intercede

Peace as a Weapon (Part 1) – Karen Austin

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Today I am going to begin a short series of blogs regarding peace. Not a natural peace, which can change in a moment, but a supernatural peace which is part of what makes up His Kingdom and stands forever.

“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit,” Romans 14:17 NIV

Just as there are natural weapons, we who have given our lives to Jesus have been given spiritual weapons. One that is often overlooked is the weapon of peace – even though it is one of the most powerful weapons. We may think that it is not a weapon, but Paul wrote about it in Romans 16:20- “And the God of peace shall soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.”

CRUSH- the base meaning is to crush completely, that is, to shatter – break (in pieces), broken to shivers, bruise.

It is the God of Peace who will crush the enemy when we abide in the peace of God. It is a fortress and a weapon that the enemy has no power against.

Think about the times you have been under attack, i.e. a family issue, car problems, sickness or serious medical diagnosis. The first thing that happened was your mind began to go in a million directions at once…thinking of different scenarios. Confusion, anxiety and fear tried to settle in. We then begin to contemplate how we are going to fix this problem. Do we have the means to correct it? Do we know anyone who can help us out of this? Our minds begin frantically seeking an answer that is within our own abilities to solve.

I know I have a tendency to become frustrated when I first come under attack. It is a great temptation to step out of peace and step into anger and then anxiety. Our ability to reason with Holy Spirit influence becomes difficult because confusion and chaos flood our minds. Our ability to see the situation through His eyes becomes difficult. It is hard to hear God when we are in a state of anxiety.

Once we lose the peace of God, we quickly lose our patience which affects our love walk. This in turn affects our faith because faith works by love.

But know this, the peace of God is the anchor that will hold all of the fruits of the Spirit in place. Peace will give us the ability to search the heart of God for an answer.

~~to be continued

Rejoice His Spirit is Moving – Karen Austin

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So many of us have longed for years to see the lame walk, the blind to see, for the multitudes to come into His Kingdom. Sometimes we wonder if we will see it in our lifetime. I don’t think I am alone in this. But I sense from the Lord, that these shall surely take place as He has promised in His word…greater works…greater works we would not only see, but we will be a part of.

I sense He is saying to not give up believing for His signs, His wonders and the mighty miracles to manifest upon the earth in greater measure than we have seen before. For when these miracles begin to take place, we will quickly forget how long we have waited. It will seem like it was just yesterday, for we will be caught up in this move of His Spirit and no longer will our focus be on time as it is on earth. We will be caught up into eternity time where everything seems now.

I have been getting glimpses of this that is next on our Father’s agenda. I tell you it truly is above anything we can imagine! There is much that He has stored up for the times that are upon us. When it begins, it will be like a flood that cannot be contained! All we will be able to do is jump in and allow the flow of His mighty Spirit to sweep us up in what He is doing upon the earth. This move will not be by the sweat of man, but a sovereign move, a holy flow of His Spirit. Oh, the rejoicing that shall take place as we enter into His glory…such overwhelming joy!

So I say to you today, remain faithful. Keep believing. Keep dreaming. For it shall all be worth the price we have paid to be a part of this last days movement and the demonstration of His power! Shout Hallelujah!!!!

I have included a clip of prophetic worship with JoAnn McFatter and Andre Ashby. Be prepared to enter His Presence!

Stepping into Greater Authority – Karen Austin

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You are stepping into the realm of greater authority. I am giving you understanding that it is OK to use that authority. You will know when it is time to be silent and when it is time to speak.

I did not say “Sit still” or “Lay still” (as many are doing) and you would see My salvation. I said “Do not fear and stand*still: and see my salvation” [Exodus 14:13]. Keeping the peace at all costs is not what I spoke of in My Word. I said to remain in peace as much as it is up to you [Romans 12:18].

I am giving My Bride, those I have called, authority to lead with a spiritual backbone, which is actually the rod of iron that I spoke of in My Word [Revelation 2:26,27]. This is not a time to let down your guard. It is time take the land and rescue those who are trapped in darkness. It is time for those who know My Name to stand in the face of that which opposes My Word and My will. It is time to stand in your place of spiritual authority and take a stand for righteousness. For the enemy knows his time is short and he is no longer hiding in the shadows. His tactics are being made bare for all to see. The enemy is a legalist and will step through even the smallest defect in righteousness and truth. But know that your voice – even when quietly spoken – carries greater authority than the enemy’s roar, when you walk with Me and speak My Word.

*stand – Strong’s #3320 – To take one’s stand, to station oneself, taking a stand to fight

Coronavirus Fears – Gary Florence

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In the natural world we have in place a 911 system where when you have an emergency you can dial this number up and someone will come to your aid. I thank God for this system and all the first responders who give of themselves to help others, but did you know that there is also in place a 911 system in the spiritual world and we can dial it up anytime we need help also.

It is Psalms 91:1 verses 1-3 says;

“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty”. I will say of the Lord. He is my refuge and my fortress. My God, in Him I will trust. Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the perilous pestilence.”

There is a lot of fear going on right now, and rightfully so and people are scrambling for answers as to how to combat this virus. What would happen if a company of believers who believe that signs, wonders and miracles were for today? What if we would believe that we can be part of the answer the world is looking for? If we began to believe what Jesus said when He said “And these shall you do but even greater.” That Christ inside of us is the hope of glory that the world needs and right now the world needs hope for a solution to this matter.

I believe that there is a company rising who will declare a thing (revelation) and see it come to pass. I remember the story of the blind man and Jesus’ disciples ask Him “Who sinned his parents or him to cause him to be blind.” Jesus said “neither but it was to see the glory of God take place.” I truly believe that are best days are not behind us but that the best is yet to come and God has and is marking an army for Himself to advance the Kingdom of God on earth and to declare and degree “Your Kingdom come now and your will be done now on earth as it already is established in heaven.”

The question I have to ask myself and you is will we cower in fear, or like verses 14-16 of our 911, “Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him. I will set him on high because he has known my Name. He shall call upon Me and I will answer him. I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him My salvation.”

Remember Jesus told his disciples “All authority has been given to me now I transfer this authority to you.” The whole earth is groaning in labor pains for the sons and daughters to manifest. Why not now? Why not us? I ask that each one of us all over the world will join together as one body in faith and begin to declare and decree that this Coronavirus must bow to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Thank you!!!!

Listen for the Voice – Karen Austin

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My love shall be a place of refuge for you. For in Me are all things to pertain to life and godliness [2 Peter 1:3]. As you take your position in Heavenly places [Ephesians 2:6], I shall cause you to see situations as they truly are. For in this place, there shall be no fretting, no worry, no fear – but instead shall enter you such a knowing, an experiencing of My goodness.

So I say to you, “rejoice”! When others say fear, I say “love and faith”. I say “provision“. I say “protection“. I say a “lifting up” of those who are Mine. For you shall truly come to know, to experience and to understand what it means when I said, I delivered you out of the kingdom of darkness and brought you into the Kingdom of Light [Colossians 1:13].

As you yield to Me, as you chose to ascend into My Presence, you shall become ones that will radiate My light. Ones that I call to be a city upon a hill to draw many, many out of darkness [Matthew 5:14]. For this is My season of gathering those who have strayed – those who have wandered away. This, too, shall cause great rejoicing in your midst!

So look not at the shaking upon the earth, but look to Me, the author and finisher or your faith [Hebrews 12:2], and radiate all that I have placed within you and you shall be a light house of My glory!

Should Women Keep Silent in the Church? (Part 2) – Gary Florence

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Let’s go ahead a pick up where we lift off shall we. I was sharing about the word is the same yesterday, today and forever, actually that is not even in the bible. In Heb. 13:8 it says “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever”. I realize that according to John 1:1 it talks about Jesus being the word. There were many situations when I would argue about the word being the same, I actually was talking about the bible and the 66 books that is in it. I would say that the 66 books of the bible are the same yesterday, today and forever. Then one day I was reading something and was challenged on it. Moses was told by God if a son was disobedient to his parents and they couldn’t get it resolved they were to go to the elders and stone him. I don’t’ know about you, but I don’t read those types of headlines in the newspapers anymore.

He was also told that they were to circumcise their male children on the eighth day. Can you image in this day to tell the people working at the hospitals “We will be back in 8 days to have a child circumcised.” Here is a little tidbit concerning why God had them wait till the eighth day. That was when the vitamin K was at its highest level in their body to help with the clotting of the blood. Now a days they can just give them a shot.

Here is one from the New Testament. If somebody would come up to us and say that they sold 2 dozen Easter eggs for the building project but they only sold 1 1/2 dozen. Should we then like Peter with Ananias and Sapphira call down the judgment of God and strike them dead? So I need to ask myself a question, “Is the Bible the same yesterday, today and forever. I have discovered when just grabbing scripture out of context and applying them into the culture of our days that there is somethings we need to do. When need to ask “Who wrote it”

“Who was it written to” and “What the historical context of that day was.” The next time we get together we are going to apply them to Paul’s saying of should women keep silent in the church. Some of you might being thinking to yourself “I just want to know your answer so I can either hit my hot button or not.”

This is one reason why we have to dig a little deeper so we are not taking scripture out of context and throwing it into someone’s face. Trust me it will be worth the wait. In the meantime start your own bible study and read Acts 19: 22-28, this will give you a jump start for the next time we meet.

The Secret is Love – Karen Austin

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I created you and formed you in My image so that what I do, you can do [Genesis 1:27; John 14:12]. I am your example of how to live, how to love, how to rightly discern without being judgmental and critical. Know you are Mine and I have you in the palm of My hand [Isaiah 49:16; John 10:28]. You are branded and sealed unto Me [Ephesians 1:13]

I have all that you need and will need to walk out all that I have called you to do. Do not limit Me in what I can do in you or what I can do through you.

As you keep your eyes fixed on your Beloved, you will shine brighter and brighter as you are filled with His light [Isaiah 60:1]. You see the secret is love. Love makes a way where there is no way. Love creates. Love heals. Love delivers. Love even raises the dead! See yourself as this – My love dispenser upon the earth [John 13:34-35; 1 Corinthians 16:14] .

“Love is large and incredibly patient. Love is gentle and consistently kind to all. It refuses to be jealous when blessing comes to someone else. Love does not brag about one’s achievements nor inflate its own importance. Love does not traffic in shame and disrespect, nor selfishly seek its own honor. Love is not easily irritated or quick to take offense. Love joyfully celebrates honesty and finds no delight in what is wrong. Love is a safe place of shelter, for it never stops believing the best for others. Love never takes failure as defeat, for it never gives up.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 TPT

The Blueprints of God – Karen Austin

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Many have a sense of purpose, but have not pursued their purpose with Me. They have seen their purpose through the eyes of others; how others minister; how others speak or pray; through others who have said “This is how it has to be done and this is how you “get there””.
Man’s blueprints, even the best blueprints, can never create that which is of the Spirit, for My thoughts are much higher than mans. Books have been written on how to achieve your purpose. While these can be helpful to point you in the right direction, your individual unique purpose can only be found with Me. Your purpose was birthed by the Spirit and can only be fully revealed by the Spirit.
I have the path already carved out for you. All your life’s experiences have been preparation for the purpose that I have created you. For My path is the path of a trail blazer, which ultimately leads you to the mountain of God.This is where My Presence, My anointing encompass all that you are, as it was with Moses on Mt. Sinai. For each gift, each calling, must be saturated with My Presence. It is here that it will never become routine, become stagnant, for I am always moving, always creating. There is always life where I am. When you got off your path following the ways of man, life will not be there.
Hungry seekers shall be drawn into this place and in this place I shall reveal My dreams for them, restore lost vision, heal hearts and even heal bodies so they may fulfill My vision for them. Here I will meet with those I draw. Know there will be some who will come to try and present their vision and want you to go down the path they want you to go, but you must remain single-vision with the calling I have placed within you from the beginning. Man may confirm what I have placed in your heart, but he cannot create it. No two callings manifest in exactly the same way, so know that you are uniquely and beautifully made. Your purpose will reflect who I am and how I have created you.

I Believed and So I Spoke – Frank Work

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2 Corinthians 4:13-14(ESV)

13 Since we have the same spirit of faith according to what has been written, “I believed, and so I spoke,” we also believe, and so we also speak, 14 knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence.

These two verses really stuck out to me. It’s not a big secret that what we hold in our hearts we will also speak and do. I know Jesus said the same thing about the treasures of our hearts (Matt 6:21). What we believe, we will hold true to our hearts in all that we say and all that we do. If I hold malice and discontent, that will be evident in my actions and thoughts. If I hold joy and love, that also will be evident. Belief though, that’s a game changer. Belief can cause us to do some fantastic things, but it can also cause us to do some really questionable things. Belief can drive us to help the poor in spirit and minister to the widows, orphans, and the homeless. Belief can also drive us to darker times, like hate, jealousy, envy, and war.

Even though everything I am is given over to Jesus, I still must ask myself…”Frank, what do you believe?” What do I believe about Jesus? What do I believe about my heavenly Father? Are my beliefs in line with scripture or am I straying away from the foundation of the word?

Romans 10:8-10 (ESV) speaks to the exact concept of belief;

8 But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart”—that is, the word [the message, the basis] of faith which we preach— 9 because if you acknowledge and confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord [recognizing His power, authority, and majesty as God], and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart a person believes [in Christ as Savior] resulting in his justification [that is, being made righteous—being freed of the guilt of sin and made acceptable to God]; and with the mouth he acknowledges and confesses [his faith openly], resulting in and confirming [his] salvation.

We can talk all day about what we believe and who we believe in and how we believe it. But truly everything comes from our heart, the innermost core of who we are. Our thoughts are constantly changing, but our belief system is constant. I really have to ask myself; What do I really believe about my faith and my walk with Jesus? How is my belief system affecting my walk and more importantly, who is affected by my belief system? Because what I believe will spill over to my family, friends, and people I meet.

My beliefs will also cause me to do things I shouldn’t do, but because I have such a strong sense of belief in what I am doing, I will justify it as being right and true. I believe..(haha), but really, I believe that accountability will help me stay true to the very nature of Jesus. Not just accountability from family and brothers/sisters in Christ, but accountability from the Holy Spirit. Honestly, the only way I am truly going to know if I am hearing God correctly is to bring it before my trusted brothers/sisters and give it over to prayer. The Holy Spirit will then begin to give me the Father’s truth.

When I am going through trials and tribulations I must ask the question, “What do I believe about this?” My beliefs will dictate my prayers and how I respond. I need to respond with the heart of God and according to the foundation of His word. Any other way is soulish and selfish and will cater to my flesh and not strengthen my spirit.

Walking in a Place of Authority – Karen Austin

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I had a dream awhile back where I sensed such an overshadowing of Holy Spirit. I can’t explain it… but as I began to dream, I felt His Presence and His power going through my physical body.

In the dream I was driving to my former place of employment, Magistrate Court. I stopped at the bank on the way and it was taking so long for them to process my transaction, I began to get anxious, but every time I would look at the clock, it continued to say 3:30 p.m., reassuring me I still had time since I was to be at work at 4 p.m.

I finally got to work. My job on this shift was to work the front desk and oversee the judge’s court docket. The scene changed as I was walking up to the podium where the court docket was lying. The scene had now become a football field full of spectators in the banisters. As I walked up the isle to the podium, something came over me and I began walking in such confidence and authority! It was no longer just “me”, but a Presence was upon me. People began stepping aside to let me through because of the authority of His Presence that was upon me. I looked up and saw my husband sitting in the bleachers and I could tell from the look on his face that he recognized there was something different about me. It was no longer me, but I was completely overshadowing by Him!

As I got to the side of the podium, I noticed a lot of commotion from the people in the stands. I somehow knew someone important was coming onto the field by the excitement of the people. I looked and it was Jesus in His majesty! People we completely awe struck! Then I woke up.

I sensed that this dream was not about me, but about His people. We are going about our daily activities and its demands, but in the back of our minds we wonder if we are going to be late and we are getting anxious…like it is taking so long for the things of God that we so desire to see. But as I looked at the clock, time was standing still, assuring me that I would not be late. And so it is with you. This move of God and your involvement is all in the timing of the Lord. You will not be late if you are moving towards Him. My job was to oversee the judge’s docket, which is a place of authority He has given us. He desires to give us insight as to the timing of His appointments.

Just as I sensed an overshadowing of such authority and power of His Presence that people took notice, His Bride is stepping into a dispensation of time when He is going to overshadow us and we will be turned into another man, as we know happened to Saul. People will not be able to deny that the Lord is with us.

As Jesus walked upon the football field in my dream, this is like unto the soon revealing of Jesus in such a way that all people will see Him and be in awe of His glory and His majesty. The fear of the Lord is coming upon people, especially those in His church. We will see Him as He is and great awe and hunger for His holiness will once again be prominent among His people. We will become a people of holiness walking in the fear of the Lord. We will walk in humility, love and compassion. This is the church the world is waiting to see.