He said He would make us "Powerful beyond measure, ready to do on earth, what has been done in heaven.
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[The following ministries are not affiliated with A M Ministries, Inc.in any way. The articles are placed here for informational purposes only] Taken from The Elijah List
"Give Honor To Whom Honor Is Due"
Spiritual Mapping-- Winning Terriroty To Jesus
Spiritual Mapping-- Winning Territory to Jesus
(Sept 20, 2006)
by Marla Boole As believers in Jesus Christ, we are commissioned to go into all the world and preach the gospel and teach all nations what Jesus commanded (Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15-18; Luke 24:46-49; Acts 1:8). We are called to be ambassadors of Christ, and to proclaim the gospel of His Kingdom. This means in essence, that we are invading earth with a message from Heaven, just as Jesus did. To invade a hostile territory, we must first know the territory and develop the best plan for advancement. We need wisdom and discernment along with effective strategies in order to accomplish the task. This is where spiritual mapping comes in.
Inquire of The Lord
Spiritual mapping is like reconnaissance which, according to the American Heritage Dictionary, is "an inspection of a region to examine its terrain or to determine the disposition of military forces." We are in God's army and are engaged in a spiritual battle (II Timothy 2:2-4; II Corinthians 10:4; Ephesians 6). If we are going to succeed in winning a territory to Jesus, we need to know what we are up against, and we need to get our marching orders from the Lord.
King David of Israel, provides an example of how to wage effective warfare in order to gain territory. Before every battle, David inquired of the Lord for specific instructions (I Samuel 23:2,4 and 30:8; II Samuel 5:19, 23). So we see that our first step in taking the gospel to an area is to inquire of the Lord--in other words, pray. To help focus our prayers and to begin hearing God about where He wants us to concentrate our efforts, it can be very helpful to get a map of the city or region you are going into.
Most cities gather statistics related to the welfare of the city. The police divide a city up into precincts, and keep information regarding the amount of crime in each precinct. High crime areas indicate the depth of spiritual need. Other statistics relate to the poverty levels, diseases and causes of death, accident rates, and quality of educational opportunities, among other things. As issues are identified, prayer can then become more specific.
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When Jesus sent His disciples out to preach in Matthew 10, He gave careful instructions. One thing He told them was to inquire who was worthy in a particular city or village and to stay at that person's house. If the house was worthy, they were to leave a blessing of peace. If it was not worthy, they were to take their blessing back. This indicates that there are particular regions and cities and people within those areas who are ready to receive what God has to offer, and there are others who are not ready or are unwilling. To maximize effectiveness, we must determine where these places and people are. Jesus said to inquire--to ask questions.
Each City Has It's Own Issues and Characteristics
Spiritual mapping begins to give us a picture of the overall spiritual condition of an area and the parts of that area or city that are most needy. It can also reveal the areas that seem to be healthiest. Each city tends to have an overarching characteristic or "personality" so to speak, and this overarching characteristic or characteristics, reveal what has been called the "redemptive purpose" of the city or the reason for its existence. Just as God has a purpose for individuals, He also has a purpose for cities, states, and nations. God wants these purposes to be fulfilled in a redemptive or restorative way.
To understand this concept a little better, think about New York City. What comes to your mind as an overall theme or characteristic? Every negative characteristic is usually a reflection of the positive destiny of a city that has been perverted or skewed in the wrong direction. New York has been the entry point for immigrants from across the globe. It has been the first stepping stone for them to establish a new life in America. God's intention for New York has been to create a haven for the downtrodden of the world to come and build a new life based on freedom, opportunity, and equality.
Unfortunately, freedom has become license, opportunity has been curtailed by greed, and equality has been thwarted by prejudice. Still, there is generally far more opportunity and definitely more freedom to pursue a new life in New York, and by extension, America, than almost anywhere else in the world.
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As we see specific characteristics and issues, we can then go farther below the surface and examine how long these things have persisted. Places of entrenched sin can often be traced back to historical events that opened a door for a stronghold to be established. Long-established characteristics can also be traced to historical roots. Why is the city here? What brought about its development? How can we encourage the positive _expression of its destiny?
When we see negative issues that have persisted over time, we are usually seeing the results of a stronghold. Paul speaks of strongholds in II Corinthians 10:3-5. Strongholds require spiritual weapons in order to break them down. A stronghold is a castle or fortification designed to hold onto and guard an area. Spiritually, a stronghold is a structure of thoughts built on a foundation of error.
These thought patterns then lead to outward behavior. The behavior and attitudes can spread to other people until you see an entire area being affected by it. Drive through any city and you will notice pockets of poverty, places where bars and nightclubs are clustered, red light districts where prostitution proliferates, etc.
Be In Tune with God's Heart
Even as we begin to see what the spiritual terrain looks like, we must still hear from God as to the strategy we should use. God may surprise us by directing us to an area that seems less needy than another area. His thoughts are higher than our thoughts and His ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9). Too often, Christians have launched naively into places to spread the gospel without proper preparation or discernment. We must be in tune with God and be tapped into His heart and His power if we hope to make a lasting impact on the world around us.
God will begin to train us in effective spiritual warfare as we connect with Him in prayer and study His Word. We need to develop the capacity to take in solid spiritual food and have our senses trained to discern good and evil (Hebrews 5:14). One way of developing spiritual sensitivity is to simply drive through an area and observe with your eyes and tap into what you are sensing in your heart. Do you feel a sense of peace in a particular area or do you feel agitation? Begin to ask God what it is that you are sensing and what is causing it. Ask Him to increase your sensitivity to His Holy Spirit.
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A city can be captivated for Jesus Christ when believers join in a common desire to see God direct their steps and reveal the plans HE has for their city. But we must first lay aside our own goals, plans, and thoughts so that we can hear God's plans and thoughts. The book of Nehemiah shows how a city wall was rebuilt, with each family taking responsibility for their part. In the same way, each church can take responsibility for a part of the city where they are planted. But for the entire city to be affected, we must link arms and receive the plans and strategies from the Lord. We must work together to accomplish the task--no one church or individual will be able to do the job alone.
Link Arms Together
In a nutshell, spiritual mapping gives us the "military intelligence" that we need in order to bring the Gospel of the Kingdom into an area effectively. As we gather information through observation, asking questions, and the leading of the Holy Spirit, we can then begin to pray using what has been called "informed intercession." Using a map, we can begin to note areas of particular need and areas with particular strongholds, as well as areas that seem to be flourishing. Then we must get our orders from our Commander-in-Chief, Jesus Christ. Jesus also placed us in His Body and we are told in I Corinthians 12, that we need each other. We must link arms with the Body of Christ and hear what the Holy Spirit is saying to the churches.
We must learn to move together as God's army--the task cannot be achieved by lone rangers. Once the necessary groundwork has been laid, we can begin to seek the Lord for the practical outworking of the gospel. He may lead churches to walk through different neighborhoods and offer to pray for people. He may lead them to offer tangible services such a small household repairs or yard work. He may lead them to hold an open air meeting in a park.
The important thing is to partner with God and follow His leading.
Marla Boole
Kairos Transformation Ministries
www.kairostransformation.org
email: Marla@kairostransformation.org.
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Sound Of War
(Oct. 18, 2006)
by Sandie Freed
Warfare strategy through dreams and visions
Dreams from the Lord are very valuable, and I realize that if God is talking, then I need to be listening. And, after all, dreams are one of the languages and sounds of Heaven. Since we are praying that His Kingdom come to earth (meaning we want Heaven to touch earth), we need to become more aware that there will be a greater release of dreams and visions.
The night before we entered into Rosh Hashanah and the Hebraic New Year, I had a dream concerning warfare strategy for the season which lies ahead of us. It is not unusual for the Lord to reveal strategies through dreams and visions; in fact, Father God saved the life of His only Son, Jesus Christ, through a dream. King Herod sought to destroy Jesus, but the Father gave Joseph a dream which included strategy and divine direction to escape to safety.
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The Dream of the Army
The Lord is very concerned not only for our safety and destiny, but also that our prayers and intercession are divinely directed toward the establishment of His Kingdom.
In my recent dream, there were soldiers who were properly aligned and dressed for warfare. Suddenly, a very intense and bright flash of light appeared like a bolt of lightening and the brightness instantly illuminated the army. I then heard the words "World War."
I awoke with a Godly burden in several areas. One concern is that we need to press into the Lord for greater revelation as to how to pray against the devastations of more "natural" wars. Secondly, it is especially important that we pray for our troops during this season. Another area of great concern is the protection over the "Army of the Lord!"
Dream Interpretation: We are at War!
I am thankful the Lord gave me an interpretation to this dream because it applies to all of us who serve in God's Army. God's army includes His spiritual Army, as well as the believers in the natural army or armed forces. For several years, most of us have had the burden to pray against natural wars and catastrophes.
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In my dream, the bright light that illuminated the army, is as if the Lord was saying that He was shining His light upon the armed forces, and that the significance of prayer is of utmost importance. Especially now, we need prophetic insight and revelation as to how to specifically pray against the tactics of the natural enemy of our nation.
Spiritually, we are in a season when we must use the Sword of the Lord to do warfare. Going into battle with His truth, His Word, and His mighty Sword, is the only way to insure victory.
This is NOT a time to be spiritually lazy. Dear ones, we are at war! This is a season when the prophets will hear the direction of the Lord and the Body of Christ, especially the leaders, will become aligned with the prophetic word and go to battle. It is time for unity in the ranks of God's army. We will not forge ahead in victory unless we walk in unity and covenant with one another.
Deborah and Barak: The Double Anointing for Victory
Deborah was a prophetess who was also a judge in Ephraim. She approached Barak, a leader of Israel's army, to encourage him to go to battle. This is symbolic of the prophetic word preparing the way for victory in battle against the spirit of antichrist. Deborah is symbolic of God's judgment, properly discerning the times and seasons, and releasing Godly judgment through decrees and declarations. Barak is symbolic of all Godly leaders who heed the directives of the Lord and move forward into battle, using the Sword (the Word) of the Lord.
Deborah's name means "To speak, an orator, eloquent, and a bee." The Deborah's of today are gifted prophetically to speak as orators of the Lord. A bee is very busy just as a Deborah is busy with the Kingdom Business. Everywhere we go, we hear God's "buzz words" concerning the prophetic words, the apostolic authority, and warring over our inheritance.
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Barak's name means "lightening, thunder, and thunderbolt." Remember, in my dream was a great flash of light touching God's army. Another reference to Barak's name is "glittering sword." I believe that our leaders in the army of the Lord (as well as the natural army), will have a sword anointed by God to do battle. As God's sword clashes, there will be a light, a flash, and a lightening bolt that will be as if God's glory is entering into warfare for us. As the sword clashes, His glory will be seen!
Prophet Chuck Pierce has alerted us to this season being "The Clash of the Sword" of the Lord. I believe that Barak's sword (symbolic of the sword of the Lord), is clashing with the enemy's sword and there is a battle against demonic principalities as we unify ourselves and pray.
In Biblical history, as the double anointings of Deborah (prophet, judge, authority) and Barak (leaders in the army, apostolic authority, and unity) came together, Israel was defeated from the yoke of Jabin, by routing the Canaanites in the plain of Jezreel. Therefore, as we will use the Sword of the Lord, we will drive the "ites" from our Promised Land! The Scripture states that God's Sword is sharp, full of living power, and brings exposure and revelation. We can defeat the different death structures that are affecting us by warring with God's living Word!
Hebrews 4:12, "For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."
I am expecting the Deborah's and the Barak's to arise and go to war! I remember my spiritual father, Bishop Bill Hamon saying that if we win the war in the spirit, it will affect the wars in the natural. Precious saints, it's time to rise up and get into the battle!
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The Heartbeat of Heaven
Last month while we were ministering in Maryland, a sound came into our midst. I knew immediately that it was a sound sent from Heaven. It was as if the angelic host surrounded our praise, and made a sound of war with a drum beat from Heaven. At first, the sound seemed to be in the distance, yet as time lapsed, it grew closer and closer until the beat became so prominent, that the entire congregation got into unity with its unique beat. It was a beat I had never heard before. The ministry's drummer was already playing the drums, but the sound that came forth was an entirely different beat.
The congregation was already clapping in unity and the tambourines were also in perfect harmony. When this sound from Heaven came, everyone transitioned at once and sequenced with the beat from Heaven! It was absolutely awesome as a fresh release of joy and praise was ministered to each of us. The entire congregation was on the same beat and it lasted for close to half an hour or more. It was totally supernatural, and I was aware of God's angelic host equipping us for warfare.
I asked the Lord, "Why have You released this sound?" He said to me, "This is the sound of My heartbeat. I am calling My army to hear My heart and then go to war. The only way to go to war is to get in rhythm with Heaven."
In Rhythm with Heaven
The word "rhythm" refers to movement or a patterned recurrence of a beat. Another definition is a "measured movement." I believe that God has our movements planned and measured. He knows exactly where we are to go and in which season. Precious ones, this is our season to go into our Promised Land and possess all that God has promised! If we move forward with His sound and His directives, we will march to the sound which comes from Heaven. Our steps are ordered of the Lord, and we have assured victory!
Psalm 37:23, "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, And He delights in his way."
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Dreams of Seducing Spirits
Recently, I have also dreamed about a seducing spirit which will attempt to seduce us into doubt and unbelief. There is a spirit that will attempt to convince us that warfare is unnecessary. But, don't listen to the lies of the devil! The devil belongs under our feet, and if he is whispering lies into our ears, then he is definitely not underfoot!
The enemy will try to get us to back away from warfare and surrender. Don't surrender! Know that God has already gone before us and has won the battle. This is the season to have increased faith, and to know that as we pray, God's Word goes before us and accomplishes His will on our behalf. He is not a God that He would lie and He is well able to perform His Word (Numbers 23:19).
Watch over your dreams during this season. God is speaking His Heavenly language during dreams and visions, and is releasing much warfare strategy. Some of the strategy involves different tactics the enemy has planned against you. Generational strongholds, mindsets, and traditions of men are being exposed through dreams. Be alert and remain properly positioned before God to ensure that if He is talking, then you are listening.
Seducing spirits also attempt to lead us astray. Beware! During times of spiritual warfare, we are vulnerable to the lies of satan. We can easily lose sight of the promise, become discouraged, and lose hope. We must not be as the Israelites who, while in the desert, lost focus on God's ability to lead them into their promise. Keep your eyes fixed on your future and set your face like flint toward your destiny.
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Destiny Links
Remaining in covenant with your leaders and Godly authority is necessary during this season. I refer to these connections as "destiny links." Destiny links are those people with whom we need to be linked in order for us to fulfill our divine destiny. These connections help us along the way, lead us into victory, and provide the needed resources during our journey.
God has assigned each of us to a specific division in His army. And, of course, each division has leaders who lead us into battle. Our destiny links are those with whom God divinely connects us, and we must remain committed and in covenant with thoseGod has chosen to be a part in our lives.
However, the enemy hates unity and he will attempt to separate you from your destiny link. Satan will bring offenses, jealousy, and discontentment into your relationships to get you off course. Be careful and guard your heart, because the enemy seeks to bring strife and division into your camp. Being easily offended will cause you to leave your destiny link, throw in the towel, and stop you from running the race. Guard your heart and your commitment during this season.
Pray for God's Glory to Touch the Earth
Several years ago, I dreamed that Gabriel came to the earth and released God's glory.In the dream, there was a supernatural impartation from Heaven in which signs, wonders, and miracles were released. In the dream, our enemy attempted to get us to doubt our ability to receive all that God desired to give us.
Dear ones, I believe this is why we are at war. We are warring against powers of darkness which attempt to stop us from receiving God's glory. If satan can convince us that miracles are not for today, then we have lost the battle.
Let's get in step with Heaven. Let's move forward with God's heartbeat and believe for Heaven to touch earth!
Are you ready? Do you hear the rhythm from Heaven? Well, Army of God, Let's MARCH!
Sandie Freed
Zion Ministries
Email: info@ZionMinistries.us
www.zionministries.us
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The Blue Flame Of The Lord (Divine Revelation)
(Oct. 16, 2006)
by Patricia King
For the last number of months, I have had recurring nudges from the Holy Spirit to meditate on the phrase, "The Blue Flame of the Lord."
The blue flame is the hottest and most intense part of a fire, and the color blue is often a prophetic symbol of divine revelation, God's love, and an open Heaven.
Blue Flame Encounter
Recently while teaching at Glory School in Dudley, England, with Trevor and Sharon Baker, I had a spiritual encounter regarding the Blue Flame of the Lord. In this encounter, I could feel myself soaring like an eagle, looking upward into the sun while in flight. My eyes were fixed on the sun. Eagles (often a Biblical symbol of the prophetic) in the natural have an extra membrane over their eyes that other birds do not have. This allows them to look directly into the sun without damage to their vision.
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As I gazed into the sun, I could feel myself being drawn towards its center, and that is when I saw it--the Blue Flame. It was so beautiful. I could feel its strength that is to be feared and respected, and also I felt its passion. The Lord gave me three points of understanding and application that I would like to share with you.
1. The Blue Flame Speaks of Divine Revelation
Fire is an illuminator. Our Heavenly Father has given us the Holy Spirit as our Helper. He leads and guides us into all truth, and grants us revelation concerning Christ and His invisible Kingdom. The Spirit reveals the deep things of God.
In 1 Corinthians 2:9-10, the Scripture teaches that the Holy Spirit reveals to those who love the Lord, the things that eye has not seen, ear has not heard, and things that have not even entered into our heart. Verse 10 states, "…for the Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God."
The Lord is promising an impartation of the deep things of His heart to those who fix their gaze upon Him. This is a season of increased and intensified revelation for those whose lives are completely His.
2. The Blue Flames Speaks of His Passionate Love
Song of Solomon 8:6 teaches, "...love is as strong as death; jealousy is cruel as the grave: the coals thereof are coals of fire, which have a most vehement flame."
The intensity of this type of jealous love speaks of His great passion and affection for us. We are in His heart continuously. It is the power of this love that purifies and refines us. This love burns up the dross and aligns us with His ways and purposes.
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When we are filled with His passionate love, the blue flame is also ignited within us and creates an intense love response to Him. "We love Him because He first loved us." (1 John 4:19). When the blue flame of His love burns within us, we will also love others with His passion.
The Body of Christ is being invited to be filled with the blue flame of His love and to cause the world around us to be set ablaze with this love. New levels of refining, separation, purification, and purging will come to God's people as a result of individuals being filled with the blue flame of love. More intense levels of love for God and for others will be experienced in the Body of Christ.
3. The Blue Flame Speaks of the Essence of Heaven
When examining the Scriptures, it appears that blue (found in the sapphire) is a significant color in Heaven. In fact, the pavement under God's feet is sapphire. Exodus 24:10, "And they saw the God of Israel: and there was under His feet as it were a paved work of a sapphire stone, and as it were the body of Heaven in His clearness."
We also find that the foundations of the walls of the Heavenly Jerusalem include sapphire stones (Revelation 21:19).
In the natural, when we look up into the sky, we see "blue." Blue is the color that symbolizes the Open Heaven.
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Many of God's children in this hour, will receive increased Heavenly and divine encounters. The Body of Christ will become more and more familiar with the reality of Heaven--God's place of abode. Multiplied manifestations of Heaven will be seen in the earth. More believers will live under the blessings of the Open Heaven.
Word of Wisdom and Revelation
Our friend Faisal Malick from Covenant of Life Ministries adds these thoughts:
"The blue flame of the Lord represents purity of revelation and wisdom. Revelation is unveiling hidden wisdom in the right season. Secrets are never hidden from God, but by HIM, for us.
WISDOM IS REVELATION CONCEALED AND REVELATION IS HIDDEN WISDOM REVEALED.
When the Kairos time comes for hidden wisdom to be revealed in the earth, the deep of the Father connects with the deep of our spirits, and Holy Spirit impregnates us with revelation knowledge wrapped in the seed of His Word. As a result, hidden wisdom foreordained unto our Glory in Christ is unlocked.
Then forerunners come forth out of the wilderness impregnated with revelation knowledge in the womb of their spirit. They carry the baby, or steward the revelation in the midst of persecution and affliction with great joy, knowing that they must give birth to the plans of the Spirit into the earth.
Then the season comes where they actually speak forth by the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, making known even to the principalities and powers the wisdom of God, that was hidden long before even principalities existed.
This then provides a death blow to the devil and the gates of hell which can not prevail against revelation knowledge, and allows the will of Heaven to be done on earth as it is in Heaven."
"The WORD is forever settled in Heaven but must be established in earth."
Embrace the Blue Flame
May we gaze with a renewed focus into the intense fiery love of God. Let's prepare ourselves to receive revelation into the deep mysteries of God and await authentic encounters with the very atmosphere of Heaven.
Let's embrace the Blue Flame and allow Him to burn strong in our hearts. May we truly be known as those He makes to be His ministers--flames of fire (Psalm 104:4).
Patricia King
www.extremeprophetic.com
patricia@extremeprophetic.com
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