, we celebrate that they are being a healthy part of the Body of Christ and growing closer to God, and we learn and receive from them.

Let’s be the Church which truly understands that we are God’s chosen people – His holy nation and His special possession. Let’s continue to move towards Christ as Cornerstone, and be the Church that God intended!

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What Is It Time For?

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On occasions, Father speaks a word so powerful, that only over time do we see the depth of the significance of the truth He has revealed. This is one such message I feel compelled to share with you.

I want to talk about a gift of God that is often not stewarded well. The reason for this is because many do not see this gift as a gift from God. I am talking about God’s gift of time.

Psalms 90:12 (NIV) Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

The most important thing is not to know how many days we have been alive, but rather, to live each day with a sense of divine commission and holy calling. This daily approach to life will release the Spirit of wisdom to lead us in accordance with Father’s will.

We need God’s view of time. It is more than the ticking of seconds on a clock or the turning of the pages of a calendar. Time itself is a supernatural creation of God.

Genesis 1:14-19 (NIV) And God said, “Let there be lights in the vault of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark (distinguish) sacred times, and days and years, and let them be lights in the vault of the sky to give light on the earth.” And it was so. God made two great lights—the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night. He also made the stars. God set them in the vault of the sky to give light on the earth, to govern the day and the night, and to separate light from darkness. And God saw that it was good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the fourth day.

Yes, the creation of time is supernatural, but what makes it even more astounding is the reality that God created the ingredients needed to determine time – the sun and the moon – only on the fourth day! God had three days before He created the essentials to have the first day! Time itself is one of God’s greatest creations, and as such, it is an incredible gift to us.

God’s Gift Of Time

No one owns time but God. Everything that God gives us is to be stewarded by us, not owned by us. Therefore, statements like “my time” and “your time”, “spare time” and “free time” are not accurate statements. This is important to know because it is what will stir us to use God’s gift wisely.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 (NIV) There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.

Because time is a gift from God to be stewarded by us, and because there is time for everything that God authors, we need to know what it is time for moment by moment. Many people ask the question, “What time is it?” This is fine, but the more important question is, “What is it time for?”

The only One who can answer this accurately is God. He conceived us in His mind, breathed His Spirit into our bodies, and He wrote every day ordained for us in His Book before one of them came to pass. He has prepared some good works in advance for us to do.

But I have discovered something that compels me to be transparent with you. Sometimes we don’t ask God what He wants us to do in case He asks us to do something that we don’t want to do! Often our struggle is not that we are doing something wrong, but that we are doing something different than what God has authored for that particular moment.

Galatians 5:25 (NIV) Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

God’s leading is not just about direction; it is also about timing. When we do things is important to God. We must guard against lagging behind God, but equally, we must be careful not to rush ahead of God. It is time to keep in step with the Holy Spirit.

Guarding Against Distractions

In order to use God’s gift of time wisely, we must guard against distractions. A distraction starts simply as doing something different than something else. While many distractions in and of themselves are harmless, in the life of a believer, they can become the very thing that removes (dis) the power of the Holy Spirit that has been provided for movement (traction) – distraction. When this occurs, we would do well to pause and ask Father, “What is it time for?” Realignment to kingdom purposes may be the very thing that is needed in these moments.

Many Christians are being distracted by good things. Martha showed us this when she became distracted by all that had to be done as a result of inviting Jesus into her home. Therefore, it’s not always about asking what is right or wrong, as much as it is about asking, “What now God?”

Here’s a few questions I want to leave you with today:

  • Is it time to serve God or to sit with God?
  • Is it time to speak or to be silent?
  • Is it time to go or to stay?

Ephesians 5:15-16 (NIV) Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.

Let’s be on time with what God has authored for each moment.

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Convinced In Our Christianity

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I am convinced that the majority of people in our world are not anti-Jesus. Are some anti-church? Yes. But they are not necessarily anti-Jesus. But as followers of Christ, are we truly convinced in our Christianity?

The gospel tells us that “the common people heard him gladly” (Mark 12:37). Why? The answer is simple: because Jesus loved people!  He healed people, fed people, forgave people, and had compassion on people.  He loved everyone, including those whom others considered unlovable. He had time for little children and talked to those that others would have normally ignored. What was there not to love about Jesus?  Everything He said, no matter how challenging, was worthy of listening to because who He was had such credibility with His audience.  Although there were religious leaders who despised what He said, the majority heard His message with eagerness.

Because He was the message, He was received as He delivered the message.

All of this, of course, was made possible because of the indwelling Holy Spirit who was, literally, God-in-man.

My point is that we are to have the indwelling Holy Spirit, who is yearning to love people through us as He did through Jesus.  As we acknowledge Him constantly and intentionally, allow Him to live His life through us, we will have a glow about us that will attract, not repel.  The true Church of Jesus is an intensely beautiful body of people who it is a delight to know and have connection with.

Friends, if we live out of intimacy with the Father and by the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit, we will live life differently. We will be literally convincing in our Christianity.  Not out of striving to do so, but because we will feel different; the result will come from a transformed heart within. That inner glow will be seen in our countenance, our attitudes, our actions, and our lifestyle.  True representatives of Jesus are beautiful people!

The common people heard Him gladly because His life was so completely convincing.  He walked the talk.

My challenge is this: To what degree are we convincing? Christians are called to be men and women of strong conviction – “the convinced ones”.  We often preach about those convictions and even write books about them; but do we live them?

There is only one way that we can effectively live out the convictions of the Christian life, and that is by the empowering reality of the indwelling Holy Spirit.  As we get a new revelation of His reality and Person within us, and surrender entirely to His control and directorship, those convictions become flesh in us, and the beauty of His life will be seen.  The Holy Spirit knows how to represent Jesus well and, in becoming the message, our communication of the message, is received much more easily.

In short, we need a new reliance on the indwelling Holy Spirit. We need to live life as one utterly abandoned to the cause of accurately representing Jesus to our world.  Friends, we need to be convinced about the cause of Christ so that we are convincing in our Christianity.  I will close with the same thoughts from Selwyn Hughes in his devotional ‘Every Day with Jesus’, “The indwelling of the Holy Spirit gives us a face-lift that makes us APPEAR redeemed, an inner assurance that makes us FEEL redeemed and reinforces every part of our personality so that we ACT redeemed.  It is the Spirit who makes the convinced convincing.”

My challenge to each of us is to live life in such a way that people will grow to love the Jesus we represent.

Isn’t it awesome that we have wonderful Holy Spirit, who empowers us to do exactly that!

Your friend,

David.

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We’ve entered 2023 and every day I’m becoming a little more aware of just how short time is. How valuable it is. And how we are commanded to redeem the time and make it count. My cry is that I want my life to count; I want to be useful! I want to be available to God and I want to be fruitful! Is that your cry too?

The Bible says that “David served God in his generation.” Many others have done likewise, such as William and Catherine Booth, Charles Finney, the Wesley brothers, Billy Graham, and Reinhard Bonnke. The key factor that these heroes of the faith had in common was their availability to God. They were just ordinary people like you and me. But that’s just it – God isn’t looking for superstars. He delights in using the foolish, the uneducated, the seeming nobodies. Father loves to use ordinary people whose hearts are sold out for Him. Jesus’ disciples are the perfect example of this. Whether we are those with one talent or five talents is not what matters to God. He is looking to do extraordinary things through submitted, committed, believers who are available.

To be available means to present yourself to be ready for immediate use. To be available is to be accessible, obtainable, to be willing to do something, or to resume responsibility for something.

In Luke 1:26-38 we read of Mary learning that she will give birth to a son. I can’t comprehend just what Mary must have been thinking and feeling, knowing the potential judgment that would come with explaining what had taken place. And yet her words were: “Be it unto me according to thy word.”

In Acts 9:1-22 we read the story of Saul’s conversion. Saul was actively doing everything in his power to bring about persecution to God’s people, so you can imagine Ananias’ thoughts when the Lord told him to go and lay hands on Saul in order that he might be healed. Yet, regardless of his own understanding, Ananias did as the Lord had told him – because he was dedicated to seeing the will of God fulfilled.

In Matthew 4:18-22 we read of Jesus calling some of His disciples. These men were not fishing for a hobby, it was their livelihood. And yet when they heard Jesus say “Come, follow me,” they left their nets behind and followed Him.

Many heroes of the faith are mentioned in scripture – these are just few of the many examples found throughout the Bible, of those who showed total commitment to pursuing the will of God regardless of the cost. So, what does it require of us today to be committed servants of God? It requires attentiveness to His voice, sensitivity to the Holy Spirit, and a responsiveness to His leading.

Following Jesus is not always going to be easy and convenient. There is a cost involved.

Jesus tells a parable about the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) – a story about someone who was available to God. A kingdom opportunity to show kindness and mercy cost the Good Samaritan not only in terms of money, but the time and inconvenience of an interruption in his day – taking him away from whatever it was he was doing.

Availability to God will often cost more than just time and effort – it will cost us our comfort.

Luke 9:23 (NIV) Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.

We are called to complete abandonment to the will of God. To follow the Lord means we owe Him everything. We are called to die to self and to passionately pursue our Saviour. But in the world we live in today, there is so much that is constantly fighting for our attention. Today we have a great opportunity to stop and honestly assess our personal priorities. Ask yourself these questions: How do my priorities align with the Word of God? Am I available to God? What are the things that I allow to consume my time, attention, and money? And do these things have eternal value?

As believers, our hearts need to be ready to fulfil the will of God. We need to be presenting ourselves daily before God and asking Him what He’d have us do. A good servant finds out what his master wants and does that. However, this is not to be done in a religious way; it’s not works-based or performance-related. It is simply about a response of love for all the Lord has done for us – having an attitude of being available and willing to walk through doors of opportunity as they open before us.

Whether it is sharing the gospel, praying for the sick, showing kindness to a stranger, stepping into a leadership role, activating our faith, or giving to extend God’s kingdom, the only ability that God is looking for is availability.

How available are you today?

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Prophetic Declaration To the Body Of Christ

 

2023 Prophetic Word

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As we launch into another year, it’s important to hear what Father is saying. I believe that He speaks to us individually for the journey that we are on with Him. In addition to this, I believe He also speaks things that He wants the body of Christ to hear, and He does this through His prophets. Following is my contribution to Father’s global narrative through a prophetic word for 2023.

I heard the Father say, “2023 will be a year of firsts and abundance in God.” In fact, I saw it like this: “firsts” and “abundance” IN GOD. The details are important.

Everything of spiritual significance is conceived, birthed, matured, and finished IN GOD.

IN GOD is the most important thing about us. Our identity and our value are found IN GOD. Our acceptance before the Father is found IN GOD. Our sense of calling, commission and purpose is found IN GOD. Our hope and our future are found IN GOD. So too are “firsts” and “abundance” found IN GOD.

Every “first” finds its legitimacy through its origin being IN GOD.

Our God is the Creator; the One who brings things into existence. He was the Creator; He is the Creator and He will continue to be the Creator. Creation itself speaks to “firsts”; things that weren’t previously there.

From the very beginning, mankind was created in the image and the likeness of God! We carry His DNA, and we have His heart. And from the very beginning, we were created with the responsibility to create and release “firsts” on earth! In other words, “firsts” are not for an elite few – they are for every person because we are created in the image of the Creator!

As God’s people, I declare that there are some “firsts” for you and I in 2023. There are some new steps of faith and obedience, and there are some new initiatives that are on Father’s heart. There are some new kingdom realities to discover for the first time, and there are some miracles that Father wants us to release on earth that will be a first through us.

This coming year of “abundance” IN GOD is all about what Father wants to do through His people and for His glory!

I heard Father say, “Abundance is not about you.”

The worldly view of abundance, and the mis-informed and incorrect church view of abundance is all connected to us having more. In other words, we have made abundance about us. But this is not what God is saying!

The abundance that Father is highlighting to us at the start of 2023 is the abundance that is found IN GOD, and from this, the abundant goodness that Father wants to do in people. God is not a barely enough God. To think this is to not see God accurately. Everything about God is more than enough!

2 Corinthians 9:6-15 is an incredible scripture that wonderfully articulates the depth of Father’s desire in and through us this year. It is rich with truth and it is a clear representation of His heart. There are many words in it that highlight so clearly the abundance that Father is calling us to walk in. May it speak deeply to you today.

2 Corinthians 9:6-15 (NIV) Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written: “They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.” Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlargethe harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

Amen!

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Where Is The One?

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As we draw closer to Christmas, I have a question for you to ponder. Where is the One who this season is supposed to be all about? In scripture, we read about some wise men from the East, who on seeing the sign of a particular star, travelled to Jerusalem and asked this very question, “Where is the One?”

Matthew 2:1-6 (NIV) After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”

When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born.  “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written:

“‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for out of you will come a ruler
who will shepherd my people Israel.’”

We don’t really know a lot about these wise men from the little that is included in scripture. But we do know that they were the few who paid attention to one of the incredible prophetic signs of Jesus’ birth. These wise men correctly discerned the meaning of the star and knew that a great king had been born. This distinct star would have been visible to a large number of people, yet only a few men who were likely not of Jewish heritage understood the significance of it. The Magi started on a journey of discovery, and they were determined to find the King of the Jews and worship Him.

Contrast that with the chief priests and teachers of the law. When King Herod asked them where the Messiah was to be born, they immediately knew the answer. They didn’t have to look it up; this information was something that they had all studied and learnt by heart. But no one had noticed the star – or the significance of the One it was pointing towards.

If we follow this story along, not one of the religious leaders went with these wise men to ascertain whether this was indeed the Messiah. It seems absurd when you consider that Jerusalem and Bethlehem are only about 9km (5.5 miles) apart – literally a day’s walk. So why didn’t they go to see if this child that had been born was the ruler of Israel that had been prophesied?

The teachers of the law had the answers, but not a heart after God. They knew the words but missed the significance. The priests were simply too proud – and therefore too blind to see what was right before them. Maybe the religious leaders pompously discounted that this was indeed the prophecy of scripture being fulfilled, because of the cultural differences of the wise men from another country. The star of Jacob had arisen (Numbers 24:17-19) but the Jewish leaders completely missed the main event. And of course, then there was Herod, who was threatened by the thought of another king in his territory.

Matthew 2:7-12 (NIV) Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.” After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was.

When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.

The truth is that while this happened over two thousand years ago, the same effect is being repeated daily around the globe. Just like at the birth of Jesus, humanity generally has one of three responses to the One. Either people are believers in Jesus Christ who continually hunger and thirst after God and follow His leading, like the wise men; or they are hostile to the things of God, like Herod; or they are those who think they know the truth but are blind to it, like the Pharisees. This third category is so dangerous for those who consider themselves to ‘believe’ but only have religious externals, rather than a life truly sold out for Jesus Christ.

This is not just a Christmas story. It is a reminder that we can miss the prophetic things the Lord is saying to us unless we have our eyes open to the things of God. We need to have ears to hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches. We need the spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that we can know Him better.

We can read this story and tell ourselves that we are different. But this Christmas season, where is the One in your heart? Is Jesus just a brief thought in your week, or do you have an intimate, personal relationship with Him? Are you daily listening to the Holy Spirit and following His guidance and prompts? Or is your mind too busy with other stuff to pay attention?

The One has to become exactly that – number one in our lives. Jesus Christ must be central to everything because He alone is the way, the truth, and the life. As we head closer to Christmas, may we not get swept up in the festivities and miss the One who our very life and breath is dependent on. May our hearts be drawn closer to Him each and every day, and may we pay close attention to what God is doing to build His kingdom here on earth.

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Possessing True Liberty

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God promises us liberty and freedom. People often use the phrase, “I have my liberty!”

Yet this statement can at times be made to justify wilful and selfish actions taken without regard to the hurt caused to others. So, what does it look like to be possessing true liberty from a biblical perspective?

2 Corinthians 3:16-17 (NKJV) Nevertheless when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is (the) Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.

But where is that liberty to be found? It is found “where the Spirit of the Lord is” – in HIS presence! He dwells in the spirit world, beyond the veil. True ‘liberty’ is not in our world, it’s in HIS world!

And here is the most interesting and empowering thought. The definition of ‘liberty’ is, “A legitimate freedom to pursue, as in the granting of a visa or the right to cross the border.”

It can also apply to one getting official notification that they are free to leave prison (to step over the threshold) and embrace the rights of citizenship again.

Our ‘liberty’ is the authentication of our right to cross the border, our right of access into His presence and His throne room! We have been granted the liberty, freedom, to enter His presence and not be consumed. In fact, we are lovingly accepted and enthusiastically embraced!

2 Corinthians 3:18 (NKJV) But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.

Let me read that passage from the original Greek, the phrase ‘beholding as in a mirror’: “Seeing the Lord with the intent and fervent desire of being mirrored to HIS image, we are being transformed into the same image.”

Friends, it is the fervent desire and intent of being a mirror of His image, of who He is, that allows the transformation to take place as we are beholding Him in His presence.

We have an example in Exodus 34 in which Moses, because of his passionate desire to encounter God’s presence personally, catches a small glimpse of God as He passed by. Moses was so transformed by that experience, glowing with a heavenly light, that even those who knew him really well were fearful of approaching him!

It is impossible to spend time in His actual Spirit presence, communing with him in intimacy, with a passionate desire to be like him, to be mirrored into His image, and not be changed by that experience. But there is also a challenge.

Hebrews 12:14 (NKJV) Pursue peace with all people and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.

In other words:

  • Pursue peace (get your attitudes right)
  • Pursue holiness (purity, truth, transparency, authenticity) – “without which no one will see the Lord” Or, without which no one will experience a “beholding Him face to face” encounter!

Oh, believers might pray to Him, they might sing to Him, they might witness concerning Him, but they will not see Him. They will not experience being ‘in spirit’ – they will not live beyond the veil in intimacy experiencing the wonder of the dimension in which He dwells! To them relationship with God will always be a distant thing. The veil will always exist.

Why is this? Because sin cannot dwell in His presence! That still has not changed. A selfish attitude cannot dwell there! A proud or wilful attitude cannot dwell there! Such attitudes have no access. It’s not the person, it is sin that does not have access!

Hebrews 12:15-16 (NKJV) Looking carefully lest anyone fall short (fail to qualify) of the grace (the unmerited favour to enter the presence) of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled; lest there be any fornicator or profane person like Esau, who for one morsel of food sold his birthright.

My friends, because of Jesus, there is a grace extended to each one of us. This grace allows us to boldly enter into the very throne-room of God as our personal Father and be in awe of His power and know the wonder of His loving embrace. It’s incredible!

You and I can enter in beyond the veil into the most holy place! We have been given 24/7 access. But the Holy Spirit tells us in Hebrews 12 that there are things that will prevent that and will keep us (as Christians) out of His presence. Attitudes of self-gain cancel our ‘liberty’ to cross the border, our passport is stamped “NO ACCESS”.

Let me explain it to you this way… there are metal detectors at the airport. You can have a valid, legal boarding pass but if you carry scissors with you, you have to get rid of the scissors first before entrance is allowed.

Sin has not been given the right to cross the border into God’s throne-room! It has not been granted liberty! It cannot exist in the place of His holiness and power! It would be automatically incinerated.

I am not talking about committing an indiscretion out of ignorance or a spontaneous fault quickly repented of.

James 4:17 (NKJV) Therefore to him who knows (has full knowledge of) to do good, and does not do it (by intentional choice), to him it is sin.

 Sin is not the action, it’s the deliberate disobedience, the defiance. “I will do it my way!” Those who wilfully and knowingly harbour that sin in their hearts (they refuse to give up the scissors at the gate) have no access. I’m not talking about a person’s salvation or going to heaven. I am talking about access to the intimacy and spiritual authority of His presence, the throne room of His power as a present tense reality! The capacity to be ‘in spirit’.

The veil to His presence has been taken away but it doesn’t change the nature and power of God! The nuclear reactor is still the nuclear reactor! And rules apply if you want to access that indescribable power.

When it says in Hebrews 12:14 that no one will ‘see’ – the word see in the original Greek means “to gaze (with wide-open eyes, as at something remarkable; to be in awe at what one is beholding and yet to fix ones gaze with great intentionality and resolve).” To make the decision to gaze in awe at that which is breath-taking! Amazing! Remarkable! Irresistible!

This seeing is not to necessarily see in physical form with human eyes (God is Spirit), but to be so intimately close to your Father’s heart in the realm of the spirit, your spirit at one with His spirit, that we see Him with the inner eye of revelation and insight, with Holy Spirit governed imagination. In that moment He becomes so incredibly real!

There is no veil between me and the realm of the spirit in which my Father dwells!

John ‘being in spirit’ saw! And every time a person has that encounter, everyone in the tangible world around them sees that little bit more of Jesus. The encounter is life-changing! The nature of Jesus was fully imparted to us at the moment of our born-again experience, but it takes the encounter with His presence (beyond the veil) to remove the outer shell of humanity and allow the light, that is now truly our own, to shine!

In these past few articles, I have been describing what it is like to live beyond the veil.

How do I know what that is like? Because, my friends, I am learning to live there!  And it is so empowering and transformational that I find myself now addicted to His presence and His person. It is intoxicating.

The spirit realm, that other dimension beyond the veil, that unseen world, that place of His presence, is becoming more and more real to me every day of my life! The penny has finally dropped.

  • I have free access
  • I have been granted liberty to cross the border at any time
  • I come boldly before His throne of grace

I don’t have to wait for special occasions when His world (His presence) invades mine – as wonderful as that is. I can, at any time, invade His! And the things He allows me to see, I run with, and I boldly pursue. My faith and obedience do not create anything. They simply draw that which He has already created in the world of the spirit into the world of the tangible.

My prayer for you is that your hunger and your obedience will be unconditional and that your passion to please Him will rip that veil apart and you will know the wonder of His Father’s heart in a life-transforming way. I pray that you walk in a new understanding of possessing true liberty.

Your friend,

David

Living Beyond The Veil

Living Beyond The Veil

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I want to invite you into a world in which the physical, the tangible, and the seen are no longer restrictions to the experiencing of the power of His presence and His person. I want to invite you to be living beyond the veil!

Revelation 3:21 (NKJV) To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.

Tragically, many who read this scripture have have created a theology that allows for this in a future time to come, but denies us access to it today (other than in a symbolic statement of believers having the authority of Jesus). But this is not true! I believe we have present-tense access to the throne room of God when, being in spirit, we can see what Father intends us to see! But is our access unconditional?

Matthew 27:50-52 (NKJV) And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit. Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split, and the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised;

The most supernatural world changing event of history had just taken place! The atonement had been made for all mankind, the conquering of Satan and the vanquish of his rule on Earth had been fully achieved.

What I want you to notice (what this message is all about) is that the very first thing that came as a result of the declaration of Jesus, “It is finished!”, was the ripping apart of the temple veil from top to bottom. Top to bottom – because it was ripped asunder by the hand of Jehovah God himself.

It was the very first thing on God’s agenda – the instant response of Heaven! “Tear that veil apart!” But why was it so important? Why was it such a priority? Friends, the miracle of Calvary, the great atonement of history, the invasion of the Godhead, the establishment of the lordship of Jesus on this planet, was all about ripping apart for ever that which separated mankind from the glory and presence of God!

To understand the significance of the event, you have to understand why that veil had been put there in the beginning. Let me explain.

The Veil Established

The veil was first established in Moses’ tabernacle and then continued into Solomon’s temple, where it was on the day that the command of Jesus ripped it apart. But why was it put there in the first place?

God had made the decision to have a physical dwelling place on the earth so that he might, at times, position Himself amongst his people. The only problem was that mankind, in his unredeemed, sinful state, would have been incinerated instantly in the presence of such incredible power!

The veil was God’s compassionate protection. People have so misunderstood this. When you go into a room with a nuclear reactor, you wear protective gear… not because that reactor is evil or harsh, but because humanity needs protection from such power.

So, the veil was there for protection. No one was allowed to enter, except for one exception. The High Priest, once a year on the Day of Atonement, after much cleansing and preparation of heart, could enter to seek atonement for God’s people.  Such was the indescribable power and holiness of God’s presence that a rope was tied around his ankle, just in case he had any sin left in him… in which case, he would have never survived the event! They would have had to drag out his corpse.

Can you just imagine it! The staggering event when God came to dwell on the earth in a physical location! The One that consumed the top of Mt. Sinai with fire when he turned up, the One that would cause the earth to quake at His arrival, the One that could point His finger and part the sea, the One that with one word created galaxies in space. HE was on the other side of that veil!

What would the emotions of that High Priest have been like? Fear yet awe, terrifying yet irresistible! Like an astronaut going to be the first person to travel in space. Knowing that it could cost him his life yet filled with the staggering potential and the wonder of it all! The scariest moment of his entire life.

Inside that veil was the holiness and presence of Jehovah, Father God, Creator of heaven and earth, manifested by the Spirit; the throne room of heaven materialised into this tangible human world. Just beyond that veil! It was amazing! And all for one man and one man alone, and only once a year.

All that the rest of the nation of Israel could do was pray for that priest, that he would return alive. They themselves could never participate; they could never hope to experience it. The veil was the constant reminder that unredeemed humanity could not enter God’s personal presence and hope to live. For thousands of years that’s the way it was. Year after year, generation after generation.

The Veil Is Torn

But one day, suddenly, Heaven gasped, demons trembled, and the universe was shaken!

Jesus, the new ruler of the planet, was declaring that the temple veil was to be removed! He was declaring, by His atoning sacrifice, that the access to God’s presence was now open and could be entered into without fear!

His shed blood was the atonement that cleansed the human heart and brought about such transformation that the individual could literally enter the presence of God and not be incinerated but be empowered! God no longer demanded the separation from the realm of His reality and the realm of our reality. The veil between the seen and the unseen, the temporal and the eternal, the natural world, and the spirit world, had been removed!

My friends, I want to offer you an invitation: not to some fantasy, not to a distortion of reality, not to some Spielberg movie, but simply another dimension that exists parallel with our own for those whose hearts have been cleansed and whose eyes have been opened to see it.

His presence is no longer in one geographical place but universal. His person fills the galaxies with His power. He exists in a world parallel to our own! On every mountain, in every valley, in every boardroom or family kitchen. In every office, auditorium, or carpark. The natural world and the spirit world co-exist for those whose eyes have been enlightened.

How do I know that it is real? How do I know that it is accessible? Because, my friends, I have already discovered what it is to live there!

Access to the Throne Room

I want to invite you into the reality of His unseen world. I want to invite you into a world of access to the throne of God. Not as a religious theory but an experiential reality!

I want to invite you to live a life beyond the veil!

My friends, what I am declaring to you is completely Scriptural. Paul said that we were to “come boldly before the throne of grace” (Hebrews 4:16). We are called to access the very throne room of God! But we have made that just a figure of speech. (And for some, an alternative expression for ‘having a time of prayer’.)

Ephesians 2:6 calls us to be “seated with Him in Heavenly places”. THAT is an invitation! To step from the realm of our reality into the realm of His reality, to live beyond the veil and to be in spirit.

That veil of separation, existing for thousands of years, was powerfully ripped to pieces by the Lord of that throne room. Yet today, the vast bulk of Christians, singing praises on Sunday and faithfully attending their local church, do not live beyond the veil in the place of His glory and presence. Tragically most leaders don’t either.

I truly believe that, for most Christians today, the veil still exists! They still live restricted to their humanity, influenced by the world of the tangible, never experiencing the power of accessing the unseen world of God’s person and presence. Consequently, they reflect the culture of the world they live in.

But what a tragedy… because now it is not a veil of God’s making, but a veil of their own making. YES! I’m talking to Christians!

A person can be saved and going to Heaven, and fully involved in their local Church, and yet live a lifetime without ever having experienced the intimacy of His presence, and the power and authority of His throne room. Never experiencing the wonder of being in spirit and seeing Father’s intention. But God is calling you right now, “Don’t settle for that!”

Hebrews 10:19-20 (NKJV) Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh,

Let me offer you an invitation! It is time to decide!

  • Are you willing to crown Him truly Lord of your world?
  • Will you get passionate about craving for intimacy with His heart?
  • Will you seek compatibility with His Holy Spirit?
  • Will your cry be to have instant access to His throne?

If that is your heart’s cry, then your Father stands waiting for you with his arms open wide in indescribable love and unqualified acceptance.

My invitation to you is to live beyond the veil! Not to visit once in a while but to live there.

My friends, tear down the veil!

David

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Read David’s previous blog: Why Prophetic Pictures Are Given.

Why Prophetic Pictures Are Given

Why Prophetic Pictures Are Given

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God uses prophetic pictures to describe God’s intention through an image which helps people understand and remember the message. I have often been asked what I experience when bringing a prophetic picture to an individual.

What Do I See In a Prophetic Picture?

Often what I see is some symbolic scene, activity, or substance. For example, it could be as a rose bush, or a sailing yacht, or a shoe. It might not be describing something literal in that person’s life, but it immediately communicates the spiritual truth that God is trying to get them to see.

I might see a fishing boat run aground on the reef. God knows that the person loves fishing, but their life has felt like it was shipwrecked. The image and the message is personal, it is unique, and it tells them that Father knows them and cares.

Several times I have been shown the picture of a person changing their walking shoes for running shoes. This usually means that it is time for them to accelerate in their calling. Other times, it is a glimpse of what Father has for them in a future time.

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Why are prophetic pictures given?

Prophetic pictures are given to convey a spiritual reality or a divine intention. With these thoughts in mind, let us look at how the Apostle John experienced this prophetic grace:

Revelation 4:1 (NKJV) After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven. And the first voice which I heard was like a trumpet speaking with me, saying, “Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this.”

Literally, a portal opened between John and eternity, between the world of the tangible in which he lived and the spirit world of God’s presence. And once able to see in that realm, John was given the ability to see into an aspect of the future. This is because past, present and future all co-exist in the spirit world of God’s presence. It was a prophetic glimpse.

DEVOTIONAL PLANS ON YOUVERSION

     

Revelation 4:2 (NKJV) Immediately I was in Spirit; and behold, a throne set in heaven, and One sat on the throne.

John, now with his spiritual eyes opened to see, was able to see through a portal into eternity. He was able to see into the spirit world of God’s existence, and saw the throne of God! John had suddenly become compatible with that other dimension. He was ‘in spirit’!

The significance is this: Holy Spirit gave him eyes to see what was already there in the realm of the spirit but invisible to the natural eye.

God is Spirit. So, whatever it was that John saw, it was not physical. It was not tangible… but it was communicated to him in a manner that would have been meaningful to him. He saw a throne. That immediately communicated to John a king and his royal, undisputed right to rule.

God doesn’t have a physical throne anywhere in the entire universe! Therefore, it was an impression in John’s spirit imagination which Holy Spirit used to communicate the awesome power and authority of God’s person and presence. But did he ‘see’ it? Yes, he did!

Revelation 1:10-11 (NKJV) I was in Spirit on the Lord’s Day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, as of a trumpet, saying, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last,” and, “What you see, write in a book…”

This voice was not from the sky or from some distant place or even somewhere in front of him. It was from behind him. Which clearly indicates that he was already there! He was already in the throne room! But suddenly became aware of that reality!

As he stepped ‘into spirit’, John was no longer blinded by the natural world of his human surroundings. Therefore, he was able to see what God already saw and wanted to communicate to him! And because God’s sight is not confined to the present, John was able to see the future as well as the present. That’s all the prophetic gift really is. It is a moment in which, being ‘in spirit’, we catch glimpses of tomorrow! That’s why prophetic pictures are given.

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      Prophetic Insights and Prophetic Pictures

 

Seeing In The Spirit Realm

Seeing In The Spirit Realm

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With today’s world fascinated with the themes of Harry Potter, the demonic, the spirit-world, and imaginary heroes, the Church is being challenged in the very area that should be their strongest domain: the unseen world. And God’s desire for us as followers of Christ is that we would have an understanding of seeing in the spirit realm.

As Christians, we are promised in scripture an authority in the ‘spirit-world’ that is indisputable and limited only to the degree that we are under the authority of the risen Christ. And yet, incredibly, the vast bulk of Christians have abdicated that authority and choose to stand back and bemoan the darkness that is allowed to rule in that vacuum.

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And then there is the issue of ‘abundance of life’ which, for the true disciple of Jesus, is not about physical condition but about spiritual, mental, and emotional freedom that empowers us to represent Christ to this world. This, too, is an issue decided in the spirit realm.

Pause and ask yourself this question: “What would it look like to live in such a way that the physical, the tangible, and the things which are seen are no longer restrictions to experiencing the power of Father’s presence and experiencing the authority of His person?”

I believe that this is governed by what we see. Jesus only carried indescribable authority because of what He SAW His Father do. His miracles were because of what He SAW! So, what does it really mean to see in the spirit realm? Can you and I actually SEE what our Father is doing and then carry it out with boldness in this world of the tangible?

It all starts with understanding WHO God is and WHAT the nature of His world really looks like.

DEVOTIONAL PLANS ON SPIRITUAL DISCERNMENT

  

God Is Spirit

John 4:24 tells us that “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”

The word for ‘Spirit’ here is the Greek word ‘pneuma’ which means ‘a breath of air’, ‘that which is not tangible.’ What does that mean?

If you were to breathe out right now in a warm environment, what would you see? Nothing! Of course not. Even though our breath is real, it is not often tangible. But when the environment changes, such as on a cold frosty morning, we see a mist as we breathe out. The moisture in our breath (which was previously unnoticed) has been made discernible. The environment causes the unseen to become seen, the invisible to become visible.

In the same way, Father’s intention is that we would be so intimately close to His heart in the realm of the spirit, that we see Him with the inner eye of revelation and insight. Not to necessarily see in physical form with our human eyes (He is Spirit) but that the tangible manifestation of His presence, in our inner eye, would become a spiritual reality. For example, Isaiah “saw” the Lord on the throne, as a King high and lifted up (Isaiah 6:1). He saw the intangible as if it were tangible because, in that moment, that was the element of God’s nature that God wanted Isaiah to get a renewed revelation about. Isaiah was seeing in the spirit realm.

It is also true that at times God will choose to allow humanity to see a tangible demonstration in their physical world of that world that is His reality. The spirit world, which is the world of God’s reality, has no tangible form. But it can manifest in a human form or tangible substance in order to communicate God’s intention.

There are many examples in scripture of the presence of God becoming tangible:

  • For Moses and the Israelites, God’s presence appeared as a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. (Exodus 13:21)
  • Angels, who have no tangible form in the spirit world, appeared to Abraham, Gideon, Zacharias, Mary, Joseph, and others.
  • At the baptism of Jesus, Holy Spirit, the breath of God, omnipresent, appeared “in bodily form as a dove” a highly intentional representation of God’s communication. (Luke 3:22)

The Invisible Becoming Visible

In order to achieve God’s intention, the invisible can become visible. This is so that the human heart is able to receive the communication intended from the Father’s heart. There is always a highly intentional message as the purpose of the tangible manifestation of God’s presence. It is never to entertain or give His people ‘goose-bumps’!

On the day of Pentecost, Holy Spirit appeared over each person’s head as “a tongue of fire” before filling them with His supernatural power (Acts 2:1-3). The original text makes it clear that they were shaped as actual tongues but that the substance they appeared to be made of was fire. Holy Spirit positioned Himself upon the disciples’ heads in such a manner because they would then associate that automatically with being anointed. (They were most aware that the anointing oil or the anointing hands of the prophet was always laid upon the head.)

The fact that He manifested as fire was to remind them of the time that He manifested to Moses and Israel as a pillar of fire. The fire was a declaration of His presence and His power. The tongue was an explanation to them, that the supernatural phenomena they were about to experience of speaking in the languages of other nations, was the result of His anointing them with His power to do so.

Jesus was transfigured on the mountain before Peter, James, and John (Matthew 17:1-3). Then Moses and Elijah materialised. These two no longer had physical bodies, and were now part of an unseen world, yet for the purpose of God’s intention, they manifested in human form! And they appeared in such a way that the disciples, who hadn’t a clue what they would have originally looked like, instantly recognised them.

Awesome! But there is always a Kingdom purpose. His manifestations are not for entertainment.

The purpose of this was so the disciples could see that Jesus was building His new Kingdom on the foundation of the law and the prophets. The Old Testament and New Testament were in perfect harmony. He was building the future with a redemption that did not disannul His Old Testament Covenant but, rather, fulfilled it.

In 2 Kings 6:8-17, we read that Elisha has been a trouble to the King of Syria, and a great army of horses and chariots and men has been sent against the city of Dothan where Elisha is. Elisha’s servant only sees the human situation and is intimidated by the suggestion of overwhelming odds. Yet Elisha says, “Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” Elisha cried out for the servant’s eyes to be opened. And when this prayer was answered, the servant saw what Elisha already saw – a spiritual army of horses and chariots, surrounding Elisha. What Elisha saw in the spiritual was the source of his courage and boldness, his peace and certainty, in the midst of seeming disaster.

The Kingdom Purpose of Seeing In The Spirit Realm

Father desires that each of us would see with greater clarity into the spirit realm in moments when He wishes to reveal His purpose to us. That we would see a spiritual reality, a spirit world, coexistent with the reality of our natural sight, but dependent on the illumination of the Holy Spirit to become apparent.

As Father purposes to initiate on the Earth, He first accomplishes that task in the spirit-world, knowing that is the realm in which it must be first established prior to physical manifestation and outworking on the Earth. He then chooses an adopted son or daughter to “see” Him achieving that purpose (by way of Holy Spirit revelation to their hearts) so that they can achieve it in this tangible world in obedience to that which He has shown them. He doesn’t want us think of this as ‘spooky’, but rather completely normal for one that has truly been born of His Spirit and, therefore, invited to see through His eyes.

Our boldness and faith in the face of challenges doesn’t come from our disposition; it comes from what we are seeing in the spirit realm We need eyes to see what already exists in the realm of the spirit but is invisible to the natural eye. How that is revealed to us will be, most often, unique and different from someone else’s experience. Father, knowing our uniqueness, wants to show us that world in a manner that will communicate meaningfully to us, as an individual, in our humanity.

As our love for our Father intensifies and our surrender becomes unconditional, we will find such divine encounters more and more becoming our reality. As we do, our confidence and authority and the miracles that flow from that authority, will increasingly represent Jesus to this desperately needy world.

It starts with a fervent cry, “Open our eyes, Lord, so that we may see what YOU see!”

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Restoring The Flow

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The Lord wants to bring a word of comfort and restoration today. He is restoring the flow of the oil of the Spirit.

Psalms 34:18 (NIV) The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

It seems almost daily that I am hearing about more people going through challenges in every possible area. Whether or not difficulties are increasing, I’m not sure – but the past few years have certainly been extremely tough for many.

Let’s get real. There are times as believers when we feel on fire, full of passion and life, and energised about God’s kingdom and His purposes. Then there are other seasons when we feel dry, discouraged or hurting. That abundant life can seem unattainable, and our joy can get squashed.

The wonderful news is that the same mighty God who rules with great power and justice also tenderly gathers up His family when they need care. I was recently drawn to this scripture in Isaiah:

Isaiah 42:3a (NIV) A bruised reed he will not break, and a smouldering wick he will not snuff out.

This scripture gives us an image of a smouldering wick – an oil lamp in which only an ember or slight glow remains. The verse speaks of one whose zeal might be waning, yet it highlights the tenderness of Jesus, the Good Shepherd caring for His flock. Jesus does not cast aside those who are bruised or struggling. Our Father speaks to us as His loved children, those he cares for deeply.

The Lord gives us insight into His intention in the spiritual realm through what we can understand in the natural or physical realm. If we look at a candle, we tend to see the wick as the part that is burning. But in fact, it is the candle wax that provides the fuel. This is the same principle as an oil lamp. The wick is soaked in the oil, and as the oil draws up the wick, the oil burns at the end of the wick.

In an oil lamp, the wick can burn out too fast – because the wick itself is being used as fuel, rather than the oil. And if a wick is too long or too short, the flame will smoulder or go out. A poorly trimmed wick will result in a flame which is dim or smoky. A wick must be close to the oil and well soaked in order to burn. And of course, an oil lamp needs to regularly have the oil topped up.

The Lord is gently leading you today to lighten the load and to remain close to the source. God doesn’t need us trying to add more fuel in the natural. We don’t need to strive or do things by natural efforts – we need the Spirit of God to pour out fresh oil. Father wants to lead us to rivers of living water, that we would receive life for ourselves, and that we would overflow with that living water to others. He is restoring the flow.

Revelation 7:17 (NIV) For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; ‘he will lead them to springs of living water.’ ‘And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’”

John 7:38 (NIV) Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.”

If you are feeling bruised or broken, the Lord’s desire is to refresh you and strengthen you. For those of you who feel like your spiritual passion has been waning or your flame is smouldering, the Lord’s desire is to breathe new life into you. He has the power to restore the flow of oil and to rekindle your flame.

The Spirit of God is hovering over you, and His desire is to comfort you. The Lord is present to restore hope for your disappointments and hurts. The Father is here to remove guilt – for those who have been far away, as well as those who have been soaking in the oil yet wondering why you don’t feel connected to the Lord. The Spirit is present to breathe life and fresh oil into your reservoir.

When that wick is smouldering, there are two ways that ember can come back to flame. Firstly, some gentle blowing can bring that ember back to life. Take time to allow the wind of the Holy Spirit to refresh you and minister to you today. His breath gives life. Secondly, another source of flame can also help spark and nurture the fire. God created us for relationship, and there is a beautiful strengthening that occurs when another believer comes alongside us to encourage us, pray with us, and comfort us.

If you are feeling thirsty or dry, then the Lord has fresh rivers of living water for you. If you are feeling like you have been trying to constantly add more fuel, then Father invites you to soak in His presence and receive some fresh oil. And if you need someone to stand with you, then reach out for prayer and encouragement. The Holy Spirit is ready and waiting to restore the flow.

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Discipleship

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Discipleship is an essential part of being a follower of Christ. But what does it really look like to be a disciple – or to make disciples?

Matthew 4:18-20 (NIV) As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed him.

There is a call to be a disciple of Jesus before we are commissioned to make disciples.

  • “Come” – leave your position.
  • “Follow” – let me lead.
  • “Me” – shift your focus.

“Come follow me” is a calling out. “And I will send you out” is a calling out that results in a sending out. “To fish for people” is a calling out that results in a sending out on a spiritual mission.

To be a disciple is to be a student, a pupil, and a learner. You can’t be a disciple if you are not teachable. And you won’t be teachable if you think you know best. A disciple is marked by humility, surrender and discipline. Discipleship is not about life skills – it is about spiritual growth. So, how closely do you follow Jesus? How completely do you follow Jesus?

The call to be a disciple precedes the commission to make disciples. We must follow before we lead; and we must follow as we lead. The commission to make disciples will always be the result of the call to be a disciple. There comes a point in our spiritual journey that if we are not making disciples, then we are not being a disciple.

MAKING FRIENDS OR MAKING DISCIPLES?

God created us for relationship, and friendships are important. Yet within the Church, and within groups of believers, friendship can easily rise to the forefront of our focus and intention, and discipleship can get neglected or ignored. One of the main reasons that we may not be making disciples is that we focus too much on being liked.

If we are doing what God has commissioned us to do, not everyone will like us. We need to settle this issue. Have you read about the life of Jesus and the early apostles?! The world won’t always like us.

John 15:18-19 (NIV) 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.

But Jesus likes you, and Jesus calls you friend! Jesus commissioned us to make disciples, and He chose us to go and bear fruit that will last. There are certain things that you won’t say or do if your primary focus is on making friends rather than making disciples. The moment we make it more about making friends than making disciples, we lose our way.

WHAT DOES MAKING DISCIPLES LOOK LIKE?

Making disciples is walking with people towards God. Making disciples involves corporate learning and private learning. Making disciples involves baptising people into the fullness of who God is.

Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV) Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Discipleship should explore the question, “Who do you say God is?” Discipleship involves talking about the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Making disciples includes teaching people to obey everything God has commanded.

  • Explore questions such as, “What has God said about…salvation, righteousness, sanctification, justification, atonement, forgiveness, grace, faith, love, purity, spiritual gifts, eternal life, etc.”
  • Look together at truth that matters from the Word of God, and look at present issues through the lens of what the Bible says, not through what other people are saying.

The primary commission of a godly leader is to make disciples, not to lead a department or to make decisions.

Discipleship means that every believer is:

  • Equipped to have a deepening relationship with the Father
  • Equipped to be a more accurate reflection of Jesus
  • Equipped to have a greater dependence on the Holy Spirit

WHO ARE YOU BEING DISCIPLED BY?

  • Being discipled is not vague, it is intentional and relational.
  • Discipleship means giving someone authority to speak into your life.
  • A disciple submits to their teacher’s authority, and receives insight, training, and correction from them. Submitting to authority is God’s protection in our lives – it helps us to see our blind spots, and therefore, helps us to walk in greater freedom. Submitting to authority guards against pride and helps us to walk in humility.

WHO ARE YOU DISCIPLING?

  • Discipling others takes time and intentionality.
  • Discipling others involves living a life worth following.
  • Discipling others involves speaking prophetically into God’s intention for them.
  • Discipling others involves direction and correction when necessary.
  • Discipling others is always fueled by love and by a holy sense of divine commission.

Imagine what the church globally would look like if every believer picked up the commission of discipleship! The Church is Jesus’ bride. We want to be prepared for the return of Jesus – and our role as believers and disciple makers is to prepare as many others as possible to live in the divine power of the Holy Spirit and to walk in spiritual authority.

REFLECTION:

What is the next step that Father wants you to take on your journey of being a disciple?

What is the next step that Father wants you to take on your journey of being a disciple maker?

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Memorial Stones

Memorial Stones

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Father gave me this word to bring to you:

‘Celebrate memories that will empower your future!’

Memories can either empower you or disempower you. They can either build your faith or destroy your faith. And the memories we carry into our future are the fruit of choice. That’s why it is vital to tomorrow’s success that we choose wisely which memories we starve and which memories we feed.

In Israel, God had his people erect memorial altars. These altars were to remind them, in days of challenge and overwhelming odds, that the God who had supernaturally intervened yesterday was still the God who could supernaturally intervene today and tomorrow. The same God who brought down the walls of Jericho.

Joshua 6:20

So the people shouted when the priests blew the trumpets. And it happened when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the people shouted with a great shout, that the wall fell down flat. Then the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they took the city.

This is one of the greatest miracles in the Bible! It’s a miracle that led to the Israelites going on to possess the land of promise. But it was so illogical, so unreasonable that it required such enormous trust, not only in God, but in that Joshua had heard from God!

Joshua 4:1-3

And it came to pass, when all the people had completely crossed over the Jordan, that the LORD spoke to Joshua, saying: “Take for yourselves twelve men from the people, one man from every tribe, and command them, saying, ‘Take for yourselves twelve stones from here, out of the midst of the Jordan, from the place where the priests’ feet stood firm. You shall carry them over with you and leave them in the lodging place where you lodge tonight.'”

Joshua 4:6-7

That this may be a sign among you when your children ask in time to come, saying, ‘What do these stones mean to you?’ Then you shall answer them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD; when it crossed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. And these stones shall be for a memorial to the children of Israel forever.”

The context of these memorial stones was a celebration of God’s divine intervention. A miraculous day which birthed a new era for God’s people finally possessing the land of promise. When the Israelites faith began to waver at Jericho, at the impossibility that God asked them to do, all they had to do was look at those memorial stones and know that ‘our God parted the river Jordan at flood time… these walls are coming down!’

Later, in their future conquests, when confronted by the united armies of five kings, all they had to do was look at those memorial stones – ‘Our God parted the river Jordan at flood time… these five Kings are going down!’

My friends, make today a memorial!

THE PURPOSE OF MEMORIAL STONES

A memorial is for two purposes:

  1. A celebration of the past: gratitude and thanksgiving.
  2. A faith-building for the future: that infusion of courage when vitally needed!

The stones speak to us of memories.

Each one was taken from “the place where the priest’s feet stood firm”. In blind obedience to the word of the Lord, through Joshua, those priests stepped into a raging torrent of water at flood time… carrying the ark! Imagine the guys up front. It was an act of incredible courage. And it led to an amazing miracle. That’s what those stones of memory brought back into focus for decades and generations to come – they served a God of the miraculous!

REMEMBERING GOD’S GOODNESS

Which brings us to today, a memorial.

When you look back on years of Father’s faithfulness and grace, for many there has been occasions when awesome, supernatural things have happened. But there have also been times when in the midst of impossibility, it required a standing firm. Times when everything around you screamed “IMPOSSIBLE!” This is a time to remember Ephesians 6:13: “having done all, to stand!”

Thank God for the mountains, but they are only made possible by the valleys.

Honour God for the victories, but they are only made possible by the battle.

Praise God for the miracles, but they are only made possible by the challenge.

In those times when nothing makes sense – stand firm. Those times when the loudness of the opposition seems to drown out that inner voice of peace. Those seasons when the breakthrough seems to linger, and linger, and linger. Those days when you must smile and minister to others despite desperately needing someone to minister to you… “having done all, to stand!”

In the middle of Jordan, stand firm and see the miracle of God!

MIRACLES AND MEMORIALS

We should all be celebrating the miracles of His grace that have triumphed to bring us to this day – those incredible memorial stones. As an individual, as a family, as a business, as a ministry, we should develop a culture of gratitude and worship, constantly acknowledging our Father’s amazing interventions. If we do not celebrate yesterday, we will not anticipate tomorrow!

Which brings me to tomorrow! The reason the Israelites crossed that Jordan was to possess the land that God had promised them. And I want to declare over you, that you stand poised to possess the land of promise. A place that, for generations to come, there will be the witness and demonstration that Jesus is alive and that He has a heart for your community and a heart for the world.

Joshua had to encourage himself for the battle by remembering those memorial stones. In the same way, you need to record and remind yourselves of the miracles of yesterday, so that your faith might soar to new heights as you embrace the challenges of faith, tomorrow!

It honours our Father when we experience the mountains and valleys, war and peace, and yet keep our integrity intact. Oh, how that causes the angels to sing and the demons to cringe. Above all, it represents Jesus to this world, and it positions you in the spirit world to carry the authority of Christ into the days and years to come.

With much love,

David.

What Do You See

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Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we just leapt from one glorious mountain top to the next? Birds singing, sun shining, flower blossoms and the sweet smell of summer… Then you wake up!

The valley is real, the clouds are real, the birds sometimes just squawk, and you start to question the seemingly perpetual winter. So, how do you handle that? How did Paul honour God in the prison?

For me there are many keys, but today I wish to share one of them:

  • What fills your sight, fills your heart.
  • What fills your heart, determines your future!

The truth is that restrictions & darkness are God’s opportunities! So, the real question is not your circumstances, but what do you see? Are you looking through the eyes of your humanity or are you looking through eyes anointed by the eye-salve of heaven, the Holy Spirit? What do you see? What is it that fills your sight, your perception, your worldview, your focus, and your vision? It is what you see with your natural eye that will seek to intimidate you; but it is what you see with your spiritual eyes, anointed by the Holy Spirit, that will empower you!

You might say, “But David, we live in the midst of restriction and contradiction – that’s reality!” My friends, restriction and contradiction have never been able to restrain a God that can open prison doors and bring Lazarus out of the tomb. Restrictions and darkness are His opportunities!

My friends, it was in the darkness of Gethsemane and the cross that Jesus brought redemption to mankind. Why? Because of what He saw! His eyes were not fixed on the agony of the Cross, although He was acutely aware of it. His eyes were focused on the atonement of mankind.

Heb 12:2 (NKJV) looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

JESUS triumphed! Why? Because of what filled His sight. Jesus triumphed because of what He chose to focus on. He was not focused upon the rough sawn timbers nor the spikes in His hands, but He was focused on the hope set before Him. It was because of what He saw! Jesus never surrendered his spiritual authority for a single moment. The cross did not take His spirit, He offered it up when HE was good and ready!

The darkness of Satan’s intention has always provided our Father an opportunity to work miraculously for His own purpose. Right now, in the midst of your circumstances and the unrelenting barrage of news on your TV, what is it that you choose to focus on? Yes, that’s right! What we focus on is a choice! Satan may have his objective because he so hates mankind, but I assure you, GOD has HIS objective. Not only for the planet, but for you, for your family, and for your life! This is not a moment to be intimidated, this is a moment of potential destiny for you – if you can but see it!

My friends, the Bible is full of men and women who refused to be intimidated by their circumstances, and their courage was because of what they saw, that which they chose to focus upon.

DANIEL refused to obey a royal decree and continued to pray to God. It was in the darkness of the lion’s denthat Daniel was used to change the heart of a king and turn a nation to God. Why? Because of what he saw! His courage was because of that which filled his sight. He saw the supernatural capacity of his God to protect him and prevail over every opposition.

MOSES was confronted by the red sea in front and the Egyptian army behind, but he was not intimidated. Consequently, he walked in the authority of his God. An authority that could not be shaken!

JOSHUA was confronted by the impregnable fortress of Jericho, an impossible task, but he was not intimidated. Consequently, he walked in the authority of his God. An authority that could not be shaken!

DEBORAH had to accept the role in Israel of prophetess, judge, and warrior leader in a time of great oppression and evil against God’s people, but she was not intimidated. Consequently, she walked in the authority of her God, an authority that could not be shaken. She shattered the forces of hell and evil!

PAUL faced many persecutions. It was in the darkness of the storm and shipwreck that Paul brought redemption to Malta. Why? Because of what filled his sight! Not the rocks and the waves, but the unrelenting pursuit and intervention of God to keep him on assignment. Paul knew that God had a purpose for him, and that is what he chose to focus upon. Consequently, he walked in the authority of his God. An authority that could not be shaken!

JOHN WESLEY in the mid 1700’s, rode on horseback through sleet and ice in an English winter. He was violently opposed by churches and society at large, often isolated, abandoned by many members of his family, and without support of any kind. And yet he brought revival to England and the world. Why? Because he was not intimidated! The circumstances did not fill his sight, the greatness of his God and his commission filled his sight. That’s what he chose to focus on. Consequently, he walked in the authority of his God. An authority that could not be shaken!

2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV) For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

Because of the risen Christ, you and I now possess a spiritual authority that cannot be shaken. But we also must understand (see Hebrews chapter 12) that shaking and severe testing of that authority will come! The cross and the tomb were a reality.

Will the storms come? Yes! Will the shaking of opposition and circumstances come to us all? Yes. But we must settle the issue once and for all. We do not walk subject to human frailty and vulnerability, rather we walk under the divine command of a King who is absolute in His power. In the spirit world, right now, there is no dispute about the absolute power and ruling dominion of Jesus as absolute king.

Some of you right now, reading my words, need to identify those areas that have undermined your faith, shaken your convictions, or intimidated your decisions, or qualified your future expectations. You need to reach out and receive His divine grace, a fresh infilling of His divine power, a moment of truth and revelation, a re-alignment of thinking so that your anticipations come in line with His prophetic intention for your life, your vocation, and your calling. It can only come by the Holy Spirit.

Join with me and declare that you will embrace and obey everything that Father gives you to initiate! He wants to give you bold, faith-filled initiatives!!

  • I walk under the divine command of Jesus, King of Kings!
  • And HIS authority, which now becomes MY authority, cannot be shaken!
  • I embrace decisions of faith!
  • I embrace future expectations of the miraculous!
  • I will not be intimidated!

Love and God Bless,

David.

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Prophetic Declaration To The Body Of Christ

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Dear Friends,

It has been only on very rare occasions that I have claimed to make a declaration, as a Prophet, directly on behalf of my Father to the Body of Christ. But today is one of those days.

Matthew 5:1-12 could not be clearer. God has promised indescribable ‘blessing’ (HIS choice of words) to those that love Him and hunger after Him. And yet there are non-negotiable statements that qualify who can access such supernatural grace and provision.

The divine interventions and favour of God (which He so longs to bring to us) belong to those of a humble, dependent, pure, and merciful heart. It is does not belong to the proud, independent, impure, or the self-governed.

The ‘Kingdom’ (authority… realm of the King’s rule) belongs to those of a pure, fully surrendered heart and a speech that gives evidence of that inner beauty.

We all know that there are and will continue to be matters of biblical command and conviction that we cannot, and must not, compromise. We must be men and women of unswerving biblical conviction and the truth. Having now clearly stated that…

This world is filled, as never before, with arrogant attitudes and endless arguments. Men and women showing anger, negative reaction, and resentment; declaring their frustrations, declaring their arguments and opinions. It should not be so among those who claim to represent Jesus!

The Body of Christ needs to cast off the spirit of this world that leads to arguments and endless opinions. It must realise the anger of God at those Christians who attack other Christians simply because they will not champion the cause that they have established as their own bias. It is the engagement of such defiling attitudes and conversations that have cut so many off from receiving the divine intervention (blessing) of God. The more ‘human’ the attitude and response, the less we receive from the Holy Spirit within.

This COVID era has provoked us all. But it is not reserved for ‘The Covid issue’. It is unrighteous legislations, controversial decisions, theological debates, and issues of morality.

Christians have been swept up in theories and are buying into the many and varied offences that abound. Debates and angry social media statements have gladdened the heart of the devil and saddened the heart of our Father. Christian is divided against Christian, and all try to justify their anger and pride with the claim that it is ‘their personal conviction’. 

We state that we ‘have our rights’, that it is ‘only human’. Exactly! It is the fruit of non-surrendered flesh (in that moment). It is not the overflow of Father’s Spirit and intention from within. The Holy Spirit comes to bring humility and unity, Satan comes to bring anger and division. 

My friends, if a conviction is forged within us by a word from our Father it will, undeniably, show the fruit of HIS Holy Spirit. But I feel a deep cry from God’s heart that He has had enough of those who claim to represent Him showing the same attitudes (or worse) than the unsaved community around them.

We have all needed to repent of such moments. Myself, more than once.

With every ounce of love from His heart and mine, I urge us all to no longer allow our purity (uncomplicated beauty and humility) of spirit to be robbed. In so doing, we allow ourselves to be robbed of Father’s empowering grace and miraculous Holy Spirit working in us and through us. His ‘Kingdom’ ceases to operate in us when our heart becomes a hostile environment.

I urge you to read Matthew 5:1-12.

My prayer: “Father! Rid my heart of judgement against a brother / sister. Open my eyes each new day to see the beauty and wonder of your own intention and flow through me in your inexhaustible supply of humility, love, forgiveness, grace and mercy. For in such, those around us will wonder at YOUR wisdom revealed through our fully surrendered hearts.”

Please pass this word on.

Love to each and all,

David.

Christmas – More Than A Season

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Christmas. It is one simple word that conveys a lot.

Christmas is a common word that denotes a season that happens every year. Regardless of what else is happening in the world, Christmas is never cancelled. Yes, the expression of it may be amended, but December 25th will always be Christmas.

Christmas is synonymous with family and friends, with eating and celebration, with gifts and stockings. Christmas is referred to as the festive season.

Christmas is a great opportunity to take a break, to have a rest and to go on vacation. Getting away from normal life is an anticipated escape for many. But Christmas is so much more than all of these wonderful things.

Christmas is the time of year when the world is pointed to the birth of Jesus Christ.

More than a season, and more than just a baby being born, Christmas is about a Son who was given. The eternal Son of God stepped down from heaven and took on the form of a man. He submitted Himself to the very people He had created.

Christmas is a defining marker in the history of the world. Everything changed from the birth of Jesus onwards. What had been was about to change. And not just slightly or for a short time. Forever. Completely. Eternally.

The Creator became human. The Divine became like us. The Eternal limited Himself to the natural.

Jesus marked the transition from the law to grace, from the old covenant to the new covenant. Jesus was the fulfilment of what had been prophetically declared.

Matthew 1:22-23 (NIV) All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).

Jesus was the very image of God on the earth, the radiance of the Father’s glory. Jesus embodied what God is actually like. Jesus was the Lamb who was slain before the foundation of the world. Jesus was the atoning sacrifice for the sins of mankind. Jesus was the way for all of us to be reconciled to God.

Jesus lived perfectly. Jesus died horrifically. Jesus rose triumphantly. Jesus ascended victoriously.

And Jesus will come again! He will split the sky and He will ride in on a white horse. The dead will be raised, and we who are alive and remain will be caught up to meet Him in the air. Once again, everything will change. Forever. Completely. Eternally.

And this can all be traced back to one starry night, in a little town called Bethlehem. In a stable, surrounded by animals who find their origins in Him. Humbly. Unremarkably. Easy to be overlooked. A virgin and her husband. Alone. But in the very presence of Emmanuel; God with us. Their son. The Saviour. The King.

This is Christmas. This is Jesus. This is Life.

Read ‘A Christmas Miracle‘ here.

Do Not Be Intimidated

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My dear friends, what an incredible hour we live in! It is no exaggeration to say that the Church is now the last ray of hope for a planet that hell is trying to take over and control. And yet, when I listened to the voice of the Holy Spirit, I hear him thundering out the battle cry of God, “Do not be intimidated!”

I want to declare right at the beginning that at no time am I referring to people, politicians, or movements of any kind. I speak about a spiritual warfare!

Ephesians 6:12 (NKJV) For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

But in order to control this planet, Satan and his hordes must first intimidate its people into a conformity and submission to his own agenda. Satan cannot rule the minds of those he does not first intimidate! But the blood-bought, Holy Spirit empowered Church of royal sons and daughters now raises its voice to loudly declare, “We will not be intimidated!”

We speak it into the cosmos, we speak it into the heavens, we speak it into the unseen spirit-realm! “We will not be intimidated!” Why? Because Jesus has made us a promise:

John 14:27 (NKJV) “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

The dictionary tells us that ‘peace’ is “freedom of the mind from annoyance, distraction, anxiety, intimidation or obsession; to be in a state of tranquillity; serenity, of mind.”

Take note of ‘freedom of the mind’. My friends, there is a spirit let loose in our planet right now that seeks to imprison the minds of God’s people. It seeks to rob us of our peace, our faith, our initiative, and our boldness of spirit.

You have to see what is behind it: Satan fears you! He fears the initiatives of faith and conquest that God is giving His people to possess in their vocations, their places of influence, their cities, and their nations. He fears the initiative of God in YOU!

And so, he has let loose the spirit of intimidation. Which he must first establish in order to impose a spirit of manipulation and control. Your spirit, your heart, cannot be manipulated and controlled unless you have first been intimidated. But Jesus has powerfully declared that we are not subject to that spirit.

John 8:36 (NKJV) Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.

Spiritual freedom is part of our inheritance as a believer.

2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV) For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

The spirit of darkness speaks intimidation to you. But Jesus declares freedom to your spirit, to your heart, and to your mind! Tragically, many Christians today are being subtly affected in both the decisions that they are currently making and the vision that they are embracing for their future… the faith initiatives of tomorrow! Satan’s goal is to shut down your faith initiatives, your spirit of conquest, and the taking of new territory. But he must not succeed!

Let me give you some words that help identify that the spirit of intimidation is at work.

“However!” “But!” “If?” “Maybe?” The introduction of a question, “Has God really said?”

These four words try to qualify that which God has clearly told us to do.

The message I have been given to declare to you today, as a Prophet, is twofold:

  1. Do not be intimidated – in either your present decisions or your future vision.
  2. Realise that any shaking that God does allow, if correctly responded to, will always result in a greater spiritual authority, for the believer, for that church, than previously ever experienced.

Hebrews 12:28 (NKJV) Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.

It is important to understand what this is saying. The Greek word for ‘kingdom’ is the word ‘basiliea’. Literally this means ‘the authority to rule over’. We need to be reminded of the incredible spiritual authority Jesus gave all those who are fully submitted to His own authority.

My friends, the kingdom of God has always, and will always, operate on a very simple principle: “The authority you are under determines the authority you carry”. Every demon of hell knows that!

  • Circumstances do not determine your spiritual authority! (your ‘kingdom’)
  • The opinions of others do not determine your spiritual authority!
  • The prevailing opposition against biblical truth does not determine your spiritual authority!

The kingdom of God CANNOT be shaken. Regularity of meetings for Christian activities may be shaken, perceptions of how we do church in any given season maybe shaken… but the kingdom of God (the authority of Jesus to rule over) can never be shaken!

And if we so choose to walk in daily submission to the lordship of Christ, we also carry an indestructible, undeniable authority that the vast bulk of Christians totally under-estimate.

The degree to which we carry that authority and exercise it effective is now, and will always be, determined by the degree to which we are fully submitted to the lordship of Christ and the truth of His unqualified Word. It is only as our decisions are an obedient extension of Father’s own will and purpose, that His authority is granted to us to execute that task!

But that kingdom authority itself cannot be shaken. We need to be reminded of this today!

The kingdom authority of God that we carry, is eternal, omnipresent, global, and it has existed from before the beginning of time and will continue beyond time as we know it. It emanates from the throne of heaven and fills our hearts by the Holy Spirit. It cannot be shaken! It’s the authority of God, it’s the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ that we carry!

My friends, under the authority of the King, arm yourselves with His written Word and stand tall in the authority He has given you.

 

Watch a four-minute video where David shares about An Indestructible Authority.

 

A United Voice

A United Voice

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A united voice is powerful, whether it is for good or it is for evil. The Bible gives us a clear and contrasting example of both.

THE TOWER OF BABEL

In Genesis chapter 11 we read the story of the Tower of Babel. The starting point for this story was that ‘the whole world had one language and a common speech’ (vs 1). This was God’s intention and it was a good thing. But then man’s desire for self perverted God’s intention.

Genesis 11:4 (NIV) Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves; otherwise we will be scattered over the face of the whole earth.”

There is so much power in a united voice, as we can see by God’s response.

Genesis 11:6-7 (NIV) The Lord said, “If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them. Come, let us go down and confuse their language so they will not understand each other.”

So, God stopped the building of this tower by confusing the language of the people and scattering them all over the earth.

However, the New Testament gives us a very different and wonderful example of the power of a united voice.

THE DAY OF PENTECOST

On the day of Pentecost, the disciples were all together in one place out of obedience to what God had told them to do. This is such a different reason for their unity than the people at the Tower of Babel. And so God blessed them with the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

Acts 2:4 (NIV) All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

The people at the Tower of Babel were trying to build from earth to heaven to make a name for themselves. The people on the day of Pentecost had heaven invade earth, and it was for the spreading of the good news of the name of Jesus Christ!

Everything that happens on earth finds its origin in language, whether it is for good or it is for evil.

In the times we live in, certain people are taking over legislative rule because they have one language and are standing together with a united voice. These people have the same spirit that we see at Babel which means confusion by mixture. The result is an increasingly confused society that is stepping away from the plans of God.

However, it is the church of Jesus Christ that is called to have the greatest united voice. The sad reality is that the church is at risk of losing the battle for influencing society because we have gone quiet and we do not have a clear united voice. If nothing was impossible to the united people at Babel, how much more for the united people of God?

It’s time for the church to find her voice again; a united voice of uncompromising truth! This is what the Holy Spirit yearns to do in us as the Body of Christ.

Listen to Steve’s message on ‘A United Voice’ on Apple Podcasts

 

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Dreams On The Shelf

Dreams On The Shelf

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I have a bowl of coins sitting on the shelf in my cupboard. The coins have value, and I could easily use them, but I stopped carrying them in my purse because they were heavy. I didn’t want my bag to be weighed down. So, there they sit, unused, waiting for someone to pick them up.

Just like these coins, we may have dreams on the shelf or gifts that we have placed on hold. While there are seasons in the Lord when He directs us to wait for certain things to come to fruition, we need to be honest with our hearts. Has God shelved that dream, or have we? Is God asking us to be patient, or has the fear of man, fear of the cost, or other worries and distractions caused us to put God’s calling on the shelf?

Some of you have put aside a dream because it feels too heavy to carry. Perhaps there are gifts and callings that are on hold because it appears they cost too much to use. The responsibility seems weighty, but the Lord says that His burden is easy, and His yoke is light. There is sacrifice involved in carrying out Father’s purposes, but when we lose our life for Christ’s sake, we will find true life in abundance.

Matthew 11:29-30 “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

The Lord declares that it is time to partner with His will and intention. It is time to act. If your gifts are sitting motionless, remember that they have no ability to move on their own. Now is the moment to pick up that gift and allow the Holy Spirit to breathe life into it. Prophesy to those dry bones and see them take form.

One of those coins on their own might not seem like much. But when combined with other coins, there is weightiness and worth. Don’t put those prophetic promptings aside because they seem of little value. Don’t believe the lie of the enemy that what God has for you is only a small thing. God has good and abundant gifts for every believer, and value must be measured in light of eternity, not from a temporal perspective. The worth is not in what we can do; the value is when we surrender as a vessel to be used for His glory.

Hebrews 13:20-21 Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Peter said to the lame man that he didn’t have any silver or gold, but he gave everything he had. He carried the presence and power of the Holy Spirit and saw a miracle take place. As believers, we have each received the gift of the Holy Spirit. Don’t discount what seems to be insignificant. With only a mustard seed of faith you can move mountains!

It is time to take that dream off the shelf.

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Understanding Seasons

Understanding Seasons

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In the natural, we live life differently in summer than we do in winter. We are the same person, but what we wear, where we go, the sports we play, and the holidays we take are all subject to understanding the season we are in.

As the natural seasons significantly impact our lives, so too do the spiritual seasons. The good news is, God doesn’t make the seasons difficult to recognise.

Psalms 1:1-3 (NIV) Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers.

This scripture tells us clearly that you can be a blessed person who meditates on God’s Word day and night, and yet only yield fruit in season. In other words, there are seasons when blessed and biblical people do not see the fruit that they have sown in the form of seed!

And then it goes even deeper by telling us that godly people prosper in whatever they do! Do you see it? You can be in a season that is not producing fruit, and still be prospering in every area of your life. God wants to change the way that we measure outcomes in our lives.

In the natural, a farmer only plants seed in certain seasons. That same farmer also only reaps a harvest in certain seasons. A farmer knows that you don’t plant seeds in harvest season, nor do you harvest a crop in seed time.

Proverbs 20:4 (NIV) Sluggards do not plow in season; so at harvest time they look but find nothing.

If a farmer does not understand what is required in the different seasons, then frustration, disappointment and unfruitfulness is the result. How much more so for the people of God when it comes to kingdom matters! Understanding the seasons is made clear for us in His Word.

Not everything is budding and sprouting new life all the time. Sometimes the season we find ourselves in is a season of preparing the soil, planting the seed, watering the seed and pulling out the weeds. The shift of measurement for many believers is this: These seasons are just as important as the seasons when we see the fruit, and we can prosper in God just as much in these seasons.

Is it possible that at times, the lack of fruit in our lives and ministry is because we have not ploughed in ploughing time? If we don’t plough, we won’t see a harvest. When we don’t plant seeds, there won’t be a harvest. If we don’t water and fertilise the seeds, we won’t see a harvest.

Unless we become people of prayer, we won’t see a harvest of miracles. If we don’t become people of God’s Word, we won’t see a harvest of a transformed mind. Unless we are people of faith, we won’t see a harvest of pleasing God.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV) There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.

Not recognising the season that we are in can be tragic. We all know that King David committed adultery and followed this up with murder. It is one of the most devastating stories in the Bible. But how did it start?

2 Samuel 11:1-2 (NIV) In the spring, at the time when kings go off to war, David sent Joab out with the king’s men and the whole Israelite army. They destroyed the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. But David remained in Jerusalem. One evening David got up from his bed and walked around on the roof of the palace. From the roof he saw a woman bathing. The woman was very beautiful.

David stayed home at a time when kings went off to war. As God’s appointed king, David was meant to be on the battlefield. Instead, he was at home resting. It was in this ‘out of position’ season that David was tempted and made some terrible decisions.

There are obvious indicators for us to recognise the natural season that we are in; we don’t have to strive to work it out. When it’s continually cold, it’s winter. When it’s hot all the time, it’s summer.

In the spiritual, God speaks clearly when we position ourselves to hear His voice. People who humbly surrender to the Lordship of Jesus Christ and continually saturate themselves in the Word will hear the still small voice of the Holy Spirit. Those who have a posture of heart that declares, “Not my will, but yours be done”, will know what season they are in.

If there is any doubt, the greatest way to discover the season is to focus on God. It might take some time, but that is because God is enjoying the time with us and He knows the power of having our attention on Him.

It’s time to be wise discerners of the seasons. Let’s be diligent to do what is needed in the God-ordained season. Understanding seasons empowers us to honour God and to flourish in life.

So, what is it the season for in your life?

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