The phrase “the kingdom of heaven” or “kingdom thinking” has become very common among certain segments of the body of believers.  As with many other “sayings” over our lifetime, this terminology is in danger of being watered down and/or used as a catch all for any “Christian” behavior.  In doing a word search on http://www.biblegateway.com/ , it becomes obvious that our Lord and savior Jesus Christ had much to say about this subject.  A few a Jesus‘s sayings are noted below.  (All have been taken from the Amplified Bible.)  

For the kingdom of heaven is at hand  

Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven  

But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides. So do not worry or be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will have worries and anxieties of its own. Sufficient for each day is its own trouble.  

And as you go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand! Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, drive out demons. Freely (without pay) you have received, freely (without charge) give.  

The Kingdom of Heaven Parables: Matthew 13:34-35 (Amplified Bible) These things all taken together Jesus said to the crowds in parables; indeed, without a parable He said nothing to them.  This was in fulfillment of what was spoken by the prophet: I will open My mouth in parables; I will utter things that have been hidden since the foundation of the world.   

The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field.   

The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field.  

The kingdom of heaven is like leaven (sour dough) which a woman took and covered over in three measures of meal or flour till all of it was leavened.  

The kingdom of heaven is like something precious buried in a field, which a man found and hid again; then in his joy he goes and sells all he has and buys that field.  

The kingdom of heaven is like a man who is a dealer in search of fine and precious pearls, Who, on finding a single pearl of great price, went and sold all he had and bought it.  

Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet which was cast into the sea and gathered in fish of every sort.  

Therefore the kingdom of heaven is like a human king who wished to settle accounts with his attendants. So also My heavenly Father will deal with every one of you if you do not freely forgive your brother from your heart his offenses.  

The kingdom of heaven is like a king who gave a wedding banquet for his son   

FOR THE kingdom of heaven is like the owner of an estate who went out in the morning along with the dawn to hire workmen for his vineyard.  

In the past few months the Lord has been chatting with me regarding “character”.  I have frequently talked about “spiritual maturity” but the Lord seemed to be saying that I should look more into “character maturity”.

The Greek word for character is ‘charakter’. It is translated in Scripture as the “express image.” Christ is referred to as the “express image” of God in Hebrews 1:3 (Amplified Bible) He is the sole expression of the glory of God [the Light-being, the out-raying or radiance of the divine], and He is the perfect imprint and very image of [God's] nature, upholding and maintaining and guiding and propelling the universe by His mighty word of power.

One of God’s primary goals for believers is to transform them into the image of His Son so that they may be a reflection of the character of Christ.

It would be easier if this was a “gift” that God supernaturally bestowed upon those who believe in Him, but we are told: Romans 5:3-5 (Amplified Bible) Moreover [let us also be full of joy now!] let us exult and triumph in our troubles and rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that pressure and affliction and hardship produce patient and unswerving endurance. And endurance (fortitude) develops maturity of character (approved faith and tried integrity). And character [of this sort] produces [the habit of] joyful and confident hope of eternal salvation.  

Also James 1:2-4 (Amplified Bible) Consider it wholly joyful, my brethren, whenever you are enveloped in or encounter trials of any sort or fall into various temptations. Be assured and understand that the trial and proving of your faith bring out endurance and steadfastness and patience. But let endurance and steadfastness and patience have full play and do a thorough work, so that you may be [people] perfectly and fully developed [with no defects], lacking in nothing.

These verses indicate that maturity of character is the end of a process that begins with troubles, trials and testing, moves into trust and obedience, transitions to joy and thanksgiving, moves into patience and endurance thus developing character and maturity. 

I’m sorry, but that is Gods way for us to become more like Jesus Christ. Philippians 2:5 (Amplified Bible) Let this same attitude and purpose and [humble] mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus:

This process, which Diane and I have seen repeat over and over again in our lives, has been witnessed countless times in the lives of those who God is using to serve in His Kingdom.  All we have to do is read the Bible accounts of those God used in the Old Testament to validate that this “process” seems to be the norm for those God wishes to use successfully to further His agenda on this earth

The stories of Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, David, Elijah, Peter, Paul and many others all indicate they had to go through this process.  This is not a one time event, but a continuously repeating learning process.  The more we understand and adapt to this process, the more our life will reflect Christ to those around us.

The following test can give each of us a barometer of where we are on the “mature character” scale.

Rate Yourself on 20 Character Traits

Character is who you are when no one is looking (and when everyone is looking). It is the inside “you.” Here are 22 aspects of character. How would you rank yourself on each of these? 

If we are honest in our assessment, we can agree that we are a long way from what James 1:4 says “so that you may be [people] perfectly and fully developed [with no defects], lacking in nothing”.

The key is not the final result, but are we diligently following the process.  God has not left us to our own devices.  In fact, He has given us everything we need to be successful in Him.  The truth is that if we try and follow the process in our own strength, we will surely fail.

In the letter to the Philippians, Paul said it best when he wrote: (Vs 11-13) I have learned how to be content (satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or disquieted) in whatever state I am. I know how to be abased and live humbly in straitened circumstances, and I know also how to enjoy plenty and live in abundance. I have learned in any and all circumstances the secret of facing every situation, whether well-fed or going hungry, having a sufficiency and enough to spare or going without and being in want. I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency].

Diane & I believe that, as Life Coaches, we are called to help equip, those believers that the Lord connects us to. (See Eph. 4:11-13 below) We fulfill that based on what the Word says and what we have experienced in the processes that God has put us through on the road to a more “spiritually mature character”.

I believe that, as each of us has successfully gone through one of these processes, God will then bring others into our lives that we are to walk beside as they go through the same type of process.  This starts with our natural families (children and grand children) and then to all those for whom God gives us an assignment.

Are you asking the Lord to reveal the process and progress you are currently within?  Are you asking the Lord to show you those He is connecting you with to help?

Ephesians 4:11-13 And His gifts were [varied; He Himself appointed and gave men to us] some to be apostles (special messengers), some prophets (inspired preachers and expounders), some evangelists (preachers of the Gospel, traveling missionaries), some pastors (shepherds of His flock) and teachers. His intention was the perfecting and the full equipping of the saints (His consecrated people), [that they should do] the work of ministering toward building up Christ’s body (the church), [That it might develop] until we all attain oneness in the faith and in the comprehension of the [full and accurate] knowledge of the Son of God, that [we might arrive] at really mature manhood (the completeness of personality which is nothing less than the standard height of Christ’s own perfection), the measure of the stature of the fullness of the Christ and the completeness found in Him.

Only Believe 

Over the past 50 years, we have been exposed to all types of messages within the Body of Christ from the Fundamentalist Dispensationalists to the Pentecostal Charismatics and everything thing else in between.  We have seen the Holy Spirit manifest in “signs and wonders” in the same meetings as demonic spirits and people’s flesh have also manifest.  We have heard very intellectual messages on how the “gifts” ceased with the original Apostles and that all we need is God’s Word in Scripture as long as it is the “correct” version (KJV with Scofield’s notes).

We have experienced the 1950’s “healing & salvation” revivals, the 1960’s “tongues” in traditional denominations, the 1970’s “word of faith” movement, the 1980’s “signs & wonders” movement, the 1990’s “prophetic & intercession” movement and the 2000’s “apostolic & 5 fold ministry” movement and now that it’s 2010, we are in the start of the “Kingdom” movement.  What’s next?

We can find evidence in God’s Word, any translation, and in observed fruit that all of these movements were and are God inspired.  We also see evidence in preaching, teaching, books and fruit that all these movements have been undermined by the flesh and the devil.

When the Lord showed us, a number of years ago, that our counseling and equipping should be KISSES (Keep It Scriptural, Spiritual, Easy & Simple), we have had a difficult time sifting through all the “stuff” to get to the “truth” as God sees it.

Recently, we were talking about life and Kingdom principles with friends and the Lord seemed to say “Only Believe”!  This sounded way too simplistic and obviously didn’t answer all the questions we ask ourselves in the Evangelical, Charismatic Christian world.  This simple thought, however, wouldn’t go away!  So I mentioned it and was greeted with the response “well, then what about …..”?

So, I went to BibleGateway and Google.  Isn’t that what you do?  I was then reminded of an old song that was popular during the Latter Day Reign movement of the 40’s & 50’s.

Only believe, only believe;
All things are possible, only believe;
Only believe, only believe;
All things are possible, only believe. 

Paul Rader 1921 

http://www.biblestudycharts.com/sounds/Sacred/only-believe.mid

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E008ljTAMoQ&feature=related

Mark 9:23 (New King James Version) Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.”

Again, that sounded too simplistic.  I mean, after all, why go to all these conferences, Bible College or Seminary if this was true?  Only believe?  So I read the red words that Jesus spoke in the Gospels.  Guess what?  It seems that Jesus was saying “only believe”!

It was a similar message to “seek first God’s Kingdom and then (fill in the blank)….”.  It was “only believe” and then (fill in the blank)…!  The next question was what does believe mean?

So if I were to put this in terms I understand, I must place my trust and confidence in Jesus Christ and God’s commands and promises in Scripture, as interpreted to me by the Holy Spirit, all the rest will follow! 

So, for KISSES sake, “Only Believe”!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bAT4N4FHV90

(Watch this memorial video on Vicki Jamison-Peterson for the best version of “Only Believe” you will ever hear.  We went to and see Vicki when we lived in San Marcos, California.  Her services were filled with Praise & Worship, great messages and supernatural healings.)

Some Scriptures to consider:

Life Lessons 

I grew up in the church and it was a major part of my life.  My first remembrance is a church service in San Gabriel California at the age of about 4 (1949) with my Grandparents and Uncle John.

We went to weekly Sunday school, where I learned how to understand the Truth of God’s Word and how to practically apply it to my daily life.

We went, as children, to the main Church service, where I learned a Holy Reverence and healthy Fear of the Lord.  Then there was an after service pot luck in the basement of the church where ALL ages could enjoy each other and fellowship.  They even called the basement “Fellowship Hall” because that’s where relationships were built and matured. 

Maybe what I miss the most was the Sunday night Christian Endeavor, where I learned 80% of everything I ever have needed to know about Kingdom principled leadership, management and organization.  http://www.christianendeavor.com/ We then went to the Evening church service where all ages attended and participated.

We never missed the Wednesday night prayer & Bible study, where I learned how to study God’s Word and pray with power and authority.

I remenber trips with my Grammy & Mother to see Brother William Branham under the huge tents with saw dust floors.  Being instantly healed at the age of 8-9 (1953) of extreme jaundice in one of those services as a Black Pastor laid his hands upon me. http://www.youtube.com/LifeCoach321#p/a/f/1/gGmp4LTWOfE

I remember trips to Angeles Temple (Founded by Amie Semple McPherson) and seeing Tommy Hicks, A.A. Allen and other famous healers and evangelists of the time.  I definitely remember having 3-4 large, big haired women try and get me to speak in tongues and then giving up and telling me to sit down. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eUZ_-5e6G7Y

I remember trips to San Diego to see Southern Gospel Quartet conventions with my Parents and a trip to Oceanside to a small black church to see the Golden Gate Quartet sing a special request of “Swing Low Sweet Chariot” just for me. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7J6EtQJyKQ&feature=PlayList&p=218431DCF74BC5F2&index=9

I remember weekly meetings at friend’s homes to watch my Mother teach Child Evangelism Fellowship classes.  (CEF is still a powerful force to reach children for Christ)   I was saved in one of those classes.  I remember being told by a Sunday school teacher that I should grow up and be a lawyer because I questioned everything she told me and another Youth Leader telling my Mother that I would grow up to be a juvenile delinquent. 

As a boy soprano I sang duets with Janice Brown and other young ladies in various church events.  I also soloed in front of the church with the ladies choir.  Singing “We 3 Kings” as a solo in front of the entire church and “Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer” in front of my grade school class.  (I’m glad a higher grade of musical talent has been passed on to my family)

What I don’t remember is my Mother having any difficulty getting me to all these various functions or complaining when she did it.  She drove a 1934 Chevy Coupe with a rumble seat and when it was too far to ride my bike, I rode in the rumble seat.  It was what we did.  Very similar to the motto of the Postal Service, we didn’t let life keep us from things of God. 

As we entered our teens, there was the Friday night youth group where I learned to have fun, laughs and to build positive relationships with others my age, including girls, and it was OK.

There were Yearly Christian Camps (Camp Good News) and Youth Conferences too numerous to remember.   It seems like every year we were at the 4000 seat Church of the Open Door in Los Angeles listening to J. Vernon McGee preaching on the Scripture. (I went down for rededication at every camp and conference for about 5-6 years, just to make sure.) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9iN0uSzJx8&feature=related 

I remember well, when in High School, after the evening service, the most fun of ALL, was to go late Sunday night to the downtown Pentecostal Holy Roller center to see Doris Akers and the Sky Pilot choir sing “Highway to Heaven” and watch choir members fall out under the power of the Holy Spirit. http://www.youtube.com/LifeCoach321#p/f/116/PD9vJ7C0YZg 

I have never felt that church, school, home or work were four different arenas.  I always felt that they flowed together as an extension of each other and complimented each other.  We raised our children much the same way as I (and Diane) grew up and, although you’ll have to ask them, I believe they see things much the same way as we did.  

Diane has been heard to say that we should “brain wash the little hummers”!  Well, If we don’t brain wash them and our selves in the ways of God’s Kingdom on earth, then who will “brain wash” them?  I believe we all know the answer to that question.  With the media, the schools and society overwhelming our senses with the ways of the world and Satan’s lies about who we are, we must be more intentional in “brain, emotion and spirit washing” with God’s truths and principles of living.

Scripture says we need to be “brain washed” in Romans 12:1-2 (Amplified Bible) I APPEAL to you therefore, brethren, and beg of you in view of [all] the mercies of God, to make a decisive dedication of your bodies [presenting all your members and faculties] as a living sacrifice, holy (devoted, consecrated) and well pleasing to God, which is your reasonable (rational, intelligent) service and spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you].

God gave me a question today:  Are you experiencing the fullness of what I have given to you?

I saw a beach with beautiful crystal clear water and the sky was a brilliant blue.  The temperature was just right. Everything about it was just right.  There was an excitement to be at the beach on such a wonderful day.  As we got closer to the water, we realized no one was enjoying the water or the beach. Nobody was stepping into the water even though they were at the perfect place to get in.  There was a hesitation to step into the water and enjoy swimming as if there was a fear that something bad might happen.  However- the feeling of the beach was perfect.  It was in this moment that I sensed what seemed to be God’s sorrow.  

  “All of this I have made for you to enjoy.  Why aren’t you enjoying this time to it’s fullest?  This is a time and a place I have created for you to soak in My presence.  Do not be afraid to enter into my waters. Everything is just right right now.”

  At this point I began to see some people in the water playing and enjoying where they were without any thought of anything else.  No care or concern for anything but what they were doing at that moment.  Yet some remained on the shore yearning and longing to enter in the water.

   God said, “ You do not have to be in the water or on the beach- your location doesn’t matter.  What I want is for you to enjoy what I have done for you.  It is a heart attitude. It’s OK to be on the shore enjoying the view and the presence of a just right moment.  Just know that all of this is for you. Enjoy My Presence.” 

So, are we enjoying His Presence today? No matter where we are or what we’re doing, do you have a sense that your God is near?

Duet. 16:15 “For 7 days celebrate the feast to the Lord your God at the place the Lord will choose.  For the Lord your God will bless you in all your harvest and in all the work of your hands, and your joy will be complete.”

I felt the need to share this with each of you.

Toby Conquest

I took the Liberty of highlighting and added to some very important items from an article in the Elijah List by Rebecca Greenwood of
Christian Harvest Int’l. 

2010 The Year of Faith

Hebrews 11:6 (Amplified Bible) But without faith it is impossible to please and be satisfactory to Him. For whoever would come near to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He is the rewarder of those who earnestly and diligently seek Him [out].

The Lord never wastes any season in our lives. He always works all things in our lives for good if we allow Him to.  These times and seasons bring growth, an overcoming spirit, and release us into a growing maturity and authority in Him. Our hope and expectancy is placed in Him. 

Romans 8:28 (Amplified Bible) We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose.

As we move into 2010—it is a year in which we are to rise to new levels of faith, breaking out of the old season and expecting “in faith” that the impossible will be made possible in the new.

Here are promises of what faith provides to each of us:

1. It is an unquestioning, unwavering belief that does not require proof or evidence.
2. A true faith is triumphant in the worst situations.
3. Faith seeks God and His Kingdom first.
4. Faith believes in God’s goodness.
5. Faith stands on God’s Word.
6. Faith obeys God’s commands.
7. Faith lives life on God’s promises.
8. Faith is full of joy.
9. Faith is full of thanksgiving and praise.
10. Faith praises God.
11. Faith causes worship to rise up within us.
12. Faith rejects the spirit of this present evil age.
13. Faith releases Kingdom authority.
14. Faith seeks a heavenly home.
15. Faith perseveres in the seasons of testing.
16. Faith blesses the next generation.
17. Faith refuses sin’s pleasures.
18. Faith endures persecution.
19. Faith performs mighty acts of righteousness.
20. Faith suffers for God.
21. Faith does not return to this world and its way.
22. Faith steps into the new moves of God.
23. Faith moves mountains.
24. Faith prays, hears God’s voice and believes His words.
25. Faith speaks forth the word of God.
26. Faith knows the love of God.
27. Faith is captivated by Jesus.
28. Faith releases anointing and the supernatural.

I don’t know about you, but I don’t have very many dreams that I have felt compelled to get out of bed and go document.  This, however, happened to me recently and I feel that I am to share this dream with you.

When I asked for inputs as to the interpretation of this dream, the initial inputs did not seem very insightful.  Over time, however, this dream has taken on “generational” and “global” significance.

I will give examples at the end of this article of what this dream has been used for in God’s Kingdom.

Dave’s Dream Sunday, Nov. 1, 2009 

I was in what appeared to be a conference/retreat of a number (20-30) of young men who were seeking the Lord on a number of issues in their lives and ministries.  Although I was the oldest there, the average age seemed to be 35 – 45 years of age, I was not uncomfortable being there.  The conference was being held near the headwaters of a large river that I knew ran all the way from the mountains where we were to the ocean somewhere near Southern California. (The Colorado River?)

At one point I was sitting at a table with 6-8 young men, all dressed very well as if they were professionals in their ministry/business.  One of the young men had asked for the word of the Lord on an item and we had gathered to “download” what the lord had told each of us. 

I started to tell them about the very unusual method the lord had used to give me some input on the issue the night before.  The method was:

For some reason I was aware that Jim Goll was at another place way down river from us and I knew that he was fishing at the very time that I decided to go fishing in the same river, way upstream.  The Lord told me that I would receive a word for this young man’s situation through Jim Goll as I was fishing.  I did get a word for this young man’s situation, while I was fishing. 

As I was beginning to tell what the word from the Lord was, I was interrupted by the young man.  He was questioning the “method”.  He was joined by others at the table, challenging me, regarding the “method” and how did I know it was a word from the Lord. 

I was “quenched” immediately and the Spirit within would not allow me to release the word I had received for this young man.  The group took this as another sign that I had not heard from God, as I wouldn’t release the word.  The only thing I was able to say was, “I can’t throw pearls before swine”.

I remember thinking, during the dream, they don’t believe that I have the experience, education, discernment or something, and the “method” the Lord used in this example, is just confirming that they don’t need to listen to me.

This morning, as I was taking a shower, I was reminded of the number of unusual ways the Bible records that He spoke to men.  Many times the unusual ways were because He needed to get their attention after a season of them rejecting or ignoring Him.  Balaam & the donkey, Jonah & the whale, Moses & the burning bush, Saul/Paul and the great light on the way to Damascus.  The Prophet’s God used were not exactly the professional image, or had the pedigree that would make is easy to accept they were sent from God. 

In the past few weeks it has become apparent that one aspect of this dream is a “generational” application.  Also, in dreams and visions, the river generally represents either the provision of God or the Holy Spirit.  In this case I believe it meant both.

One of the more apparent theme’s in the Old Testament is the lack of respect the younger generation had for the older generation.  You can see that with Jacob’s sons, David’s sons, Eli’s sons, etc.  Much of that was due to the lack of “equipping” received from the older generation.  Most, however, was due to the belief of the younger generation that “they knew better”.  We saw this in our lifetime beginning in the 1960’s.

I believe that one interpretation of this dream is that we, the older generation, can not force truth and wisdom down our adult children’s throats and expect them to respect and or respond positively.  We must obey the voice of the Holy Spirit that, unless they are ready, we must keep quiet.

On the other hand, the younger generation must begin to look to the Lord and “lean not on their own understanding”, but honor their elders and seek their wisdom, experience and advice.

Leviticus 19:31-32 (New American Standard Bible) ‘Do not turn to mediums or spiritists; do not seek them out to be defiled by them. I am the LORD your God. ‘You shall rise up before the grayheaded and honor the aged, and you shall revere your God; I am the LORD.

Proverbs 20:29 (Amplified Bible) The glory of young men is their strength, and the beauty of old men is their gray head [suggesting wisdom and experience].

I’m sure there are other interpretations of this dream.  Please feel free to comment, below, if you believe you have any additional insight from the Holy Spirit.

I will also share a response that came from Candy Outlaw:  (Feel free to comment on this as well)

This is very interesting as this morning as I was reading God’s word I was lead to this passage, “Ezekiel 47:8-12.”  I thought the river was AAG and the fish were the converts.  And there were swamps and marshes where men would not listen and they were given over to salt (unbelief).   The notes in my Bible say the water becomes a river of healing and the source of abundant life for everything and everyone.  It says the living water that God will provide has immeasurable power to renew, restore and resurrect life.  It says the sea which is dead (the dead sea) will live again.  Also, verses 13 (about the priest’s area) and 14 (Equality of inheritance) are very interesting.  Candy

Recently I heard a message on a Christian approach to the environment and God’s creation care.  It stirred some mild controversy because of our over sensitive, politically charged social culture.

Here is my take, for any of you who might be interested.  What the speaker was teaching was consistent with Kingdom Thinking and God’s mandate for us in Genesis 1:28 (Amplified Bible) “And God blessed them and said to them, Be fruitful, multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it [using all its vast resources in the service of God and man]; and have dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and over every living creature that moves upon the earth.”

Diane & I have always taken seriously the Biblical admonition to “possess the land” and therefore have endeavored to nurture, plant, cultivate, care for and improve the ‘land” God has given us whether purchased, leased, rented or a temporary place to lay our heads (Like hotel rooms, camp sites, places we have only visited).  We believe the Lord has blessed us with favor as we have consistently done this.  (A Bible Gateway search on “possess the land” in the Amplified Bible yields some interesting information from Scripture and the vast number of times God’s people are given this direction by God. In fact, because Joshua didn’t completely follow this direction, the Jewish people “still” don’t posses the Promised Land!)

It seems to us, that if Kingdom thinking believers would take the lead in the area of environmental care and activism, then some of the radical methods, advice and “politically” correct issues would be resolved in a Godly, Biblical, Kingdom thinking way.  We are not recommended making an “idol” out of the environment, but rather put in true perspective how God views His creation and our role as His Body within it.  In the Lord’s Prayer we see that we are to Matthew 6:9-11 (Amplified Bible) Pray, therefore, like this: Our Father Who is in heaven, hallowed (kept holy) be Your name. Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread.

We believe it is God’s will that on earth everything will be good and tended to, just as it is in heaven, so that the earth can be fruitful and yield us our daily bread.  Just as your beings are made up of Body, Soul & Spirit and we are to submit all to our Lord, so is the earth made up of physical, sensual and spiritual and we are to submit all unto the Lord.  So, ask the Lord how you can be a better steward of His creation and don’t get hung up on the popular, social commentary we hear on the media.  Whether it’s called biodegradable, organic, natural, going green, recycling or any of the other vernaculars we’ve hear over the past 50 years, it’s still God’s creation and we have a responsibility toward it.  Seek the Lord and He will give you His wisdom. 1 Corinthians 10:31 (Amplified Bible) So then, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you may do, do all for the honor and glory of God.

Romans 8:20-23 (Amplified Bible) For the creation (nature) was subjected to frailty (to futility, condemned to frustration), not because of some intentional fault on its part, but by the will of Him Who so subjected it–[yet] with the hope that nature (creation) itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and corruption [and gain an entrance] into the glorious freedom of God’s children.  We know that the whole creation [of irrational creatures] has been moaning together in the pains of labor until now.  And not only the creation, but we ourselves too, who have and enjoy the firstfruits of the [Holy] Spirit [a foretaste of the blissful things to come] groan inwardly as we wait for the redemption of our bodies [from sensuality and the grave, which will reveal] our adoption (our manifestation as God’s sons).

This is another example of the teaching my family received from my Mother.  It still stands up as a practical and wise way to understand how to “hear” from God.  Dave Burwell

God speaks to us by four methods:

1. Through circumstances
2. Though other people
3. Through His Word, the Bible
4. Through our minds 

When we are children, circumstances are the effective means of training, such as the child touching the hot stove and learning why his/her mother said, “Don’t touch”.  When we are newly commited to Christ, God speaks to us things that happen more often than the other three ways.

As we grow, people with experience and understanding are used to teach us.  This is the hardest for a young Christian to accept because of pride…”I’d rather do it myself” or wanting to “hear” from God directly.  They feel it would prove their maturity.  But it really proves the opposite—a mature person accepts the wisdom of others.  Young Christians have yet to learn to differentiate between the voice of God and the voice of His subtle imitator, Satan. 

God gave His Word to men of faith and they are recorded in the Bible.

He expects us, if we belong to His family, to know and live by what He says.  He does not need to voice what we can read.

When we reach spiritual maturity in Christ, we are in 24 hour communication with Him and He uses all four ways to speak to us. We have learned to know that what we get in our mind must be in harmony with Scripture.  God does not contradict Himself.  The Holy Spirit brings to our remembrance what we have read in the Word at the needed time.

God is so good to teach us this way, step by step.  Can you imagine what it would be like if a bunch of children had all the abilities of adults without the wisdom and experience to use them?  Maturity in Christ comes by learning every day and being quickly obedient to put into practice what you are shown