Going through a financial test is
like living in the Promised Land and going back to Egypt for vacation. The good
news is that I've learned a few things, and the Lord nudged me in the sense
that He's redeeming some lessons out of this season. Kings live and rule and
manage from above their circumstances and finances; servants are often led by
them. Poverty is a tool of the enemy to corner us and keep us in a servant
mentality, subservient to whatever fate hands us. God has a different plan.
The Lord
will open the heavens, the storehouse of his bounty, to send rain on your land
in season and to bless all the work of your hands. You will lend to many
nations but will borrow from none. The Lord will make you the head, not the
tail. Deut 28:12-13 NIV
The rich
rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender. Prov
22:7 NIV
Kings shape the future into their
dreams and heart's desires. They bring the Kingdom down out of heaven so it can
manifest on earth. We (Kings) have plenty of bread, stay out of debt, out of
temptation and out of trouble... and if we are not, then we have this prayer
template to reverse the situation and get back on top.
Our
Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our
debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one. Matt 6:9-13 NIV
After weeks of wrestling back and
forth between servant and King, I began to see a few of the object lessons. God
is redeeming wisdom and grace out of a difficult season. Here are five areas of
"schooling."
And we
know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love
God, to those who are called according to His purpose. Rom 8:28-29 NASU
1.
My Dream is what I'm Living for
Putting the Kingdom first is the
sweet spot in life. That really is my dearest heart's desire. I'm totally good
with risking all, and selling all for this particular pearl. Signing up for
your dream isn't a suicidal leap off a cliff, by any means. But, it is counting
the cost and admitting that the risk and warfare is worth it. Something that's
really worth living for is also worth dying for. I gained a better sense of my
own mortality as a warrior and realized that I don't have to survive - His
Kingdom will be established, the battle will be won. I will survive, even if it
takes a resurrection. I don't regret being in this warfare at all... wouldn't
miss it for the world. God has done something special in the area of Releasing
Kings in my life. I discovered how precious and important it is for both Him
and me. We all have a dream that's important in the Kingdom.
2.
Friends
I have a new appreciation for the
people who share our vision and hold me up prophetically and in prayer. Many
have prayed and encouraged; one brother called me up on Sunday morning early
and gave me a prophetic word in the middle of a slump. God does that stuff. We
all need those kinds of relationships. I've really felt under-girded by the
intercession of others at various stages of my life. I can feel that now.
Thanks.
3.
Diversity
I'm no longer depending upon one
stream of income (duh...). I'm getting out of debt for things like cars, credit
cards, houses, etc. We are going to create great wealth and live modestly
without debt. And we're going to have some strategic backup strategies. This is
a wake-up call. We are aware of enemy schemes (2 Cor 2:11).
4.
God Likes Fellowship
I've also found a sweetness of
encouragement and devotions with the Lord. I'm a favorite and chosen son and so
are you. It's a love relationship, so we can't get too busy and compromise the
intimacy with the King of kings. His favor on our lives is clearly evident.
This grace not only draws us to repentance when we get saved, but it draws us
into the throne room from then on. He likes conversation - when we talk to Him
and He talks to us.
He
instructed me and said to me, "Daniel, I have now come to give you insight
and understanding. As soon as you began to pray, an answer was given, which I
have come to tell you, for you are highly esteemed. Therefore, consider the
message and understand the vision: Dan
9:22-23 NIV
A hand
touched me and set me trembling on my hands and knees. 11 He said,
"Daniel, you who are highly esteemed, consider carefully the words I am
about to speak to you, and stand up, for I have now been sent to you." Dan 10:10-11 NIV
The
virgin's name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you
who are highly favored! The Lord is with you." Luke 1:27-28 NIV
5.
Fruit
The enemy has good reason to be
worried. Kingly momentum is rising around the world. I'm seeing coaching as a
vehicle for "the release" to become self-sustaining. It's exciting to see the
lives change and the vision caught. God's people are divinely discontent
serving religion. There's nothing really wrong with churches - please hear me.
God is adding another dimension to our discipleship process. Disciples are
being groomed to ask for their heart's desires. They are finding the will of
God and expressing the Kingdom by living out the passion for which they were
created. Kings have fun, make money and love people. We are not only saving the
lost and planting churches; we are taking our positions in mountains and
changing cities, cultures and nations. The future is very bright and we are
winning. We're in a pioneering phase, but victories are breaking out on every
front. It's a huge privilege to live in this hour and play a role in seeing His
Kingdom established on this earth... an adventure that that is fun and
fulfilling.
John Garfield
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