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.  

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].

On Saturday, March 6th @ 5:30 PM at Dave & Diane Burwell’s, Sherry Fields will be presenting a seminar on “Stress Management”.  Some of the slides that will be presented and discussed are presented below.

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).

Last Saturday night, the Lord gave a ‘word’ that one of the most anointed speeches ever given was from a very worldly leader, in our religious perception, during World War 2.

GOD’S MAN IN THE NATURAL LIFE

Winston Churchill was not known as a Godly man, but in retrospect, God used him, probably more than any other man on earth during WW2, to motivate the allied nations against the evil that was trying to overtake the globe.

We as Life Coaches can learn much from the way that God used Churchill to follow the scripture in 1 Corinthians 14:3 (Worldwide English (New Testament)) But the person who is a prophet speaks words from God to people plainly. He helps them to believe and to be strong, and he comforts them.  Yes, I am aware I suggested that Churchill was being used by God as a prophet.  If God can used a donkey to speak to men in Numbers 22:28-30, I believe that the fruit of Churchill’s leadership during this critical time in our history, qualifies him to be called a prophet.

The following is a part of the speech that Churchill gave in May of 1940 when he was first appointed Prime Minister and before Hitler began the attempt to invade Britain in Sept 1940.

“I say to the House as I said to ministers who have joined this government, I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears, and sweat. We have before us an ordeal of the most grievous kind. We have before us many, many months of struggle and suffering.
You ask, what is our policy? I say it is to wage war by land, sea, and air. War with all our might and with all the strength God has given us, and to wage war against a monstrous tyranny never surpassed in the dark and lamentable catalogue of human crime. That is our policy.
You ask, what is our aim? I can answer in one word. It is victory. Victory at all costs – Victory in spite of all terrors – Victory, however long and hard the road may be, for without victory there is no survival.”

This speech could easily be used as an admonition to us to do as Paul said to Timothy “Fight the Good Fight” (1 Timothy 1:18, 1 Timothy 6:12, 2 Timothy 4:7) and to be prepared for what Jesus said to His disciples in the 24th chapter of Matthew in describing the signs of the coming of the end of this age.

GOD’S MAN IN THE SPIRITUAL LIFE

Rees Howell’s was not know to the general public as a statesman like Churchill.  God, however, used him, probably more than any other man on earth during WW2, to fight the Spiritual battle against the spiritual evil that was trying to take over the globe.

In September 1940, when Germany was trying to bomb Britain into submission, Howell’s and his Christian college staff, began to pray.  The following is paraphrased from a portion of the book, ‘Rees Howells Intercessor’ by Norman Grubb: 

September 8. At first, in a time when the bombing of Britain was causing heavy inflictions upon the civilians, Mr. Howells and the college saw their faith levels raised to believe God that no bomb would ever fall on any of the colleges properties. As the time went on Mr. Howells came through to victory knowing that his prayer was answered, not because of selfish need, but because of the work of the Kingdom. In the afternoon meeting he said, “I could put it in print that no devil can touch anyone here.” September 10. “After the victory of Sunday there is great liberty to pray that God will really deal with the devil in the Nazis and put an end to this wicked system. Our prayer for London is that God will turn the tide now and save lives”. September 12. “We prayed last night that London would be defended and that the enemy would fail to break through, and God answered prayer. If we have protection for our properties, why not get protection for the country?” “September 14.”Because we have believed, God has made known to us what is to come to pass. Every Creature is to hear the Gospel; Palestine is to be regained by the Jews; and the Saviour is to return”

Churchill, in his War Memoirs, gives September 15 as “the culminating date” in that Battle of the Air. He tells how he visited the Operations Room of the RAF that day and watched as the enemy squadrons poured over and ours went up to meet them, until the moment came when he asked the Air Marshal, “What other reserves have we?”. “There are none,” he answered, and reported afterwards how grave Mr. Churchill looked, “and well I might,” added Mr. Churchill. Then another five minutes passed, and “it appeared that the enemy were going home. The shifting of the discs on the table showed a continuous eastward movement of German bombers and fighters. No new attack appeared. In another ten minutes the action was ended.” There seemed no reason why the Luftwaffe should have turned for home, just at the moment when victory was in their grasp. But we know why.

After the war Air Chief Marshal Lord Dowding, Commander-in-chief of Fighter Command in the Battle of Britain, made this significant comment: “Even during the battle one realized from day to day how much external support was coming in. At the end of the battle one had the sort of feeling that there had been some special Divine intervention to alter some sequence of events which would have otherwise occurred”.

It seems apparent to this Life Coach, that without God’s man in the Natural and also with God’s man in the Spiritual, the battle would not be won.  The is true in all aspects of our lives.  We all need those that God has called to fight the daily battles in life and surround them with those that God has called to fight the Spiritual battle that we are continually confronting.

THE AFTERMATH OF THE VICTORY IN LIFE

Anyone who knows a little of  history is aware that the “Battle of Britain” was the primary turning point toward the victory of ‘Good over Evil’ during WW2.  It has been said that to forget history is to repeat it.  We can use this turning point as a model of the battle we all fight daily.  Commitment to victory in the natural life with commitment to victory in the Spiritual life in parallel is a critical understanding for us as Life Coaches.

Some years ago the Lord showed me that in all areas of our lives, we are to Keep It Scriptural, Spiritual, Easy & Simple (KISSES).  Winston Churchill and Rees Howells are historical examples of where God used two men, who may have never even met, to use KISSES to turn the tide in a world war.

Churchill cleverly summarized this with a speech in October 1941, after the tied was turned: “This is the lesson: never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never—in nothing, great or small, large or petty—never give in except to convictions of honour and good sense. Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy.”

The inspiration that the beleaguered Nation of England received from this “Keep It Simple” admonition by Churchill can also inspire us in out daily lives in God’s Kingdom on earth.  (To hear Churhill’s speech and other inspiring speeches from this great man click on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Utv9rCHlpkM.)

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