This is a recording of live intercession for the USA at the Freedom Prayer Room, recorded 02/15/09. If you like this podcast please download it for free and join us in prayer and stand in the gap for our nation!
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Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Saturday, February 14, 2009
The Vision: It’s Time to Run
Then the LORD answered me and said: “Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it. - Habakkuk 2:2
February 14, 2009
How the Word Came:
On Sunday night, a lady in the prayer room started prophesying, saying “it’s time to run! There’s not time to walk, it’s time to run, we have to run!” I wasn’t there but this lady is a relative of mine that typically doesn’t prophesy too often so my interest was peaked about what God was saying. The next night, on the way to church the Lord began to reveal more of His vision for me. After the service, the pastor made a chance for me to receive prayer from Prophet George Moss. I told George some new things were coming and all I keep hearing form the Lord is to step out in faith. I told him my concern was stepping out too far in front of God. He gave me a word saying the Lord is leading me out by His word and that I am not stepping out on my own but rather the Lord is leading me out. As excited as I was, this wasn’t the only word I would receive this week!
Through a couple of emails I kept reading Habakkuk 2:2 and while it got my attention I didn’t really put too much thought in it. Last night, a great man of God who the Lord is beginning to use in a mighty way (who I knew of but just got to talk to this week in regards to Jesus), gave me that same scripture and said he felt like it was for me. Now God had my attention! I starting thinking, Lord what are You trying to say with this scripture? What do you want me to do?
In the prayer closet today the Lord gave me the revelation! THANK YOU JESUS! It brought back into remembrance a series of visions He gave me around early spring 2008 and showed me it is now time to run with it.
ISAIAH 58 – The Blueprint
The Lord showed me a red banner with Isaiah 58 written in white letters being raised. To be honest I was afraid because every time I’ve read Isaiah 58 prior to this I felt the powerful fear of the lord but this time was different. The Lord started showing me a blueprint or roadmap in this chapter.
In Isaiah 58 the Lord tells His people that if they turn from their wicked ways and do good, their darkness will be as the noonday sun and He will make them like a watered garden. The Lord doesn’t say here I will make you like a watered garden and then you will do good, He says if you do good I will make you like a watered garden!
What the Lord is saying for the church now is turn from your wicked ways such as pointing fingers, speaking wickedness, bickering, & gossip (v. 9), its time to step out in faith and do the good we are called to do such as feed the hungry, satisfy the afflicted soul, loose the bonds of wickedness, and lead people to righteousness and He will show up!
The Lord is saying if you step out on faith I will show up! If you step out in faith I will make you like a water garden bearing much good fruit. Rivers of living water will flow from you and spring up into life not only for you but for those around you!
IT HAS ALREADY STARTED!!!
“And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen. (Mark 16:20).”
The Lord is raising up people everywhere, from every age group, from every background, who are willing to step out on faith! Like the early church, He is confirming the word through accompanying signs!
It’s only February but so far this year has been filled with testimony after testimony about how He is using nameless faceless people you never heard of to witness, heal, and deliver! We are living in an amazing time!
DON’T MISS IT!!!
The Lord is moving, don’t miss it! Don’t let the enemy tell you or use others to tell you that you are being prideful, that you are not good enough, that you’re too young or old, or you didn’t go to Bible school, etc! They did the same thing to David before he was used by God to slay the giant (1 Samuel 17:28-53)!
“26 For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. 27 But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; 28 and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, 29 that no flesh should glory in His presence. 30 But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption— 31 that, as it is written, “He who glories, let him glory in the LORD (1 Corinthians 1:26-31).”
Isaiah 61 – The Spirit of the Lord is Upon Me
After the banner of Isaiah 58 was raised and planted I saw another banner being raised. This banner looked like the first one except written on it was Isaiah 61. The Lord then told me after His people step out in faith for a time He will powerfully anoint them and send them out as in Isaiah 61.
“And they shall rebuild the old ruins, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the ruined cities, the desolations of many generations (v. 4).”
“For as the earth brings forth its bud, as the garden causes the things that are sown in it to spring forth, so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations (v.11).”
Torchbearers are being sent forth!
The Lord told us regarding the Lions of Christ, “the only two things you need to teach people is that it’s time to mobilize the church and that everything they need is found in My presence.”
The Lord is now showing me that He is sending out several torchbearers to mobilize the church, to spread the message, to preach His word in order to rally the troops so to speak. These torchbearers are like Paul Reveres being sent out proclaiming “the Lord is coming, the Lord is coming!” They are being sent to alert, impart, & commission hungry believers to His call! These are the ones the Lord is using to write the vision and make it plain so that those who read it will run with it!
Then the LORD answered me and said: “Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it. - Habakkuk 2:2
One foot in front of the other!
The Lord kept showing me legs walking, one foot in front of the other. What He was showing me was that the leg that was in front now moves to the back to hold and stabilize the weight of the body while the leg that was behind moves forward and steps into new territory!
As these torchbearers step out in front to commission believers, the leg that was out in front is moving to the back to hold the weight of the church. The Lord showed me this to will happen to the torchbearers. As believers are raised up through them, they will eventually be that back foot holding the weight of the Bride as the other foot moves another step closer to her King! This time will be a time of rest and stability for the initial torchbearers as they begin to take positions in church governments.
Humility is the key here! We must not be self-centered but kingdom minded. We must do what we can to support what the Lord is doing no matter who He uses!
Prayer:
I pray that this word be true to you, that it blesses you. I pray that the Lord keeps you in His will that you may full of the fruits of righteousness which are by Christ Jesus to the praise & glory of God the Father in Jesus’ precious name! AMEN!
God bless,
Mike Thompson,
Lions of Christ
February 14, 2009
How the Word Came:
On Sunday night, a lady in the prayer room started prophesying, saying “it’s time to run! There’s not time to walk, it’s time to run, we have to run!” I wasn’t there but this lady is a relative of mine that typically doesn’t prophesy too often so my interest was peaked about what God was saying. The next night, on the way to church the Lord began to reveal more of His vision for me. After the service, the pastor made a chance for me to receive prayer from Prophet George Moss. I told George some new things were coming and all I keep hearing form the Lord is to step out in faith. I told him my concern was stepping out too far in front of God. He gave me a word saying the Lord is leading me out by His word and that I am not stepping out on my own but rather the Lord is leading me out. As excited as I was, this wasn’t the only word I would receive this week!
Through a couple of emails I kept reading Habakkuk 2:2 and while it got my attention I didn’t really put too much thought in it. Last night, a great man of God who the Lord is beginning to use in a mighty way (who I knew of but just got to talk to this week in regards to Jesus), gave me that same scripture and said he felt like it was for me. Now God had my attention! I starting thinking, Lord what are You trying to say with this scripture? What do you want me to do?
In the prayer closet today the Lord gave me the revelation! THANK YOU JESUS! It brought back into remembrance a series of visions He gave me around early spring 2008 and showed me it is now time to run with it.
ISAIAH 58 – The Blueprint
The Lord showed me a red banner with Isaiah 58 written in white letters being raised. To be honest I was afraid because every time I’ve read Isaiah 58 prior to this I felt the powerful fear of the lord but this time was different. The Lord started showing me a blueprint or roadmap in this chapter.
In Isaiah 58 the Lord tells His people that if they turn from their wicked ways and do good, their darkness will be as the noonday sun and He will make them like a watered garden. The Lord doesn’t say here I will make you like a watered garden and then you will do good, He says if you do good I will make you like a watered garden!
What the Lord is saying for the church now is turn from your wicked ways such as pointing fingers, speaking wickedness, bickering, & gossip (v. 9), its time to step out in faith and do the good we are called to do such as feed the hungry, satisfy the afflicted soul, loose the bonds of wickedness, and lead people to righteousness and He will show up!
The Lord is saying if you step out on faith I will show up! If you step out in faith I will make you like a water garden bearing much good fruit. Rivers of living water will flow from you and spring up into life not only for you but for those around you!
IT HAS ALREADY STARTED!!!
“And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen. (Mark 16:20).”
The Lord is raising up people everywhere, from every age group, from every background, who are willing to step out on faith! Like the early church, He is confirming the word through accompanying signs!
It’s only February but so far this year has been filled with testimony after testimony about how He is using nameless faceless people you never heard of to witness, heal, and deliver! We are living in an amazing time!
DON’T MISS IT!!!
The Lord is moving, don’t miss it! Don’t let the enemy tell you or use others to tell you that you are being prideful, that you are not good enough, that you’re too young or old, or you didn’t go to Bible school, etc! They did the same thing to David before he was used by God to slay the giant (1 Samuel 17:28-53)!
“26 For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. 27 But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; 28 and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, 29 that no flesh should glory in His presence. 30 But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption— 31 that, as it is written, “He who glories, let him glory in the LORD (1 Corinthians 1:26-31).”
Isaiah 61 – The Spirit of the Lord is Upon Me
After the banner of Isaiah 58 was raised and planted I saw another banner being raised. This banner looked like the first one except written on it was Isaiah 61. The Lord then told me after His people step out in faith for a time He will powerfully anoint them and send them out as in Isaiah 61.
“And they shall rebuild the old ruins, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the ruined cities, the desolations of many generations (v. 4).”
“For as the earth brings forth its bud, as the garden causes the things that are sown in it to spring forth, so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations (v.11).”
Torchbearers are being sent forth!
The Lord told us regarding the Lions of Christ, “the only two things you need to teach people is that it’s time to mobilize the church and that everything they need is found in My presence.”
The Lord is now showing me that He is sending out several torchbearers to mobilize the church, to spread the message, to preach His word in order to rally the troops so to speak. These torchbearers are like Paul Reveres being sent out proclaiming “the Lord is coming, the Lord is coming!” They are being sent to alert, impart, & commission hungry believers to His call! These are the ones the Lord is using to write the vision and make it plain so that those who read it will run with it!
Then the LORD answered me and said: “Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it. - Habakkuk 2:2
One foot in front of the other!
The Lord kept showing me legs walking, one foot in front of the other. What He was showing me was that the leg that was in front now moves to the back to hold and stabilize the weight of the body while the leg that was behind moves forward and steps into new territory!
As these torchbearers step out in front to commission believers, the leg that was out in front is moving to the back to hold the weight of the church. The Lord showed me this to will happen to the torchbearers. As believers are raised up through them, they will eventually be that back foot holding the weight of the Bride as the other foot moves another step closer to her King! This time will be a time of rest and stability for the initial torchbearers as they begin to take positions in church governments.
Humility is the key here! We must not be self-centered but kingdom minded. We must do what we can to support what the Lord is doing no matter who He uses!
Prayer:
I pray that this word be true to you, that it blesses you. I pray that the Lord keeps you in His will that you may full of the fruits of righteousness which are by Christ Jesus to the praise & glory of God the Father in Jesus’ precious name! AMEN!
God bless,
Mike Thompson,
Lions of Christ
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Surrender: The Key to Transformation
A friend told me one time that the Lord spoke to him and said, “Victory is in surrender.” This revelation changed the way I started to look at things. I no longer needed to strive per se but rather I needed to position myself to what God was trying to do in my life.
I quickly learned how effective a simple prayer can be when I prayed: “Lord, I don’t know what You’re doing to me but I trust You and surrender to whatever Your doing in my life. My flesh may not like it but my spirit is more than willing, do with me as You will in Jesus’ name!”
Sometimes we don’t understand what the Lord is doing in our lives but we don’t have to, all we have to do is trust Him!
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths (Proverbs 3:5-6).”
Most of us seek the Lord for greater transformation, healing or deliverance in some area of our lives and understand this process is done through the Spirit of Lord.
“Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 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 ( 2 Corinthians 3:17-18).”
What most of us seem to forget in the process of transformation is that how long the process takes usually depends on us. The more we surrender to Him and let go of ourselves, the more He will transform us. I will close this lesson with the words of John the Baptist, “He must increase, but I must decrease (John 3:30).”
I quickly learned how effective a simple prayer can be when I prayed: “Lord, I don’t know what You’re doing to me but I trust You and surrender to whatever Your doing in my life. My flesh may not like it but my spirit is more than willing, do with me as You will in Jesus’ name!”
Sometimes we don’t understand what the Lord is doing in our lives but we don’t have to, all we have to do is trust Him!
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths (Proverbs 3:5-6).”
Most of us seek the Lord for greater transformation, healing or deliverance in some area of our lives and understand this process is done through the Spirit of Lord.
“Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 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 ( 2 Corinthians 3:17-18).”
What most of us seem to forget in the process of transformation is that how long the process takes usually depends on us. The more we surrender to Him and let go of ourselves, the more He will transform us. I will close this lesson with the words of John the Baptist, “He must increase, but I must decrease (John 3:30).”
The Power of Culture
Here are some of the definitions of culture from dictionary.com:
“The totality of socially transmitted behavior patterns, arts, beliefs, institutions, and all other products of human work and thought.”
“The predominating attitudes and behavior that characterize the functioning of a group or organization.”
“These patterns, traits, and products considered as the expression of a particular period, class, community, or population: Edwardian culture; Japanese culture; the culture of poverty.”
“These patterns, traits, and products considered with respect to a particular category, such as a field, subject, or mode of expression: religious culture in the Middle Ages; musical culture; oral culture.”
Here is a definition of subculture from dictionary.com:
“a group having social, economic, ethnic, or other traits distinctive enough to distinguish it from others within the same culture or society.”
How Cultures are formed:
Once we are born into a culture we are exposed to precepts that shape our thoughts, feelings, emotions, values, morals, and actions. Cultures are typically formed in two ways. First, culture is shaped by a few powerful people that have or had great influence over their society and that influence while it may be changed, typically in some form or another is passed down from generation to generation. We see this in governments, institutions, & societal traditions.
Secondly, culture is shaped by a subculture, a small group, or remnant of people that gain influence over others in society. We see this in many social movements such as the “hippie” movement in the 60’s. MTV started as a small cable music network playing music videos 24 hours a day to a media conglomerate which great social influence.
How the kingdom of heaven is formed on the earth:
“Another parable He spoke to them: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal till it was all leavened (Matthew 13:33).”
“And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’ Amen (Matthew 28:18-20).”
It’s pretty clear that we are supposed to take what Jesus taught us into the world and to change until the day of His return but in order to do this accurately we must first learn what the kingdom of heaven is.
What is the culture of the kingdom of God?
“For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17).”
“Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10).”
We can say that kingdom culture is heaven’s culture. Anything you read in the Bible about the kingdom of heaven (with the exception of Lucifer’s fall of course), is what God wants on earth.
Walking in the Spirit at an individual level expands the kingdom!
We don’t walk in the Spirit only for ourselves but also for others!
What part do we play in changing lives?
"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven (Matthew 5:14-16).”
People seek either what is missing in their lives or to be free from what is in their lives. Many in the church are right with God through the blood of Jesus but much fewer are in peace & joy in the Holy Spirit. How can the world be convinced through us if we are still in bondage through the works of the flesh?
“Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God (Galatians 5:19-21).”
If we want to be a light unto the world as He was, we must walk in love and His Spirit.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).”
“By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another (John 13:35).”
If we walk in love and the fruit of the Spirit, we will go to people (led by the Spirit) or they will come to us (convicted by the Spirit) seeking how to fill an empty void or how to get free. We then lead them to Him and the Spirit does the rest. This is how the kingdom is spread through us individually.
Promoting kingdom culture corporately not only expands the kingdom but changes lives!
Just as any well run organization knows, corporate culture is the foundation in which actions, expectations, and behaviors are set. As our congregations are called to represent the kingdom, the corporate culture of our congregations should also accurately reflect kingdom culture.
As leaders we should evaluate our congregations to see if we are accurately representing kingdom culture, values, and principles. We should ask ourselves questions like are lives being changed? Are believers being transformed into the image of Christ? Are they walking in the works of flesh or fruit of the Spirit? Is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit found here? Are we fulfilling the call He has put on our ministry?
We must also remember that we must be led by the Holy Spirit at all times, making ourselves available and positioning ourselves to what God is doing.
“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God (Romans 8:14).”
The bottom line is that if we want lives to change we must give the Spirit of the Lord freedom to do what He wants to do even if we don’t understand it. He is the one that truly changes lives and we should do whatever we can to preserves, promote, and facilitate His work through us.
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5).”
“Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 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 ( 2 Corinthians 3:17-18).”
Prayer:
I am blessed that you took the time to read this teaching. I pray that the Father of Glory will bless you will wisdom, understanding, peace, joy, and boldness in order to not only allow Him to transform your life but the lives of those around you in the name of His precious son, Lord Jesus Christ! AMEN!
“The totality of socially transmitted behavior patterns, arts, beliefs, institutions, and all other products of human work and thought.”
“The predominating attitudes and behavior that characterize the functioning of a group or organization.”
“These patterns, traits, and products considered as the expression of a particular period, class, community, or population: Edwardian culture; Japanese culture; the culture of poverty.”
“These patterns, traits, and products considered with respect to a particular category, such as a field, subject, or mode of expression: religious culture in the Middle Ages; musical culture; oral culture.”
Here is a definition of subculture from dictionary.com:
“a group having social, economic, ethnic, or other traits distinctive enough to distinguish it from others within the same culture or society.”
How Cultures are formed:
Once we are born into a culture we are exposed to precepts that shape our thoughts, feelings, emotions, values, morals, and actions. Cultures are typically formed in two ways. First, culture is shaped by a few powerful people that have or had great influence over their society and that influence while it may be changed, typically in some form or another is passed down from generation to generation. We see this in governments, institutions, & societal traditions.
Secondly, culture is shaped by a subculture, a small group, or remnant of people that gain influence over others in society. We see this in many social movements such as the “hippie” movement in the 60’s. MTV started as a small cable music network playing music videos 24 hours a day to a media conglomerate which great social influence.
How the kingdom of heaven is formed on the earth:
“Another parable He spoke to them: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal till it was all leavened (Matthew 13:33).”
“And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’ Amen (Matthew 28:18-20).”
It’s pretty clear that we are supposed to take what Jesus taught us into the world and to change until the day of His return but in order to do this accurately we must first learn what the kingdom of heaven is.
What is the culture of the kingdom of God?
“For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17).”
“Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10).”
We can say that kingdom culture is heaven’s culture. Anything you read in the Bible about the kingdom of heaven (with the exception of Lucifer’s fall of course), is what God wants on earth.
Walking in the Spirit at an individual level expands the kingdom!
We don’t walk in the Spirit only for ourselves but also for others!
What part do we play in changing lives?
"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven (Matthew 5:14-16).”
People seek either what is missing in their lives or to be free from what is in their lives. Many in the church are right with God through the blood of Jesus but much fewer are in peace & joy in the Holy Spirit. How can the world be convinced through us if we are still in bondage through the works of the flesh?
“Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God (Galatians 5:19-21).”
If we want to be a light unto the world as He was, we must walk in love and His Spirit.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).”
“By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another (John 13:35).”
If we walk in love and the fruit of the Spirit, we will go to people (led by the Spirit) or they will come to us (convicted by the Spirit) seeking how to fill an empty void or how to get free. We then lead them to Him and the Spirit does the rest. This is how the kingdom is spread through us individually.
Promoting kingdom culture corporately not only expands the kingdom but changes lives!
Just as any well run organization knows, corporate culture is the foundation in which actions, expectations, and behaviors are set. As our congregations are called to represent the kingdom, the corporate culture of our congregations should also accurately reflect kingdom culture.
As leaders we should evaluate our congregations to see if we are accurately representing kingdom culture, values, and principles. We should ask ourselves questions like are lives being changed? Are believers being transformed into the image of Christ? Are they walking in the works of flesh or fruit of the Spirit? Is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit found here? Are we fulfilling the call He has put on our ministry?
We must also remember that we must be led by the Holy Spirit at all times, making ourselves available and positioning ourselves to what God is doing.
“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God (Romans 8:14).”
The bottom line is that if we want lives to change we must give the Spirit of the Lord freedom to do what He wants to do even if we don’t understand it. He is the one that truly changes lives and we should do whatever we can to preserves, promote, and facilitate His work through us.
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5).”
“Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 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 ( 2 Corinthians 3:17-18).”
Prayer:
I am blessed that you took the time to read this teaching. I pray that the Father of Glory will bless you will wisdom, understanding, peace, joy, and boldness in order to not only allow Him to transform your life but the lives of those around you in the name of His precious son, Lord Jesus Christ! AMEN!
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Lions of Christ Free Podcast
"Still Small Voice"
This was recorded live & impromptu in The Prayer Room. Rick and I wanted to experiment with prayer, scripture, and worship. Please let us know what you think, we are trying a few new things in regards to media, all feedback is welcome!
We pray that the Lord bless you and keep you strong in Him in Jesus' precious name!
(Click to Listen)
(Click to Download)
This was recorded live & impromptu in The Prayer Room. Rick and I wanted to experiment with prayer, scripture, and worship. Please let us know what you think, we are trying a few new things in regards to media, all feedback is welcome!
We pray that the Lord bless you and keep you strong in Him in Jesus' precious name!
(Click to Listen)
(Click to Download)
Friday, February 6, 2009
Changing the Corporate Atmosphere
We are all aware of common ways to stir up the Spirit of God such as praise, worship, preaching, teaching, testimony, and prayer but in this teaching we want to focus on a tactic less talked about but equally as important as those listed above and that tactic is agreement.
Many of us read the book of Acts and yearn for that same anointing that was on the early church. Many of us ask why the modern church as a whole doesn’t walk in the same anointing and while there may be many reasons I believe the most important is unity or agreement.
POSITIONING YOURSELF “WITH ONE ACCORD”
After Jesus told them to wait in Jerusalem and ascended to heaven, the disciples entered the upper room and “all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication (Acts 1:14).” How important is it to come together “with one accord?” It’s so important that it is mentioned in the books of Acts 11 times for both good and bad (See link below). It’s so important that the disciples used it to position themselves to what God was doing.
“When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them (Acts 2:1-3).”
Look what happens in Acts 4 when the disciples came together “with one accord” in prayer:
“And being let go, they went to their own companions and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them. So when they heard that, they raised their voice to God with one accord… And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness(Acts 4:23-31).”
THE POWER OF AGREEMENT
“Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. “Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them (Matthew 18:18-20).”
WOW! This is a powerful scripture! Jesus didn’t say I might be there, I may be a little late, or I’ll think about it, He said, “where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” Come on Lord! This scripture gets us excited! Why? Because it tells us that all we need is 2 or 3 in agreement and He is there! Do you want to hang out with Jesus? Simply get at 2 or 3 people in the same place to come into agreement in His name! It is clear that it is His will to be there with us! What an awesome God we have! AMEN!
“Then those who feared the LORD spoke to one another,
And the LORD listened and heard them;
So a book of remembrance was written before Him
For those who fear the LORD
And who meditate on His name.
“They shall be Mine,” says the LORD of hosts,
“On the day that I make them My jewels.
And I will spare them
As a man spares his own son who serves him (Malachi 3:16-17).”
UNITY BRINGS AN ATMOSPHERIC ANOINTING
“1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is
For brethren to dwell together in unity!
2 It is like the precious oil upon the head,
Running down on the beard,
The beard of Aaron,
Running down on the edge of his garments.
3 It is like the dew of Hermon,
Descending upon the mountains of Zion;
For there the LORD commanded the blessing—
Life forevermore (Psalm 133).”
This is another powerful scripture we need to examine closely! Verse 2 illustrates the anointing that comes from unity as oil being poured out all over us. We believe this verse is symbolic of Christ who is the head of the church which is His body and when we come together “with one accord” the oil (anointing) pours down from the head (Jesus) onto His body (The Church).
Verse 3 illustrates the anointing that comes from unity as dew descending upon a mountain, a cloud coming down. This verse sounds a lot like the day of Pentecost and the mount of transfiguration where the disciples were overshadowed by a cloud before entering it (Luke 9:34). Unity can bring down a cloud of God’s presence! Hallelujah!
CHANGING THE ATMOSPHERE OF YOUR CHURCH
If we are going to change the atmosphere of your church, you must position yourself with what God is going “with one accord.” Some churches may already be there, others it may take some time but we are going to give you a few keys in order to set yourself up for a powerful move of God in your church!
1. Cast a vision – Determine what direction the Lord wants your church to go then cast your vision repeatedly to the congregation. Proverbs 29:18 says “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” You must continually preserve and promote the “with one accord” principle and when you come together in Spirit and in truth, you will begin to feel that sense of family we long for!
2. Get anointed – You can give out what you don’t have. You need to be baptized in the Holy Spirit and to be continually filled (See our teaching on how to increase the anointing).
3. Strengthen your inner man - The outward power of God works according to the power of God that works in us (Ephesians 3:20, 1:19-20). In other words, you can only transfer the amount of God’s power your inner man can handle which is why Paul prayed that God would strengthen with might their inner man through the Holy Spirit (Keep in mind these were Christians). Think about your house. You may be connected to the power from Niagara Falls but your house can only exert the amount of electricity the wiring can handle. If you want more power, you need to strengthen your spiritual power lines.
4. Operate out of the overflow – In Psalm 23:5, David said, “You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over.” As our cups overruns, the anointing pours out of us onto those around us, changing the atmosphere according to the amount of the overflow. If you are having trouble overflowing, be humble enough to get ministered to by those who are. The words “anoint” means to rub or smear into, like marinating a steak. The more we get into the presence of God, the more of His presence we carry!
This is a continually process, the more we allow the Lord to change us the more anointing we will carry. “Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 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 (2 Corinthians 3:17-18).”
5. Develop a small group – Develop a small group for the task of changing the atmosphere. Make sure you pick the right people. Many churches play safe picking who looks good for the position rather than the one the Lord has anointed for this task. If the people you pick are not anointed for these positions, their success may appear to be better at first but may be limited to their natural ability. The anointed one may seem to be reckless at first but it is the job of leaders and spiritual parents to mentor and develop these people into their calling. Jesus did this by picking 12 out of the multitude that would later establish the foundation of the church.
The Lord said to Moses in Numbers 11:16-17, “Gather to Me seventy men of the elders of Israel, whom you know to be the elders of the people and officers over them; bring them to the tabernacle of meeting, that they may stand there with you. Then I will come down and talk with you there. I will take of the Spirit that is upon you and will put the same upon them; and they shall bear the burden of the people with you, that you may not bear it yourself alone.”
6. Use the group – Just the presence of these newly overflowing light-bearers in your congregation will begin to change those around them. I can see in a dark place with a flashlight but with 12 flashlights you will light up a room! We see this at the day of Pentecost when 3,000 were added to the church by 120 being filled with the power of God.
7. Sharpen the saw – After the first group is developed and sent out so to speak, develop another group. Also use first group to develop others. After Jesus sent out 12, He sent out 70, and then He sent them out to make disciples of nations. As we see in the book of Acts, the disciples continued to multiply this way. It works the same way with changing the atmosphere of your congregation!
PRAYER
We have met and known pastors who wanted a powerful move of God in their congregation but their people weren’t ready or didn’t want it. We believe everyone wants the power and presence of God whether they realize it or not. It seems many who do not want it are tied up in the physical manifestations of the Spirit but what we notice is that once they receive it for themselves and know in their heart (not in their head) that it is real, they almost always want it and yearn for it!
So this we pray, that this teaching with touch you and your church, small group, home, or organization and provide an effective strategy to changing the corporate atmosphere that will embrace the power and presence of God. We pray that God grants you each wisdom, understanding, perseverance, and boldness in order for Him to establish through you an atmosphere that diffuses the sweet fragrance of the love of Christ, to the praise and Glory of God in the name of our precious Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! AMEN!
Bible Gateway Search Link (Click Here)
Many of us read the book of Acts and yearn for that same anointing that was on the early church. Many of us ask why the modern church as a whole doesn’t walk in the same anointing and while there may be many reasons I believe the most important is unity or agreement.
POSITIONING YOURSELF “WITH ONE ACCORD”
After Jesus told them to wait in Jerusalem and ascended to heaven, the disciples entered the upper room and “all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication (Acts 1:14).” How important is it to come together “with one accord?” It’s so important that it is mentioned in the books of Acts 11 times for both good and bad (See link below). It’s so important that the disciples used it to position themselves to what God was doing.
“When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them (Acts 2:1-3).”
Look what happens in Acts 4 when the disciples came together “with one accord” in prayer:
“And being let go, they went to their own companions and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them. So when they heard that, they raised their voice to God with one accord… And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness(Acts 4:23-31).”
THE POWER OF AGREEMENT
“Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. “Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them (Matthew 18:18-20).”
WOW! This is a powerful scripture! Jesus didn’t say I might be there, I may be a little late, or I’ll think about it, He said, “where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” Come on Lord! This scripture gets us excited! Why? Because it tells us that all we need is 2 or 3 in agreement and He is there! Do you want to hang out with Jesus? Simply get at 2 or 3 people in the same place to come into agreement in His name! It is clear that it is His will to be there with us! What an awesome God we have! AMEN!
“Then those who feared the LORD spoke to one another,
And the LORD listened and heard them;
So a book of remembrance was written before Him
For those who fear the LORD
And who meditate on His name.
“They shall be Mine,” says the LORD of hosts,
“On the day that I make them My jewels.
And I will spare them
As a man spares his own son who serves him (Malachi 3:16-17).”
UNITY BRINGS AN ATMOSPHERIC ANOINTING
“1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is
For brethren to dwell together in unity!
2 It is like the precious oil upon the head,
Running down on the beard,
The beard of Aaron,
Running down on the edge of his garments.
3 It is like the dew of Hermon,
Descending upon the mountains of Zion;
For there the LORD commanded the blessing—
Life forevermore (Psalm 133).”
This is another powerful scripture we need to examine closely! Verse 2 illustrates the anointing that comes from unity as oil being poured out all over us. We believe this verse is symbolic of Christ who is the head of the church which is His body and when we come together “with one accord” the oil (anointing) pours down from the head (Jesus) onto His body (The Church).
Verse 3 illustrates the anointing that comes from unity as dew descending upon a mountain, a cloud coming down. This verse sounds a lot like the day of Pentecost and the mount of transfiguration where the disciples were overshadowed by a cloud before entering it (Luke 9:34). Unity can bring down a cloud of God’s presence! Hallelujah!
CHANGING THE ATMOSPHERE OF YOUR CHURCH
If we are going to change the atmosphere of your church, you must position yourself with what God is going “with one accord.” Some churches may already be there, others it may take some time but we are going to give you a few keys in order to set yourself up for a powerful move of God in your church!
1. Cast a vision – Determine what direction the Lord wants your church to go then cast your vision repeatedly to the congregation. Proverbs 29:18 says “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” You must continually preserve and promote the “with one accord” principle and when you come together in Spirit and in truth, you will begin to feel that sense of family we long for!
2. Get anointed – You can give out what you don’t have. You need to be baptized in the Holy Spirit and to be continually filled (See our teaching on how to increase the anointing).
3. Strengthen your inner man - The outward power of God works according to the power of God that works in us (Ephesians 3:20, 1:19-20). In other words, you can only transfer the amount of God’s power your inner man can handle which is why Paul prayed that God would strengthen with might their inner man through the Holy Spirit (Keep in mind these were Christians). Think about your house. You may be connected to the power from Niagara Falls but your house can only exert the amount of electricity the wiring can handle. If you want more power, you need to strengthen your spiritual power lines.
4. Operate out of the overflow – In Psalm 23:5, David said, “You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over.” As our cups overruns, the anointing pours out of us onto those around us, changing the atmosphere according to the amount of the overflow. If you are having trouble overflowing, be humble enough to get ministered to by those who are. The words “anoint” means to rub or smear into, like marinating a steak. The more we get into the presence of God, the more of His presence we carry!
This is a continually process, the more we allow the Lord to change us the more anointing we will carry. “Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 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 (2 Corinthians 3:17-18).”
5. Develop a small group – Develop a small group for the task of changing the atmosphere. Make sure you pick the right people. Many churches play safe picking who looks good for the position rather than the one the Lord has anointed for this task. If the people you pick are not anointed for these positions, their success may appear to be better at first but may be limited to their natural ability. The anointed one may seem to be reckless at first but it is the job of leaders and spiritual parents to mentor and develop these people into their calling. Jesus did this by picking 12 out of the multitude that would later establish the foundation of the church.
The Lord said to Moses in Numbers 11:16-17, “Gather to Me seventy men of the elders of Israel, whom you know to be the elders of the people and officers over them; bring them to the tabernacle of meeting, that they may stand there with you. Then I will come down and talk with you there. I will take of the Spirit that is upon you and will put the same upon them; and they shall bear the burden of the people with you, that you may not bear it yourself alone.”
6. Use the group – Just the presence of these newly overflowing light-bearers in your congregation will begin to change those around them. I can see in a dark place with a flashlight but with 12 flashlights you will light up a room! We see this at the day of Pentecost when 3,000 were added to the church by 120 being filled with the power of God.
7. Sharpen the saw – After the first group is developed and sent out so to speak, develop another group. Also use first group to develop others. After Jesus sent out 12, He sent out 70, and then He sent them out to make disciples of nations. As we see in the book of Acts, the disciples continued to multiply this way. It works the same way with changing the atmosphere of your congregation!
PRAYER
We have met and known pastors who wanted a powerful move of God in their congregation but their people weren’t ready or didn’t want it. We believe everyone wants the power and presence of God whether they realize it or not. It seems many who do not want it are tied up in the physical manifestations of the Spirit but what we notice is that once they receive it for themselves and know in their heart (not in their head) that it is real, they almost always want it and yearn for it!
So this we pray, that this teaching with touch you and your church, small group, home, or organization and provide an effective strategy to changing the corporate atmosphere that will embrace the power and presence of God. We pray that God grants you each wisdom, understanding, perseverance, and boldness in order for Him to establish through you an atmosphere that diffuses the sweet fragrance of the love of Christ, to the praise and Glory of God in the name of our precious Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! AMEN!
Bible Gateway Search Link (Click Here)
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
To All Our Friends From "The Hem of His Garment" Conference
We met many good people at "The Hem of His Garment" Bethel Healing School January 28-31, 2009. The atmosphere was electric and the sense of family was something special, something I never experienced before. I hope Lord brings us together again as I enjoyed every minute spent with each of you. We met many great people with different testimonies, stories, and ministries and we were blessed by each one.
F.Y.I. - We will be attending the Morningstar Healing Conference (Fort Mill, SC) in March, Bill Johnson will be speaking there. If any of you will be attending please email us and we will get in touch!
I pray that we stay in touch and continue to build relationships with one another. I pray that the love we shared we will continue to share to those around us and to the lost in this world, may we be the light He called us to be in the name of our precious Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
Thank you for the love and experience!
God bless!
Mike
F.Y.I. - We will be attending the Morningstar Healing Conference (Fort Mill, SC) in March, Bill Johnson will be speaking there. If any of you will be attending please email us and we will get in touch!
I pray that we stay in touch and continue to build relationships with one another. I pray that the love we shared we will continue to share to those around us and to the lost in this world, may we be the light He called us to be in the name of our precious Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
Thank you for the love and experience!
God bless!
Mike
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