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Topic: Advance The Kingdom - Embrace Change!
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Author
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Clay Sikes
Senior Member
Joined: 02/05/2011
Location: United States
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 120
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Posted: 08/21/2016 at 5:18am
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I have often contemplated the dynamic of change and growth, as all
growth requires change. In any area I desire growth, change must
occur. Where I remain the same, I consciously or subconsciously
refuse change. To accept that all growth requires change, is to open the
door to an important Kingdom spiritual truth. The Kingdom of God is
forcefully advancing, not remaining stagnant, yet many of us remain
stuck in the 'rut of sameness' that is contrary to an advancing Kingdom.
Choice determines destination.
Several years ago I clearly heard, "Anything growing will change - be
open, be flexible, be willing to change." This profound truth was
dropped in my spirit, and its relevance to my calling has become clear
in recent years. Without an awareness of this growth criteria, I would
likely resisted much of the transition that consumes my life today. My
purpose is to advance the Kingdom in all areas of my life, and to do so I
must embrace change (in me).
Growth's requirement of change is a true phenomenon in both the
natural and spiritual sphere; whether a pubescent child, a major
corporation, or a limb on a tree, or me - growth requires change!
When our lives become stagnant, we can be assured that somewhere
along the line we have resisted some form of change. The rut of
sameness is the greatest evidence of 'change' resistance. Scripture
teaches the 'power' of resistance to change - "The traditions of men
make the word of God to no affect." Said differently, our own
preconceived notions, paradigms, self-appointed positions, traditional
thoughts and mindsets disable us from hearing God speak. Why?
Because WE have already determined our position on the subject! This
is dangerous territory because it retards the advancing Kingdom in us.
God may have great things planned, but cannot provide because we
aren't open to receiving.
Spiritual growth can only come to those 'open' to recognizing the
limitations of their own mindsets - seeing beyond their own (traditions)
opinions. Ironically, within the same vessel, extreme growth can come
in one arena while stagnancy comes in another. Holding fast to our
traditional thoughts is often our greatest enemy to moving forward
(advancing). The Kingdom (within us) is forcefully advancing, but are
we violently opposing our traditional thoughts to advance with it? Often
the answer is no, and our testimony reveals it! Honesty with ourselves
opens the door, while denial slams it shut.
God can 'grow us' if we are willing to change, but He will not violate our
free-will. Traditional mindsets inhibit spiritual growth just as an
openness of heart frees it to grow. Those besieged by guilt, something
to hide, and shame cannot move beyond themselves; remaining stuck
in the morass of 'no forward movement,' stagnancy, and other forms of
death while still living. The Kingdom of God (within) wants to forcefully
advance us, but we must grant Him permission with an open and
honest heart. Truth sets us free; a lie retains us. "Above all else, to
thine own self be true" - Shakespeare.
Honesty with ourselves can only come in brokenness and humility; the
place where genuine growth begins. The saddest among us are those
who see no need for change. The saddest parts of our own lives are
the areas we are blindest to. Where we are stagnant is our place of
greatest need - the place where God wants to provide something new.
An honest heart will explode the Kingdom in this heretofore
unconquered territory - a new life in a new arena will breath life into our
whole being. Change will permeate throughout; great growth will occur.
The Kingdom will advance (on earth as it is in heaven)! Lord, let me
embrace change.
__________________
Clay Sikes
www.lighthouseprophecy.org
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