The Davids Are Coming
Submitted by Clay Sikes

Can the Institutional Church system, as we know it, fulfill the plan of God? Could the system (government) that is found in most churches today precipitate many of the problems that we now see? These questions are cause for a search into deeper truth, and as such, cause us to understand the spiritual relevance of the (Church) structure that now serves most of Christianity.

During a recent time of prayer I felt I heard the Lord say that the spirit of anti-Christ is not coming; he is already here! He has set himself up in the house of God in the form of the carnal church, led by carnal men who have taken God's (the Holy Spirit's) place; men who are led by their minds instead of God's Spirit. Many Church leaders have unwittingly substituted themselves and their thinking in place of God and God's Spirit, and in the process become Gods unto themselves and their flocks. Only God can occupy God's place in the temple (in us) in order that God's true destiny to spawn in our lives individually and corporately.

The exodus we see in the Church worldwide is not made up of rebellious backsliders and quitters; to the contrary, many of those leaving are seeking more of God, hungry for a true form of worship and assembly. As is the center of much discussion these days, the Institutional Church is housed in a system (government) that man erected, which finds its support and structure in a system that has evolved since the pure structure of the First Century Church. This revolutionized system (structure) we see today has little scriptural basis for its existence - a one-fold pastor led form of leadership (devoid of the five fold ministry), enforcement of the tithe, and the laity clergy divide that tragically separates the body into two parts; none of which are evidenced in New Testament scripture.

This system operates through the efforts of men. Men working through men produce human results - Men working through God produce Godly results, and while there has been grace upon the Institutional Church for many years, it appears that this grace is lifting as God continues to reveal a true Godly structure (for His Church).

God's ordained structure for anything ignites and invites God's power (Isaiah 9:7). I do not think that many, outside of leadership, could reasonably debate the fact that the Church is powerless, ineffective and besieged with problems. Unfortunately, the Church is more like Saul's army assembled on the battlefield trembling at the taunts of Goliath, rather than the conquering David that God desires. It seems an injustice that we have the greatest power in the universe residing within us, yet we as a people have been powerless and ineffective to conquer this earth for our Lord. Could it be that our structure, the very foundation upon which we act as a Body, is wrong?

Prophetic men and women men are beginning to recognize that it is not God's plan for His people to live in the earth in this powerless and ineffective state much longer: He is now taking direct steps to implant His power and effectiveness in His true (Davidic) people for His destined purposes to be fulfilled in the earth. As the David's come forth, Goliath will fall! But where are the David's? They sit idly in a system that does not recognize the powerful gifts that reside in them; gifts and offices of ministry that will change the world. The most under used and unrecognized talent in the world lies dormant in church pews all over this world.

But be encouraged, in this hour in which we live, it appears that God is much less prone to bless the works of men, all the while using those who truly know Him to create His works through them. Presumption that we all used to so routinely get away with now seems to bring sobering retribution. Acts in the church and business) outside of the leading of the Spirit of God can now be seen for what they are - acts of men. "Except the Lord build a house its builders build in vain." If we believe these assessments, the facts beg the question; can God's authority truly operate in and through the works of men? Can God's people within this system ever find their appointed destiny? Can those who cling to the system do so and remain in God's will? Can any real peace be found within the current church structure?

Isaiah 9:6,7,8 is a prophetic reflection of God's view of government. It further evidences that the government, order, and structure of God rest upon the back of Jesus. These scriptures clearly reveal that God ordains government (structure) according to His plan.

Isaiah 9:6-8 "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Almighty will accomplish this."

Another interpretation of Kingdom/government is God's perfect order - the hierarchy, position and placement of things according to God's will and plan. Godly structure (government) is evidenced by God's peace. In God, government precedes peace. Peace is a blessing that flows out of good government. If there is not peace in a situation, it is because there has been a breakdown in the government of that situation. Bad government produces confusion, dependency, and poverty whereas Godly government produces order, initiative, and productivity.

Could it be that God is about to radically change the Church as we know it to a structure more akin to the First Century Church which turned the world upside down for our Lord?

For many in the Church today there is knowledge that something is wrong. "What is it?" we ask. "Is it me?" "Is it my Church?" "Is it my Pastor?" The knowledge that something is wrong pervades the Church from Savannah to Siberia; the Internet and many prophetic websites and lists confirm and link us to this truth. Be comforted that your situation is neither unique nor unusual, but of greater significance, be aware that God is signaling CHANGE. A new Davidic order is rising up and out of the existing Church, replacing the order of Saul. There is a separation now taking place as the Spiritual seed begins to separate from the carnal. Ishmael can no longer live in the house with Isaac.

Recently a friend of mine was heard to say, "Don't tell me that something is wrong - I already know that, give me solutions!" As I pondered and prayed as to why this remark sparked such an unsettling in my spirit, clarity began to emerge from the Holy Spirit. The Spirit of the Lord grants us a sense of the problem, then provides His solutions: It is important to note here that our solutions are not necessarily His solutions, and our ways are not necessarily His ways. The era in which we now live has revealed problems in the Church and now is the time for God's solution, God's way. Has the Church realized yet that man's way will work no longer? Perhaps we should continue another two or three hundred years playing church! Have we tricked ourselves into believing there is real power in the Church?

The key to solving a myriad of problems in the Church is found in solving the main problem. When the main problem is dealt with, in an almost cataclysmic fashion, things will begin to dramatically change as God's people begin to walk in God's power. The problem that glares at us constantly is a powerless Church; a Church taunted by Satan on a daily basis much the same as Goliath taunted the Armies of God. Financial hardship, defeat, sickness, sin, divorce, jealousy, vain ambition, hype, programs, formulas, and relational failures permeate the Church from the pulpit to the pew. Since we know this is true, let us examine accurate, word filled, Holy Ghost inspired prophetic revelation for our solution.

Step one in resolving the problem is recognizing and accepting that anyone who has accepted Jesus as Lord must also understand that they have a destiny to fulfill, a part to play in this move of God. Any activity short of God's plan for our lives (destiny) will not fulfill us, will not produce the continuing joy of the Lord in us, and will not sustain us financially or relationally or any other way. It is important to note that outside of our destiny, we can have some degree of happiness (without the continuing joy of the Lord), we can have relationships and we can make money; however, a called man or woman will know the difference in their heart of hearts. Said differently, you cannot be holy in Dallas, if you are called to be righteous in Cleveland.

A well known lecturer once said that he had traveled Christian circles for years and seen thousands upon thousands of miserable Christians, yet never had he seen anyone pursuing and walking out their destiny, who was not filled to the brim with vitality, life, and enthusiasm - "Jesus came to give us an abundant life" John 10:10.

In facing the powerless Church question, understand that the human resources are now in place to release this great power, but the old system (Saul's armor) under which these human resources operate will not permit them the freedom to be used - the whole creation awaits our adoption as sons. Just as Saul's armor constrained David, so too has the old order constrained those who are called to demolish Satan's strongholds, strapped with the heavy cumbersome equipment of Saul. I feel the solution is prophetically answered in I Samuel 17. As you may recall from these verses, David was appalled that Goliath so freely taunted God's people. With confidence he prepared to face Goliath, yet quickly recognized that the old order (armor) would not work. Similarly, as we recognize that the old order will not work for the Church, we too must seek the new Davidic order that God is raising up in this hour. To have what we have never had, we must do what we have never done. Much prophetic revelation is found in the meaty verses of I Samuel 17.

"Then Saul dressed David in his own tunic. He put a coat of armor on him and a bronze helmet on his head. David fastened on his sword over the tunic and tried walking around, because he was not used to them. I cannot go in these, he said to Saul, because I am not used to them. So he took them off. Then he took his staff in his hand, chose five smooth stones from the stream, put them in the pouch of his shepherd's bag and, with his sling in his hand, approached the Philistine" (I Samuel 17:38-40).

As with David, we must recognize that God is doing a new thing to bring victory to a less than victorious Church. Let us examine further the prophetic implications of these scriptures - " I cannot go in these, he said to Saul, because I am not used to them. So he took them off. Then he took his staff in his hand, chose five smooth stones from the stream…"

The order of Saul was built upon a one-man system, the direct results of men directing God. This one-man system of Saul had more to do with man's leadership than God's. As a downward spiraling parallel, we see the Church dissolving from the powerful First Century Church, utilizing the entire five-fold ministry; to the one fold Pastor led system of today. Through the traditions of men, we have systematically eliminated four folds of ministry to the Body of Christ and of equal importance, knocked countless thousands out of attaining their destiny and purpose in the earth. Many powerful, destiny filled ministries sit idle in pews, bound and constrained by an order that does not recognize any calling except Pastor (See Ephesians 4:11,12). The present day Church structure, for the most part, denies 80% of the equipping ministries the opportunity to do what they were put on earth to do. This diabolical system cuts the Body in two ways: It first denies ministry to those who need such from other folds - Evangelists, Teachers, Prophets, and Apostles and secondly, keeps these respective gifts on pews sitting idle and stagnant.

David realized, as we must, that victory would not come through the way battles were typically fought. David dared to look to a different non-traditional manner to attain victory against Goliath, so too must the Church. In more than a twist of irony, let us look again to the word - "Then he took his staff in his hand, chose five smooth stones from the stream…" I submit to you that as the Davidic order replaces the order of Saul that a true victorious Church will emerge as the five-fold ministry begins to find its way back into the Body of Christ. As David reached into the stream he pulled five smooth stones to the surface. Symbolically, many of those who are being raised up in this hour will be those that have been hidden from the Body, submerged for years, yet washed by the water of the word until all rough edges have been smoothed. Any stone that David chose was enough to bring Goliath to the ground.

Destiny releases the power and purpose of God in us, in the earth, and in the heavenlies. When we touch destiny and purpose, we know it - it witnesses in our spirit; a surge of power is felt in our mind, body, and spirit. Many apostolic and prophetic anointings lay dormant as do other callings within the Body, but soon will awaken as the emerging Davidic order brings change to the Church. The Church cries out for solutions to its problems, BUT IS IT READY FOR REAL ANSWERS? Much of the solution will require change from those in the old order of Saul, and many like those in Saul's company will be ever so reluctant to join David the anointed and called King. Any change that has ever affected this world began in the hearts of men, so too will this move of God begin in the hearts of men.

All change must begin within each of us seeking change. At the risk of sounding redundant, let me state again THAT THOSE DESIRING TO SEE CHANGE MUST REALIZE THAT IN ORDER TO BRING CHANGE, WE MUST BE WILLING TO CHANGE. The willing and obedient eat the good of the land and fulfill their predestined call. Just prior to David's Kingship he held up in the cave at Addulum (I Samuel 22). What a choice his followers had to make - a cave with David or a Palace with Saul. The palace represents a close parallel to decisions faced today: Saul offered comfort, stability, safety, prominence, position, power, influence and acclaim. David offered a cave, actually a hole in the side of a mountain, but deep in the hole was a dream. The order of Saul deals in the seen; the order of David in the unseen.

Those with an affinity for the external will likely stick with Saul, while those with the eye of the Spirit will follow David to the death. "All those who were in distress or in debt or discontented gathered around him, and he became their leader" (I Samuel 22:2). The Davidic Order WILL NOT attract those who are happy with things just the way they are. We now live in the age of the Laodicean Church - "To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God's creation. I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm - neither hot nor cold - I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing. But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked" (Revelation 3:14-17). John saw a Church in his era that prophetically speaks to a Church in another era and that era is now! In summary, the spiritually contented will stay with Saul, while the spiritually discontented will hold up with David.

Several years ago the Lord spoke to me over a period of time and said several things that changed my life. First he said, "Anything growing will change - be open, be flexible, be willing to change." This phenomenon is true in both the natural and the spiritual world. GROWTH REQUIRES CHANGE. Though all change isn't a sign of growth, all growth is a sign of change! Our growth will require change, but even more importantly and initially, our willingness to change. He then said, "Ignorance often comes disguised as tradition." With those words, when combined, I realized that traditional thinking is dangerous in dealing with spiritual matters. I had hindered my own spiritual growth by my own preconceived traditions, much of which emanated from my soul. He then said a final word that has changed my life forever. "The sin of presumption often hides itself in noble purposes." As with Sarah, I have been guilty of trying to help God by assuming roles that God had not assigned me (See Genesis 16:3), but because the purpose appeared noble and good, I presumed it to be God. This incredibly dangerous error, in my opinion, has stopped more people from fulfilling their destiny and walking in the real power of God than any other aspect of Christianity; evangelist acting as pastors, businessmen in ministry, ministers in business, teachers acting as prophets, programs in place of prayer, organizations in place of an organism, etc.,

Much of the modern day Church is a result of works of the flesh (Ishmael). Said differently, presumptive decisions based on noble purposes run most churches today. IT IS HERE THAT WE IDENTIFY WHY WE HAVE A POWERLESS CHURCH - IT IS RUN FOR THE MOST PART BY WORKS OF THE FLESH. That which is a work of the Spirit will produce Spiritual results. That which is a work of the flesh will produce the results of the flesh - Works of God produce Godly results while works of men produce human results. Judge for yourself the state of the Church.

Before leaving the subject of presumption, let us look deeper into why it reigns in the Church today. God's word is filled with scriptural assurances that if we seek him for answers, he will provide them. His Word also gives us many scriptural assurances that God will guide and lead us beyond our need for critical answers, even to the extent of telling us in Romans "those that are led by the Spirit of God are called the sons and daughters of God."

Despite these assurances, we still operate in presumption in many areas of our lives. Self-rule is a product of trusting self more than God. As one Pastor put, "Why do you think I went to the Seminary?" A major characteristic of the Davidic order rest in the fact that God does the leading. David always sought God for specific direction after learning that he was not only to get the direction of the Lord, but also the 'how to' within the confines of that direction (See II Samuel 6:1-13). Saul took matters into his own hands and lost his kingdom, not only for himself, but his heirs as well. Sadly, Jonathan stayed with his father, Saul and met an untimely death. How many who linger in the house of Saul will birth spiritual death for themselves and their families? During a recent time of praying in the Holy Spirit for several hours, I heard the Lord say that He is raising up a victorious Church, a warrior like David who operates in the true power and strength of the Lord. As I asked the Lord about the initial steps that we must take in arriving at this victorious place, He spoke the following to me:

The Body of Christ is made up of people, not buildings, not denominations, not ministries. It will be through unifying and joining of those called to be joined that God's power will be released in this hour. Two parts in the world only equal two: two parts in the Kingdom equal ten - "One can put a thousand to flight, two can put ten thousand to flight." Proper joining results in proper sharpening - "A man sharpens his brother as iron sharpens iron." Body parts when properly joined will have the strength they are designed to have and perform the functions they are designed to perform. Just as a finger apart from the hand has no functioning power, so too are the parts of the Body of Christ apart from those to whom they are called. Praying in the Holy Spirit will release the knowledge, the enabling, and the joining that God desires in this hour.

The Army of God is now beginning to make strategy for VICTORY; the primary focus of this strategy involves unifying the Body and joining the parts that are 'called' to be JOINED. We must pray to properly discern and join the Body properly…This is not a joining for the sake of joining, but rather a fitting of the parts that are called to be JOINED.

Begin to look for the Davidic Order - it is soon coming to a town near you!

Purpose Ignites Power

"Where there is no vision the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he" (Proverbs 29:18). "Enter the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way easy, that leads to destruction, and those that enter by it ARE MANY"(Matthew 7:13).

There 'ARE MANY' Christians today without purpose, without vision, and without a quest for destiny; and the end thereof is to perish and destruct. As we humble ourselves and pray for a deep abiding hunger for God - a one on one personal relationship, not to be confused with the blessing of God, or the knowledge of God, but for God Himself; as the hunger fills us so too will the purpose. The purpose and will of God will ignite within us as we earnestly seek the God of things, not the things of God (Matthew 6:33).

Any foundation that is not built on knowing God is a false foundation. Many confuse the knowledge of God with knowing God - there is vast difference! Hebrews 11:10 begins to point us in the right direction. Abraham knew not where he was going, but he knew what he was looking for. "For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God." Our ultimate calling is to ultimately believe. Relationship produces understanding, which produces vision. Abraham knew only what was in his heart and he was willing to forsake all to pursue it.

As Abraham, we too are seeking a city with foundations and the foundation of the city in which we are to abide is Jesus. The strength and type of any building is its foundation. Our spiritual lives are a reflection of the foundation underneath us, the invisible strength upon which we stand. "No man can lay a foundation other than the One which is laid, which is Jesus Christ" (I Corinthians 3:11).

Relationship produces vision and vision produces power. We need a continual God given revelation of what we are to pursue and truly come to a place of trust where we lean not unto our own understanding. There are times ahead in which this revelation will become increasingly important. "Unless the Lord builds a house, those who build it labor in vain" (Psalm 127:1). "I can of my own self do nothing…"(John 5:30).

Most of us are not receiving revelation before we pray or before we enter into an endeavor, and consequently our efforts are in vain. We need to come into a God given vision and purpose, EVEN IF IT IS SLOW TO UNFOLD, for as we seek first the Kingdom of God, all things shall be added unto us. God wants us to come as little children, "…except ye turn and become as little children, ye shall in no wise enter into the Kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 18:3).

We are being brought into the Kingdom as we find our appointed places in God. We are now beginning to be caught up in the whirlwind of the Holy Spirit. As with Abraham, God is shattering our earth bound natural existence that is keeping us out of the Kingdom and the supernatural plan and provision of God. We are God's planting and we will begin to flourish as His Kingdom comes. As the call upon our lives takes form, and as we move into the place that our Father has prepared for us, we begin to enter into His Kingdom. Our Father is now gathering us who are straggling and bringing us into line according to His purposes.

Awhile back my wife and I saw an excellent movie entitled ENEMY AT THE GATE. The World War One story line revolved around the Russian Army's historical defense of Stalingrad as a last line of defense against German invasion. The movie, whose events were based on historical fact, serves to illustrate a major point in understanding purpose and destiny and its relationship to God's power operating in our lives.

As the battle progressed, it became apparent to Russian military leaders that the battle was no longer simply a battle for a city, but of much greater importance, a battle for the country; the dire consequences of which meant German domination. As knowledge of the greater importance became known among Russian ground troops, their routine fighting and somewhat mechanical defense of the city transformed into a mission with great purpose and passion. A new invigorated purpose ignited a strong action, the results of which were the turning point of the battle and eventually the war. The greater purpose released an invigorated passion, which turned the tide of battle.

True passion can only be ignited by purpose, vision being the ultimate motivator. Now translate this into spiritual terms and the spiritual energy of a God appointed destiny: "Men perish without vision." God's vision within the heart of a man is the strongest motivator any man will ever know while walking this earth. As the historic World War One example reveals, purpose ignites power. We have come to the prophetic hour in time in which our purpose and destiny can be found with great clarity as our hunger for God grows.

Let us look at another point that ties into vision and purpose: "Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." The fear of the Lord is earnestly hungering for Him, walking in obedience to His direction, worshiping and being in His presence, accepting Him on His terms, and ultimately seeking His power and purpose to work in and through us. Simply stated, Fear of the Lord in a Biblical and Spiritual sense IS obedience and compliance to God's agenda, which IS our destiny.

When we operate in a true fear of the Lord, there is a oneness between us and God that unites God's purpose and power in our life - the place where we touch true God breathed, God inspired destiny; the type that changes circumstances, people's lives and moves us into the ORDAINED plans, purposes, and POWER of God. True fear of the Lord establishes (releases) the Authority of God in us. Scripture tells us that God's people perish for a lack of knowledge or, said differently, God's people perish for a lack of knowledge of the Spiritual Authority and purpose God desires us to walk in. Purpose ignites power in a natural sense, just as God's purpose ignites supernatural power is a spiritual sense. When we move in God's purpose (our destiny), we can expect all heaven's backing; we can expect to be able to accomplish what we, on our own, are not capable of accomplishing.

"The Lord looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are ANY WHO UNDERSTAND, any who seek God." If we seek, we have a Biblical promise that we will find our purpose and authority. POWER FROM HEAVEN CANNOT COME WHERE THERE IS NO ESTABLISHED AUTHORITY, AND AUTHORITY CANNOT BE ESTABLISHED LESS WE SEEK HIM FOR IT. Seeking Him, establishes the Authority through which the power can operate.

God is calling the Church to walk in and live in His anointing (for us) and not be satisfied to simply sit under the anointing of another on Sunday morning.

The word of faith movement taught us to know who we are in Christ, now our Lord desires us to know who He is in us. When WE begin to know Him and who HE is in us, and GAIN KNOWLEDGE THAT HE WANTS TO WORK THROUGH US, we will begin to see HIS PURPOSE AND POWER OPERATE IN US.

When we truly recognize that it is not about us, but Him who lives in us and His will, we can with confidence speak His word into circumstances by the leading of His Spirit and see the circumstances change - "Whosoever shall say unto this mountain..." (Mark 11:23).

Until now, we have been content to have the Lord revealed TO US, but the day has arrived that he wants to be revealed IN US. This new wine will require new wineskin. God doesn't simply want to bless us, he wants to inhabit us: Better said, and contrary to present Church doctrine, He doesn't want to improve us - HE WANTS TO REMOVE US! He wants us doing what He does, saying what He says and STRATEGICALLY moving away from the Church mindset of being blessed, to being a blessing!

"His intent was that now, through the Church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal plan which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Ephesians 3:10).

"Through the Church," which is God's people, is God's "manifold wisdom," which is God's word, being made known to THE ENEMY AT THE GATE. With this in mind, now understand Luke 10:19, "Behold, I have (GIVEN UNTO YOU POWER) to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and (OVER ALL THE POWER OF THE EMENY), and (NOTHING) shall by any means (HARM YOU)."

Vision, or a sense of purpose should become our quest with our Lord. It is the ultimate motivator and will bring a quality of life that cannot be measured in words. When we grasp God's vision for our lives, especially as it relates to specific purpose, a supernatural spiritual energy is released in us TO PERFORM THE PURPOSE. As you touch this energy you will find that it transcends spirit and releases a natural physical energy that will touch your mind and physical body, just ask Moses, Abraham, Joshua or Caleb.

AWAKEN! AWAKEN! NOT ONLY TO THE SPHERE, BUT TO THE FACT, THAT I HAVE GIVEN YOU SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY AND PURPOSE. AWAKEN EARLY TO UNDERSTAND THE SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY I HAVE GIVEN AND THE SPHERES OF ITS APPLICATION. I MAY SPEAK BUT A SINGLE WORD FOR YOU TO KNOW WHERE YOU HAVE BEEN GIVEN POWER TO PRAY AND SPEAK MY WORD.

Manifestation Of The Sons Of God
(The Davids Are Coming)

'Those who are led by the Spirit of God are the sons of God' (Romans 8:14). Notice that this scripture does not say "all Christians," or "all preachers," or "all church leaders" are sons of God…only those led by the Spirit of God. As the Spiritual Church continues to be birthed out of the Carnal Church, we are beginning to see the sons of God manifested - those men and women who have died to themselves and who are 'about doing the Father's business.' A distinguishing characteristic of a true son is the continuing grace of God - the grace to pray, the grace to hear, the grace to move according to the plan of God. Grace and humility are virtually synonymous terms.

Humility, staying bowed before the Father, draws the grace of God like a magnet draws metal because God gives grace to the humble and resist the proud (James 4:6). Staying bowed before the Father means hanging onto His every word - the words He speaks to us. We can only have faith for what we have heard the Father say and if we are not hearing, it is safe to assume that we are not bowed, in a state of humility, before the Father (I Peter 5:6).

Our hearing (faith) is proportional to our humility. God desires a pre fall, Tree of Life relationship with His sons and daughters, those that are led by His spirit (the humble), those who do not live life on their own terms by the vanity of their own minds (the proud). God's true sons live completely on His terms staying bowed before Him; spending time with him, hearing Him speak, and doing what He says. They do not live from the Tree of Knowledge where they judge from their own mind, but from the Tree of Life where men do not live by bread alone, but upon 'every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.' They have a great revelation and understanding of Jesus words, "I can of my own self do nothing" (John 5:30). They have come to the end of themselves and recognize that without Him, all else is fruitless and neither worth the time nor the effort.

We know that idolatry is sin and yet often commit it unknowingly. Often the idol we place between us and God IS US: our own intelligence, our own way of doing things, our own traditions, our own theology, our own doctrine. Let us look at the consequences of this lifestyle in Jonah 2:8 - 'Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs.'

God is calling us to a place where we function effectively as tools in His hands. We must be about the Father's business, accomplishing His will, NOT OUR OWN. We are to "Forget not His benefits" as we become (God's) purpose minded, we will never again have to be resource minded (like the pagans in Matthew 6:32). If nothing else is remembered in this reading, remember this - God pays for what He orders…when we become purpose minded, we'll not ever again have to be resource minded. In the process of doing God's will all needs are met. What a unique and wonderful Kingdom dynamic. While we are busy doing His will, our needs are being taken care of because the greater (doing His will), always includes the lesser (taking care of our needs). When we fulfill His desire, our desire is seen to. This is just one of the benefits of staying bowed before the Father, in a state of humility, obeying His every word.

When we continuously use the mind (the arena of reason) instead of the Spirit for direction, we unconsciously forfeit the grace to hear God for His directed purposes. Galatians 5:1-4 further reveals the consequences of our actions.

'It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery (the world's system, man's way - using the mind over the Spirit). Mark my words! I Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised (engage the old way of mind over Spirit), Christ will be of no value to you at all. Again I declare to every man who lets himself be circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law. You who are trying to be justified by law have been alienated from Christ; YOU HAVE FALLEN AWAY FROM GRACE.'

'You are made sons by faith in Christ Jesus…' - (Galatians 3:26): 'You who are trying to be justified by law (the old way of doing things) have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace.' We are made sons by faith in the new way, Jesus Christ, hearing God and obeying him. We become alienated from Christ and lose the grace to hear the Father when we engage the old way (making major decisions from the mind). There is a right way with God and a wrong way as we see in Jeremiah 6:16-19 - There is a good way that God blesses and a wrong way that He does not bless.

Read Galatians 3:26 and 5:1-4 in the context of the following: THE VOICE OF THE SPIRIT IS NOT AVAILABLE TO US IF THE DAILY GRACE HAS FALLEN AWAY. Engaging the old way ("the yoke of slavery") will cause the grace that could be ours to fall away; we have re entered a form of idolatry, a form of the old law (way) by looking to self for answers… when we do this we lose the grace that could be ours to hear God for specific direction. Jesus made it possible for us to hear God individually for direction in our lives, yet we forfeit the grace to hear Him as we return to the vanity of our own minds for direction.

It is possible to be a Christian and live without the ministry of grace offered by the Holy Spirit. When Paul said the Galatians had fallen from grace he didn't mean they had lost their ability to go to heaven. He meant they had fallen from their dependence on the Holy Spirit…they were reverting to other methods, and in so doing deprived themselves of the Holy Spirit's ministry of grace for daily living. The letter kills, the Spirit gives life.

There is a prophetic sound that is being heard with clarity, "Ishmael can no longer live in the house with Isaac." "Get rid of the slave woman and her son, for the slave woman's son will never share in the inheritance with the free woman's son" (Galatians 4:30). Ishmael represents the child of the flesh, the original son (the original way). He taunted Isaac much the same as our natural mind taunts us as we begin to move in the things of the Spirit. We all began by using our mind (looking to self for answers) instead of God's Spirit within us, yet now is the time for Ishmael to be put out of the house. "We are not children of the slave woman, but of the free woman" (Galatians 5:31). It is time for the child of promise to reign: Jesus enabled us to walk by the leading of the Spirit.

Our inheritance is based upon our growing up and becoming mature in God (Galatians 4:1-7). We will never receive our inheritance until we grow up - trusting God, hearing and obeying, discerning Spiritually, spending time with God etc., Part of that maturation process is putting Ishmael out of the house; in fact, out of our house! Beginning in verse 28 of Chapter 4 of Galatians, 'Now you, brothers, like Isaac, are children of promise. At that time the son born in the ordinary way persecuted the son born by the power of the Spirit. It is the same now. BUT WHAT DOES THE SCRIPTURE SAY? Get rid of the slave woman and her son, FOR THE SLAVE WOMAN'S SON WILL NEVER SHARE IN THE INHERITANCE WITH THE FREE WOMAN'S SON.' We have come to the time where the two cannot occupy the same house. We can no longer mix living from our minds with living by the Spirit. The two can no longer live in the same house. A little leven unleventh the whole lump.

I belabor this point because of its vast importance in understanding sonship. Those who allow human reasoning to rule their decision-making are the seed of Cain; they produce Ishmaels. Ishmael is a work of the flesh - the very essence of human reasoning. When we make decisions by human reasoning and do not seek the Lord for His will, we will inevitably produce another Ishmael. Ishmaels are always produced by a lack of patience, which promotes the idea that it is always best to wait until we are sure we have heard God before we act. Again, we can only have faith for what we have heard God say, which not only includes His direction, but also His timing. When we follow exactly what God says, we will birth Isaac and Isaac is the seed of promise.

Ishmael and Isaac can no longer live in the same house because there is enmity between the two. Said differently, we can no longer allow human reasoning to stay in the house with being Spirit led. There will always be enmity with between that which is born of the flesh and the true seed of God. As we know, Abraham eventually put Ishmael out of the house, recognizing the mocking and taunting nature of Ishmael toward the true seed -Isaac. As a wonderful Biblical example for us and to Abraham's credit, he was able to recognize Ishmael as a work of the flesh, further realizing that every tree can only bear fruit after its own kind, hence he chopped the tree down and got rid of it. So too should we when we recognize our works of the flesh.

Even though God blessed our Ishmaels for a while, when Isaac appears, that which is born of flesh MUST BE DRIVEN OUT. Flesh cannot be an heir with that which is born of Spirit. Many make the mistake of using their mind for the purposes of God. Many Churches today are governed by the seed of Cain. If Sarah could shout one phrase to all of Christian humanity it would be "The Sin Of Presumption Often Hides Itself In Noble Purposes!"

We must begin to distinguish between the things that God blesses and those that He inhabits. Ishmael was a work of the flesh, having been born of the bondwoman and remaining in bondage (Galatians 4:21-31). Ishmael was not the promised seed, but he persecuted the true heir and does so to this day, yet God blessed him and made him a great nation. He blessed him because he had a covenant with Abraham, and he often blesses our works of the flesh, to a degree, because of the covenant He has made with us; however, he will not inhabit them. The time has come when the child of the flesh must be cast out. We must now look beyond that which may have a blessing upon it and give our attention to that which He inhabits. He inhabits what He orders, and if we cease from our own works and ways, He will be sure, by His grace, to give us His works and ways - the place He inhabits, the place of His blessing. The rest of God can only be found in obeying the work of God. This type rest is not necessarily the absence of activity, but rather the absence of anxiety. We find peace and rest in the middle of God's assignment and specific purpose for our lives.

God is looking for true sons upon which to build His Kingdom in the earth. Those who move in the vanity of their own minds are hirelings, not sons. Building new things in the earth on hirelings is not only negating God's building pattern and methodology, but also a ticket to failure and loss of time, capital and energy - this is a business-economic revelation, a ministry revelation, a personal revelation; True Sons Are About the Father's Business.

Though I have less than a year of walking in this in my own life, I realized recently that in following God's instructions totally (his guidance and direction), all of which started out as selfless acts has now resulted in over a million dollars of my existing debt being paid off (during the last six months) in addition to many relational and Spiritual blessings. The intellectuals (Ishmaels) have repeatedly attacked me over messages like this. They can argue with the doctrine all day long, but they cannot argue with the testimony.

A willingness to only do what the Father says draws the grace that provides specific instruction by the Spirit, which leads to life and it more abundantly.

God Is Calling A Remnant

The Spiritual Church is being birthed out of the Carnal Church; much of which is happening with Home Groups and Cell Groups whose hunger for God exceeds any tradition or soulical ties to men. As always, God has a pattern whenever the Whole either cannot or will not fulfill God's Purpose. Historically, the Lord has taken a Remnant out of the Whole in order to secure His Will on behalf of the Whole. Of all the nations in the world, He chose Israel to be the Remnant. Out of Israel, He chose a handful of faithful ones to carry out His will. Of all the people carried to Babylon, Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were the only ones who did not defile themselves. The Church is a Remnant compared to the world, and the Overcomers are a Remnant compared to the Church. 'He gave some... till we ALL' (Ephesians 4:11-13). The Lord uses SOME until He gains ALL. This is the Remnant Principle that we have seen historically and are now seeing in the earth today.

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