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October 15, 2006
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Paulette Reed: "LISTEN
FOR THE WIND--STIR YOURSELVES NOW AND GET READY TO TAKE FLIGHT"
 King David, a warrior, fought to get the stolen ark of the covenant back into
the midst of God's people. The ark of the covenant (Hebrew: aron habrit), is
described as "a sacred container." Today friends, we are to be sacred
containers, temples of the Holy Spirit, vessels of honor and glory.
The ark was
built at the command of God, just as man was created at the command of God. One
of the ark's primary functions was for God to communicate with Moses,
"from
between the two cherubim on the ark's cover" Exodus 25:22. Still today, God
communicates with His sons and daughters using angels "marching in the tops of
the mulberry trees," announcing the rustling of the armies of God who go before
us into each battle. Keep marching, beloved.
We're told the ark of the Lord represented God's presence and was covered with
purest gold. Could this be why gold dust is being manifest in many meetings
recently? Perhaps God is showing His church that the fullness of His presence,
stolen by the enemy, is making its way back to the temples as we maintain
victory in battle.
You Can't Come in Here
The Old Testament is a magnificent map for training and equipping us for battle;
a.k.a. "spiritual warfare." The Word clearly states that in the Kingdom of God,
there are times of peace and times of war. As we contend for souls, pursue the
dreams of God, and intercede for the nations, let's study King David in
II
Samuel 5 to see what nuggets of wisdom we can glean from our warrior/brother.
May we gain much knowledge from his battles to apply to our own.
David was personally familiar with the "in your face," intense assaults from the
enemy as he marched upon Jerusalem to oust the Jebusites who were living there.
This battle is hugely significant historically and spiritually. Jerusalem was
part of God's covenant with Abraham, and His warrior David had been anointed to
reclaim the land for His purposes. What a huge victory in the city of God! I
offer today that every city is the city of God because,
"The earth is the
Lord's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it" Psalm 24:1.
I
pray each of us will be apprehended with our responsibility to defend the city
assigned to us by God, reclaiming the land for His purposes.
Beginning with II Samuel 5:6, the harassment from the enemy begins,
"The king and his
men marched to Jerusalem to attack the Jebusites who lived there. The Jebusites
said to David, 'You will not get in here; even the blind and the lame can ward
you off.' They thought, 'David cannot get in here.'"
# 1 Rule of Engagement (ROE): When you march, make sure you take the King with
you.
"You will not get in here." Can anyone relate to this concept? You cannot come
in here--your worship is inappropriate, your gender is wrong, your denomination
is questionable, your finances are inadequate, and your reputation is tainted.
Sometimes, this mocking spirit adheres to traditions, overlooking the fact that
God is no respecter of persons (Acts 10:34). It discounts the truth that there
is no gender in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:28). Furthermore, it neglects the
promises of God stating, "your sins are forgiven"
(Luke 7:48), and "my God will
meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus"
Philippians 4:19.
Often mockery can be generational. "You can't come in here. You'll never be good
enough, and you'll never make it." We take authority over this lie and replace it
with truth in Jesus' name. I say to you this day, "You can, you can, you can!
Everything is possible for him who believes" (Mark 9:23).
Planned Ignoring
The mocking didn't appear to inhibit our brother-warrior as he continued his
quest. "Nevertheless, David captured the fortress of Zion, the City of David. David then took up residence in the fortress and called it the City
of David. He built up the area around it, from the supporting terraces inward"
(II Samuel 5:7 and
9).
# 2 Rule of Engagement (ROE): Nevertheless!
Social workers use a term called "planned ignoring," when teaching parenting
skills. This technique can be very effective in extinguishing undesirable
behaviors. I think brother David may have been ahead of his time in this area.
He chose to ignore the mocking spirit and conquered the enemy--period. Now, I'm
not implying we don't remain alert and aware, but I am saying we don't focus on
the enemy, but on the Lord of hosts. We must "stand firm, then...with the
breastplate of righteousness in place" (Ephesians 6:14), knowing and believing
that righteousness is warfare for the church. "In your majesty ride forth
victoriously in behalf of truth, humility, and righteousness; let your right
hand display awesome deeds" Psalm 45:4.
The more we know our Holy Commander, the more we can ignore a mocking spirit,
the accuser of the brethren. Remember, the sacred chest was the visible sign
that God's presence and protection went before His people. So, as sacred
containers, the more we become one with the Lord, the more confident we are,
marching with His constant presence and protection. Always, we love the Lord, and
He loves us. But friends, we can truly become one with our Holy God as He
sanctifies us, making us holy, as He is holy (I Peter 1:16). One with God! Oh,
if He is for us, who can be against us?
For years, I've heard the Holy Spirit tell me, "Just keep
marching." Then I say, "But, God, I..." And He says,
"Just keep marching."
I believe this indicates that consistency in Kingdom advancement, is more
important than speed or ferocity. After all, eternity is timeless. Sometimes our
journey with Jesus may seem like plodding. But, God orchestrates our steps. As
long as we're in motion and not stagnating, we're taking ground. May we be able
to declare, like Jesus our Shield declared, "Because the Sovereign Lord helps
me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore have I set my face like flint, and I know
I will not be put to shame" Isaiah 50:7.
Stronger With Each Battle
It's compelling to walk with the knowledge that no weapon formed against us
shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17). There is an amazing awe in realizing what the
Redeemer does best--He redeems! Jesus reverses the battles the enemy means to
use against us, and mobilizes them to make us prosper! II Samuel 5:10
is profound, "And he (David) became more and more
powerful, because the Lord God Almighty was with him."
Friends, it's crucial that we grasp this as reality. While engaged on an
already-victorious battleground, our strength is multiplied because the Lord
Almighty is with us. Jesus has already won every battle and paid the price in
full. He came to destroy the works of the devil (I John 3:8). We must stand and
personify the victory of Calvary. Now don't let the Evil One whisper "arrogance"
to you here. The day we were saved by grace, arrogance was exchanged for faith.
The devil didn't say, "David (we) can become more and more powerful"; our
Covenant God said it!
Marching upon the path of faith is similar to pumping spiritual iron. Each
time we wield the sword, every time we put on the breastplate of righteousness,
every time we act in faith, our spiritual muscles grow stronger in Christ Jesus.
This
is invaluable knowledge because, in accordance with the Scriptures we're
studying today, the enemy will come after us again, and again, and we must
be ready. There is no time to get ready while the fiery darts are flying! It's
crucial that we learn and grow stronger from each battle and intently discern
the guidance of our Commander-in-Chief.
Here They Come Again--Regroup
Take a look at verses II Samuel 5:17-20,
"When the Philistines heard that David had been
anointed king over Israel, they went up in full force to search for him, but
David heard about it and went down to the stronghold. Now the Philistines had
come and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim; so David inquired of the Lord
'Shall I go and attack the Philistines? Will You hand them over to me?' The Lord
answered him, 'Go, for I will surely hand the Philistines over to you.' So David
went to Baal Perazim, and there he defeated them. He said, 'As waters break out,
the Lord has broken out against my enemies before me.'"
# 3 Rule of Engagement (ROE): Always inquire of the Lord before engaging in
battle
Beloved, incredibly there are times we do not engage in battle. There are times
we simply "stay in the cave" and wait (Judges 15:8; I Samuel 22:1; I Kings
19:9). It's crucial to pray and inquire so we know if, and when, God is sending
us to fight. It's difficult to stumble when we're on our knees. The battle
belongs to the Lord. Therefore, the defeat of the enemy is in His hands.
Sometimes silence is the greatest weapon of all, allowing the contender to
exhaust himself shadowboxing, while we stay in an attitude of worship--the
highest form of warfare.
Often, the battle is not with the devil, but with our own carnal nature. Our
flesh really longs to rise up and fix things, stating our opinion. Think about
it. Does the Creator of the Universe really need our opinion to accomplish His
Divine purposes? It's difficult to remain quiet while we're wrestling. However,
we must remember--the greater the faith, the fewer the words. If there are some
battles or power-struggles going on in your sphere of influence, keep in mind,
it's best to always bow lower. After all, God became a baby to conquer the
world. For it's, "Not by might, nor by power, but by
My spirit, says the Lord" Zechariah 4:6.
Now, let's pay particular attention to the fact that when David inquired of the
Lord a second time, the marching orders he received were quite different. If we
aren't careful, friends, our last victory can be our demise for the next
encounter. "Once more the Philistines came up and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim so David inquired of the Lord, and
He answered,
'Don't go straight up,
but circle around behind them and attack them in front of the balsam trees'" II
Samuel 5:22-23.
Although our adversary is always the same, he manifests himself in different
ways. Thus, there are various types of battles and many styles of warfare. At
times, we have to "circle around," a "sneak attack," so to speak. Please allow
me to add that as we circle around, locking arms with our brothers and sisters,
let's be very careful not to lock out any of the new recruits God has sent us.
Sometimes when churches, ministries, or families are recovering from one battle
and entering the next, they will be so guarded or overprotective, they neglect
to recognize that fresh troops have arrived--friend, not foe.
Dear ones, we see the whole world engaged in different types of wars,
figuratively and literally, battling for life. Although it's difficult to watch,
weep, and intercede, if we truly believe that our Redeemer, redeems, then let's
rejoice--if not for all things, in all things. We don't rejoice for the battles,
but we exalt in the victories that are already won in Christ. Listen! It's in
times of adversity that millions, great multitudes, will come to know Christ
Jesus, as many as the sand which is on the seashore (Genesis 22:17-18).
Exodus
1:12 proves this, "But the more they were
oppressed, the more they multiplied and spread; so the Egyptians came to dread
the Israelites."
Listen For the Wind
Let's again look at II Samuel 5:22-25,
"As soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, move
quickly, because that will mean the Lord has gone out in front of you to strike
the Philistine army." So David did as the Lord commanded him, and he struck down
the Philistines all the way from Gibeon to Gezer."
How powerful, reassuring, and intimate to know that our God goes before us!
Moses is another brilliant example for us. He knew he was marching into enemy
territory, and he learned total dependence was upon God for success and victory in
war, as well as for direction and supply in the wilderness. He began and ended
each day's march with prayer. Whenever the ark set out, Moses said,
"Rise up, O
Lord! May Your enemies be scattered; may Your foes flee before You" Numbers
10:35.
The fulfillment of God's purposes in our lives will depend upon our seeking His
guidance through prayer, and following the leading of the Holy Spirit, who
dwells within us. We must listen when the Lord gives us commands. There are
times He says, "Go straight ahead," and there are times He says,
"Go around behind the
enemy." When the Lord says, "Circle around," He's saying,
"Protect your borders."
We
must take our stand and encircle the camp. There are forces that want to
annihilate, there are enemies that will return, again and again to steal, kill,
and destroy. If you give the enemy one thing, he won't stop with that. He'll
take another, and then another. That's why sin must be defeated, because it
begets sin and causes weak links among the ranks. Righteousness must become our
defense. We must protect our borders, families, cities, churches, and nations as we
march! "The gates of hell shall not prevail against us" Matthew 16:18.
Beloved, we're living in "move-quickly" days. When you hear the wind in the top
of the mulberry trees, move quickly. Delayed obedience can be disobedience.
Don't be afraid of man; don't be afraid of the consequences for your obedience
to the King. He will go out before you.
# 4 Rule of Engagement (ROE): Move quickly
"But, Lord I just don't know if that's You." I'm unsure of the reference for
that miracle; I haven't read a manual listing all of the signs and wonders of
Heaven. Good news, I've found truth to replace doubt in
John 21:25, "Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were
written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the
books that would be written."
Listen, move quickly. If we miss God, it's difficult to go back. The Lord shows
us this in Luke 19:41-45, as He approached
Jerusalem and weeps over it, "If you
even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace--but now it is
hidden from your eyes." Jesus weeps, and He says,
"Oh you did not recognize the time
of God's coming to you."
Reflection
Do you hear a sound like the blowing of a violent wind coming from Heaven? Is
God asking you to break away from the status quo? We must be ready to say, "Yes
Lord, I am Yours. You are my Master. I'll do what You tell me, whenever and
wherever You command. You formed me in the womb to be Your servant
(Isaiah
49:5). I thank You for commanding angels concerning me to guard carefully
(Luke
4:10). And, I thank You that I can hear those angelic hosts rustling in the top
of the mulberry trees. How could I miss it, God? It must be quite a roar as I
open my spiritual ears because John '...looked and heard the voice of many
angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand" Revelation 5:11.'"
Troops, some of you may have dreams that weren't realized so you shelved them.
The Lord is saying, "Stir yourselves up now and listen for
the rustling in the trees and be prepared to move quickly. I Am the I Am, who
allowed those Divine delays. I allowed times of testing, false starts, and trial
runs to build up your spiritual muscles, and create a tenacious spirit within
you. Can you feel the breeze as I am drawing back the arrow right next to your
cheek? Get ready to take flight."
When David did as the Lord commanded him, he knew that God had gone before him,
and he struck down the enemy all the way. There's a time of peace and a time of
war, a time to weep and a time to laugh. A time to speak, and a time to be
silent. A time to wait, and a time to move quickly.
Go before us God, and teach
us to war and to be bearers of Your glory, yet never touch it.
Paulette Reed
Daughters of the Morning Ministries
www.dotmm.org
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Paulette Reed's Upcoming Itinerary:
October 22, 2006
Mission of Hope
1537 First Avenue SE;
Cedar Rapids, IA
Contact: 319-362-5553
"The daily prophetic words that are sent to our 133,000+ subscribers are made possible by the purchase of products like those featured in this email. You may purchase them directly from this email, or visit our online store at www.elijahshopper.com."
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as a watchman. Go on a journey and gain wisdom on how to walk honorably with leaders, avoid charismatic witchcraft, and stay within your boundaries! This book will add needed wisdom for any serious-minded person who loves God with all their heart, and wants to see His Kingdom come to their city. With gladness of heart, I commend to you the writings of Joy Parrott on the watchman anointing." --James W. Goll, (excerpt from Foreword),
Cofounder of Encounters Network
The Epic of God's Heart is the first of a unique series of recordings presented by Jill Austin featuring men and women describing their
Heavenly encounters. In this first volume, Jill Austin, Ana Mendez-Ferrell, and Heidi Baker each recount, in detail, visitations they personally experienced. These visitations or "open visions" are not faint impressions or imaginative mental pictures. Rather, they are real encounters with the living Son of God not unlike that of Paul the Apostle -
"...whether in the body I do not know, or whether out of the body I do not know, God knows
-- (I) was caught up to the third Heaven"
(2 Corinthians 2:12).
"...you are drenched in the prophetic presence of
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NEWSLETTER
