The Lord is saying: Great is your future as you walk with me. Whatever you leave behind to follow me pales into insignificance. Wherever I am is the place to be. In the world there are fashions and in-crowds, the in- place to go, the in- people to be with. People cling to this and that to find importance and worth. But I say that the place to be is to be with me. This may seem so insignificant to the world, but in the royal courts of heaven you are in the most important place, the place of safety, the place where it is all happening, the place where I can use you as a conduit to change the desperate state of the world. Be diligent to walk with me.

Listening to God - Part 4

A beautiful way of solving differences in the Body of Christ

It takes a group of people who will say "I haven't got it all" and silently lay down their opinions, and listen to the Holy Spirit on issues arising in the church, so they can see conflicts in the light of the Spirit. Yes we have the mind of Christ, not in our flesh, but in our spirit. It is imperative then that we learn to listen to our spirit man. What God will do with such a group who will lay down everything to listen to Him is wonderful.

Isaiah 55: 6- 9 Seek the LORD while he may be found;call on him while he is near. Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts. Let him turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on him, and to our God, for he will freely pardon.

You might think that your thoughts are not wicked or evil, but in our flesh we are always in conflict with what God is thinking.

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,"
declares the LORD.

As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts."

Step 1: Praise and Worship

When very hurtful and sensitive differences arise in the body of Christ, there is a beautiful way of solving differences. It is a good time, after a session of praise and worship to the Lord, when our hearts are open and soft unto Him and to each other, to lay the matter before God.

Step 2: Ask the Holy Spirit to come, take his Lordship and bring the group to the light of His truth

The leader of the session asks the Holy Spirit to come, in the Name of Jesus and for Him to give the group one mind on the, sometimes, very delicate issue.

Step 3: Absolute silence crucial - lay down own opinions

It is very important not to speak an opinion at this stage as it is usually people's opinions that have hurt and caused divisions in the group. Because of the openness of the people, the enemy can use this time to hurt and wound if someone speaks their opinion before listening to God. No, absolute, uttermost silence is required for God to speak and be Lord of the situation. Usually people come entrenched in their own views and find it difficult to lay down their opinions so it takes some humility and courage to say, "I haven't got the full picture here", and to be very quiet.

Step 4: Be assured that God will speak

God wants to speak more than we want to hear him. He has promised that He will give His wisdom to any of you who asks... that means any so it means you. Many Christians say they can't hear God. Never say that you can't hear God, but be open, God is able. If He can show geese how to fly in a V, He can speak to you, despite all you think could block Him.

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

Just relax and be open. Do not worry about "not getting anything" If you don't, or think you haven't or may have got it wrong or don't feel confident to share. It won't matter. We are all on a learning curve. This is the place to make your mistakes, where you are loved.

Step 5: When everyone is ready the leader asks who has something to share

A space of time is given until each person is ready. Many will have 'heard' from the Lord and have a piece of the 'jigsaw' God wants to bring to the group. The understanding we have received is usually something felt in the 'belly', the mid region just below the ribs, an awareness of God's will in the matter. What happens next is quite incredible. People relate bible scriptures, visions, words, whatever, it can just be a feeling of peace or love. God isn't limited to how he will show the person his will on the matter. And a picture begins to emerge, minds are changed and God does a healing in the group.

Step 6:Write down the will of God on the matter.

This truth that has been revealed is a very precious jewel that will stand everyone in good stead in times of shaking. Write it down and make sure it is kept safe. When the enemy tries to bring division.... tell him.... it is written.