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

WARNING: BEFORE BREAKTHROUGH (CROSSING OVER)

The Lord finally got my attention one morning, about eight years ago, regarding what I saw going on around me and apparently within me as well.  I had been observing spiritually mature people acting in ways that they used to before they solved some of their “flesh” issues.

The Lord used the 2 x 4 across the forehead approach that morning to say to me “Duh!”  What did Chuck Pierce prophesy regarding April 20, 2001?  It was going to be a “crossing over” for those that had been going through transition for the previous 3-4 years.   Well, guess what, the enemy knew that also and will use any vulnerable area still not completely killed off in our flesh (soul) to try and foil Gods’ plan.

For example, I was working at home booking Steve Archer and supporting a couple of ministries.  My vulnerability, when I am working, is to focus in on the work and focus out any distractions.  Unfortunately, distractions also include paying attention to family and friends without acting irritated if they “bother” me while I’m working.  The first 2 x 4 smash on the forehead was when Diane said I was acting “glum”.  I didn’t feel glum, but I had blocked off normal relationship and kindness as a distraction.  Don’t worry, I won’t divulge to everyone how each of you may act when the devil starts probing your weaknesses and vulnerabilities.

Here are some of the examples of what can happen:

Vulnerability:                                      Manifestation:

Fear                                          Worry, 2nd Guessing, Procrastination, Hopeless

Lust                                           Uncontrolled thoughts, Fantasies

Greed                                        Hoarding, Manipulation, Selfishness

Bad Attitude                              Anger, Irritation, Moodiness, Mean, Grumpy

Selfish                                       Controlling, Non-responsive, Manipulative

Self Worth-in Christ                Confusion, lack of direction, withdrawing

Look at yourself and those people that God has given you relationship with and ask the question: “Where am I vulnerable and how am I acting?”  Then repent to the Lord and also those that have been impacted by your behavior and then with the Lord’s help “FIX THE PROBLEM”.

Put up a spiritual hedge of protection around you and the vulnerable area.  Ask your mate or someone close to you to tell you if you’re acting in an old fleshly (soulish) manner.  And then look forward with full Hope, Faith and Joy to the crossing over that will happen in your life.

PHIL. 4:8 “whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things (fix your minds on them).

The following truisms were received over the past few years by the Burwell family from Grandmother Virginia Burwell:

For God’s People:

1. The Will of God will never take you to where the Grace of God will not cover you. 

2.  God speaks to each of us every day.  It is our choice to listen.  The gift of free will we possess, allows us to make the decision to follow His direction or not. 

3.  Whenever we work close to another person, whether in an office or home, small offenses can become the source of great conflict.  Resentment and irritability soon follow.  God brings these “offenses” into our lives to develop character qualities in us. He uses individuals in our lives to accomplish His goal of making us more Christ-like.  So the next time you complain or resist a habit or action from someone close to you, ask God if it has been placed there to develop some quality in you.

4.  Pride is the root source of the need to change another person.  A man’s wisdom gives him patience to let go of little offenses.  This is where spiritual maturity is seen in the day-to-day activity of life.  Is there someone close to you who has some habit you really desire to change?  Give up that desire to the Lord.  Who knows, He may even change it after you let go of the need to change it.   Proverbs 19:11

5.  “Genetic Predisposition” 

Illustration:  Aspen trees have a root system that is invasive, “traveling” underground and “popping up”, becoming new Aspen trees.  Left to themselves they will crowd out other plants in the garden and dominate the space.  There are two ways to control:  “Kill the parent” or chop off the roots coming from the “parent”.  The latter will have to be done consistently until they no longer affect the “garden”.

God wants us to apply this illustration to ourselves.  All of us have genetic predispositions (the sins of the fathers). When I “heard” the two words above while in the bathtub this AM, I was reminded of words I got in January of 2007…..“To avoid the consequences, COMMIT to being CONSISTENT”

6.  There are many disciplines that are needed to be learned and experienced to produce the Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).  Here are a few examples:

• Disciplines in relationships (God, family, friends)
• Disciplines in environment (church, home, school, etc)
• Disciplines in care for physical body (food, habits, cleanliness, etc)

You can probably list many more.

Tulip planting illustration:  Tulips need cold to bloom (40 degrees or below) and to be planted in the Fall, 6 inches deep in the soil, in order for them to bloom in the Spring.  Their “disciplines” seem harsh by our standards, but that is what it takes for them to produce strong, upright, colorful blooms, to be what God intended to be.

On Mike’s Blog (see link to the right) Mike posted ”Acts of Micro-Good Samaritanism.  I suggest you read this as it is a perfect example of Life Coaching in action.  Sometimes I am guilty of being “wordy” (Diane confirms this) and the saying “a picture is worth 1,000 words” is definitely true when it comes to being a visible “light in the darkness”.

Please comment below with your own examples of being or seeing a “good Samaritan”.