Setting the Captives Free

Our remarkable journey with the Lord began back in 1975 when Tommy and I received the baptism of the Holy Spirit in Atlanta, Georgia. It was during the height of the Charismatic Renewal sweeping through the United States. At that time, I was teaching elementary school and Tommy was working as a licensed stockbroker.

Five years later we were called to serve the Lord in the ministry. So, we packed up our belongings, sold our property and followed the Cloud/Lord to Liberty Bible School in Pensacola, Florida. After Tommy graduated and was ordained, we were asked to serve as elders and home group leaders at Liberty Church.

In 1991 we founded a counseling ministry called Tree of Life Ministries and were ordained with Christian International Ministries Network.

In 1994 we became counseling ministers and trainers in the Healing House Network. We have been 'setting the captives free' for over 35 years by providing healing and deliverance to hundreds and hundreds of people.

Therefore, today's word is not a message of hope or encouragement. It is an equipping lesson meant to train God's people for works of service -- so you can experience more freedom in your own life from demonic strongholds and-- be equipped to set others free.

Lesson Objectives:

1. To teach some basic principles on deliverance and how to be set free from demonic oppression.

2. To encourage you to do additional reading and studying on the topic of healing and deliverance.

3. To encourage you to begin to practice what you have learned to help set other Christians free.

Our Messiah's Great Commission

Isaiah 61:1-3 (and Luke 4:18-19)

61 The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord (God) has

 anointed me (Jesus) to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind

 up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from 

darkness for the prisoners, 2 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor (the day

of salvation) and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, 3 and 

provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty 

instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise 

instead of a spirit of despair. 

Was this prophetic scripture meant just for Jesus to fulfill?

No. It was also meant for all his disciples down through the ages, because

we represent Jesus Christ and the kingdom of God. We are called to 

be mature sons and daughters of God proclaiming freedom for the

captives and releasing prisoners from darkness! 

The Great Commission for Christ's Disciples

Mark 16:15-20. 15. He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all  

creation. 16. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not

believe will be condemned. 17. And these signs will accompany those who believe:

In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 18. they will

pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will 

not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will

get well."

In Jesus' day poisonous snakes, such as a viper, and deadly poisons put in 

a drink, were two common ways people would try to kill someone. Jesus 

knew his disciples might encounter such a deadly attack by their enemies.

Today, we can take authority over any type of poison that enters

our body and pray for healing. For example, chemotherapy to destroy

cancer also destroys the immune system.

19 After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and

he sat at the right hand of God. 20 Then the disciples went out and preached 

everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the 

signs that accompanied it.

The Great Commission is not about getting people saved and building

big churches. Our assignment is to preach the gospel message of Jesus Christ 

and train people how to see the kingdom of God manifest on earth. The 

Lord's prayer written for his disciples says, “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be

done on earth as it is in heaven.”

Definition of a Commission- noun

1. a formal written warrant granting the power to perform various acts or duties.

2. an authorization or command to perform prescribed acts.

3. authority to act for, on behalf of, or in place of another.

4. group of persons directed to perform some duty.

Is the Lord's commission in Mark 16 just a suggestion for believers-- if we feel like doing it?  

No. It is a command, an authorization, an assignment given to believers in the body of Christ.  Particularly, those in leadership should understand and practice Mark 16 in their own personal life, and ministry to others, just like Jesus did.  Disciples of Jesus Christ are called to preach and teach God's Word … and to set the captives free so the kingdom of God can be manifest in them.

Did you know that in Jesus' time, no one was sent out to evangelize without first being filled with the Holy Spirit and commissioned to deal with evil spirits? (Derek Prince) (Mark 16:15-20, Acts 1:8).

Saved, Salvation & Delivered (the Greek words and meanings)

1. Saved- "sozo" #5392- means to save, rescue, heal and deliver.

Rom. 10:13, Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. (The Passion Translation- "rescued and experience new life").

2. Salvation- “soteria” #5401- means to rescue and deliver.

Acts 4:12, Salvation is found in no one else for there is no other name by which we must be saved.

3. Deliver, delivered, deliverance- “rhyomai” #4861- means to rescue or deliver. Webster's definition- To set free. The act of setting captives or slaves free.

Example. The Israelites were delivered from their enemies.

Matthew 6:13, “and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Is the Lord's commission in Mark 16 just a suggestion for believers-- if we feel like doing it?  

No. It is a command, an authorization, an assignment given to believers in the body of Christ.  Particularly, those in leadership should understand and practice Mark 16 in their own personal life, and ministry to others, just like Jesus did.  Disciples of Jesus Christ are called to preach and teach God's Word … and to set the captives free so the kingdom of God can be manifest in them.

Definition of Demons

“Demons are invisible spiritual entities with minds, emotions and wills of their own, in league with, and under the control of Satan. They are out to do his bidding and to torment the people of God.” (Derek Prince).

John 10:10. The thief (Satan) comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

Derek Prince- (1915–2003) was educated as a scholar of Greek and Latin at Eton College and Cambridge University, England. He also studied Hebrew and Aramaic, at Cambridge University and the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. He is the author of over 80 books, 600 audio and 110 video teachings, many of which have been translated and published in more than 100 languages. He preached at many Christian conferences worldwide. He was regarded as one of the dynamic voices in the Charismatic Renewal (www.derekprince.org).

Scriptures on Deliverance

How Jesus dealt with demons.

Derek Prince tells us in his book, They Shall Cast Out Demons, that one-third

of Jesus' ministry was spent doing healing and deliverance with signs

and miracles following.

1 John 3:8. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work. 

In order to establish the kingdom of God here on earth, Jesus had to destroy the 

devil's plans to kill, steal and destroy the people of God.

Matthew 12:22. Then they brought him a demon-possessed man who was blind and mute, and Jesus healed him, so that he could both talk and see. (Sozo- rescued or delivered him)

Matthew 12: 28. Jesus said, But if it is by the Spirit of God (Holy Spirit) that I drive out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.

Mark 1:39. So he continued preaching in their synagogues and expelling evil spirits throughout the whole of Galilee.

A Key Point to take notice of in these scriptures: Deliverance was accomplished by the Lord Jesus working with the power (anointing) of the Holy Spirit to set people free from demons and demonic strongholds.

Colossians 1:13,For he (Jesus) has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son (of light) he loves.

How did Jesus do that? By delivering us from the demons we brought with us from the dominion of darkness before we experienced salvation in Christ. Or by casting out the demons we picked up through our own sinful behavior since we were saved. 

Once the Lord Jesus rescues us out of Satan's kingdom of darkness and translates us into the kingdom of Light, He wants to deliver us from the demons that came with us. For example, if a Christian had a practice of playing with occult games, had engaged in adultery, or homosexual behavior, they would need to have those evil spirits cast out to be set free from those bondages. Demons do not automatically leave just because someone receives Christ as their Savior.

Matthew 28:18-20. This is Matthew's version of The Great Commission.

18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth 

has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all 

nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the

Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. 

And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

How did Jesus deal with demons?

By taking authority over them, commanding them to leave, driving them out or 

expelling them. 

The Authority of the Believer

Matthew 10:1 and 7.1. Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness. Verse 7 As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, and drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.

Matthew 16:19 (Matthew 18:18). I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”

Mark 6:7 and 12. Calling the Twelve to him, he began to send them out two by 

two and gave them authority over impure spirits. AND verse 12 They went out 

and preached that people should repent. 13 They drove out many demons and 

anointed many sick people with oil and healed them.

Luke 10:17-18.17 The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the 

demons submit to us in your name.” 18 He replied, “I saw Satan fall like

lightning from heaven. 19 I have given you authority to trample on snakes and 

scorpions (evil spirits) and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing 

will harm you. 20 However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but

rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”

Acts 10:38. 38. God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, 

and [how] he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power 

of the devil, because God was with him.

1 John 3:8. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work. 

Jesus was commissioned to destroy the devil's work; his disciples had that same commission and so do we today. If we have experienced being born-again and filled with the Holy Spirit, then we are the sons and daughters of God!

What should Christians be doing with the authority Jesus has given to us?

We should be driving out demons, healing the sick, overcoming all the power of the enemy, destroying the devil's work, cleansing the lepers, raising the dead and generally speaking …  setting the captives free!

Successful Deliverance Ministry

A. Seven Steps to Victory

1. I confess (repentance) the sin of: (write the name of the specific sin or curse. (Example. Anger) _____________________________________________

2. I forgive and release the people involved. (Call out their names, write them.
Ex. Parents, spouse, pastor) ___________________________________

3. I ask you, Lord Jesus, for forgiveness of this sin.

4. I choose to forgive myself.

5. I renounce the sin of (from line #1) and break agreement with it. I take authority over the demonic spirit and command it to leave me now in Jesus' Name. (Continue to command and expel the spirit until you experience freedom. Quote Bible scriptures to run demons out. Use the Name of Jesus and plead His blood over yourself.)

6. I receive God’s freedom from this sin and confess God’s Word over it.
(Write out a scripture to stand on, or positive confession you can pray over yourself. Ex. Instead of anger, I have the fruit of patience and kindness abiding in me).
_________________________________________________________

7. Maintain your victory with prayer and worship. Pray your blessing over yourself for the next two weeks to insure your victory.

B. Maintain your healing and deliverance (Derek Prince)

• Yield to the Lordship of Jesus in every area.

• Be continuously filled with the Holy Spirit. Eph. 5:18

• Live by the Word of God. Luke 11:13, Acts 2:4, Matt. 4:4, 7 and 11.

• Put on the whole armor of God. Eph. 6:10.

• Cultivate godly relationships.

• Fellowship with other believers.

• Make Jesus central in your life. John 12:31-32.

• Practice the spiritual disciplines of: regular Bible reading, prayer, worship, fasting, and attending a Spirit-filled, Bible-believing church.

C. Sample Scriptures to personalize and confess to get victory over demonic spirits are:

Fear- God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, of love and a sound mind. 2 Tim. 1:7.

Overcoming- I have overcome Satan by the blood of Jesus, the word of my testimony and that I do not love my life unto death. Rev. 12:11.

Sexual sins- It is no longer I that live, but Christ that lives in me. Gal. 2:20. I choose to live a life of sexual purity.  

When engaging the devil, Jesus confessed God's Word over the temptation. (Matthew chapter 4). Just like he did, we use the sword of the Spirit (the Word of God) to overcome our enemy (Eph. 6:10).

Compile a list of scriptures you can use to overcome sin, the temptations of the world and Satan for different issues. There are Bible Promise booklets you can purchase from bookstores.

D. Using wisdom and the power of agreement

Having a particular sin or spirit could be a blind-spot you have not recognized. Therefore, you need to pray in the spirit and ask Holy Spirit to show you any spiritual strongholds on which you need to work. Denial, doubt, unbelief are common strongholds that you might need to bring before the Lord.

Going to see a counseling minister may be necessary to identity strongholds and help you work on personal issues. Experiences that were traumatic or extremely painful will require you see an experienced, Christian counselor rather than try to deal with them by yourself.

It is also highly recommended you ask your pastor or another minister you trust to pray with you. Having the power of agreement increases your authority, anointing and confidence. Whenever, two or more agree on anything according to God's will, it shall be done by our Father (Matt. 18:19).

Let's Review:

• The Great Commission given to us by Jesus was a commandment to all believers, not just missionaries and pastors.

• Jesus Christ gave us the authority to cast out demons and destroy all the plans of the evil one. Jesus did all he needed to do to break the power of the enemy when He died on the cross, was buried and rose again. 

• God's plan of salvation (“sozo”) includes: saving us from our sins, healing our diseases and delivering us from all demonic oppression so that we might be transformed into the image of Christ.

• Jesus Christ came to announce the arrival of the kingdom of God, to destroy the works of Satan and... to set the captives free.

• The mature sons and daughters of God are called to work with the Holy Spirit to destroy the work of the evil one and manifest the kingdom of heaven here on earth.

I pray this introductory lesson will get you started off right and motivate you to go deeper into the study of healing and deliverance. I can recommend the writings of Derek Prince who is the most well-known and highly qualified teacher and minister in this field. 

To see his books, materials and copies of his lessons on many different topics, go to www.derekprince.org. Many of his public teachings can be found on Youtube.

Don't Get Left Behind- the Next Move of God!

"Surely the Lord God does nothing, unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets" (Amos 3:7). "See, the former things have come to pass, and new things I now declare; before they spring forth I tell you of them" (Is. 42:9).

We've heard the revival stories of old: Great Awakenings. Welsh Revival. Azusa Street. Latter Rain. The Jesus Movement. The Chinese Underground Church explosion. The Argentine Revivals. Toronto. Brownsville. But for the last 15 years or so it's been pretty quiet in America and things have taken a turn for the worse spiritually, culturally and politically. However, there is a tremendous storm gathering on the horizon. The wind has shifted, and the people of God need to get ready! For the Lord is on the move again. 

 What are the prophets saying?

Here is a short list of some of the more notable prophetic voices. You can go on-line to read these articles and watch the videos to have a more complete picture.

1. John Kilpatrick. The Wind Has Shifted. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9wWyjlPFUsc&feature=youtube.

2. Cindy Jacobs. "Word of the Lord For 2016: The Year the Tide Turns". Elijah List, February 5, 2016 and at http://www.prophetic.tv/watch/watch.php?ID=25. From the Apostolic Council of Prophetic Elders conference in November, 2015.

3. Patricia King. "There's Revival in the Air!" Elijah List, 2-4-16. http://www.elijahlist.com/index.php.

4. Chuck Pierce's Conference with Dutch Sheets. Nov. 27, 2016

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04UqtxnseSE&feature=youtu.be.

5. Tom Hamon. “God is Raising Your Profile” Christian International, Vision Church, Santa Rosa Beach, FL. January 4, 2016. http://www.flowprophetic.com/tom-hamon-wol2016/

 
Keys to the Kingdom
Dutch Sheets, a forerunner in the body of Christ for decades, is calling Christians to pray for revival as the only solution to the mess we're in as a nation. His An Appeal to Heaven prayer rallies and PRAY 15 prayer app for your Iphone are motivating people to pray for 15 minutes each day. The Lord gave Dutch two scriptures that would release revival in our nation. He is encouraging millions of Christians to ask the Holy Spirit to give us the keys to revival.

Isaiah 22:22, “I will place on his shoulder the key to the house of David; what he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open.”

In biblical times, literally the door keeper was given the key to King David's household which was the city of Jerusalem. Each morning the door keeper would open the doors of the city and each evening, he would close them for the night. The door keeper held a position of rank and authority in David's army and was responsible for the welfare of the city. Other door keepers held the keys that locked and unlocked the doors of the prison cells, the treasury, any important strongholds that belonged to the King.

 Matthew 16:19, I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”

Spiritually speaking, we know it is King Jesus who holds the keys to the kingdom. There is a spiritual principle which says, as it is in the natural, so it is in the spiritual realm. Jesus gave his disciples and therefore, the church, the keys to the kingdom to do greater works than even He did. He has given mature, Spirit-filled believers the authority in Christ to bind up demonic strongholds and loose the people of God and situations from Satan's grip. When we do our part, the angels will carry out the actual binding and loosing in the spiritual realm. 

 

Doug Addison wrote a book called 2016 Prophecies. Doug says, “Keys of authority are being reassigned. There are spiritual keys that have been given to people that unlock and lock doors in the spiritual realm in and over people and regions.”
Revelation 3:7b: “These are the words of Him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What He opens no one can shut, and what He shuts no one can open."

Patricia King experienced a “prophetic encounter” at 5:55 on the morning of January 31, 2016. She was taken to a corridor in heaven with doors that were shut. The Lord's voice spoke: "I am taking you to new levels.... I will show you things that you know not. I will reveal Kingdom mysteries to you in this season. I will demonstrate My power and there will be a great harvest as the river of revival goes to the nations. Partner with Me for I desire to pour out My Spirit in a new wave upon the earth in this hour.

On one of the doors was a sign which said, "REVIVAL" An angel stood outside the door guarding the room. People approached the door, but could not enter, because they did not have the right key. One person approached the angel showing the key called FAITH-FILLED PRAYERS. The angel's face lit up and proclaimed, "This is the key that will open the door" ...And the door opened. 

She saw a river of revival flow through the doorway, flooding the corridor and moving rapidly into the earth. Individuals who had no keys in their hands previously, were being swept into the current of the river. Some were elated and others were shocked and in wonderment. The river was unstoppable. She saw the river break off into tributaries...many tributaries. The river was filling the earth! The Lord said, "I have prepared a revival for you, an outpouring of My Spirit that will be filled with My glory, My fire, My love. Birth this outpouring with the key of FAITH-FILLED PRAYER.

2016 Prophecies can be characterized as a season of:

• Shifting seasons and “suddenlies”
• New assignments and re-alignments
• Increase in supernatural gifts, miracles, salvations
• Heaven will partner with earth to produce a great awakening
• River of God will bring healing, deliverance. Position yourself in the river!
• A rise in prophetic evangelism: prophecy and words of knowledge
• Angels waiting for the Church to rise up and press the battle to the full. 
  • Dynamic release of power to accomplish the purposes of God
  • Radical move of God that occurs outside the current church structure
  • Keys of authority that will open and close doors in the spirit realm
  • A year of kairos opportunities- an appointed time to seize the moment
  • Many prodigals will be coming home this year. 

Keys for Being Involved in the Next Move of God by Pat James.

First of all, here are the people who will be left out of the next move of God and may even work to oppose it. These characteristics come from Revelation chapters 2 and 3 in the letters to the seven churches. Those who:

• Forsake their first love for Jesus Christ. Serving Christ is not a priority in their life.
• Are afraid of persecution, slander and rejection by others.
• Have compromised their walk with God through the influence of a secular society or other world religions.
• Practice sexual immorality, false prophets, or have tolerated the Jezebel spirit.
• Have a reputation for being alive, but are actually “dead” or spiritually “asleep.”
• Lukewarm Christians- compromised their faith with the world for wealth or success; who are apathetic, passive, lazy, content to just be a “sinner saved by grace.”
• Refuse to give up doctrines of men, old mindsets and opinions that interfere with new revelations brought by the Spirit today.
• Have blasphemed the Holy Spirit by saying what the Lord is doing is demonic or a work of Satan.
  
  Then, here are the kinds of Christians who will be included:

• The church at Philadelphia- Rev. 3:7-8, “To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write:These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.
• Those who have spiritual eyes that see, and ears that can hear what the Spirit is saying to the church today.
• Those who are spiritually discerning the times and the seasons of God.
• Those who “will embrace the pain of change” in order to crossover into a new season.(Doug Addison's prophesy for 2016). Includes being rejected by others and being re-positioned for God's purposes and advancement.
• Those who “press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called (them) heavenward in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:13-15).

Key Scriptures for the Body of Christ

1. Stir up the gift of God in you. (Acts 1:4, I Tim. 4:14, 2 Tim. 1:6) 2 Timothy 1:6,  "For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands" (NIV). The “gift of God” is the power of the Holy Spirit in you. Have you received the baptism of the Holy Spirit with "the gift" of tongues according to the book of Acts?

2. Pray in the Spirit. Eph. 6:18, "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit." Jude 20. “But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit.” This means praying in the power of the Holy Spirit with the prayer language given to you by the Spirit.

3. Live in the Spirit. Romans 8: 4,5,9 and 11.

Galatians 5:25. “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.”

• Be spiritually minded, versus being naturally minded.
• Be sensitive to the Holy Spirit's leading, conviction, wisdom.
• Righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit- Romans 14:17

4. Take captive every thought.

2 Corinthians 10:5, We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

Every thought! Of course, we understand how important it is to take captive thoughts that are evil, but in these last days, we will also have to take captive those that are natural, logical or even rational. Being naturally minded will interfere with our being able to hear what the Spirit of God wants us to know. Scripture tells us that the carnal mind in enmity toward God and does not discern the truth (Rom. 8:7).

Key Prophetic Words 

Through out the month of January, I have been praying and asking the Father to give me the message He had for our lighthouse this month. On several of those occasions between 4:00 and 5:00am in the morning, I heard the still small voice of the Spirit speaking a clear word.

“I am bringing in the people and the resources you will need for this new season. I will fulfill My purposes for this lighthouse. I will supply all your needs to accomplish the purpose I've given to you. Look to me constantly for I am Jehovah Jireh, your Provider.” (and on another morning), “I am coming with the fresh wind of the Spirit to fill your sails with power that propels you into your purpose. Stay focused on your purpose, position and power."

 

Over the course of the next weeks, I kept hearing these three words: purpose, position and power. God is speaking to all of us that we need to know what our kingdom purpose is, we need to get in the position He wants us to be, and so He can release supernatural power like we've never seen before. A mighty river of living water is going to be released from heaven that will bring about the greatest awakening the earth has ever experienced. 

Purpose. Definition- a. the reason for which something exists or is done, made or used. b. a goal, something one aims to accomplish. Romans 8:28- And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose. Ephesians 2:10, "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."

The purpose of HAL is “to reach people with the life-giving message of Jesus Christ that they might become transformed into His image as sons and daughters of God.” Our purpose is NOT about getting people “saved” so they can escape hell and go to heaven. It's a message of transformation so they can help build the kingdom of God here on earth. HAL is called to be a hub, a central meeting place in our community, where people from different churches and backgrounds can meet in UNITY to worship God, to receive from Him and to be supernaturally changed by Him.

Life in the kingdom of God is all about serving the purposes and plans of God; not our own lifestyles, ambitions, interests or desires. We belong to God now; we are not our own. We have become His sons and daughters. He wants to know that He can trust us with the keys to His kingdom. What is your God-ordained purpose in life? What has He called you to do for His kingdom? 

Position ourselves. One meaning of the word position is your location. To catch the wind of the Spirit, we may need to relocate, change churches, change jobs, align ourselves with a ministry that is going where we want to go. It's time for a re-alignment and a new assignment so we can fulfill the call of God upon our lives.

Biblically and spiritually speaking, the word position means to position ourselves IN CHRIST. We have to have our identity firmly established in who we are in Christ. Our old nature has to be crucified. We reckon ourselves to be dead and buried. Jesus Christ lives in us by the power of the Holy Spirit. We are sons of God, the bride of Christ, carriers of His glory. How does God see you? That's what matters the most!

To quote Dutch Sheets, “Position yourselves to have FAVOR with the King.” Doug Addison said, “Positioning is very important. It is crucial to align with the right people and places this year. It is important to look at the lives of those you are aligned with. What is the fruit of their ministry or efforts? Are they producing fruit for the kingdom that will last?”

Power by the Holy Spirit. In a prophecy by Armstrong & LeStrange, it is written “I began to see in my spirit creative miracles and power gifts coming forth on a level that I have personally never witnessed. I sense the Father urging a generation to contend for higher levels of miracles and to carry greater mantles” (Elijah List, 2-6-16).

Bobby Connor prophesied that “The Holy Spirit is truly anointing the Body of Christ in an unprecedented manner in these days. Believers are realizing that they cannot fulfill their role in the purposes of God unless they have His power.” (Elijah List, 1-24-16). 

During the third watch of the morning, I (Pat James) heard the Spirit say, “I have given you a new mantel of authority to help you do the work of the ministry and an angel to assist you in the spirit realm.” As a matter of fact, a group of angels has been assigned to our lighthouse to do warfare over us, and to carry out the process of opening and closing doors in the spirit, and to bind up demonic spirits and loose the captives into freedom! With God and His angel army on our side, who can stand against us!

 

How are we going to accomplish all this? By trusting totally in the plan God has for our life. We have to trust the Lord to take us sailing in deep waters of the open ocean leaving behind all that is dear to us, our secure surroundings, possibly our family and friends. We have to be willing to forsake all-- for the eternal joy of loving and serving our Lord, according to the path that He chose for us. Remember, God chose us first to love and to serve Him. It is up to us to respond by choosing to do His will for our lives and surrendering our own self-will.

Today the Spirit spoke these three key words to us: purpose, position and power. Here are some key questions you need to take before the Lord in prayer and wait on Him until you hear the answers. Let him who has ears to hear, hear what the Spirit is saying.

• Do you know your personal purpose in the kingdom of God? What has God planned for you to do for Him?
• Are you in the position where God wants you to be? Or do you need to re-locate?
• Are you ready to partner with the Holy Spirit to release His power? Or do you always have some excuse not to go deeper in God? 

If the answer is YES, then you need the keys to the kingdom of heaven to do that! (Is. 22:22 and Matt. 16:19).

• Key strategies that will defeat the enemy and lead to breakthrough and miracles.
• Keys of authority to open doors and to close doors, to bind and to loose.
• Keys of anointing to do the greater works of God.
   

Prayer for Today. Abba Father, I thank you that You have chosen me to be your child and have given me a purpose in Your kingdom. Forgive me for all the ways I have not surrendered to the call of God on my life. Forgive me for not living according to Your kingdom principles. Give me now the grace and the power to do Your will and to fulfill my destiny in Your kingdom. Give me Your divine enablement to continually live in the Spirit, pray in the Spirit, stir up the gifts of the Spirit and bring every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. I love you, Lord, and thank you for hearing my prayer today. I thank you for baptizing me in the Holy Spirit so I can serve you with my whole heart, soul and spirit. In the precious Name of Jesus, Amen.

This message was given at the Hickory, NC, Aglow Lighthouse meeting on February 13, 2016 by Pat James, President. Tommy & Pat James founded Tree of Life Ministries in Morganton, North Carolina and serve the Lord by providing private confidential counseling, speaking at local churches, discipling individuals and couples, and writing Christian books and articles for publication. www.tolr.org.