Tag:

change

Transition Alongside God

by Lauren Koch April 24, 2022

Anticipating change in your life can be scary. A key to staying grounded in confidence is trusting your transition alongside God, remembering you are never doing it alone.

“I will not leave you as an orphan” says the Lord

Sometimes God calls us beyond where we are comfortable into His more for us. In these seasons, we can let our worry of what we are leaving behind blind us from the excitement of what is ahead. If you are finding yourself in a season of transition, ask yourself these questions:

Am I fully surrendered to what God is taking me into?
How am I preparing my heart to anticipate His goodness ahead?
What am I meant to leave behind in this season, and what am I mean to bring?
What is my heart afraid of?

As you reflect on what God speaks to you, identify your fears for what’s ahead. Ask the Holy Spirit to refresh you with faith and anticipation for His goodness and promises. Renew your mind with God’s faithfulness to you.

Let community support you as you transition

Without a doubt, you need people. As you prepare to move seasons, jobs, or even places, consider who you can strategically place around you to pray, encourage, and support you. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide the right friendships in this time. It is in these practical moments that you make your transition more about what God does, than the fears that you might have. Even more, this connects your heart to God in a deeper way as you learn to walk alongside Him with a deeper faith.

Remember the prior times God has proven Himself faithful to you. Celebrate these as you move into your new season. Once your transition occurs, give yourself grace! You are doing a better job than you think and God will continue to walk alongside you as a leader and friend.

April 24, 2022 0 comment

Faith

When Everything Crumbles Around You, Do This

by John Mathai February 7, 2022

written by John Mathai

We live in a world which is constantly changing. How do we survive in a world system where everything appears to be going against us? We must stay committed to what we believe in. The changes are challenges to where we stand in matters of faith and values. The Bible is a record of how the people of God wandered away from their God in times of change. They were an oppressed people living in an oppressed society. God was always with them and led them by a cloud by day and fire by night. Yet they chose to rebel and follow other gods. They killed the prophets who spoke for God. Are we entering the same period where only a remnant will keep to the faith?

In God We Trust

When troubles come our way do we turn from God or to Him? God never changes. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. We live in a fallen world and will be challenged daily on who we will choose to follow. We have to make a choice and stay current in our faith. If we give in to pressure from without then we will compromise and give in. This is the time when we need to live from within us. The Kingdom of God is within us. We need to rely on the resources within us to survive. Our God has made His residence within us and in Him there is abundant supply. No weapon formed against us can overcome us. We need to rely on His word and not on our circumstances. Every thing may appear against us but we can overcome because the overcomer lives in us.

Battle Ready

Imagine how an athlete trains daily to compete in the final race. We too need to train and be ready when the challenge comes. We cannot be caught sleeping because our enemy is like a roaring lion. He knows we are against him and therefore will be against us. We need to be vigilant and ready when he attacks. We will win in the end because Jesus won the battle on the Cross for us. Now we can depend on His victory on our behalf and not fear. We can choose to love and overcome every scheme of the enemy and prevail. Let us not give up but persevere to the end.

Dr. John Mathai

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If You Are Not Changing, You Are Not Growing

by Rhoda Gayle December 2, 2021

written by Rhoda Gayle

If you are not changing, you are not growing because change means growth.

Change Means Growth

Alan Mushegan Jr. emphasizes that change means growth. Our learning process will never cease. No matter how old we get, we still have things to change and things to learn. No one really knows it all. And we can achieve growth only in the presence of Jesus Christ.

When we spend time with Him and get deep in the Word of God, there will be learning and change. If you stop learning from Him, then you might have lost your way.

“If you are not changing, you are not growing,” Alan said. “Most people refuse instruction because they already know it all. If you already know it all and you give up your right to sit at the feet of Jesus and be a student, you’re already lost.”

Long Process

Change is a very long process that we have to go through with the Lord. It’s never easy because there might be things you first need to break down before God can rebuild you into the person He wanted you to be. As long as you keep yourself rooted in Him, you will see change and breakthroughs happening in your life.

“Sometimes it doesn’t come immediately to you but as you continue in it and you continue to look at Jesus, you continue to look into the Word of God, you continue to meditate upon the Word of God, you are being changed into that same image. From glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.”

Change your mind into the mind of Jesus Christ to know what His will is and to know where He’s leading you.

“My mind has to be changed so that I can discern what is the will of God. If I’m not having the mind of God, I don’t know what He wants. I don’t know the will of God unless I have the mind of Christ.”

Change Means Growth | Alan Mushegan Jr.

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December 2, 2021 0 comment

Faith

The Season Of Snow

by Corine Channell December 1, 2021

written by Corine Channell

One thing I know for sure, God will always speak something deep through something very simple, which is generally nature. “Be still, and know – that I am God.“ (Psalm 46:10) Nature is God’s great canvas on which He paints His masterpieces for us to view, in order that we can find effortless understanding and clear revelation for our complicated life journey.

FIRST SNOW OF THE SEASON

So today it snowed. The first snow of the season, which to me feels like that feeling you get on Christmas morning. So let’s just call it a Christmas Snow. You have heard the expression – “a blanket of snow”. Yes. “He gives snow like wool…” (Psalm 147:16) That is an exact visual of it – it is like a white wool blanket lovingly draped over a barren landscape.

My friend Shaunna is visiting me here on the snowy East Coast (which I refer to as the land of Narnia/blanketed in still shots of black and white), and having come from the sunny West Coast (which I refer to as the land of Oz/blanketed in still shots of vibrant colors). Needless to say, snow was a SHOCK to her, but in a wonderful, childlike way. She really was like a wide eyed kid on Christmas morning, with all the wonder and joy of finding some unexpected treasure upon awakening from her sleep. She excitedly started outside barefoot with her camera to take pictures, then ran back in for shoes – just so gleeful. After she took pictures, she came back in and exclaimed, “Wow. Snow is so quiet; like you can’t hear it snowing!” So simple. I had never thought about the silence of the snow falling. Then she said, “You don’t hear the sounds of snow crunching unless you walk in it so therefore it is meant to be walked in.” So simple. I had never thought about that either. Snow is silent until you walk in it. Then she said how amazing it is to literally see the seasons silently change before her eyes. Whoa. From there the random snow thoughts sparked conversations about God and the seasons of our life.

SEASONS OF LIFE

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens… He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart…” (Ecclesiastes 3:1, 11) Our God is a God of seasons, both in nature and in our lives. He does everything well and on time, and flawlessly – even we could say effortlessly. He speaks, and it is so. If He can do that in nature which we can see happen before our eyes every single day that we live, this should give us peace and assurance that we can fully trust Him with the changing seasons of our lives.

Isaiah 55:10-11 says:“For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, And do not return there without watering the earth, And making it bear and sprout, And furnishing seed to the sower and bread to the eater; So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It will not return to Me empty, Without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.”

God uses weather patterns and seasons to replenish the earth, continuously causing it to grow – it is like a constant state of rebirth.

TREASURY OF SNOW

When Job questioned God about His ways, He reminded Job of all the great things He can do that we as humans can NOT do.“Have you entered the storehouses of the snow or seen the storehouses of the hail, which I reserve for times of trouble, for days of war and battle?” (Job 38:22-23) In other Bible translations storehouses can also be called treasuries or armories because the snow is stored/hidden in the clouds, until God speaks – the snow and hail obey His command and wait till He says GO. So the question to Job was, do YOU know how to make it snow, and can YOU cause the hail to fall from the sky? And of course Job’s answer was no. Point being that God was trying to get Job to realize he could trust in the One mightier than he, to cover and protect and guard him in his current sufferings. Just like when it is the exact right time God calls upon the snow to fall, and at the right time it will then warm the earth, so will God work all things for OUR good, at just the right time – we just need to trust Him – and wait. (And how ironic that cold snow warms the earth.)

Oh, and after that initial snowfall my friend experienced for the first time, it hailed. Of course it did. Like literally little balls of snow – we called them snowballs from heaven. That is how God is – He loves to send His children heavenly prizes. Another first for her to see hail. To say that God spoke to her that day, would be 100% accurate. He was reminding her that seasons change, and it is out of OUR control, but totally in HIS control. THIS is why He advises us to just be still and remember the WHO of who He is. He is God.

THE GOD WE CAN TRUST

“I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.” (Isaiah 46:4) The same God who keeps nature and the natural seasons with all care and diligence, is the same God who cares for us. Again, “Be still – and know that I am God.”

When it is time, God speaks new life into our dead or barren parts. When it is time, He silently breathes in hope and purpose, where there was none. Psalm 51:7 says, “Purify me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.” When it is time, He sends forth His word, and heals us. When it is time, a season in our life will change and the past will be left behind, as if buried under a warm blanket of snow. Oh and one more fun fact – every single snowflake is unique and has its own personal stamp from its Creator. Hmmmm, just like us.

Let it snow, let it snow…it can all change in ONE day. I think God was making a point…

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You Attract To Yourself What You Project From Within

by John Mathai August 21, 2021

written by John Mathai

Attraction is a powerful word. To attract is to bring to your attention what you are attracted to. We are attracted by beauty in nature like the birds and flora and all things natural. Attraction keeps us alive and attentive to all things around us. We are not robots that just exist but are living beings that are in constant interaction with our environment. We are sensitive to what we see and hear and touch. Our senses are attracted to certain smells and others repel us. This kind of attraction is physical in nature. However we also are attracted to things or persons through our feelings.

Feelings

Our feelings are subconscious and so are not clearly visible to others. When we feel good we project those good feelings to others. Others pick up these feelings and respond likewise. When I walk in love I will project loving feelings and so attract loving feelings. On the other hand if I feel anxious I will project feelings of anxiety that will make others feel tense in my presence. We are not aware of this till someone makes us aware of how they feel in our presence. Angry feelings will make others angry in reaction. Some of us are more sensitive to the feelings of others and so tend to be more reactive. Others are blind to the feelings of others and so remain oblivious to what is happening around them. This kind of attraction can also apply to the spirit realm.

Spirit

We are spirit beings and can attract all kinds of spirits to ourselves. Evil spirits will be attracted to those who think and do evil. Good spirits are attracted to those who are good. A spiritually sensitive person is able to discern the different kinds of spirits. A spiritually blind person will be unaware of these spirits. This is why only a spirit-filled person is able to judge others. A worldly person cannot judge another because he is spiritually blind. Attraction therefore occurs at different levels of operation: physical, emotional and spiritual. We attract to ourselves what we project to others. Be attractive in the things of eternal value and be blessed.

Dr. John Mathai

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Navigating Change and Transition With an Open Heart

by Grace Clibourn July 17, 2021

written by Grace Clibourn

Anyone else navigating transition right now? ???? I’d love to invite you into my process of navigating change and transition and hopefully give you some practical tools for your own journey!

After a year and a half of living back at home with family in California, I finally felt the release to move out and find a place to call my own. I had a feeling that I wouldn’t be staying in LA for very long, so I decided that I would keep an open mind and try on a few cities. Austin was at the top of my list having spent a year in an internship at a church in Austin, however, I was also interested in Nashville.

So I decided that I would honor that interest and go and visit. I know that I (as well as the majority of us I would imagine) have a tendency to stick to what I know, so I knew that I needed to allow myself to think outside the box and really stretch myself before making any big decisions. Since Nashville was in my heart, I had to honor that.

During this time, my parents were also thinking about moving out of LA. And since the whole family was living on the property, that meant we all had to find a new place to live.

These are the kinds of times that you just need the timing of the Lord to step in. With so many moving parts, I didn’t trust anyone with the timing or the resources to pull off something like this, but Jesus.

While I was in Nashville I got together with one of my best friends who had just moved to the city. She is one of those friends who has known me for ages and isn’t afraid to tell it to me straight.

I was sitting in her apartment as she was making us breakfast when she turned to me and said, “Grace, what are you doing here?”.

To which I replied, “I don’t know!!!”, “I feel like I’m just following bread crumbs at this point – I don’t know what to do.”

She replied to me “No, I don’t like that. God is not a God of breadcrumbs. You know what you need to do.”

BOOM! POW! Wow, don’t we all need friends like that?!?

She was right. I hadn’t been able to see it, but I had been so used to starting over (having moved over 16 times in my life) I hadn’t thought about what it would be like to do that again, in Nashville, where everything would be fresh. Because the truth is that I’m tired. I don’t want to start all over, all over again. I want to go where I know that I already have community, a church that I love, and opportunities for me to keep growing in my faith and in my career.

Something that I learned here and that I would like to pass on to anyone who might be in a similar position, is that sometimes you just have to let yourself be right where you are until you have someone who can help you see further and help you out of your stuck-ness. It might feel so imperfect and so messy, but no matter how messy you feel, you are beautiful and acceptable right where you are.

There surely will be a time again where you feel like you’re in a clearing, but the times where you feel like you can’t quite see past the trees are just as meaningful and valuable as the former.

They say that death of a loved one, moving, divorce, a major injury or illness and a job loss are the top five stressors in life. And they all require us to pivot or change our lives in one way or another.

Change can cause a lot of stress. That’s just a fact. However, as I was navigating this massive change in my life, I was mindful of taking notes on what helped me in the process. Because I know that my life is not my own, and I know that we are meant to share our struggles and share our strengths. So I took some notes along the way which I would love to share with you!

Here are five tools for navigating change and transition with an open heart:

1. Know your baseline

Where do your thoughts and emotions sit on a regular basis?

What is your general disposition?

When you know where your general disposition is, it’s easier to pinpoint where exactly you’re feeling off. Try to name your exact emotion and then see if you can back-track to when it started and why it started. For instance, if I know that I am generally a happy, joyful, goofy, and loving person, when I’m not feeling that way, I know that something is off.

Sometimes it’s even helpful to simply acknowledge those feelings, but still giving yourself permission to wait until you feel ready to investigate them.

For example, when I was in the midst of having to find a new apartment last minute, there’s no way I would be able to sit and contemplate, “Ok, why am I feeling afraid?”… The answer is pretty clear- “BECAUSE I DON’T HAVE A PLACE TO LIVE” (haha, duh!).

It was about two months after the event that I was able to actually sit down, journal it out, talk to God about how hard it was, and be able to put some distance between me and that event.

However, it is massively helpful to acknowledge when you are not at your baseline state, and that what you’re feeling is not your normal. It offers you somewhat of a map to get back “home”.

Some practical things that help me to get out of my head and get back to my baseline is:

taking a cold shower
going for a run
getting into nature
talking to a friend who will tell it to me straight
talking to a friend or family member who knows how to comfort me

2. Observe patterns

Something that I noticed in myself in this most recent time of change and transition is that night after night, as soon as the sun started to go down, I started to feel very emotional. I started to feel fear of having made the wrong decision, anxiety over the many things on my to-do list, and a deep feeling of loneliness.

And although I’m not entirely sure why it played out that way, it’s something I took note of. So every night, I would call a family member and talk to them until I was reminded of the truth of my safety within my family and my God. I would also spend time in prayer before bed, which would help me to fall asleep peacefully.

Over time, that nighttime anxiety has begun to dissipate as I have started to settle into my new normal. But knowing that there was a pattern helped me feel like I had a little more control in those moments.

3. Don’t rush yourself out of what you’re feeling

Try your very best to be present with what you are feeling and talk to God right when you’re in the middle of it. Tell Him what’s going on and let yourself talk it out in real-time.

And if you’re anything like me, as much as you just want the feelings to go away and for everything just to be better, try not to rush to conclusions or solutions too quickly. Sometimes I think a lot of the pain that we experience in these times actually comes from running from our emotions, and not the emotions, themselves.

I think it’s really powerful when we’re able to sit and be present in what we’re feeling. We have to place value on our emotions and let them do their work in us. That’s not to say that we should sulk or cause ourselves to fall into some sort of emotional pit, but we need to have compassion on ourselves and allow ourselves to be right where we are.

I personally feel that that’s where healing begins. When we are raw, in the moment, not placing a “good” or “bad” label on what we’re feeling, and simply acknowledging where our hearts are at.

4. Rest when you’re not strong & do the healing work when you are

If you don’t feel like you’re up to processing all of the change happening in your life, maybe what you really need is a nap. It’s OK if you need some time before you start unpacking your intense emotions. I think what’s important is that when you are feeling intense emotions that you find ways to make yourself feel safe.

However, when you are feeling strong, I highly suggest circling back around to the memory of those intense times, begin to review them and bring those painful memories to the Lord. For me, this alleviates a lot of my pain and allows the healing light of Jesus to come into those places so that the next time I’m feeling that way, it won’t have such a hold on me.

When we learn from our painful experiences, it makes us stronger and gives us the ability to be a strength for others when they are going through a similar experience. Our healing matters not just for ourselves, but for our community, too.

5. Find practical things that make you feel safe

What are some things that bring you comfort? Make a list of these things so that you are prepared for times of change and transition

Whether it’s prayer, worship, a bath, a glass of wine, talking to a friend, family member, going for a walk, etc. Make a list so that you have a place to go in your time of desperation.

As for me, I like to go for walks. It helps me clear my head and come back to my body. Sometimes watching a funny movie can actually help a lot – laughter is healing! I also really like to cook. If you are someone who has been feeling a loss of control in your life, try cooking or gardening! Both of those things have enriched my life so much.

The main takeaway here is just to have grace on yourself. Let yourself be right where you are and know that God has a plan for you. He will not let you down and He will not let you forget that you have a future.

Isaiah 41:10 “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

You are chosen. You are loved and you are safe.

With love,

Grace

graceclibourn.com

July 17, 2021 0 comment

Faith

Relationship And The Importance Of Consistency

by Alexxa Lowery June 23, 2021

written by Alexxa Lowery

Consistency. A word that can trigger emotions.

I’m currently going through a change right now. In fact, I’m transitioning back into an atmosphere I once desperately needed to get out of. You see, change can be scary at times but sometimes it’s exactly what you need. Not everyone is opposed to the idea, but as I said before, the concept can be triggering to some.

Change

I remember growing up and change was something I knew quite well. My family was constantly on the move and new schools never felt long-term. I had no idea that laying down roots was crucial for a solid foundation. Leaders, friends, and familiar faces all go hand in hand with this idea. I had no idea how to do relationship with the people around me because truth is, I was never in a place long enough to try it. It wasn’t until I voluntarily left my hometown in San Diego after being there for a few years that I knew I was yearning for something more than just roots.

Consistency

Consistency. I had never lived out the true meaning of consistency. I went to ministry school up North and remember learning about pursuit. The pursuit of Jesus is something that never grows weary. He’s always consistent. I realized that Jesus was my true source of consistency. When it came to relationship between my family and me, and to my friends. In order to have relationship, consistency has to be part of the equation. I was desperate for relationship and because I never knew consistency, I faced challenges. Well, I have good news for you. Jesus is constant and He’s never-ending. If you get relationship with Jesus right, everything else flows into place.

Change can be scary. Consistency can be challenging. But, God is good and He chooses you. He’s constant and never grows weary. Choose Jesus today and watch the creator of relationship choose you.

1 Corinthians 15:58, “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”

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June 23, 2021 0 comment

Faith Word For The Day

Has Knowing Jesus Changed Your Life?

by Henrietta Decruz April 6, 2021

written by Henrietta Decruz

“Therefore if any person is [in grafted] in Christ (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old [previous moral and spiritual condition] has passed away. Behold, the fresh and new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17 AMP) Accepting the Lord is the greatest decision we have ever made. However, we need to ask ourselves how much we have changed since the time we met the Lord. Some believers have known the Lord for twenty, thirty, and more years, and yet they haven’t grown much in the area of faith and in knowing Jesus personally or studying His Word.

Yield to the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit has been indwelling within us and He has been working in us from the moment we received Jesus Christ as our Savior. He often nudges us in the areas that we need to change. The Holy Spirit is so gentle that a lot of times we barely realize how much we have changed. However, some of us resist this change and stifle the Holy Spirit from doing His work of renewal in our hearts.

Hebrews 5:12 speaks about someone who did not grow, it says, “For even though by this time you ought to be teaching others, you actually need someone to teach you over again the very first principles of God’s Word. You have come to need milk, not solid food.”

Knowing Jesus: The Way Forward

Let us examine our hearts. Are we hindering the work of the Holy Spirit within us? And are there areas in our lives that we haven’t surrendered to the Lord? Are there secret sins that we don’t want to acknowledge and areas of weakness that we would rather leave unattended? Do our lives reflect the fruits of the Spirit as mentioned in Gal 5:22-23, which is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

If we continue to live as we are doing now, will we bring joy to the heart of our Lord Jesus who will be returning for His spotless Bride? Are we true ambassadors of Christ? Are we obeying and following the teachings of Jesus or living in opposition to what the Lord taught us?

The Lord knows it is hard for us to let go of control and give our lives to Him unconditionally. For this reason, He gives us more grace to overcome. 2 Corinthians 12:9 says, “My grace (My favor and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you [sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully]; for My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and show themselves most effective in [your] weakness!” AMP

Be More Like the Father

If we have been holding back from surrendering our hearts to the Lord, and fully knowing Jesus, we need to repent for it so that He can perfect the work He is doing within us. Just human children often like to imitate, behave and look like their parents, God the Father also wants us to become more like Him and His Son Jesus.

Let us pray: Dear Lord, I am sorry for not yielding to You. Please reveal the areas that I need to change. I want to truly reflect Your heart, Lord Jesus. Complete Your work in me so I can be Your instrument of change and transformation. I want to be the new creation You want me to be. Lord, have Your way in me! Amen.

April 6, 2021 0 comment

Articles

The Coming Of A New Golden Age

by Brian Taylor October 31, 2020

written by Brian Taylor

Last week, a friend shared a dream which she knew had prophetic significance. Although the key pieces of the dream appeared quite odd and perhaps even random, together with others, we began to see some amazing things that God wants His Church to have hope for. The new Golden Age is coming…Two things in particular drew my friend’s attention. What follows is what she shared with us what she wrote about the dream in her journal:

“I had a dream last night and it was Joe Montana going into full retirement. I realize that he has been retired for years but this was the dream. So, Joe Montana, going into full retirement, full metal jacket (that was part of the dream). In the dream, I went onto Facebook and told Johnny Enlow about it and I gave my interpretation of the dream to him on Facebook.”

Recounting Insights

From this point on, she recounts what insights she was able to draw from the dream:

“So, Montana (I already knew this because I grew up in the state of Montana) the origin of the word is Latin and it means mountain. A full metal jacket is a bullet, fully enclosed in a metal or alloy different from the one of the actual bullet. Football is obviously on the Mountain of Arts and Entertainment; Joe Montana used to be a quarterback who played most of his career with the San Francisco 49’ers. We all know that 49’ers were those miners during the California Gold Rush of 1849. Then, Joe Montana finished his career with the Kansas City Chiefs (which, personally I find significant, especially given Bob Jones’s prophecy about the Kansas City Chiefs). When Montana first started his career, he won a national championship with Notre Dame. Notre Dame means ‘Our Lady,’ which means the Virgin Mary. Montana was born in New Eagle, Pennsylvania.”

This was the essence of what has been initially shared with me and a group of other friends. As we continued through the day, God began to give me a download of what I believe God is saying in the midst of that dream. It is quite significant and has great revelation for those who have been called to the Mountain of Arts and Entertainment.

Facts To Consider

Before I jump into what God shared with me, here are some interesting facts to consider, just focusing on Joe Montana that you may not have been aware of. While it is true that he ended his career as a Kansas City Chief, he was retired as a 49er. His jersey for the Niners was 16. Sixteen carries a prophetic significance as meaning perfected love. This stands out because my friend mentioned the Prophet Bob Jones, who had a unique prophecy related to the Kansas City Chiefs. He is also someone who, prior to his passing was known for asking the question, “Did you learn to love?”

Joe Montana’s jersey was retired in 1995 when he was just 38 years of age. While this might be considered normal in the realm of a football career, the standard age for retirement is between 65-67. Currently, Montana is 64-years old. So, if there is a timetable to consider with this dream, I believe God is signaling that what he is about to do, will happen or begin within the next one to three years.

The Jacket

I must also add that initially when I heard the reference to “full metal jacket” I did not only think of the term as a reference to the weapon but the movie. The British film by Stanley Kubrick, Full Metal Jacket is a war picture that takes place during Vietnam. It had a budget of $17M dollars and earned $120M dollars. It was released in 1987. This is the same year that Steve Young would be traded from Tampa Bay to San Francisco to be a backup for Montana.

Raising Up The New Golden Age

Here’s what I believe that God is saying. I believe that what God about to do is to raise up a new “Golden Age” for those called to the Mountain of Entertainment. The Golden Age of Hollywood was known as such because it was of its financial impact, as well as the glitz and glam of those who were involved. It also signaled the transition of technology, as they moved from the silent film in the late 1910s to the 1920s and even greater in the 1960s. See the 100-year aspect of this.

I should also mention that there is another Golden Age. It is the Golden Age of Comics. The Golden Age of Comic Books ranged between 1938 to 1956. This was the period when comics shifted from western, horror, detective, crimes, romance, and science fiction themes to superhero comics. When these superhero comics burst onto the scene, they gained popularity and birthed a bevy of other comic book companies. This period also encompasses the Second World War and the beginning of the Vietnam Era. 1956 also happens to be the same year that Joe Montana was born.

Golden Age: Passing The Baton

I believe that there will be in essence a passing of the torch or baton to a new generation of people who will be clothed for acceleration and dynamic impact and influence. As one of the early reformers and expositors of the seven-mountain mandate, Johnny Enlow has often talked about a new renaissance era. This could play into that. Gold or something that is golden also emphasizes precious value. For those who are actors and actresses, one of the most honored things to receive is the golden statue. In film, it is the Academy Award. Or more commonly referred to as the Oscar. In television, there is the Emmy. In stage acting, it is the Tony. As far as gold is concerned, I don’t know if this is an aspect of the people or their character but in either case, to be considered golden is desirable.

Golden Years

Something else that I keep hearing is an American Treasure. This is a moniker of the sort that is given to someone who has had an illustrious public career. There will be some who fit this description. And they will be the torchbearers. They pass the torch to the next generation. I believe this has something to do with those who thought they were beyond the point of having influence. However, these are the ones being fitted for impact by being free to set up others to go and do. It’s almost as if they are launching them into their place of succession. Where some are often declining in their golden years, these will be strengthened and prosperous.

The Mountain of Arts and Entertainment has been a battlefield for the last 60 years. And I believe that as we are entering a new “roaring twenties”. We are going to see a shift in the fight to restore God’s glory. And a sense of luster to these creative spaces. So it honors the craft and the people who have desired to entertain and bring joy into the lives of others. Let us pray that we see God unfold this. And let’s encourage those who have the heart to take their place there.

October 31, 2020 0 comment

Articles

Enduring Gut-Wrenching Pain To Find Your New Beginning

by Jennifer LeClaire September 21, 2020

written by Jennifer LeClaire

“Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” (Is. 43:19) I’ve noticed one change comes at the heels of another and then another—finally followed by the avalanche. Some of the changes are welcomed while others are gut-wrenching, even when you know it’s God’s will. We find ourselves searching for a new beginning.

Facing Sweeping Changes

Whether they are welcome or unwelcome changes, change can cause a whole range of fickle emotions. They ebb and flow with what seems like the powerful rush of a rolling tide. Understand this: The only thing that doesn’t change is God. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever see (Heb. 13:8). Everything else is subject to change. I won’t recite all the words of Solomon here, but suffice it to say that “to everything, there is a season, a time for every purpose under the heaven.” (Eccl. 3:1)

So if you are going through a season of change, how do you position yourself to walk worthy of your calling? How do you embrace the change that will produce more of the character of Christ and the fruit of the Spirit in your life—and perhaps in the lives of others involved?

emotional-pain

New Beginning And Learning to Let Go

Keeping your eyes on God, who doesn’t change, is the critical first step (see Heb. 12:2). The Lord really is your rock, your fortress, and your deliverer (see Ps. 18:2). His hope is the anchor of your soul (see Heb. 6:19). When you keep your mind on Him, you’ll remain in perfect peace even amid the most stormy changes (see Is. 26:3). When you keep your eyes on Him, you’ll find that road in the wilderness and the rivers in the desert that Isaiah prophesied (Is. 43:19).

Next, you’ve got to be willing to let go of what the Holy Spirit is showing you to let go of. If you want that new beginning, then you must let go. When you let go, He’ll show you what to do next, just like he showed Abram what to do when he left everything behind to follow God (Gen. 12:1-3).

The letting goes part is probably the hardest part of the change process. The pull you feel to keep going back to the same people and things God has told you to leave behind is often a soul tie. A soul tie is a deep emotional bond. When David met King Saul’s son Jonathan, there was an immediate bond between them. The Bible says, “The soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul” (1 Sam. 18:1). That’s intense. When you move on, sometimes you have to break soul ties, in the name of Jesus, before you can move forward full speed.

Pursuing the New Vision

Once you’ve let go of the people, places, and things holding you back, ask God for a new vision. What does God have next for you? I assure you He has a new thing in mind. God may even resurrect an old dream you thought was dead. You won’t see this spiritual vision come to pass overnight but with clarity, you’ll have the discipline you need to keep pressing forward (see Prov. 29:18).

During this transition time, pursue any emotional healing you need. We all suffer wounds from the words and actions of others, from the work of the enemy, from our own sinful mistakes, from disappointing life events, and even from doing the work of the ministry. Sometimes we have to suffer for Christ (see Phil. 1:29). It’s easy enough to get resentful, bitter, and unforgiving. But walking toward your new beginning means letting go of these things also. Be assured that God is using it all for good (see Rom. 8:28).

New Beginning: Final Words

Many men in the Bible suffered great losses on their way to greatness. Just look at Job, Joseph, and David. But all of these men endured the enemy’s best shot and took back what he stole—and then some. Each of them had a new beginning that brought glory to God. They persevered, kept their eyes on God, and waited on His deliverance. So, while you are enduring gut-wrenching pain, take comfort in God’s Word: “Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” (Is. 43:19) Amen.

September 21, 2020 0 comment

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