“but He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you [My lovingkindness and My mercy are more than enough—always available—regardless of the situation]; for [My] power is being perfected [and is completed and shows itself most effectively] in [your] weakness.” Therefore, I will all the more gladly boast in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ [may completely enfold me and] may dwell in me.”

We have need to make time to spend time to connect with the Lord and yield to His purifying and fortifying ready for the new depths, heights and weights of the season to come. 

The grace of the Lord is sufficient and so there is joy in knowing that our greatest weakness is compatible to His greatest strength and is the condition to bring Him to demonstrate His kingdom. 

Our challenge comes when we remain unyielded and therefore become overwhelmed. 

“Do not be overcome and conquered by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

It is in the place of uncertainty and therefore praying in the spirit that the expansion and upsizing of our understanding starts for this new era. 

‘Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit [of whom the oil is a symbol],’ says the Lord of hosts.”

Our outplay and reframing now are significant for consequences in eternity. We have the pressure of tapping into the heavenly view and perspective.

Our faith is to continue to trust what Christ did on the cross. We cannot expect it for a second time it is done.

“and have tasted and consciously experienced the good word of God and the powers of the age (world) to come, and then have fallen away—it is impossible to bring them back again to repentance, since they again nail the Son of God on the cross [for as far as they are concerned, they are treating the death of Christ as if they were not saved by it], and are holding Him up again to public disgrace.”

Jesus is legacy of eternity. It is necessary that we do not get distracted and take our eyes off Him nor take our eyes off what He has called us to do. 

In a change of season God can have a new job and what we carry is different from what previously we had anointing for. We celebrate what we were faithful to and good at for the last season but seek the new call so that we don’t take on false responsibilities now. The new yoke and burden He shares with us. 

That which saps and tires us, makes us anxious and doesn’t sit well now turned from for that which is joy and relief. 

Mantles are put on and taken off according to their right season. It is not about us but about the eternal legacy of Jesus.

God has begun a good work and He will see it to completion. 

However heavy His hand may seem we say ‘yes’. Opportunities will open up. He is faithful.

“Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord [always doing your best and doing more than is needed], being continually aware that your labour [even to the point of exhaustion] in the Lord is not futile nor wasted [it is never without purpose].”

The illustration shows the power of Christ enfolding and clothing us in the Trinity fortifying us to withstand the darkness and emanate light that pushes it back.

Five Scriptures that come to mind:

“but He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you [My lovingkindness and My mercy are more than enough—always available—regardless of the situation]; for [My] power is being perfected [and is completed and shows itself most effectively] in [your] weakness.” Therefore, I will all the more gladly boast in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ [may completely enfold me and] may dwell in me.” ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭12‬:‭9‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“Do not be overcome and conquered by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭21‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“Then he said to me, “This [continuous supply of oil] is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel [prince of Judah], saying, ‘Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit [of whom the oil is a symbol],’ says the Lord of hosts.” Zechariah‬ ‭4‬:‭6‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“and have tasted and consciously experienced the good word of God and the powers of the age (world) to come, and then have fallen away—it is impossible to bring them back again to repentance, since they again nail the Son of God on the cross [for as far as they are concerned, they are treating the death of Christ as if they were not saved by it], and are holding Him up again to public disgrace.” Hebrews‬ ‭6‬:‭5‬-‭6‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord [always doing your best and doing more than is needed], being continually aware that your labour [even to the point of exhaustion] in the Lord is not futile nor wasted [it is never without purpose].” 1 Corinthians‬ ‭15‬:‭58‬ ‭AMP‬‬

The song             He Will Hold Me Fast.         Keith and Kristyn Getty

“After these things I looked, and this is what I saw: a vast multitude which no one could count, [gathered] from every nation and from all the tribes and peoples and languages [of the earth], standing before the throne and before the Lamb (Christ), dressed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands;”

Heaven is intensely belonging together in Christ. 

Standing alone becomes unbearable to us. Not being together brings grief to all as community and oneness is key.

Hell is being disconnected.

We will not survive the next season if we are not together as one. It is what as the body we are called to be with Christ as the head. 

It may cost us to embrace others into our lives and bless them. It is necessary to change the assumptions that it is ‘I’ to that of ‘our, us, we,’

Individualism is a far cry from what God wants His people to be. God can meet all our needs in any given time but not as disconnected. We have to care and relate to one another as human beings and equals.

God is and always has been in communion and community right from His creation in Genesis. 

“Then God said, “Let Us (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) make man in Our image, according to Our likeness [not physical, but a spiritual personality and moral likeness]; and let them have complete authority over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, the cattle, and over the entire earth, and over everything that creeps and crawls on the earth.” So God created man in His own image, in the image and likeness of God He created him; male and female He created them.”

‭‭We all carry part of who God is. We cannot be emotionally removed from our brothers and sisters. We are United in His kingdom. 

“Now this is eternal life: that they may know You, the only true [supreme and sovereign] God, and [in the same manner know] Jesus [as the] Christ whom You have sent.”

“They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.”

Our proximity to Christ demands emotional relationship with each other as we are one in Him. 

If we cannot host each other whatever the cost we cannot host Christ. God’s heart is abundantly generous.

Our responsibility is not just for ourselves but for all we are connected within expanding like ripples on the water to nations. 

Not just for now but for future generations too. 

It is not ok now to lack wisdom or understanding or remain in waiting for others to fulfil responsibilities. It is corporately securing strategies of warfare for a common good. 

The illustration shows multitudes from every tribe and nation before the throne dressed in white and waving palms. Emanating light that pushes back the darkness.

Four Scriptures that come to mind:

“After these things I looked, and this is what I saw: a vast multitude which no one could count, [gathered] from every nation and from all the tribes and peoples and languages [of the earth], standing before the throne and before the Lamb (Christ), dressed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands;” Revelation‬ ‭7‬:‭9‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“Then God said, “Let Us (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) make man in Our image, according to Our likeness [not physical, but a spiritual personality and moral likeness]; and let them have complete authority over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, the cattle, and over the entire earth, and over everything that creeps and crawls on the earth.” So God created man in His own image, in the image and likeness of God He created him; male and female He created them.” Genesis‬ ‭1‬:‭26‬-‭27‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“Now this is eternal life: that they may know You, the only true [supreme and sovereign] God, and [in the same manner know] Jesus [as the] Christ whom You have sent.” John‬ ‭17‬:‭3‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.” John‬ ‭17‬:‭16‬ ‭AMP‬‬

The song            Praise The King.                Corey Voss

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it and indulge it will eat its fruit and bear the consequences of their words.”

We have to be wary of our barbed tongues betraying a critical spirit at heart. 

A separation from Christ who always spoke out in love to redeem not to judge. 

When we are on the offensive we are retaliatory to take out the other before we are taken out. This is where we reap the consequences of our words. 

We are not reflecting or valuing Christ.

Jeremiah was anointed by God to be a prophet to speak words of truth that would break down barriers, destroy and overthrow wrongs but also  sow seeds to rebuild and plant righteousness. 

“See, I have appointed you this day over the nations and over the kingdoms, To uproot and break down, To destroy and to overthrow, To build and to plant.””

There is a spirit, an intention, behind the words we speak that changes the meaning of the same words from implying for example failure, hopelessness or love.

Christ will always imply love. 

It is Christ we need to manifest no other. 

When our words are purified by the fire of God it is God who they represent. 

Those who are in relationship and reflect Christ’s heart will discover that even in times of catastrophe it will evoke the pure, the right response from them  because they are in the ‘whole’, ‘well’ and united place that has been refined by fire. 

We do not have the right or need to be angry in response to what in the world kingdom may seem an injustice. 

In Christ’s kingdom it is to operate from mercy not judgement. This births a righteous response. 

If there is no righteousness there is no peace. If there is no peace there is no joy.

As followers of Christ we have no rights. We died to our rights. His mercy must triumph. 

“For, “The one who wants to enjoy life and see good days [good—whether apparent or not], Must keep his tongue free from evil and his lips from speaking guile (treachery, deceit). He must turn away from wickedness and do what is right. He must search for peace [with God, with self, with others] and pursue it eagerly [actively—not merely desiring it]. For the eyes of the Lord are [looking favourably] upon the righteous (the upright), And His ears are attentive to their prayer (eager to answer), But the face of the Lord is against those who practice evil.”

Instead of crying out for justice we seek to forgive. More so to bless those who have offended or hurt us. God deals from His throne as He will. 

It is not our position to perpetuate indignation and blame. 

“and never return evil for evil or insult for insult [avoid scolding, berating, and any kind of abuse], but on the contrary, give a blessing [pray for one another’s well-being, contentment, and protection]; for you have been called for this very purpose, that you might inherit a blessing [from God that brings well-being, happiness, and protection].”

We live in a culture which enshrines, our opinions are right and we verbally man slaughter others and society.

We live in a culture of entitlement and rights. 

We live in a society who wants compensation at every mistake whether negligent or ignorance or accidental. 

God shows us that His heart is for those who make mistakes for whatever reason, there is no failure only a developmental learning curve to improve our choices. 

The one who had no sin went in silence like a sheep to slaughter. 

“He was oppressed and He was afflicted, Yet He did not open His mouth [to complain or defend Himself]; Like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, And like a sheep that is silent before her shearers, So He did not open His mouth.”

Ours is to pray into and seek God’s redemption. To become the bridge and architects that bring hope for the future in God’s church.

His kingdom must ever expand. There be an increase in His government. 

Therefore seeds must be sown for the future that will grow.

The illustration shows our mouth open for God to remove the barbs from our tongue. Refining it with fire to reflect he heart of Christ and emanate light to push back the darkness.

Five Scriptures that come to mind:

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it and indulge it will eat its fruit and bear the consequences of their words.” Proverbs‬ ‭18‬:‭21‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“See, I have appointed you this day over the nations and over the kingdoms, To uproot and break down, To destroy and to overthrow, To build and to plant.” Jeremiah‬ ‭1‬:‭10‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“He was oppressed and He was afflicted, Yet He did not open His mouth [to complain or defend Himself]; Like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, And like a sheep that is silent before her shearers, So He did not open His mouth.” Isaiah‬ ‭53‬:‭7‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“For, “The one who wants to enjoy life and see good days [good—whether apparent or not], Must keep his tongue free from evil and his lips from speaking guile (treachery, deceit). He must turn away from wickedness and do what is right. He must search for peace [with God, with self, with others] and pursue it eagerly [actively—not merely desiring it]. For the eyes of the Lord are [looking favourably] upon the righteous (the upright), And His ears are attentive to their prayer (eager to answer), But the face of the Lord is against those who practice evil.” ‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭3‬:‭10‬-‭12‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“and never return evil for evil or insult for insult [avoid scolding, berating, and any kind of abuse], but on the contrary, give a blessing [pray for one another’s well-being, contentment, and protection]; for you have been called for this very purpose, that you might inherit a blessing [from God that brings well-being, happiness, and protection].”1 Peter‬ ‭3‬:‭9‬ ‭AMP‬‬

The song          Broken Into Beautiful.                 Hannah Hobbs

“Open my eyes [to spiritual truth] so that I may behold Wonderful things from Your law. I am a stranger on the earth; Do not hide Your commandments from me. My soul is crushed with longing For Your ordinances at all times. Even though princes sit and talk to one another against me, Your servant meditates on Your statutes.”

God sensed in the Spirit is like all that scripture describes Him as. 

The light, the wind, the water, the fire,  the movement, the fire, the noise, the temperature, the smell. 

We learn to identify His signals with experience and it is as individual to each of us as to how we have developed discernment of Him. 

We don’t have to superimpose the natural onto our sense. We have spiritual eyes and ears in our hearts separate from our physical eyes and ears for the natural.

Our Spiritual discernment is but for an invitation to encounter. To get to know and to be able to align with Him.

Both in our personal family and our church family we discover historic generational blessings and curses which become activated in their timing but it has been given to the body of the church authority  to be able to bind and loose. 

“I will give you the keys (authority) of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind [forbid, declare to be improper and unlawful] on earth will have [already] been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose [permit, declare lawful] on earth will have [already] been loosed in heaven.”

Throughout reformations of the church there has been much to celebrate but some things we discover after later layers of revelation and unveiling have been wrongly curtailed. 

The main one being the releasing  of the Holy Spirit with no boundaries. 

Some churches or denominations have cursed that freedom by declaring this far and no further. While God requires total. 

It has come from human error. It has come from Godly men from the past who have sat on seats of authority.

It now has to be our non conformers who recognise and in constructive criticism can turn around this practice for good. The Holy Spirit is needed to lead us through all times.

Discernment and the hand of God together in the right timing is the season we sense. 

Speed to bring fruit and not chaos as the root of the problem is axed. 

The curse that has said this far and no further dispelled to unleash the move of the Holy Spirit of God through His people and body. 

The salt in the bitter water returned to sweet again.  

Corporate agreement is required, to walk out this foundational relationship together to bring liberty.

 We are historically in time but God is outside of time so with our prayers in the Spirit we believe He can activate anew and release freedom and progress. 

“But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light [of God’s precepts], for it is light that makes everything visible.”

The illustration shows the tatters left of churches not being strongly led by the Spirit. The blessing of God’s light upon those that are emanating that light to push back the darkness.

Three Scriptures that come to mind:

“Open my eyes [to spiritual truth] so that I may behold Wonderful things from Your law. I am a stranger on the earth; Do not hide Your commandments from me. My soul is crushed with longing For Your ordinances at all times. Even though princes sit and talk to one another against me, Your servant meditates on Your statutes.” Psalms‬ ‭119‬:‭18‬-‭20‬, ‭23‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“I will give you the keys (authority) of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind [forbid, declare to be improper and unlawful] on earth will have [already] been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose [permit, declare lawful] on earth will have [already] been loosed in heaven.” Matthew‬ ‭16‬:‭19‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light [of God’s precepts], for it is light that makes everything visible.” Ephesians‬ ‭5‬:‭13‬ ‭AMP‬‬

The song              Revelation Song.                  Kari Jobe

“Brothers and sisters, I do not consider that I have made it my own yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the [heavenly] prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

We learn from past experiences in our lives but our focus is not behind but ahead on what is unravelling and being revealed. 

This we set our mind on and it expands our understanding of truth. We are told to ask, seek and knock continuously.

“ Ask and keep on asking and it will be given to you; seek and keep on seeking and you will find; knock and keep on knocking and the door will be opened to you.”

As a Christian we are called not to be satisfied to camp in the past revelations and encounters but to keep pursuing more as it moves forwards, unravels and is revealed. 

It is a season to set our sails to catch the wind of the Spirit and God’s presence as He manifests. Then we can be present and flow into what He is doing.

There is famine in the place that has been left behind and abundance in the new place.  

Being cynical leaves us stagnating in nothing but despair. Having rejected the word and promises of the Lord there is exclusion, no benefits and a sense of being cut off. 

Holding onto hope and promise we are therefore, not left blind to what we believe and not cut off. The Lord never fails to fulfil His promise.

The Holy Spirit can do beyond and more than what our expectations might contain. There are no limits and our question then is; ‘How are you moving Jesus?’ not ‘Will you move?’

With kingdom eyes we see the seed of God’s presence in all situations. 

There are no coincidences but intentional situations. No disappointment.

Disappointments are only when we are separated or removed and no longer in. 

“ I am the true Vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that continues to bear fruit, He [repeatedly] prunes, so that it will bear more fruit [even richer and finer fruit].”

Remaining in Christ we produce the good fruit. We are ‘seated with’, ‘hidden in,’

‘In the dwelling place’.

“I am the Vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in Me and I in him bears much fruit, for [otherwise] apart from Me [that is, cut off from vital union with Me] you can do nothing.”

The wind of the Spirit filling our sails leads us always.

“The wind blows where it wishes and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it is coming from and where it is going; so it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.””

The illustration shows the Holy Spirit wind filling our spiritual sails to push us forward emanating light that pushes back the darkness.

Five Scriptures that come to mind:

“Brothers and sisters, I do not consider that I have made it my own yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the [heavenly] prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians‬ ‭3‬:‭13‬-‭14‬ ‭AMP‬‬

““ Ask and keep on asking and it will be given to you; seek and keep on seeking and you will find; knock and keep on knocking and the door will be opened to you.” Matthew‬ ‭7‬:‭7‬ ‭AMP‬‬

““ I am the true Vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that continues to bear fruit, He [repeatedly] prunes, so that it will bear more fruit [even richer and finer fruit].” ‭‭John‬ ‭15‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“I am the Vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in Me and I in him bears much fruit, for [otherwise] apart from Me [that is, cut off from vital union with Me] you can do nothing.” John‬ ‭15‬:‭5‬, ‭AMP‬‬

“The wind blows where it wishes and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it is coming from and where it is going; so it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” John‬ ‭3‬:‭8‬ ‭AMP‬‬

The song            I Raise a Hallelujah.                      Bethel

“Because you did not serve the Lord your God with joyfulness and gladness of heart, because of the abundance of all things, therefore you shall serve your enemies whom the Lord will send against you, in hunger and thirst, in nakedness, and lacking everything. And he will put a yoke of iron on your neck until he has destroyed you.”

We are told to be joyful as we serve the Lord and this will become testimony of our knowing Him. Therefore to be the opposite we are serving the enemy it is what he would wish of us to bear little fruit of attraction. To not reflect Jesus as our delight and joy.

Our joy is the fruit that enlightens and reveals Christ to others. When we are unresponsive to the fears and woes of the world. Denies our trust in His faithfulness.

Lack of joy actually brings delay to God delivering what He had planned for us. 

“Light is sown [like seed] for the righteous and illuminates their path, And [irrepressible] joy [is spread] for the upright in heart [who delight in His favor and protection]. Rejoice in the Lord, you righteous ones [those whose moral and spiritual integrity places them in right standing with God], And praise and give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name.”

Therefore our joy and gratitude are our weapons of warfare against the attempts of the enemy to rob us of these.

Our enemy attempts to get us so focused on ourselves that it distracts our attention and focus from remaining on the Lord. 

Focusing on Him feeds and motivates us to keep our goal in sight.

“[looking away from all that will distract us and] focusing our eyes on Jesus, who is the Author and Perfecter of faith [the first incentive for our belief and the One who brings our faith to maturity], who for the joy [of accomplishing the goal] set before Him endured the cross, disregarding the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God [revealing His deity, His authority, and the completion of His work].”

Honouring God brings revelation and light. To dishonour spirals into darkness and delays. Not taking responsibility to pursue God’s call or worse running away from it as the story of Jonah portrayed, saps our joy.

We are then out of the Will of God, it saps us and calamities hit. 

“For although they knew God, they did not honour him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened.”

Christ reconciled us to God on the cross. We now have that ministry towards others. To be miserable we would become blunt instruments. 

With Joy we are sharp. Jesus is the object of our joy and delight.  

“All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.”

The illustration shows joyful and gladness as our fruit from abiding in Christ emanating light that pushes back the darkness

Five Scriptures that come to mind:

“Because you did not serve the Lord your God with joyfulness and gladness of heart, because of the abundance of all things, therefore you shall serve your enemies whom the Lord will send against you, in hunger and thirst, in nakedness, and lacking everything. And he will put a yoke of iron on your neck until he has destroyed you.”Deuteronomy‬ ‭28‬:‭47‬-‭48‬ ‭ESV‬‬

“Light is sown [like seed] for the righteous and illuminates their path, And [irrepressible] joy [is spread] for the upright in heart [who delight in His favor and protection]. Rejoice in the Lord, you righteous ones [those whose moral and spiritual integrity places them in right standing with God], And praise and give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name.” Psalms‬ ‭97‬:‭11‬-‭12‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“[looking away from all that will distract us and] focusing our eyes on Jesus, who is the Author and Perfecter of faith [the first incentive for our belief and the One who brings our faith to maturity], who for the joy [of accomplishing the goal] set before Him endured the cross, disregarding the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God [revealing His deity, His authority, and the completion of His work].” Hebrews‬ ‭12‬:‭2‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“For although they knew God, they did not honour him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened.” Romans‬ ‭1‬:‭21‬ ‭ESV‬‬

“All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.” 2 Corinthians‬ ‭5‬:‭18‬, ‭20‬ ‭ESV‬‬

The song                Glorious Day.                                   Passion

“Enlarge the place of your tent, and let the curtains of your habitations be stretched out; do not hold back; lengthen your cords and strengthen your stakes.”

This earth belongs to the Lord and it is time to battle back from the enemy the territory he has  robbed us of.

We are convicted to occupy the land and push the enemy back.  

“If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light about me be night,” even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you.”

God knows us uniquely and being ourselves as He designed is all He desires. 

We grow into who we are. 

“O Lord, you have searched me and known me!”

It is not about us but what we are bringing to the altar as that is for the sake of the body corporately. 

We discover that our reliance need be only upon Him. No other system or individual takes presidency over Him.

We notice in the way Jesus operated there was no formula or fixed method He flowed with the Spirit and voice of the Father only according to the moment and situation presented before Him. Nothing became ritualistic or predisposed but remained spontaneous.

The prerequisite only to abide in me and I in you. 

“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.”

Equally a prerequisite is to read the bible. We miss out on the reality of who God is and what we need to know if we do nor read His word. 

Life with Jesus is always unpredictable apart from the truth that He is always with us. 

Our part is to obey what He asks. 

The illustration shows us in Christ, He in us extending like ripples upon water to the ends of the earth. Emanating light that pushes back the darkness.

Four Scriptures that come to mind:

““Enlarge the place of your tent, and let the curtains of your habitations be stretched out; do not hold back; lengthen your cords and strengthen your stakes.” ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭54‬:‭2‬ ‭ESV‬‬

“If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light about me be night,” even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you.”‭‭Psalm‬ ‭139‬:‭11‬-‭12‬ ‭ESV‬‬

“O Lord, you have searched me and known me!” ‭‭Psalm‬ ‭139‬:‭1‬ ‭ESV‬‬

“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.”John‬ ‭15‬:‭4‬ ‭ESV‬‬

The song       Abide.                              Worship Initiative 

“Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

Our need is for more of Jesus. We are honoured to be able to lavish our love on Him. To sit at His feet is our true attitude of discipleship. To be attentive to Him to the exclusion of all else is our posture of true love and in that place there is a divine exchange where Jesus takes His heart to give to us. 

He came to win our hearts and liberate us. Obedience becomes a natural response with no tussle.

“If you [really] love Me, you will keep and obey My commandments. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), to be with you forever— the Spirit of Truth, whom the world cannot receive [and take to its heart] because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He (the Holy Spirit) remains with you continually and will be in you.”

Love therefore liberates and transforms our lives. 

Jesus has an unfathomable depth of desire for us to know Him far exceeding ours to know Him.

There is a Holy invitation for all of us to draw closer and know Him and in doing so there comes the revelation of who we really are too and that changes everything. We recognise the yearning in Jesus’ heart to be known. 

His desire is for His people to value His heart and have a deep knowing and sharing resulting in closer knowledge of His mystery and beauty.  He is good and has endlessly pursued us since before we were born. 

We are never a failure to Jesus even though we may fail sometimes. 

As we give Him our attention He reveals more of His love for us. 

Nothing is going to remove us from His hands so we can confidently come to Him with all that we are. He knows our whole story and never judges critically. 

We are the focus of His attention and He pours out His love for us. His heart is our prize and our hearts are His prize. The Eden place of safety and union.

Our daily schedule shows who is preeminent in our lives. Who is our priority. Our treasure.

We bathe in all he has blessed us in. 

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.”

The illustration shows Jesus offering us His precious heart that we might know Him fully, reflect Him and emanate light that pushes back the darkness.

Three Scriptures that come to mind:

“Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew‬ ‭11‬:‭28‬ ‭ESV‬‬

““If you [really] love Me, you will keep and obey My commandments. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), to be with you forever— the Spirit of Truth, whom the world cannot receive [and take to its heart] because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He (the Holy Spirit) remains with you continually and will be in you.” ‭‭John‬ ‭14‬:‭15‬-‭17‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.” ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭1‬:‭3‬-‭14‬ ‭ESV‬‬

The song                I Am Loved.               Matt Brock

“So I am well pleased with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, and with difficulties, for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak [in human strength], then I am strong [truly able, truly powerful, truly drawing from God’s strength].”

God is in control of our life ‭‭and when we come to the place where we die to self sufficiency and control and hand over to God’s control we die to self and are born again through our faith in Christ to being alive in Him. 

Death is always a birthing for celebration and moving forward in God’s perfect timing. 

When time is fulfilled in the Uterus the baby dies to it and is birthed into the world and life. 

When we give our lives to Christ we die to darkness and are born again into light. 

When we die to the physical world of our life we are born into eternal life in eternity. 

God’s desire is to make us into the likeness of Jesus Christ.

Though we may go through hard times we shall do so victoriously. 

“And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose. For those whom He foreknew [and loved and chose beforehand], He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son [and ultimately share in His complete sanctification], so that He would be the firstborn [the most beloved and honoured] among many believers.”

There is never failure because as our creator He promises to keep recreating us into ever greater likeness and perfection. 

“But the vessel that he was making from clay was spoiled by the potter’s hand; so he made it over, reworking it and making it into another pot that seemed good to him.”

We are  destined to be individually what collectively He prophesies over His people, Nations into becoming His kingdom. 

God prepares people, places and messages for what He desires to do next. 

“until we all reach oneness in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God, [growing spiritually] to become a mature believer, reaching to the measure of the fullness of Christ [manifesting His spiritual completeness and exercising our spiritual gifts in unity].”

There will be a greater contrast between the world becoming more wicked and the body of Christ more glorious.  

We have to be prepared as there will be troublesome turmoils at the same time as beautiful blessings. 

Just as in the fullness of time God sent Jesus so He too will fulfill His promises to us 

“But when [in God’s plan] the proper time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the [regulations of the] Law,”

The kingdom of the world will become the Kingdom of Jesus Christ. 

Christianity enters its time of not hanging on but maturing, growing up. 

“with regard to the fulfilment of the times [that is, the end of history, the climax of the ages]—to bring all things together in Christ, [both] things in the heavens and things on the earth.”

“And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name inscribed, “KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.”

The illustration shows the King of Kings, Lord of Lords kingdom birthed light pushing back the darkness.

Seven Scriptures that come to mind:

“So I am well pleased with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, and with difficulties, for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak [in human strength], then I am strong [truly able, truly powerful, truly drawing from God’s strength].” ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭12‬:‭10‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose. For those whom He foreknew [and loved and chose beforehand], He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son [and ultimately share in His complete sanctification], so that He would be the firstborn [the most beloved and honoured] among many believers.” Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭28‬-‭29‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“But the vessel that he was making from clay was spoiled by the potter’s hand; so he made it over, reworking it and making it into another pot that seemed good to him.” Jeremiah‬ ‭18‬:‭4‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“until we all reach oneness in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God, [growing spiritually] to become a mature believer, reaching to the measure of the fullness of Christ [manifesting His spiritual completeness and exercising our spiritual gifts in unity].” Ephesians‬ ‭4‬:‭13‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“But when [in God’s plan] the proper time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the [regulations of the] Law,”‭‭Galatians‬ ‭4‬:‭4‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“with regard to the fulfillment of the times [that is, the end of history, the climax of the ages]—to bring all things together in Christ, [both] things in the heavens and things on the earth.” ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭1‬:‭10‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name inscribed, “KING OF KINGS, AND Lord OF LORDS.” Revelation‬ ‭19‬:‭16‬ ‭AMP‬‬

The song               King Of My Heart.                         Kutless

“And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”

We are in a time of sensing strongly that we hold onto the line of our faith tightly but equally to be at the ready to push in God’s timing to birth and create what He is doing. 

We have to allow ourselves to go through a process that will create a space for Jesus to do the impossible.

Similar to where Paul and Silas endured prison praising God whilst God manifest the earthquake which released the prison doors then they led the guard and his family to faith and belief in Jesus. 

“and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s bonds were unfastened. Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.””

There are reported places where God is moving amongst younger generations now, in the Asbury and other college campuses, in America and also in our Cities. Many in this age category encountering and turning round towards Jesus.

The response seems a gentle ripple but one that has the value of not damaging as it is to be one that continues on not a short lived phenomenon. 

Pushing out of timing and too strongly can be damaging in natural birth and equally in this spiritual birthing. 

The journey that saves a prophesied billion and more souls is one that only belief in Jesus can fulfil and them compelled to turn from their sin.

 The name Jesus means, He saves, that is His function and purpose. 

He is the Light to dispel darkness. 

“She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”

The life of God is within us to be encountered moment by moment. 

Jesus creates that capacity so that we are not defined by the narrative of the world but by Him. 

Our Spiritual intelligence births our redemption. Births God’s intentions from the beginning .

“As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.”

God works everything for good even that which the enemy intended for evil. God turns it around.

‭‭All of us individually and collectively are under assault and spiritual attack. When we are aware of this we see our need for Jesus not religion.

Our Lord reigns victorious. He leads us to conquer. He empowers us to win. His Will is for our victory. Our worship evokes His presence.

The illustration shows birthing the light of the gospel in newer generations. Pushing through in God’s timing creating space for Jesus to do the impossible. His light pushing back the darkness.

Four Scriptures that come to mind:

“And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” 2 Cor 4: 3-4 ESV

“and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s bonds were unfastened. Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭16‬:‭26‬, ‭30‬-‭31‬ ‭ESV‬‬

“She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew‬ ‭1‬:‭21‬ ‭ESV‬‬

“As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.”‭‭Genesis‬ ‭50‬:‭20‬ ‭ESV‬‬

The song              Touch Of Heaven.                       Hillsong

“The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad; the desert shall rejoice and blossom like the crocus; it shall blossom abundantly and rejoice with joy and singing. ”

Any personal liberation and breakthrough is never meant for us alone but for the corporate body. 

We have a tendency towards small mindedness relative to God’s angle. He will see all that has become parched blossoming again. However what we agree with is key.

That which God blesses us with we have need to back enthusiastically and speak into being with our agreement whilst equally we have to stop cursing ourselves with words of negativity from the enemy.

The enemy’s ploy is to intimidate and cause us to back down, to confuse us into poor decision making, manipulation by distorting how we receive and deception where he gives false examples and revelation of how we bow down and worship false gods and idols. 

False gods cannot protect what we value. God has to send plagues and undo order to regain our attention.

 When in scripture it says He hardens His heart it can be translated as strengthens His heart, a conviction to gain our misdirected attention. 

God of order will allow chaos for our discovery and to be liberated.

It seems strange that He can be answering our prayers by creating chaos and battle zones! 

His weight in the midst has to be discerned and we need Holy Spirit wisdom to act in accordance. Therefore to not be praying against His move. 

Our prayers are described as incense captured in golden bowls in heaven.

“And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.”

The prayers are described as being burned with holy fire and as such they are purified and give a fragrance to the atmosphere. 

“and the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, rose before God from the hand of the angel.”

The angels cast them back to earth as descending fire upon the enemy. 

“Then the angel took the censer and filled it with fire from the altar and threw it on the earth, and there were peals of thunder, rumblings, flashes of lightning, and an earthquake.”

Our prayers hold a power beyond our comprehension in the spiritual warfare that is ensuing. 

Often we spend time praying and asking God for what is already a foregone in His promises and word and we miss discerning the prayers that He can weaponise.

 Or we, in lack of wisdom, are countering what it is God’s will to accomplish. 

Hence the importance of being Spirit and Word led in our communications and prayers. Aligned with His heart and not distracted by our own soul thoughts in our relationship. 

We pray in the Spirit. 

Our weapon against darkness is to be light. To dress in light and be energised by light is our warfare to dispelling the enemy darkness. 

“The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armour of light.”

The illustration shows the golden bowl of our prayers as incense in heaven burned by God’s holy fire as weapons of spiritual warfare to emanate light that ‭‭pushes back the darkness.

Five Scriptures that come to mind:

“The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad; the desert shall rejoice and blossom like the crocus; it shall blossom abundantly and rejoice with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the majesty of Carmel and Sharon. They shall see the glory of the Lord, the majesty of our God.” ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭35‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭ESV‬‬

“And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.”Revelation‬ ‭5‬:‭8‬ ‭ESV‬‬

“and the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, rose before God from the hand of the angel.” Revelation‬ ‭8‬:‭4‬ ‭ESV‬‬

“Then the angel took the censer and filled it with fire from the altar and threw it on the earth, and there were peals of thunder, rumblings, flashes of lightning, and an earthquake.” ‭‭Revelation‬ ‭8‬:‭5‬ ‭ESV‬‬

“The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armour of light.” Romans‬ ‭13‬:‭12‬ ‭ESV‬‬

The song               Holy Fire.                           Bayside Worship

“Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labour in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.”

Recently we have witnessed beautiful manifestations of the Aurora Borealis lights over more of our skies than usual and yet they could have been easily missed had not the eye been sensitive to what to see, or the wrong direction scanned or we have been in ignorance of the alert to observe. 

Regardless of our witness and participation, they were manifest and there.

Our expectation and anticipation created a hunger in us to go out and seek and watch.  

God’s spirit is present and manifesting always. 

Our expectation and conviction at this time motivates us to be alerted to God moving.  God is almost awakening us and giving us permission to see the release of His glory in tangible ways. Training us to see His Spirit on the move. 

We sense God’s desire to break out in the younger generations and perhaps why a move had been observed in Asbury university campus spreading to others. It being exposed to more than just church goers. It captivating the next generation. Those who need to witness God’s presence and feel His glory. To be convicted.

There is momentum to be carried as fires break out in varying places. 

God is moving, it is no longer when but now and our request is to be sensitised to witness how.

The location may be extending to younger generations but the recognition and discipline is still going to involve and be in the mature with experience and trainings to fall back upon.

We carry the presence of God in us.

 God breaks chains as He moves. 

He is pouring out His Spirit in all places even though we may not be seeing it. 

He never stops. 

His river never stops flowing. We have authority to keep to the fore of the wave even though the enemy prefers us to wait and be at risk of delaying or missing the move. 

It is interesting that the moving is gentle and more sustainable. Appearing more fluid and ready to spread as opposed to being confined in one area as many historic revivals have been.  

We are within something new requiring close, sensitive scrutiny observance and obedience.

The light of the Spirit moving sheds exposure and scatters some but gathers and directs others. 

It is good to see clarity in what we have been deluded by. 

To feel no longer tolerant of what no longer works and has spread disillusionment.

We are being given fresh eyes to refresh our thinking and prayer. 

To be able to partner with God’s spirit with new impetus. 

To take our stand on the mark drawn on the sand. 

To push through in our quest to expose the failure of the enemy.

To recognise failure has not been ours.  

What the Lord builds is never in vain. 

The illustration shows the Lord moving in the Spirit in the speed of White light visible to the discerning eye in His beauty and splendour as with the Aurora Borealis in the skies. Emanating light that pushes back the darkness.

One Scriptures that come to mind:

“Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labour in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.” Psalm‬ ‭127‬:‭1‬ ‭ESV‬‬

The song              I Am Not My Own              Keith and Kristyn Getty

 “If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here.”

Discernment is required to distinguish sometimes between what is good and what is God. We could be led astray by good ideas. We have to have determination to devoting our pursuit of the Holy Spirit wisdom. That our decision making comes from being led by the Spirit realm and not the soul. 

“Then he said to me, “ Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.”

Submitting to the Spirit realm’s perspective in heaven has a creative rhythm and frequency. 

In the world realm the atmosphere is filled with real radio and frequency wave lengths which remain invisible to us with the naked eye, they are hidden. As are so many frequencies in the Spirit realm.  

““Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!””

This is but one portal to His presence, connecting in stillness but we are in error if we believe this to be the only way. We see in scripture evidence of roaring winds, blinding light, explosive sound of tongues and other extremes descriptive as a divine experience of presence and glory preluding courage, strength, revelation. 

God’s clapping draws us into a different rhythm

““As for you, son of man, prophesy. Clap your hands and let the sword come down twice, yes, three times, the sword for those to be slain. It is the sword for the great slaughter, which surrounds them,”

God evokes our emotions and satisfies His own in clapping His hands or beating His fists. 

He expands our understanding and releases a freedom in multifaceted ways. 

“I also will clap my hands, and I will satisfy my fury; I the Lord have spoken.””

There is a physical response attached to a new breakthrough. A new way to confuse the enemy and reopen the wells and access. 

Corporate responses to the frequencies detected in heaven anoint and move beyond our understanding in warfare. 

“The lion has roared; who will not fear? The Lord God has spoken; who can but prophesy?””

The atmosphere is changed to wonder and trembling and intimidation. Dignity has to be abandoned as false if we truly submit to the Spirit.

We can no longer just submit to the attributes that make us feel comfortable and safe. That shuts down how He wants to turn up.

We have to destroy all containing barriers and release our submitted spirit. 

The illustration shows God’s hands clapping the new rhythm in the Spirit the frequency and cadence for now emanating light and vibration into the atmosphere that pushes back the darkness.

Six Scriptures that come to mind:

“When the people heard this disastrous word, they mourned, and no one put on his ornaments. And he said to him, “If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here.” ‭‭Exodus‬ ‭33‬:‭4‬, ‭15‬ ‭ESV‬‬

“Then he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.” ‭‭Zechariah‬ ‭4‬:‭6‬ ‭ESV‬‬

““Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” ‭‭Psalm‬ ‭46‬:‭ 10 ESV

““As for you, son of man, prophesy. Clap your hands and let the sword come down twice, yes, three times, the sword for those to be slain. It is the sword for the great slaughter, which surrounds them,” Ezekiel‬ ‭21‬:‭14‬ ‭ESV‬‬

“I also will clap my hands, and I will satisfy my fury; I the Lord have spoken.” ‭‭Ezekiel‬ ‭21‬:‭17‬ ‭ESV‬‬

“The lion has roared; who will not fear? The Lord God has spoken; who can but prophesy?” Amos‬ ‭3‬:‭8‬ ‭ESV‬‬

The song           This Is Amazing Grace.                     Phil Wickham