The Kingdom of GOD

I would like to share some truths about the Kingdom of GOD that I have learnt over the years. These are principles in the areas of Provision, Discipleship, Structure of Authority, Intercession and Spiritual Warfare.

Provision

Robin and I have learnt that when we serve GOD, mammon serves us!

 Interestingly, those who host us in most of the countries we travel to, and those whom the LORD uses to provide for us and bless us are Doctors, medical personnel and people in the pharmaceutical industry!

We have no words to explain the amazing provision of GOD. He not only meets all our needs in measures beyond our comprehension, but gives us the desires of our hearts in specific details, packaged in His Fatherly kindness and love!

"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. - Matthew 6:33

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. - Ephesians 3:20-21

Disciple

I have learnt that the first step in following the LORD JESUS is to take up my cross and deny self. The following acrostic describes a disciple of the LORD.

D - Decides to Deny self and follow the LORD JESUS

I - Intimate with Immanuel

S - Submissive Servant

C - Called and Commissioned

I - Intercessor standing In-the-Gap

P - Pentecost Powered

L - Learning Leader

E - Enduring Evangelist

GOD’S Structure of Authority

I have learnt that it is necessary for me to take my position according to the structure of authority that GOD has set in the family unit, in the workplace and in my relationship with all people. I have to submit to my husband in all things and respect and honour him. The Scriptural authority I have been given over our children is a responsibility to set an example for them to follow and to teach them the ways of GOD and to guide them in making decisions.

Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. ... Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband. - Ephesians 5:22, 33

When I married Robin at 25 years of age, it wasn’t easy for me to play the role of a Godly wife. The Bible was my guide book and I diligently studied it. I asked the LORD to change my mindset and mould my character so that I would fit into the role the LORD had for me to play in my family. The in-built selfishness and pride has to be repented of and dealt with often so that I might joyously play my role as wife and mother.

And the LORD God said, "It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him." - Genesis 2:18

The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places; Yes, I have a good inheritance. - Psalm 16:6

There is peace when each individual operates within the boundary set according to the Scriptures.

The Holy Spirit is to me a Helper, Comforter, Intercessor and the One Who bears fruit through me. Interestingly, as a wife I am called to play these roles for my husband! Therefore I would fulfil my role better when I am more Spirit-filled and Spirit-led.

And they blessed Rebekah and said to her: "Our sister, may you become The mother of thousands of ten thousands; And may your descendants possess The gates of those who hate them." - Genesis 24:60

JESUS the Intercessor

One morning I had a prompting in my spirit to read Isaiah 53 which helped me to understand some basics about intercession. This chapter describes the sufferings of the LORD JESUS, Who was our ransom.

The very moment man was separated from GOD through sin, the plan for the restoration of this relationship was installed. This involves 1) Pleading with GOD for His grace on man, which is Intercession. 2) Going to man with the Gospel of Grace, which is Evangelism.

Intercession has to precede evangelism. Every work of the Kingdom of GOD has to be birthed through and bathed in intercession.

JESUS’ life on earth depicted intercession. He died interceding for those who crucified Him and for those around Him. He is now seated at the right hand of the Father, interceding for His children on earth, Who are connected to Him through the Holy Spirit.

As I live connected to the LORD through His Spirit, I stand in the gap between Him and man, identifying with the sinners. All of us have sinned and fall short of the glory of GOD.

He expects me to be like Him. Even as I receive His favour and grace, I have to extend His grace to others. Even as my sins are covered with His blood, I have to plead the blood to cover the sin of others. The blood of JESUS is the only powerful sin-stain remover!

I need to beware that I don’t become an accuser of the brethren but take my stand as an intercessor. The LORD JESUS has paid the ransom for all of mankind and it is His desire that all be saved. I have to be His ambassador to promote His Kingdom on earth.

We are grateful to GOD for raising up many brethren around the world to stand in the gap as intercessors for us. We are thankful to them, pray for them and bless them. We keep them informed of our itinerary and send reports of the completed ministry. We realise that prayer is essential for the seed that is sown to grow in the hearts of people and bear much lasting fruit.

spiritual warfare

Many of us are unaware that there is an intense spiritual warfare raging in the heavenly realm! It is necessary for us to understand some basic principles about spiritual warfare.

The goal of the devil is to conform humanity to his ways by disconnecting people from GOD and break up relationships among believers in the worldwide Body of CHRIST. Diligent study and obedience to the instructions given in Ephesians 5 and 6 will enable us to overcome the cunning tactics of our enemy the devil.

●     Firstly, I take my stand with GOD.

I must make sure I am on GOD’S side by maintaining a willing and obedient heart.

If GOD is for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31, Psalm 46:10

●     The enemy’s foothold into a believer’s life is through fear.

 Perfect love casts out fear. 1 John 4:4, 18, Romans 12:21

●     I take my position in GOD’S army

I keep to my rank according to the Scriptural structure of authority with humility and sincere love.

Every piece of the protective armour points to JESUS. When we put on the whole armour of GOD we are found ‘In CHRIST’, as every part of our being is covered. The body of CHRIST in the world now is the body of believers. Taking my rightful authority and responsibility and being willing to humbly submit, keeps me in my position in the army of GOD. I am thus found ‘In CHRIST’ and protected from the fiery darts of the evil one. Ex 14:13-14, 2 Chron 20:15-17

Rules for a team:-     1)  Play your role well.   2) Support and help others so that they may play their role well.

3) Don’t play the role of another and don’t copy another and don’t hinder another.

●     I take my stand against my enemy the devil. Ephesians 6:11-12

From this position of safety I fight, my only offensive weapon being the word of GOD.

●     I fight for people.

I do not fight with people.

The fight between GOD and the devil is for people.

●     GOD fights for me if I am on His side.  Nehemiah 4:20

I do not fight for myself.

 I do not fight for GOD.

●     I fight within myself for my faith so that I might keep my faith until the end.

 The war - The war is therefore for people living on this earth.

 I do not fight for God or for myself. God fights for me and I fight for others. I do not fight the devil but stand against him.

The victory stand I take is, with God, against the devil, for people.

When I worship the LORD and worship Him alone, I am victorious.

Rev 4, 2 Cor 10:3-6

Try the checklist:-

●        Am I a true worshiper of God totally?

●        Is He my first love?

●        Do I completely entrust and surrender my loved ones to Him - whether He keeps them alive or takes them away?

●        Do I completely surrender my positions and possessions to Him – whether He gives them to me or takes them away?

●        Do I surrender my will to Him, to obey unquestioningly?

●        Have I totally surrendered my life – spirit, soul and body to Him, knowing that He alone has absolute authority over me, now and forever?

●        Am I totally believing, depending and resting in the power of His love?

Appointed and Anointed

Properties of oil - Does not mix with but stays above water, contains concentrated energy,

Oil is not easy to extract. The core of the fruit, the seed has to be crushed...Gethsemane..

Uses - Oil for anointing, for the skin, Oil lamp light, energy, cooking, lubricating, Prevents drying, prevents rusting

And wine that makes glad the heart of man, Oil to make his face shine, And bread which strengthens man's heart. Psalms 104:15 "But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, Matthew 6:17 Oil for the Skin and Hair Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. James 5:14-15 Anointing with oil by the anointed elders of the Churches, releases the gift of healing and forgiveness. "oil for the light, and spices for the anointing oil and for the sweet incense; Exodus 25:6 We need the oil of the Holy Spirit for our light to shine before men. We need extra oil for the lamp to keep burning if we are to meet the LORD at His coming. "how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. Acts 10:38 "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations." Jeremiah 1:5 "You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you. John 15:16 And He went up on the mountain and called to Him those He Himself wanted. And they came to Him. Then He appointed twelve, that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach, and to have power to heal sicknesses and to cast out demons: Mark 3:13-15   Known, Formed, Sanctified, Called, Chosen, Ordained, Appointed Also Moses took the anointing oil, and anointed the tabernacle and all that was in it, and consecrated them. He sprinkled some of it on the altar seven times, anointed the altar and all its utensils, and the laver and its base, to consecrate them. And he poured some of the anointing oil on Aaron's head and anointed him, to consecrate him. Leviticus 8:10-12 So it was, when they came, that he looked at Eliab and said, "Surely the LORD's anointed is before Him!" But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." 1 Samuel 16:6-7 GOD chooses for anointing, according to the heart; Not according to the outward appearance. "So you shall put them on Aaron your brother and on his sons with him. You shall anoint them, consecrate them, and sanctify them, that they may minister to Me as priests. Exodus 28:41 ..And Anointed - Anointing is for a specific role. As Oil separates itself from water, The Anointed individual is separated from the water of worldliness To the calling of GOD. Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God, 2 Corinthians 1:21 Anointing comes from GOD Through CHRIST the Anointed One You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. Psalm 23:5

"Then invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what you shall do; you shall anoint for Me the one I name to you." 1 Samuel 16:3 The authority to anoint is from GOD. Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel arose and went to Ramah. 1 Samuel 16:13 The ritual of pouring oil on the head, When done according to instruction from GOD, Results in the Holy Spirit coming upon the head of the individual. "And the priest, who is anointed and consecrated to minister as priest in his father's place, shall make atonement, and put on the linen clothes, the holy garments; Leviticus 16:32 Anointed to make atonement. "The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon Me, Because the LORD has anointed Me To preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives, And the opening of the prison to those who are bound; Isaiah 61:1 Anointed to set others free. "For truly against Your holy Servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together Acts 4:27 So David said to him, "How was it you were not afraid to put forth your hand to destroy the LORD's anointed?" 2 Samuel 1:14 But Abishai the son of Zeruiah answered and said, "Shall not Shimei be put to death for this, because he cursed the LORD's anointed?" 2 Samuel 19:21 "He is the tower of salvation to His king, And shows mercy to His anointed, To David and his descendants forevermore." 2 Samuel 22:51 Saying, "Do not touch My anointed ones, And do My prophets no harm." 1 Chronicles 16:22 Now I know that the LORD saves His anointed; He will answer him from His holy heaven With the saving strength of His right hand. Psalm 20:6 Whom GOD anoints, He protects. Anointing is like having the Presence of GOD as a protective covering.  So he said, "These are the two anointed ones, who stand beside the Lord of the whole earth." Zechariah 4:14 "Seventy weeks are determined For your people and for your holy city, To finish the transgression, To make an end of sins, To make reconciliation for iniquity, To bring in everlasting righteousness, To seal up vision and prophecy, And to anoint the Most Holy. Daniel 9:24 It shall come to pass in that day That his burden will be taken away from your shoulder, And his yoke from your neck, And the yoke will be destroyed because of the anointing oil. Isaiah 10:27 The anointing oil frees one from oppressive bondage. But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things. ... But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him. 1 John 2:20, 27 Anointing gives revelation of divine truths. The anointing from the Holy One Who is the Truth Abides in us and we abide in Him. JESUS is the anointing!

When my steps were bathed with cream, And the rock poured out rivers of oil for me! Job 29:6 And I heard a voice in the midst of the four living creatures saying, "A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not harm the oil and the wine." Revelation 6:6 Denotes richness and abundant blessing.

But my horn You have exalted like a wild ox; I have been anointed with fresh oil. Psalms 92:10 Fresh Oil [It is like the precious oil upon the head, Running down on the beard, The beard of Aaron, Running down on the edge of his garments. Psalms 133:2 Precious Oil Anointing sets in order the structure of authority, Brings peace and unity. There GOD commands His blessing. Let the righteous strike me; It shall be a kindness. And let him rebuke me; It shall be as excellent oil; Let my head not refuse it. For still my prayer is against the deeds of the wicked. Psalms 141:5 Excellent Oil a woman came to Him having an alabaster flask of very costly fragrant oil, and she poured it on His head as He sat at the table. "For this fragrant oil might have been sold for much and given to the poor." Matthew 26:7, 9 "She has done what she could. She has come beforehand to anoint My body for burial. Mark 14:8 "You did not anoint My head with oil, but this woman has anointed My feet with fragrant oil. Luke 7:46 Now when the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, that they might come and anoint Him. Mark 16:1 Fragrant Oil He also made the holy anointing oil and the pure incense of sweet spices, according to the work of the perfumer. Exodus 37:29, Ex 30:22-33 Holy Anointing Oil This had to be compounded according to GOD’S instruction For the specific purpose. You love righteousness and hate wickedness; Therefore God, Your God, has anointed You With the oil of gladness more than Your companions. All Your garments are scented with myrrh and aloes and cassia, Out of the ivory palaces, by which they have made You glad. Psalm 45:7-8 Oil of Gladness Prepare the table, Set a watchman in the tower, Eat and drink. Arise, you princes, Anoint the shield! Isaiah 21:5 Anoint The practice of anointing with perfumed oil was common among the Hebrews. (1)  The act of anointing was significant of consecration to a holy or sacred use; hence the anointing of the high priest ( Ex 29:29; Lev 4:3) and of the sacred vessels ( Ex 30:26). The high priest and the king are thus called "the anointed" ( Lev 4:3,5,16; 6:20; Ps 132:10). Anointing a king was equivalent to crowning him ( 1Sa 16:13; 2Sa 2:4, etc.). Prophets were also anointed ( 1Ki 19:16; 1Ch 16:22; Ps 105:15). The expression, "Anoint the shield" ( Isa 21:5), refers to the custom of rubbing oil on the leather of the shield so as to make it supple (Flexible or mobile) and fit for use in war. (2) Anointing was also an act of hospitality ( Lk 7:38,46). It was the custom of the Jews in like manner to anoint themselves with oil, as a means of refreshing or invigorating their bodies ( Dt 28:40; Ru 3:3; 2Sa 14:2; Ps 104:15, etc.). This custom is continued among the Arabians to the present day. (3) Oil was used also for medicinal purposes. It was applied to the sick, and also to wounds ( Ps 109:18; Isa 1:6; Mk 6:13; Jas 5:14). (4) The bodies of the dead were sometimes anointed ( Mk 14:8; Lk 23:56). (5) The promised Deliverer is twice called the "Anointed" or Messiah ( Ps 2:2; Da 9:25,26), because HE was anointed with the Holy Ghost ( Isa 61:1), figuratively styled the "oil of gladness" ( Ps 45:7; Heb 1:9). Jesus of Nazareth is this anointed One ( Jn 1:41; Ac 9:22; 17:2,3; 18:5,28), the Messiah of the Old Testament.