Enlargement through transformation

Expansion, growth and blossoming of natural talent and spiritual gifts to those called to be covenant people being molded into a unified community of believers. 

The assigned angel of our church (ie churches in Revelation) is present and overseeing the transition and transformation from old church into the new - multifaceted - a morphing into our own corporate identity, personality and kingdom purpose. 

The church will grow into the identity with a distinct separation from the past shape/format. The Father gave Steve a picture of light "bubbling" up from the ground creating an aura of light. 

The Scripture Isaiah 60:1-3 (as preached on 5/01/2014) arose throughout the prayer time; “Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, And deep darkness the people; But the Lord will arise over you, And His glory will be seen upon you. The Gentiles shall come to your light, And kings to the brightness of your rising.”

• A sense of God establishing Justice on the earth - Justice is mentioned 3 times in Isaiah 42: 1-4.

• A confirmation that God will make us a light for the lost and will use us to open blind eyes and set the captives free - Isaiah 42: 6-7 

•  A confirmation that the former things have already taken place and that we should not dwell on them and that God is calling us into the new things that He is doing - Isaiah 42: 9 and 43: 18-19.

• A confirmation of the significance of singing a new song to the Lord - Isaiah 42: 10 and that as we do He will march out and defeat His (and our) enemies - Isaiah 42: 13.

Worship warfare: 

A word based on Isaiah 42: 1-17 and Isaiah 43: 18-19. 

Many of us have been asking why we are not seeing more miracles and healing. Isaiah 42:14 says that God has kept silent and held himself back but believe now He will start to move in amazing ways (verses 15-16).

Also - looking at the words that were circulated a while ago was struck by the word headed "God's people revolution" from 2011 bearing in mind Hugh Osgood's preaching this morning - "Wake up, Wake up, O sleeper, you have all the power given to you, it is time to stop talking about things but to take action"

There is also a connection with the Wake up tree (almond tree) - the picture of Moses with his arms raised holding his staff (rod) so the Israelites could win their battle, representing our role in the 
heavenly battles as we pray and get involved. Battles can be won and we will see God's kingdom established in our area.

Musicians that lead corporate sung worship will be part and parcel of moving the Church forward into the new stage of church life. 

2 Chronicles 20:20-22 is a key scripture: “So they rose early in the morning and went out into the Wilderness of Tekoa; and as they went out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Hear me, O Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem: Believe in the Lord your God, and you shall be established; believe His prophets, and you shall prosper.” And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed those who should sing to the Lord, and who should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army and were saying: “Praise the Lord, For His mercy endures forever.” Now when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushes against the people of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah; and they were defeated.

Compilation of prayers/words/pictures from Elizabeth & Steve

 

With blessings

The burning cross – adjust your gaze

Season of change, reshaping vision and release of destiny

As the proverbial clock struck midnight (2013/14) and sitting quietly with the Father I had a picture of a single cross on top of a hill. It was empty with only a robe draped on the cross bar.  I had to tilt my head upward to look up at it and as I stared at the cross it started to burn BUT WAS NOT CONSUMED.
 

The cross is central to 2014 and where Christ is celebrated, lifted up and worshiped unreservedly a ring of fire will be created - with the glory of God within. I was reminded that as Calvary and Christ’s sacrifice separates us from the past - 2014 will be a complete departure from the past. It’s as if a line has been drawn in the sand of time.

With the burning cross I was prompted by Holy Spirit to meditate on Moses’s experience of the burning bush (Exodus 3) – he had an unexpected encounter with God as the I AM, the course of his life changed forever. This experience with God brought to an end his season of isolation with the release of his commission, future vision and promise.

From the recounting of the experience in Exodus chapter 3 we see:

• Expect to hear, see and find God in the dry and mundane places of life,
• Recognise that we will have to adjust our gaze and acknowledge that mere coincidence is actually God’s hand working in and for you,
• Ascribe all good things to the LORD,
• God KNOWS your name – respond when you hear HIM call,
• He has heard the cries (and prayers) of HIS people and WILL act of our behalf to take possession of our inheritance in Christ Jesus.

This event in Moses' life changed the course of his life; he met the I AM, the vision for the future was revealed with the assurance that God was with and for him to ensure that the vision and commission  became reality.

The waters have broken - come and drink

In August 2012 we posted on the blog, “Let the spiritual midwives say ‘yes and amen – you can do this’, catch the second wind of the Holy Spirit, bear down and Pray Until Something Happens” This was in response to a range of maternity, baby dreams and words given by the Father to a range of people between 1 May 2011 and 17 March 2012. 

Another recent dream with two unrelated and yet prophetically connected baby birth events has been followed with this word for the church being laid on Elizabeth’s heart.

 

“I sense God is saying I am birthing the impossible things. Run with it. Do not hold back. Nothing can stop the birth of the new thing I am doing. Heal the sick, cast out demons, raise the dead, set the captives free. The time is now. Do not be afraid. I am with you. The ground is prepared. Now is the time for harvest."

 

Rock sculpture over old healing water well in Wells Park

A second word we’ve had repeated recently is, “it’s time to strike the rock” (Steve Wadey, summer 2013 and Stephane' November 2013). After prayer and contemplation on this by the Leadership team, there is a sense that this is linked to John’s gospel chapters 7-9 and the Feast of Tabernacles (Leviticus 23).

 

The procession carried water from the pool of Siloam, circled the temple, then poured out the water - representing sins on the altar. This was repeated 7 times. On the final day of the feast the women would light the temple lamps which filled the temple with great brightness.

 

Playground water fountains in Wells Park

John 7 (37-38)  Jesus says on the final day of the feast If anyone is thirsty let him come to me and drink - whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from them (Holy spirit). (River of life scriptures John7:37-39, Ezekiel 47:9 and Isaiah 55: 1-2)

All of this leads to Christ Jesus. HE is our rock and from HIM living waters flow. When HE is lifted up (praised, blessed, adored) we start to dip our cups into the living water.  "If ANYONE is thirsty - come and drink"

 

I sense to strike the rock means we must not hold back:

• Don’t hold back in lifting Jesus higher
• Don’t hold back in pursuit of God and His Holy Spirit
• Don’t hold back in radical worship
• Don’t hold back in believing for salvation and healing
• Don’t hold back in praying
• Don’t hold back in taking the ground and streets
• Don’t hold back in prophesying
• Don’t hold back in generosity

• The well is open *** The waters have broken *** Let era of joy burst forth with dancing, praise and worship *** The waters that were once bitter are now sweet!

The photographs above were taken on a prayer walk around Wells Park (SE London) in autumn 2012. I believe they are relevant to us as FHCC meets near the park and that the underground streams that feed 5 wells have their source in the park. 

The "wells" were known to have healing properties but the water turned bitter in the early 1900's and the wells were sealed. The vision to see the wells restored and the water sweet again has been laid on various peoples hearts - the walk in 2012 saw three generations of this vision coming together to pray. 

As we entered the play park area and tried to jump on the fountain triggers - nothing happened - we were praying again and a child ran onto the pads and the fountains "burst forth". I believe that we shall see this in the Spiritual.

Some links to previous posts that relate to this one:

1. Birth: PUSH (pray until something happens)
2. Solid rock: On solid rock we stand
3. Wells 1: Open up the house for worship
4. Wells 2:  In the beginning
5. Honey: The honey is ready (taste & see that the LORD is good)

I am so very very excited about this and if you want to know Jesus and follow Him please feel free to email the address at the bottom of the page.

Blessings with love

Joy

Battle road-map for survival

Over the last few days God, through His Holy Spirit, has reminded me of His many promises and His intense love for humankind. Within this mix of divine affirmation and confirmation the Father has revealed an insidious fog of spiritual isolation, slumber which lulls saints into a false sense of powerlessness.

Some are just battle weary – not so much from grand spiritual battles but more like the little foxes nibbling away at and undermining our JOY and PEACE.

The little foxes are everyday stresses, pressures and discouragement brought about constant change, uncertainty, a barrage of constant negative headlines and an overwhelming social need. There appears to be an unnatural sense of busyness – like we’re rushing to get there and yet never arriving!

A word given to our prophetic healing street work brought these strongholds (isolation and powerlessness) into sharp focus two weeks ago. However within a church context I sense that believers in Christ need a gentle nudge of encouragement that they are not powerless and to guard against giving the enemy “head” space on isolation. I've fallen into this trap and it's very unpleasant!

As we look in expectation to personal and corporate revival with the command from Joshua 1, “arise , go over the Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them – the children of Israel” ringing in our spiritual ears I am reminded that God’s promises are “yes and amen”. The journey into that place of rest and safety - where we are firmly rooted and planted in His love – can be a minefield of seemingly endless pressure that is there to steal the belief and motivation to push on and through.

I’ve been delivered into and out of many skirmishes and battles over a 20 year period (documented at http://deepuntodeep-joy.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/ocean-of-boundless-salvation-flowing.html) and can only but testify (shout & dance) to Gods amazing faithfulness through it all.  The greatest resources we have are Holy Spirit and scripture. 

In this season (if you are intent on moving forward, taking the land and seeing the new day) the book of Joshua is your manual, course, seminar and road-map all wrapped into one. 

The promises (Joshua 1 promises) are the foundation to stand on and wrap yourself into:

1. Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon …. HE has given to you
2. No man shall be able to stand before you
3. I will not leave you nor forsake you and I am with you wherever you go
4. You will have success and prosper (on this journey)
5. The Father reinforces, by repeating, “Be strong and of good courage, do not be afraid nor be dismayed”

The road-map (route through the minefield):Whilst we muddle through and push forward along this road:

1. God sends the most unexpected help to get us on our way
2. We have to dip our feet in the water first – as an act of faith – before the waters part
3. Time to take stock – circumcise our hearts before God -  ensure the past is dealt with and cut away
4. Expect things that you have been used to change – sow into the future for the future
5. Expect to meet “The Commander of Heavens Armies”
6. Worship brings walls down and gets the enemy on the run
7. Defeat is revisited with success
8. The past may at times seem better
9. Be on the guard for deception which can lead to compromise
10. The battle does intensify and appears to come at you from every angle
11. Believe it or not, you get stronger with every skirmish

Be encouraged & know this!

Looking at all the skirmishes and battles that Joshua encountered it is good to be reminded that EVERY ENEMY Joshua & Co came up against:

• Had heard about what God had done
• Were afraid
• Their hearts melted
• Their spirits left them
• They cowered

Take time out – camp and take stock. 

Grab time to sit at the feet of Jesus, chat to Him in prayer, let your tears flow at His feet, let Him touch your bruised spirit, wash your feet, feed your soul and shine His light to warm the chilled atmosphere.

Ask Holy Spirit to write these verses from 2 Corinthians 4 (7 - 18) on your mind.

Cast Down but Unconquered: But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed—  always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.

Seeing the Invisible: Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

Remember always, Romans 8:31 (NKJV) "What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? "

Its OK to take time out (encamp to refresh and restock) BUT never give up.

With much love 

Joy

Related posts:  

• Sound the battle cry
• Advance and sound the battle cry 
• Paradigm shift  
• Stand and withstand