WHEN HONOR IS RESTORED - Morris E. Ruddick

Morris Ruddick

WHEN HONOR IS RESTORED   (c) Morris E. Ruddick     "But for you who fear My name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings; and you will go forth and skip about like calves from the stall. In that day, He will restore the hearts of the fathers to their children and the hearts of the children to their fathers, so that I will not come and smite the land with a curse." Mal 4: 2, 6   These are times of restoration. Isaiah wrote that there would come a time when darkness would cover the earth and deep darkness the peoples. Yet, these would be the times in which the Lord begins to dramatically restore His order, as the Glory of the Lord comes upon His people, those walking in the fear of the Lord.   Ezekiel foresaw such a time when every vision would be fulfilled without delay. (Ezek12:23)   Malachi's prophecy similarly points to restoration in the face of great reprobation, a depravity which impacts even the household of faith. The opening scripture is in the context of a day of judgment, but also a day of preparation that restores key elements to the foundations established for God's people.   At the crux of the elements restored, that bring the turnaround, is honor.     The Dynamic of Honor What we refer to as "knowing" the Lord is a progressive thing. The life of Abraham illustrates this truth. It is a process that takes place over a lifetime. Even for those like Abraham who keep their hand to the plow, the depths of knowing Him are such that there is always more.   Central to knowing Him is the factor of honor. The book of Hebrews reveals that we cannot take this true honor to ourselves, but rather it is granted only by God. Job, an honorable man by his own accomplishments went through a major life-transition to find that when, stripped of the things this life was able to offer, he was able to see God for the magnitude of Who He truly is. When that happened, God bestowed an honor upon Job that far outweighed Job's previous honor.   It only takes a glimmer of His presence.   The honor bestowed by God changes everything. Jesus spent His earthly ministry conveying the dynamics tied to honoring the Lord and the secrets to abiding in His presence. From that honor and abiding we begin to grasp the principles Jesus imparted on how the Kingdom of God operates, of how we employ righteous power in a corrupt world. "For the Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son, that all should honor the Son just as they honor the Father. " John 5:21-23   The Sphere We have some friends who God called to the mission field. The area of their calling is extremely hard ground spiritually. Their first two years were grueling and exhausting. They were filled with what seemed as constant reversals and steep, uphill challenges. "Many will be offended, betray one another and hate one another. False prophets will rise up and deceive many. Because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold." Matt 24: 10-12   Yet they persisted in upholding the fear of the Lord. They never fell short in praying, which they sometimes did just to survive. They likewise never gave up.   Then they were invited to minister in a distant province from where they had been sent. The difference was startling and dramatic. This province was one of two in this nation known to be populated with Christians. They ministered in the same way as they did where they were plowing new ground, but instead miracles took place at every turn. It provided the impetus to return to their assignment and expect more largely from the result of the anointing and authority they wielded.   Many are those called to plow new ground. So it is with the hard ground of the times we have entered.   Paul wrote that to each is given a sphere or a boundary in which to operate. It is a boundary of authority, a sphere of influence. Within that sphere we have the potential of great power as agents of change. That change when employed according to the Kingdom model and not a religious model will impact the culture, as well as the economy and the power structures of that sphere.   Yet, there are places where the forces of darkness are so entrenched that it takes time for the change to take root. It will. It requires establishing the fear of God. "Your words have been arrogant against Me, says the LORD. You have said, 'It is vain to serve God; and what profit is it that we have kept His charge, and that we have walked in mourning [repentance] before the LORD of hosts?'" Mal 3: 13-14   Establishing the fear of God involves upholding the magnitude of God's honor. It is not about us, but Him. When we get it reversed, we broach the realm of making an idol out of our ministry and the anointing given to pave the way for our calling. Jesus outlined the principles by which we would not be ensnared by this deception.   They are the principles of the Kingdom. Most are paradoxes to the way the world thinks and employs power. We live by dying. We gain by giving. We bless those who curse us. Wisdom comes from simplicity. Humility is a protective armor. We lead by serving. Honor comes from humility. The principles of the Kingdom are the keys to employing His power in unrighteous settings.   A Warrior's Honor Throughout the Word of God, reference is given to military people. Those who have repeatedly faced life and death battles hold to a code of honor. They are ones who recognize one another quickly and just as quickly differentiate the phonies, the braggarts and the glory hounds. They understand the serious risks of employing great power.   Jesus was amazed in His encounter with the Centurion who drew the parallel between his authority and how faith operates. God saw Cyrus long before his birth and relished in what He would do through Cyrus on behalf of His people Israel.   What is it about the warrior's honor? They understand authority. They are people of faith and strategy. They understand how to steward power. They are people of discipline. They respond to duty and know how to operate in unity. They are calculated risk-takers and people of action. They are willing to sacrifice for a cause. They have a willingness to die for what they believe in. They lead by serving.   Honor is at the core of the warrior's life-tenets, the warrior's way of thinking.   Understanding that we are agents of change requires a grasp of the honor of the warrior. Stewards of God's power must grasp and embrace this level of honor.   The Snare of the King's Tantrum Agents of change embracing the code of the warrior understand the importance of the big-picture and the long-term.   The story of Hezekiah is a story of the long-term being sacrificed for the short-term. Hezekiah was a righteous king. During his life there had been exploits as he had honored the Lord in the way he ruled Judah. His standoff against Sennacherib king of Syria (2 Kings 19:36) was striking. He restored the temple worship and Passover (2 Chron 29:20, 30:1) Yet, in his final days, he fell short in embracing the honor of the warrior.   Responding in a tantrum of bitterness when the prophet told him his days were concluding, scripture says after being healed, Hezekiah became proud. In his final days, Isaiah rebuked his spiritual short-sightedness and prophesied the impact of his actions on future generations (2 Kings 20:14).   Restoring the Generation Link Among the mysteries in God's Word is the link between generations. The restoration of the honor -- bestowed by God -- must begin with the restoration of honor within the community of God's people. It is the glue that will bring the unity and maturity Paul explained to the Ephesians. It is the catalyst in rebuilding the broken walls in the eroded values of our society. "You will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the foundations of many generations. You will be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of the streets in which to dwell." Is 58:12   Honor restored is what Malachi prophesied in terms of the hearts of the children being restored to the fathers so that the land would not be smitten with a curse.   It is what Gabriel told Zacharias of his coming son John who would operate in the spirit and power of Elijah, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. The honor that links the generations releases an exponential power within the community of God's people. It is the reason for the importance given to the father's blessing in the days of the Patriarchs. When the generations link together, then unity will come.   One of the facets of the spiritual turmoil of the 1960s was the cultural war against authority and honor. Duty was ridiculed. The media has mocked the authority of the fathers, in their scorn of shows such as "Leave It to Beaver." Honor was the bulls-eye in the undermining of the accepted righteous values of that day.   When honor is in evidence, it draws the attention of the Lord, as in Jesus' response to the Centurion and God's calling of Cyrus. Abraham was a man of honor, which attracted the presence of the Lord. It was the honor of the warrior in Daniel in the face of adversity that brought angelic intervention. "The angel touched me and strengthened me and said, "O man greatly beloved, fear not! Peace be to you; be strong, yes, be strong!" When he spoke I was strengthened and said, "Let my lord speak for you have strengthened me."  Dan 10: 18-19   It was the honor that emerged in the face of calamity when jailed (Acts 12:7), when Peter's heart had finally became undivided, that brought the angel to free him.   The Righteous Remnant When that level of honor is restored merely a remnant in the household of faith is all it will take to release the turning. When the hearts of the children once again can adhere to the authority of the fathers, with the honor of the warrior being restored to the fathers, it will mark the turning of the restoration of all things.   Honor and authority, God's authority, are linked. God's honor in the face of tribulation actuates an authority that will change the spiritual climate of a nation. "He who speaks from himself seeks his own glory; but He who seeks the glory of the One who sent Him is true, and no unrighteousness is in Him." John 7:18-19   Many are called, but few are chosen. It is an hour in which even the elect are subject to being deceived. Yet, those who prevail will be given a mantle of fire, an authority that dispels darkness and brings the disruptive spiritual change that opens the gates to His presence.   Jesus indicated that His message of abiding would bring great joy. From that would come the heart of the warrior that would love as Jesus loved and be willing to lay down their lives for their friends. Peter once bragged that he would be of that heart, but braggadocio fails. He did. Similarly, when he tried to respond in his own strength in the Garden of Gethsemane with a sword, he again failed.    Peter had to get past himself. For Peter to assume the mantle of fire and authority that he was called to operate with took a level of humility and honor that accompanies the heart of a seasoned and tested warrior.   There is a righteous remnant that has been prepared. These are ones who have been tested, who have emerged from the fires without the smell of smoke. It is why humility and honor are the brandmarks of true warriors. It is these who will be the catalysts for revival who will wield the mantle of fire that brings the change and restoration being orchestrated by God in this hour. "I came to send fire on the earth and how I wish it were already kindled. But I have a baptism to be baptized with and how distressed I am until it is accomplished." Luke 12:49-50   "Bless the Lord all you His angels, who excel in strength doing His Word, heeding the voice of His Word. Bless the Lord all you His hosts, you ministers of His doing His pleasure. Bless the Lord all you His works in all places of His dominion. Bless the Lord O my soul." Ps 103: 20-22 ______ _____________________________________________ Morris Ruddick has been a forerunner and spokesman for the call of God in the marketplace since the mid-90s. As founder of Global Initiatives Foundation and designer of the God's Economy Entrepreneurial Equippers Program, Mr. Ruddick imparts hope and equips economic community builders where God's light is dim in both the Western and non-Western world.   He is author of "The Joseph-Daniel Calling;" "Gods Economy, Israel and the Nations;" "The Heart of a King;" "Something More;" "Righteous Power in a Corrupt World;" and "Leadership by Anointing," which address the mobilization of business and governmental leaders called to impact their communities with God's blessings. They are available in print and e-versions from www.Amazon.com, www.apple.com/ibooksand www.BarnesandNoble.com.   Global Initiatives Foundation (www.strategic-initiatives.org) is a tax-exempt 501 (c) 3 non-profit whose efforts are enabled by the generosity of a remnant of faithful friends and contributors whose vision aligns with God's heart to mobilize the persecuted church to be the head and not the tail. Checks on US banks should be made out to Global Initiatives and mailed to PO Box 370291, Denver CO 80237 or by credit card athttp://strategicintercession.org/support/   Likewise, email us to schedule a seminar for your congregation on the wisdom the persecuted church has for the West or on anointing the creative.   2015 Copyright Morris Ruddick -- sign@strategicintercession.org   Reproduction is prohibited unless permission is given by a SIGN advisor. Since early 1996, the Strategic Intercession Global Network (SIGN) has mobilized prophetic intercessors and leaders committed to targeting strategic-level issues impacting the Body on a global basis. For previous posts or more information on SIGN, check:http://www.strategicintercession.org

Morris Ruddick Global Initiatives Foundation www.strategic-initiatives.org www.strategicintercession.org Global Initiatives is a 501 (c) 3 tax-exempt ministry

Kent Simpson: Jesus Our Mentor - And How His Angels Minister For Us

Kent Simpson:

Jesus Our Mentor - 

And How His Angels Minister For Us

The Elijah List

Jesus, Our Mentor And Teacher

Jesus is not only our Savior and Lord but also our Mentor and Teacher through His Holy Spirit. He is our King and our example. Even so, when Jesus came to earth, it took Him three and a half years to show His disciples how to walk in the supernatural with evidence through signs and wonders. While here, He was able to receive the encounter of miraculous interventions. Jesus did many healings and many miracles, in many different ways.

Sometimes Jesus would spit in the dirt, make mud, and place it on a blind man's eyes. Other times He would put His tongue upon them. It is written that He would even spit directly on the blind eyes. You do not see these same types of ministries today because it is not socially acceptable.

How did He know what to do in order for miracles to manifest? Jesus has shown us how. First, He prayed to the Father and whatever the Father told Him to do, Jesus did it. And it always worked, 100% of the time.

You Are Gifted, Whether You Are Aware Of It Or Not

Today we want to see 100% accuracy in the gifts of the Holy Spirit moving in the Body of Christ. The world needs to see the evidence that Jesus is alive and working through His Body, the Church. We are each members of the Body of Christ, and each of us has a function and purpose.

We all have a gifting whether we are aware of it or not. The gift is there, even though it may lay dormant for a long time.

We need to be aware of how Jesus moved and walked: The things Jesus did were done according to the will of the Father. He said, "I do nothing of My own authority. I speak what I hear the Father say" (John 8:28). This is the true Christian way. His works while on earth were demonstrations of what we are to do. We may even perform greater works than He, according to John 14:12.

(Photo via artbible.net)

Many times Jesus would pray to find out what the Father had to say, and when Jesus prayed there were angels ascending and descending upon Him, giving Him instructions from Heaven above. Jesus prayed, "Thy will be done in earth, as it is in Heaven" (Matthew 6:10).

That means we need to find out first from Heaven what needs to be done. When we find out what it is that we are to do, nothing can stop us because the authority of His Word is working through us.

How The Authority Of God's Word Works Through Us: Angels Of Our Lord

When Jesus was born in a manger, there was an army raised up to find him. Every child two years old or under was to be slaughtered, because King Herod heard that a king was born, and Herod feared losing his position.

An angel appeared unto Joseph and Mary and warned them to leave the city, for King Herod sought the life of their newborn Son. They left the city and stayed away for a number of years. Then an angel appeared to them again and let them know that it was safe to return, for King Herod was dead.

This was just the beginning of many encounters with angelic hosts in the ministry of Jesus Christ.

When Jesus stood before those who were to judge him, Pontius Pilate said to him, "Do You not know that I hold Your life in my hands? I can give You life or I can take it" (see John 19). Jesus replied that Pilate did not know what he was talking about. He knew He had thousands of angels at His disposal. Upon His word, the angels could have destroyed everything.

When Jesus walked into a city, people came from everywhere to seek Him. Jesus did not have to advertise His presence. People just showed up in the middle of nowhere because the angels of the Lord gathered them. Many times Jesus could not find a place to be alone so that He could seek the will of the Father.

These encounters are important to us because they are examples of how our lives should be. We are not to worship or pray to angels, but they are there as ministering spirits for us.

Angels, His Ministering Spirits

Ministering spirits are angels sent to minister, not to us but for us. When you came into the Kingdom of God, an angel was appointed unto you. When you gave your life to Jesus Christ, it is recorded in the Gospels that an angel went before the face of God and reported your name to Him so that it could be written into the Lamb's Book of Life. These ministering spirits are waiting for you to yield unto the will of Jesus Christ, that He may dispatch them on your behalf to minister for you.

To each and every one of us there is at least one angel appointed as a guardian to watch over us. But there are more angels that are to be dispatched by the word of God. Jesus had thousands of angels at His disposal, and they ministered for Him. And He says, "Greater works you will do," in John 14:12.

If you have more than one angel, you may find something is working in your life that you truly could not have done on your own. You do not have the intellect to comprehend what God will do through you as He appoints an angel to minister for you. There are testimonials of people who knew they were supposed to die years ago. Their lives were spared for a purpose, by angels who were watching over them until their appointed time to be with the Lord.

How do we obtain these angels? How do we receive the appointment of these angels? If we do not pray to them or worship them, how do we get their assistance as promised to us in Hebrews 1:14 NKJV: "Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?"

It all begins with the impartation of a spiritual gift of the Holy Spirit.

When you received the baptism of the Holy Spirit, there was a gift appointed unto you. That gift is still there with you. If you look back and recall when you received the baptism of Jesus, not only of the water but the Spirit, according to Acts 1, then you will see that there was a spiritual gift given unto you.

Maybe shortly after you received the Holy Spirit you prayed for somebody and they were healed. Maybe you had a dream and it came to pass. Maybe you had a vision or a word burning in you for somebody and you could find no relief until you were able to deliver that word.

(Photo via Wikimedia Commons)

Take a moment and think back. What area of spiritual encounter did your ministering spirit perform through you?

Angels are appointed by the Holy Spirit to minister in accordance with the spiritual gifts that have been imparted into you. For, you see, the angels are the ones who are doing the ministering for you. It is not your own willfulness or power that overcomes the natural so that you can walk in the supernatural. No! It is the angel of the Lord who was sent to do the work for you.

Your Appointed Angel Seeks To Do His Word

When Peter was in prison, the congregation was praying for his safe return. An angel went to the prison and kicked Peter to wake him up. The angel told him to get his things and then led him out of prison. Peter came to the house where they were praying for him and knocked on the door. A girl peeped out and saw Peter but did not let him in; instead she went to tell the others. But they replied that it could not be Peter at the door but it must be his angel. Why would they say such a thing?

It should be an effortless deed to walk in the supernatural. An angel is going about seeing to it that the word of God is fulfilled in your life. There are so many references in the Bible about angels. If you were to look up all of the encounters, you would surely be blessed to know that angels are still here ministering for us. An encounter with an angel will set you free.

When will your next encounter be?

Kent Simpson, Prophetic Pastor
Prophetic Ministries Today

Email: PMT@propheticministries.org

Website: propheticministries.org

Kent Simpson is a prophetic pastor and is the founder and senior pastor of Prophetic Ministries Tabernacle – a gathering place for the prophetic people of God to unite for the sole purpose of being used as vessels for the Holy Spirit to speak through. Prophetic Ministries Today is devoted to the truth that Jesus is not dead but alive and He speaks if you have an ear to hear the Spirit. His website is filled with prophetic teachings which will help you understand the process of "hearing" God for yourself as well as others. The Lord wants you to pray, hear, and obey Him because the Holy Spirit is the only One who can truthfully lead you into the abundant life Jesus promised us.

To subscribe to The Elijah List go to:http://elijahlist.com/subscribe

Fearless Leaders With New Shoes of Authority - Entering a New Season and New Walk In Christ - Bonnie Jones

Bonnie Jones:

Fearless Leaders With New Shoes of Authority 

- Entering a New Season and New Walk In Christ

The Elijah List

We're entering a season of a new walk with the Lord. It's a walk unlike any other in the history of mankind. Why? We've been given all authority to conquer the gates of Hell and now we are stepping up to the plate in the authority Christ died for.

Fearless leaders are emerging wearing their new shoes of authority. They walk not in fear of the enemy but in the awe of God. There is no weapon formed against them that will prosper and they believe it. The enemy has already been crushed under their feet and they believe that also. 

These are the overcomers that look adversity in the face and laugh as they continue their march through the footsteps of time.

There will be many obstacles along the way, but God has prepared us with the shoes "peace". It's these shoes that crush satan under our feet. Our demonstration of love protects our feet, and the enemy has no defense against it. 

(Photo via SXC)

And having shod your feet in preparation [to face the enemy with the firm-footed stability, the promptness, and the readiness produced by the good news] of the Gospel of peace. Ephesians 6:15 Amplified

Four-Part Dream: Four Separate Obstacles

Recently, I had a four-part dream where I was shown four separate obstacles. 

In each one the enemy would try to obstruct our walk. But in each one, the Church was victorious because she remained steadfast in the Lord and continued walking together in love.

First, we were walking on a sidewalk that had become muddy. Due to a recent heavy rainfall, soil washed down the bank and onto the sidewalk, causing thick mud. I said, "We must be like Jesus and walk on water!" Directly in front of us we saw a set of footprints in the mud. All we needed to do was follow them and keep our eyes fixed on the clear, clean pool of water that lay ahead. Although our feet got muddy, they were cleansed in the fresh rainwater puddles just ahead of the mud.

We must keep a clear vision because the enemy is trying to get us off track by losing our focus.   

Therefore we must keep our eyes on Jesus and follow after Him. There were great men and women who have gone on before us that paved the way. Each one in their own time followed the same set of footprints. These were the forerunners of the end time army of God that followed after Jesus. They have set their shoes aside, and now we must pick up where they left off.

The second obstacle was ice and snow, which speaks of troubled times ahead. 

We had a long distance to walk where there was deep snow and thick ice on the roads. Looking down at our feet, I thought we would get frostbite because our footwear was not suitable for these weather conditions.

But to my surprise, our feet were fine. They were not frostbitten or even cold because we were shod with the shoes of peace. It looked as though our feet were in/on the feet of Jesus. We were in perfect stride with Him and marched together in perfect unity as one Body.

How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good tidings, who publishes peace, who brings good tidings of good, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, "Your God reigns!" Isaiah 52:7

In the third part of the dream we were in a building that looked like a hospital corridor. 

The strange thing about it was the floors were layered with what looked like razor blades that would cut our feet. But in reality they were soft plastic objects that were easy to walk on. Everyone was barefoot and they walked across the objects with ease. 

The enemy will always try to deceive us; after all, he's the master of deception. He's great at luring us into his trap by presenting things that are not the way they appear to be. We must be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. The Lord is sharpening the spiritual senses of the saints as they mature in spiritual wisdom and discernment. Then they'll better discern the works of the enemy and not fall prey to them.

Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. Matthew 10:16

In the fourth part of the dream we were on a narrow path in a dark and dingy part of town.

Small, rickety houses were very close in proximity, and between them looked like stepping-stones on a path instead of a sidewalk. A man on the path ahead of me became frightened. Then he picked up a rotten potato in front of one of the houses. Looking at this potato ended his fear. There were a lot of big fat maggots crawling out it. You could see how infested the potato was, but the man was overjoyed. The dream ended. 

(Photo via Flickr)

Tomatoes grow above ground and represent God's love revealed, while potatoes grow underground and therefore represent God's love concealed. The fact that this potato was badly infested with maggots was an incredible breakthrough. And I believe it refers to evangelism.

Maggots are fly babies or larvae. When flies lay their eggs, they become maggots as they hatch. Old Beelzebub, the lord of the flies, has been hatching a lot of maggots since the beginning of time. Maggots are considered to be a worm in the first stage of their life; in the second stage they become a fly. And the cycle continues. Just like satan keeps his cycle of lies and deception aimed at us in order to confuse, deceive, distract, divide, and disillusion the saints.

An unsanctified mind is considered a worm. The enemy knows his time is short, so he must hurl lies and accusations. He's going to give it his best shot, and he's had lots of practice. 

But the one thing he can never conquer is love. 

He has no match for it and can't duplicate it. Because the army of God is marching in unity one with another and their mind is fixed on Him, they speak to the mountains and expect results. So Jesus said to them, "Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. Matthew 17:20 NKJ

One thing about maggots: they only eat dead flesh and rotten food. During the American Civil War and WWII, maggots were used to clean wounds. If a soldier had gangrene, maggots were placed on the infected area. They would eat away the dead flesh and the wound would heal quickly. 

The Body of Christ has been fed a lot of rotten food, but I believe she's going to get healed quickly as God's concealed love is revealed. 

(Photo via Wikimedia Commons)

A Breakthrough Into Evangelism

Therefore, I feel the Lord was showing me a breakthrough into evangelism as the army of God goes forth into the harvest field redeeming the unsanctified mind (worm) and renewing it to the mind of Christ. 

Maggots are great fish bait and we are called to be fish cleaners.

We are in a time of great change. The Body of Christ has been crying out for change, and it is now upon us. 

It's time for us to transition into the army God has called us to be as we pick up our marching orders to proceed into the harvest field of time. 

We can avoid the enemy's obstacles by keeping our focus on Christ and walking in unity with Him and our fellow brethren. Know the Word and discern the plan of the enemy.

March fearlessly into the harvest field and redeem the lost. So, get ready for the harvest to begin!

Bonnie Jones
The Prophetic Ministry of Bob and Bonnie Jones

Website: bobjones.org

To contact Bonnie Jones send your inquiry to:

Bob and Bonnie Jones Ministries
White Horses Publishings
P.O. Box 838
Pineville, NC 28134-0838

Bonnie Jones has a great love for the Lord, the Word and the Cross of Jesus. She loves children and enjoys blessing them with a gift of joy, truth, love, and encouragement. Bonnie moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, in 2001 to attend Morning Star School of Ministry; in 2005 she met Bob Jones and they were married the following year (Bob Jones went home to be with the Lord earlier this year). Bonnie moves in a seer prophetic gifting as well as healing and miracles. Her passion is to see women set free from the fear of man and step into their gifts and calling.

To subscribe to The Elijah List go to:http://elijahlist.com/subscribe

From the desk of Steve Shultz:

We are IN a new season...no doubt about it! This is a new, prophetic word by Bonnie Jones. It's full of dreams and revelations as she shares:

We're entering a season of a new walk with the Lord. It's a walk unlike any other in the history of mankind. Why? We've been given all authority to conquer the gates of Hell and now we are stepping up to the plate in the authority Christ died for.

Make sure and forward this on to others as well...it's a must read...AND let others know they can Subscribe to the Elijah List right here: http://elijahlist.com/subscribe.

Enjoy,

Steve

What has Already been Set in Motion - Part 2 by Bill Click

What has Already been Set in Motion - Part 2 by Bill Click

Identity Network

Jesus told the Apostles:

"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 the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:18-20)

Last time, we emphasized that what Jesus commanded the Apostles to do was to continue what He had set in motion. It was a succession of faith that would reproduce the very same dimension of who He had not only been to them, but through them, and was getting ready to release throughout the earth (Acts 1:4-8). This reflects who Christ must become to us, through us, and that: throughout the earth until His return (Ac.1:8; Mt.10:23).

We emphasized that the Lord said they were to be, “teaching them to observe all that I commanded you.”  The word translated as “observe” is the Greek word tereo, meaning to make, guard and keep as a fortress, to prevent from loss. This means Matthew 28:20 could actually be translated, “teaching them to keep doing all that I commanded you to keep doing.”?

We stressed that the Apostles DID evangelize under Christ’s authority, but they did so with an anointing (Mt.10:8). This was also carried out by the seventy: heal those in it who are sick, and say to them, “the kingdom of God has come near to you.” (Luke 10:9)  Their effectiveness was verified by testimony: the seventy returned with joy, saying, "Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your Name.” (Lk.10:17). Jesus established an ongoing apostolic dimension that could, should and must flow through His Church. That is God’s normal for the Great Commission (Mt.28:18-20). But to be and do this, we must first abandon non-biblical doctrines that allow these commands to no longer be valid.

Healing, Deliverance & the Supernatural: God’s Status Quo

Because of our experience, we have often made being healed, delivered and experiencing God supernaturally a “bonus” to salvation, instead of being part of God’s total package. Jesus accomplished these and freely gives them by His authority through the Cross, Resurrection, Ascension and ongoing intercession.

Being brought up in a traditional church, I always thought that when it came to God healing someone, that was certainly in His ability, but was an exception, not the rule. I cannot remember any reports of deliverance. The Supernatural of God was limited to someone having a burden to pray or, on very rare occasions, someone would confess that “God told me to...” (& such persons were not really seen as socially palatable by the “in-crowd” of that religious setting).

After becoming Spirit-filled and seeing the Lord begin to move in revelation gifts, I still saw very little healing, deliverance and the Supernatural. I began to have more opportunities to pray/speak deliverance (the devil seemed to be responsible for just about everything at times). And it seemed that ALL the “God told me to...” people came to the churches I was part of (& it became evident later many were not really hearing Him). That in mind, it was easy for me to maintain very similar attitudes about the works of God that I had held in the more traditional setting (Jn.6:28).

I did update from a “God can heal, but we don’t know if it is His will,” mentality to “Jesus wants to heal today, just as He did then,” but without seeing much difference in what actually took place. A few years ago I then further adjusted my attitude to “All healing comes from Jesus.” I start and stop with the Lord. If a Doctor is to be involved in the process, that will be at His leading. He is the Great Physician, they can be at God’s leading His assistants.?

This last view was mostly because of (1) my personal experience, (2) the fact that Luke traveled with Paul, (3) Paul confessed to having an illness (Gal.4:13-14), (4) Paul may have had issues with his hands (Ro.16:21), and (5) the “thorn in the flesh” dilemma. (2Cor.12)  Additionally, I didn’t like to see people beat up for their insufficiency in faith (I knew what it was like to have pain either so loud or for so long that belief didn’t come easily). This view seemed to make everything neat, tidy, and especially nice.  But as I continued to receive words in my spirit about healing and the Supernatural that didn’t match up with my updated experience and teaching, I knew something was lacking.

Our primary issue is that we theologize what God wants to actualize; we seek to doctrinally institute what God has released in order to Spiritually activate. We find our experience in the Word and then make it God’s status quo. In Golf there is an expression, “Think long, think wrong.”  As I have heard people in the church say, “when all is said and done, much more is said than done.”  True! So whenever faith rises, we need to get into that stirred water (John.5:1-4). Later, we can reflect on what took place. Much more often there will be praise to God for all He has done.

Your Freedom is to Become the Liberty of Others as Well

My lack of seeing healing, deliverance and the Supernatural take place has not been the hardest aspect of my personal experience to ignore. Instead, it has been the discrepancy between that and the instantaneous deliverance I myself received from the Lord. It had happened just before my 27th birthday. I experienced it 4 days after saying “yes” to the Lord for life, as opposed to when I didn’t follow through on my commitment to that same call 10 years before.

Without prayer by others or medical assistance, God freed me from a root of bitterness that (over 9 years) had led to stage 3 alcoholism, amphetamine addiction, and other multiple daily drug abuse issues. A few days later I was set free from smoking tobacco. I had been completely delivered without any withdrawal, rehab, working of the 12 steps, or seeking out prayer from others. To insure it was real, I waited 2 weeks before returning to church after 9 years.

This deliverance had come through a Supernatural encounter with God. The closest I have seen to it in Scripture is described in Ezekiel chapter 1. Yet it was still very different. I heard the Voice of the Lord coming through (actual) thunder, lightning, and pulsating Heavenly lights. Through those the Holy Spirit took me through 1Corinthians 2:11-16 over and over again until I received impartation of His Word. I had received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that (I) we may know the things freely given to (me) us by God (2:12). As I was made to go over that again and again, the previous words of 2:11 were also made clear: who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so the thoughts of God no one knows except the Spirit of God.  Eventually, the Spirit focused me on 1 Corinthians 2:14-16:

A natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised. But he who is spiritual appraises all things, yet he himself is appraised by no one. For who has known the mind of the Lord, that he will instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.?

Somehow, through the miracle of grace and faith received in that moment, God had made it clear to me that by His own power I was free, and that through the mind of Christ in the Spirit I knew what was being imparted to me. As I was still taking that in, I received the specific call, “go to Florida and study the Word.”

From the beginning, I knew God was real, I knew what I had experienced, but I later became compromised. Unknowingly and over time, I chose to offend God and deny Christ’s authority because of observing what took place around me, my need to package everything neatly, and my own present experience which didn’t match up with what He had clearly said we are to be and do:

“As you go, preach, saying, 'The kingdom of heaven is at hand.'  Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. Freely you received, freely give. Do not acquire gold, or silver, or copper for your money belts, or a bag for your journey, or even two coats, or sandals, or a staff; for the worker is worthy of his support.” (Matthew 10:7-10)

Faithfulness with what You have is the Gateway to Much

During the first few years of my growth into ministry (1984-1991), I saw God deliver people in ways similar to my own. Whether in state substance abuse centers, treatment hospitals, rescue missions and prisons, I allowed the Lord to “get some mileage” from my past. God has not sent me in those specific ways since that time. But today, when the opportunity presents itself, I will announce, “if there is anyone here with drug, alcohol, or tobacco issues, God miraculously set me free and will do the same for you.”  This is not only based on “freely you received, freely give,” but also 2 Corinthians 1:3-4:

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

The Lord has given us two clear witnesses: whatever we have already received from Him is active within us to be released, and is to be done so freely. While you may very well need to stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high to see Christ heal, deliver and release His Presence in ways you have yet to, you have what you have to give away and can, should and must do so.

Jesus said faithfulness with what we already have is the gateway to much:

"He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much; and he who is unrighteous in a very little thing is unrighteous also in much. Therefore if you have not been faithful in the use of unrighteous wealth, who will entrust the true riches to you? And if you have not been faithful in the use of that which is another's, who will give you that which is your own?” (Luke.16:10-12)

We must allow God to use the “little thing” we already have as a springboard into much.  If we can be trusted to steward what we have already been blessed with, we will be promoted into more. In fact, if you will serve faithfully in the natural, as well as faithfully under the anointing of others, you can not only expect to receive the Spirit’s true riches, but also that which is your own.?

Last time, we concluded by outlining a process of progressing into receiving and walking in the apostolic anointing of Jesus that has already been set in motion. That call is:

• We are each to seek Jesus until we truly find Him.
• After finding Christ, ask Him what He wants you to do.
• Believe what Jesus tells you to do will result in what He wants done through you.

This process needs to continue, but we do not have to sit on our hands during the process accomplish it. We don’t have to go lock ourselves away either, or (perhaps especially) use our own personal health as the gauge of our progress or readiness. We truly need to seek/find, ask/follow and believe in His process.

We must give away what we have received while we continue to seek to come into full alignment with Christ for His mandate. Our right, privilege and responsibility is representing Christ as He was, is, and forever will be: King of Kings and Lord of Lords, having "all authority….in heaven and on earth.?

Bill Click

rpm5clicks@juno.com

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Heidi Baker - Finding Your Power in God's Lavish Love (Identity Network)

Finding Your Power 

in God's Lavish Love 

by Heidi Baker

Identity Network

Lavish is an incredibly rich word. It means "over the top, more than you could imagine" - like when we read, "See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God" (1 John 3:1, NIV). 

No matter how great we are, we do not naturally deserve to be called sons and daughters of God. Even if we achieved academic honors in school, the highest promotions in our jobs and every other qualification this world could possibly offer, we would never merit such a gift. 

Only His free and lavish love gives us the most beautiful title of all - not doctor, not lawyer, not apostle, but son or daughter. 

We are the family God went out and found. He was so determined to call us sons and daughters that He suffered on a cross and died. Jesus and His Father are one. Whatever Jesus does, the Father does. They act together, and the cross expresses the unity of their love for us. Jesus died so we could be brothers and sisters to one another. Before that, we could not be one family. 

I have been beaten up, shot at and lied about. People have even tried to strangle me. I am not afraid. To this day I can walk boldly into gangs of armed thugs and tell them to stop in the name of Jesus. I expect them to drop their knives. Generally they turn surprisingly nice. Sometimes they look at me and apologize.

Where did this confidence come from? It came from knowing the Father loves me. Because I truly know that I am loved, I am not afraid. 

You are a Beloved Child of God 

God wants your ministry to flow from the realization that you are a beloved child of God. In that place you don't worry too much about how people see you. You don't worry too much about whether they are nice or mean. You don't even worry about whether they love you or hate you. You don't worry because you're simply going to love them and love Him. This comes from knowing who He is and what He thinks of you. This is what it means to grasp you are a child of God. 

But what if we make messy mistakes? What if it turns out we are still flawed people who can be difficult to get along with? Will He keep on loving us then? 

We have taken in thousands of children to live with us over the years; one of them was a particular rascal. If he could find something wrong to do, he would do it. 

I asked God what to do about this one. God told me to love him. I sensed the Lord saying He wanted me to give him some time and pray every day for him. So that is what I and the other caretakers did. For a long time we could see no progress. Despite everything, this boy was always very charismatic, and after a while he managed to move to the United Kingdom. 

The Spirit of Adoption 

Recently, when I was speaking in the U.K., I saw this spiritual son again. At once I was startled to see how powerfully the presence of God was resting on him. When he came up to me, he started shaking and weeping in my arms. In broken English he said, "Thank you, Mama. For not stop loving me." 

Our joy in this son was not so much in seeing him graduate from school, though we were very happy when he did. Our joy was seeing him filled with the presence of God. Our joy was seeing him come home to the Father's house and step into the spirit of adoption. 

That boy - now a man - knows who he is. He is a son. He knows better than most that God loves him no matter how many times he might have lied, stolen, beaten up innocents or committed adultery. He is loved because of the incredible grace of God that comes down to call each of us sons and daughters. None of us deserve it. We simply have it. 

Your heavenly Father loves you the same way. He wants you, no matter what you do or how you fail. This is the love He spoke over us when He sent His Son. It is what Jesus poured out of the cross. It is the thing the church must demonstrate to the world. Love so lavish can never die. 

You are Royalty 

Because of this love, we have become children of God. Even if we do not yet believe it, this is what we truly are (1 John 3:1). We have had children who, for the longest time, would not believe they are truly loved. This particular son had been with us for 14 years before he actually got it. That is a lot of waiting and a lot of pain. If the Holy Spirit ever touches people in such a way that they realize they are sons or daughters instantly, we ought to celebrate it as a mighty miracle - because sometimes it takes 14 years. 

You are a son or a daughter right now - today. Your real identity is in this truth. It doesn't matter what people do or do not call you. It doesn't matter where you do or do not sit. You are a son. You are a daughter. There is no more precious position to which you might ever aspire. 

To be a son or daughter of God also means you are royalty. This is the greatest of privileges, but it is also an awesome responsibility. If you are truly thankful to God and want to please Him with all your heart, you must do more than just recognize your own authority. You must use it. He asks you to give love as freely as you have received it - not just to those who deserve it but also to everyone He puts in front of you. 

Heidi Baker

www.irisglobal.org 

This article was adapted from Birthing the Miraculous by Heidi Baker.

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