1. Transformed by the Spirit of the Lord
By Ron McGatlin
As we are entering the age of the kingdom, dramatic and extreme changes will cause many people including many Christians to search for answers and relief. Distressed souls will cry out, “Where is truth? Where is our help? Where is noble strong leadership? Regret and remorse will move many to deep repentance and turning to God. Others will blame God for their troubled state and speak evil of Him to their own end.
At the same time, many pure hearted holy people of God will be engulfed in the presence of His glory manifesting among them, along with many holy angels.
There will be no middle ground and no place for moderation. There will be deep and sometimes painful separation between those who abide in God and those who do not. The sheep are being separated from the goats. The parable of the sheep and the goats is not just about some distant future work of Christ Jesus.
Mat 25: 32-34, 41: All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats. 33 And He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left. 34 Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.
41 “Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me….’”
In this parable, the sheep had love abiding within them that caused them to provide for the needs of the least of the people of God. The goats’ lack of love was evidenced in that they did not provide for the needs of God’s people. The sheep entered into the kingdom, and the goats did not.
The number one characteristic of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is love.
The number one characteristic of the kingdom of God is love.
The most powerful force for change is perfect love, the pure holy love of God.
Throughout the ages God has been working with man toward preparing a people, as vessels, to receive and carry His love to every being and facet of Planet Earth. Thus establishing God’s kingdom of perfect love to rule and reign on Planet Earth. God desires a world of people who will reflect His perfect love back to Him in worship.
The progressive reformation of His people into a suitable vessel has had many ups and downs as God patiently continues searching to and fro for those who are ready and willing to become living sacrifices cleansed and prepared to receive the fullness of His perfect love. Perfect love brings perfect purity, holiness, and the release of authority to carry the POWER of God into this world.
God’s Vessel from Heaven
Among all the people on earth there was not even one candidate to become a vessel to carry the fullness of God’s perfect love and power. Christ Jesus came to earth from heaven to be that one person – the one seed to produce many sons to carry God’s perfect love and power to transform the world into the kingdom of God.
God is Spirit. Love is a Spirit substance. God is love. God is the only source of perfect love. There is no other place, person, or thing in all creation that is an original source of pure holy love. For any person, place, or thing to receive this love, there must be connection to the one and only source. God alone is the source of perfect love.
Christ Jesus opened the way at the cross for the pure holy love to again flow into anyone who will personally give his or her life to Him and allow the Holy Spirit to bring the Spirit of the Lord to abide in his or her spirit, soul, and body.
We become connected to the perfect love of God by the Spirit of the Lord abiding in us. His perfect love in us is like a consuming fire that dissolves all of our junk from the past, making us pure vessels.
The love of God by the Spirit of the Lord within us becomes a burning passionate desire to be with God and to be pleasing in His site. We become bond slaves of perfect love desiring nothing more than His presence. We desire God’s best for our brothers and sisters as love pours out from us to others. Always our primary desire and purpose of life is to obey and please God.
WE ARE TRANSFORMED BY THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD INTO VESSELS TO CARRY HIS LOVE TO THE WORLD AND REFLECT THAT LOVE BACK TO HIM IN PURE HOLY WORSHIP.
2 Corinthians 3: 17-18: Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 18 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.
The Glory from Heaven on Earth
The perfect love of God flowing in and through His holy Sons is the glory of God. His heavenly love, power, and wisdom along with spiritual gifts flow out into the world, producing beautiful and awesome manifestations of His presence among His people. The glory of the life of Christ Jesus works in and with us demonstrating the glory of God. Signs and wonders follow us as God demonstrates His good pleasure in His pure holy Bride.
The world is transformed, as people are drawn to the joyful presence of the demonstrations of His love and glory. Hearts are excited and made alive with the encouragement of His glorious love, power, and wisdom. When we come to God in Christ Jesus by the Holy Spirit, the pure holy love of God begins transforming us into pure sons in the image of Christ.
The Undeniable Power of God
People can deny the teaching and words of the kingdom. They can ridicule and debate even the words of scripture. There is only one most important and key thing that the enemy cannot counterfeit or duplicate. The perfect love of God cannot be successfully counterfeited. Pure holy love causes perfect obedience and opens the way for the power of God to come forth in humble sons who are moving in the spiritual gifts of God.
The enemy may make counterfeit miracles, but he cannot copy the pure love of God. His attempts to do so will be thinly veiled, syrupy-coated evil pretension that is easily discerned by those who are experiencing the real.
1 Corinthians 2: 4-5: And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.
1 Corinthians 4:20: For the kingdom of God is not in word but in power.
Miracles
One of the most encouraging things that God does for us is to cause us to experience firsthand His miracle working power. It is always exciting when God moves in a way that cannot be reasonably denied or explained as a natural event. We feel more alive and in love with him as we walk together with Him and watch His works taking place before us. It is great to read again and again of His extraordinary miraculous works in the Bible. Yet they may seem a bit removed until we witness His miracle working power in and among us today.
There are large miracles involving numbers of people and significant world events. And there are seemingly less important manifestations or miracles of a smaller and more personal nature. Some may seem almost trivial to some people. Yet the personal encouragement is of great value to the people experiencing or witnessing them. Spiritual manifestations can be a great personal delight simply by letting us know that God is mindful of us and cares about us.
The most significant use and reason for many miracles and manifestations is to witness to unbelievers. Many religious people are unbelievers when it comes to the personal involvement with God in their lives. Experiencing one truly miraculous supernatural event can change the mindset of a person that could not be changed by words alone.
The love and power of God in Christ Jesus by the Holy Spirit is the only potential for changing our world to the kingdom of God. The kingdom of God is not in word alone, but in the expressed love and power of God within His many sons by the Holy Ghost of Christ Jesus.
Beneath the darkness of the purifying cleansing judgments of the night season, the seed of the glorious kingdom life is growing in the hearts and lives of His people to break through in the light of the morning of the Day of His glory.
Psalm 30:5: For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning.
Ron McGatlin
archive.openheaven.com
basileia@earthlink.net
2. Testimony - The Ultimate Truth!
By Clay Sikes
The word ‘Break’ and the number 2014 are virtually synonymous terms. Those who have been ‘broken’ through years of wandering in the desert are soon to see another form of ‘Break’ – Breakthrough! When our ‘breaking’ has reached a point of being ok with us, when we live with the ‘pain of circumstance’ without complaint, when we’ve learned to utterly and completely depend upon Him for our daily existence, we are ‘broken.’ Broken vessels have ‘broken through’ their own humanity, finding their place in Him where such existence is possible. As I pen these words, I am in great physical, financial, and relational pain, yet His grace is greater than the ‘pain of the circumstance’ that I’ve lived with for many years now. My current hope is anchored in what I see – I am coming out!
The ‘pain of circumstance’ has enormous purpose in those called to the Kingdom on earth (Acts 14:22). Difficulties, trials, disappointments, rejection, failure, setbacks, and heartbreaks have adjusted my spiritual life, my physical and financial priorities, and emotional attitude. The ‘break’ that has taken place has given me a permanent limp that has created a permanent dependence upon God. A man of deep spiritual insight once stated, “I do not desire to partner with any man in the things of the spirit who does not walk with a limp.” For those limping Kingdom men and women, 2014 and beyond sends a loud signal – order and breakthrough! To the broken there awaits a ‘breakthrough’ into the River of Life flowing from heaven into earth. This joyous place, this glorious River is Life – peace, righteousness, and joy. As we enter the channel of this river, we begin to flow (with it) as our feet no longer touch the earth (the world’s system); the river’s energy now moves us at its own pace. The buoyancy of the river keeps us effortlessly floating as with a life preserver, flowing into the future with no doubt or fear. While the fires of affliction may burn on the outside, the cool river of heaven sooths and protects the inside - the real part of our being.
To those in this flow there is no seeking or looking for blessing and favor, as the river provides what the Father has freely given. Striving and toil has ended, as trust and faith birth a form of supernatural provision. “In repentance and rest is your salvation; in quietness and peace is your strength” – Isaiah 30:15. Orphans strive, sons receive. Sons are not known for an absence of activity, but rather an absence of activity apart from the leadership of the Holy Spirit.
As we yield to the flow of the river, areas of dysfunction will yield to God’s order – all stolen will be returned – Hosea 6: 1/Joel 2: 25-27. As we focus on God the provider, not the needed provision, we will see Him as Moses saw Him, “As a friend” – Exodus 33: 11. To know the goodness of God is to know God. Many know the acts of God, but few know the ways of God – Acts 3: 19-26. Just as a true wealthy friend would help in time of need, so too will our friend, God, make all available to us. If God be for us, who can be against us? “He who did not spare His own son, but gave Him up for us all – how will he not also, along with Him, graciously give us (all things).” “Oh that you would bless, and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free of pain. And God (his friend) granted his request” - I Chronicles 4: 10. The flow of the ‘River of Life’ makes friendship with God not a thing to be grasped, but rather a concept that is deeply understood.
The monumental shifts taking place right now are repositioning sons and daughters away from the wilderness of the past, and into the favor, blessing, and influence in their respective arenas – the flowing river flows into the light. Authority is in this light as Kingdom Authority (Revelation 5:10) has only come by Kingdom preparation (Acts 14:22). Walking successfully through your season of the cross gives you authority to minister God’s message from that ‘place and that season’ specifically. Through death has come life! Listen, words of life are being released (John 6: 63) by God’s prophets of love; prophets who never seek power over presence, yet warn and correct, not in harshness, but in words to awaken a Laodicean spirit.
The highest form of communication in the earth today is spirit-to-spirit, not intellect-to-intellect; and the highest form of spirit-to-spirit is testimony from the heart of one man ‘imparted’ into the heart of another. Impartation has an immediate enabling advantage. Jesus is coming back for a testimony – we overcame by Jesus enabling us to have a testimony, and testimony is birthed in relationship. The more fervent the relationship the greater the testimony.
“The gospel of the Kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a ‘witness’ unto all nations; and then the end shall come” (Matthew 24:14).
The word that Jesus uses for “witness” in this verse is the same Greek word used for “testimony.” It literally means ‘PROOF OF FACT.’ Christ is speaking here of not just preaching the gospel, but PRESENTING IT AS A TESTIMONY. In short he says, The gospel we preach is effective ONLY if it is backed up by a life that testifies to its reality. No man can lead you where he has not walked. One of the greatest perversions in the Church today is men attempting to lead others into a place they have not walked. The blood of Jesus enabled us to have a testimony, and our words relative to it (testimony) are the most powerful we will ever speak. “And they overcame him by the blood of the lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death” (Revelation 12: 11). Testimony is a ‘Kingdom Age’ characteristic that goes well beyond revelation (which means to fully understand), and into impartation (which means to walk in the power of the testimony – a transference of power and ability from one to another.) “Gold and silver have I none, but such as I have I give you – stand up and walk.” The lame beggar had never heard a Gloria Copeland teaching tape on healing. He received an impartation and thus ‘enabled’ to walk (immediately).
Two distinct and unique phenomenon are occurring now. One, the Body of Christ is beginning to sense an ‘arising’ within. Christ is arising within us, breathing life and purpose in us; and like a deflated balloon suddenly filled with air we are being filled to an upright position. Christ in us, the hope of glory; into fullness, the full measure and statue of Christ. The Lion of the Tribe of Judah is arising within us, empowering and creating an ability to hear and love and function as true sons and daughters. The whole creation is groaning to see the manifestation of God’s true sons and daughters (Romans 8: 19-21). Why? THEY WANT A WITNESS; something offering ‘PROOF OF FACT’ that there is a better way…that God and His love are real. Testimonies are emerging from the wilderness of God’s salvation, deliverance, and overcoming power. As these ‘first fruits’ multiply, a second phenomenon is occurring – a joining. Various parts of the Body of Christ are beginning to connect - A divine connection. Connections are occurring to create function within the scope of Divine purpose. Connect to those who produce ‘life in you.’ They are your connection to God’s purpose in life.
In conclusion, the dam of the past must ‘break’ for the River to flow, producing overcoming testimony imparted one to another – the contagious nature of a flaming word igniting like wildfire in a dry forest. Here it comes, here it comes, here it comes – ‘a flaming word of a flowing River’ that brings new life…Hear! It comes!
Clay Sikes
www.LightHouseProphecy.org
3. News Headlines
Amid ISIS terror, spiritual questions asked - September 2, 2014 - 9/4/2014
It’s a good time for sharing Christ hearts are ready to talk about spiritual things. Even Muslims are open. They know there’s a problem with Islam. They’ve seen all the stuff. They’re very open and interested in finding out ‘about Jesus Christ?’” In Syria and Iraq, as ISIS continues its reign of terror. There may be a couple of million people who are displaced or refugees...
Muslims Being DRIVEN into the "Arms Of Loving Christians" by the Barbaric Actions of ISIS - Feeling betrayed by Arab Muslims, the Yazidi refugees are looking to Christians for help. - 9/4/2014
One Yazidi leader told CBN News hundreds of Muslim neighbors turned against his people when ISIS fighters arrived. "These Arabic tribes, they joined them." "They took away our females, children, old men, everything," he continued. "Even if we get back our homes, we cannot live with the Arabs because they usually try to persecute us."
WHO IS ISIS REALLY? Video Published on Aug 20, 2014 - Dr. Michael Youssef - 9/1/2014
VIDEO - Dr. Michael Youssef and Joshua Youssef discuss the evolution of radical jihadist groups like ISIS, the ultimate goals of these extremist groups, and what it means for the rest of the world. - MORE> from Dr. Michael Youssef and Joshua Youssef
Devil's Bargain: America's Dance with Rogue Regimes - 9/4/2014
ISIS is on the march in the Middle East, Iran is developing a nuclear bomb and Russian President Vladimir Putin is sizing up Ukraine. In this increasingly chaotic world, can America outmaneuver its enemies by talking to them? "The Obama administration wrongly believes it can negotiate in good faith with the likes of Iran." "You legitimize them when you negotiate with them.
Bipartisan Alarm: Another 9/11 May Be Imminent - 9/4/2014
At least 100 Americans are believed to be fighting with ISIS, some of whom will eventually return to U.S. soil. Authorities say as many as 6,000 foreign nationals who arrived in the country on student visas have vanished. They're taking advantage of a program offered at Harvard, Yale, and other major institutions. It's how one of the 9/11 hijackers got into the country.
News From British Isles, Ireland, Europe and Worldwide - 9/4/2014
Faith, refusing medicine and trusting God = long life - Victory for Christian sacked over gay weddings - British Christians intimidated into hiding their faith - Wales: NATO summit Thursday and Friday - Sex education for seven-year-olds' - How should we respond to British jihadism? Ukraine's Poroshenko agrees 'ceasefire process' with Putin - The other face of Islam - More>
Obama Vows to 'Destroy' ISIS after Sotloff Beheading - 9/4/2014
President Barack Obama has ordered more troops to Iraq to protect U.S. diplomatic posts and workers in Baghdad after the gruesome beheading of another American journalist by the Islamic State. The military personnel will offer protection as the country fights a growing insurgency from the jihadist army. Obama condemned the killing. "We will not be intimidated.
Iranian Authorities Raid House Church in Tehran; Arrest Two - 9/4/2014
Reports from Tehran indicate that following the recent propaganda campaign against Iranian Christians, two Christian converts identified as were arrested as they gathered for prayer and Bible study. Iranian security authorities arrested the two men on Aug. 12 2014. According to Iran's law, which is based on Sharia law, converting from Islam to Christianity is apostasy.
Liberia: ‘We are Taking Our Nation for Jesus’ - 9/4/2014
Fourteen years of civil war. The fourth poorest country on earth. Now the Ebola epidemic threatens to wipe out thousands of lives. Is there hope for Liberia? Liberian kids say, 'We are Taking Our Nation for Jesus' ames Cuffee certainly thinks so. Churches across the country have been “very busy fasting and praying” for God’s intervention in this health crisis.
New hope against backdrop of terrorism in Kenya - 9/3/2014
In June, dozens of extremists attacked a coastal town in Kenya, killing those who weren’t Muslim and those who didn’t know the Somali language. al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the attack. “In recent months, there has been a very pronounced spike in persecution against believers by Muslims, particularly in the coastal region city of Mombasa.”
Kigali, Rwanda. Cfan Crusade Report - Daniel Kolenda - Reinhard Bonnke - 8/29/2014
Tonight after I preached the Gospel and prayed for the sick, we heard wonderful testimonies of God’s healing power: Two women's large protruding tumors instantly vanished. A man deaf in both ears for two years was healed. An elderly man who could barely walk because of a broken leg was healed. He was so overjoyed, he danced, ran and hugged me.
MORE NEWS HEADLINES
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Topic: OpenHeaven.com Digest September 5, 2014
