Pattern of things to come
THIS MESSAGE IS ADDRESS TO BELIEVERS WHO
SEEM TO HAVE A CLEAR SENSE OF THEIR FUTURE
AND THOSE WHO ARE NOT THAT CERTAIN OF
WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS FOR THEM
By Isaiah-Phillips Akintola
Entering a critical moment of change
Greetings friends and family! We are indeed so grateful to the most high who has again granted us grace through his mercy to be found alive and active as we press towards the finishing line of the year. 2015, like the previous years have witnessed an incredible increase in what the scripture refers to as the birth pang.
The various cultural shifts, socioeconomic and geopolitics maneuvering witnessed across the globe in 2015 all attest to the fact that our world as entered a critical moment in the redesigning of its political and economic reliance.
We have seen unprecedented changes take place within the core belief system of society in terms of how religion and the New Age believe system is now shaping leadership and the perceptive moral footing of the 21st century society. Our nation here in South Africa was not left behind in the crusade of seeking and charting a new socioeconomic leadership direction.
South African, searching for a new leadership philosophy
As we begin to witness the true reality of the closure of a ‘leadership, built on the liberation philosophy’ to a different type of governance that is skillful and strategic in redesigning the platform of socioeconomic opportunity for all South Africans, we also need to be weary of those who may desire to hijack the process by taking undue advantage of the transitional gap.
The truth is, the current voice of opposition to the ANC lead government are not ready and mature enough to lead a complex nation like South Africa, and of cause, it is crystal clear that the current political leadership team have ran out of creative leadership strength, and it seem the people are saying they have over stayed their welcome.
While we see a lot of zeal without the balance of knowledge and wisdom to lead, we need to precisely pray and intercede that the current national leadership transition does not end up like some of the failed state we are witnessing across the continent. We will discuss more on this in another article coming soon.
However, as society moves from what has long been defined and accepted as the core moral norm into an uncertain terrain of the humanist frame of thinking, the church needs to strategically accelerate her drive towards the reestablishment of what is known as a true apostolic community as seen in the first century. The new normal as to be that which is sourced from the stream of Heavens River flowing out of the Garden of Eden. We can no longer drink from the order of the polluted stream of the Law of Moses.
Changing the obsolete wineskin
The obsolete wineskin of the current church will continue to make her vulnerable not just to the extremist jihadist crusade but also to the ever-growing voice of the antichrist movement in the west. There’s a need to now increase the voice of God’s prophetic marching order for the church and the nations so we can see a new order of a well matured governmental prophetic company arise in the earth in the fulfillment of their ordained mandate in this third day.
Keeping ranks in the order of our various levels of grace and gifting’s in the true spirit of mutual submission will enhance the power of true governmental community lifestyle needed to face the demonic principality over spheres across the nations.
The prophetic parallel
We must remain relevant to our various posts, gates and walls as the angel of the Lord once again passes through the land of Egypt in total destruction of its firstborn. The day of the birth of the Sons of God kind of church is the day of the death sentence of the first born sons of the Egyptians. The day heaven came to judge Pharaoh and his nation is the same day the Lord liberated his own. We need to understand the parallel. First the natural then the spiritual.
As we discern this moment, there are things we need to start aligning our lives to in terms of the appropriation of the prophetic mandate of the Lord for our generation. Now is the time for the full restoration of the missing apostolic doctrine and tradition. We must learn again to continue in the purity of the apostle’s [teaching] doctrine, fellowship, breaking of bread and prayer. There must be a restoration of the message and spirit of the covenant that births the heart of true community and relationship.
In this day of increase darkness and weeping in the land of Egypt will also be the greatest season where the church will witness the unprecedented global harvest. This means that the army of the Lord must be dressed ready to lead a nation out of bondage into the glorious freedom and jubilee of kingly priesthood.
I was greatly encouraged by listening to Dr. Ben Carson recently, who is one of the leading presidential republican candidates who made it is political campaign to face and challenge the very foundation of the American politics call politically correct philosophy.
This ungodly philosophy has been used for decades to attack and stop anything and anyone that sound godly and righteous in the American society. The lord is using this man and many others to regain the voice and liberty of the church among Americans society and its leadership.
One very reason why the current Donald Trump presidential campaign is leading and gaining ground among the people is a clear view that people are fed up and tired of the lies, hypocrisy and deception the American political philosophy is currently built on. Heaven has begun to shake and shift things from the corridor of power.
A foretaste of things to come
I believe, this is a foretaste of the kind of debates and discussion, we will be having in seasons to come, and we have to prepare a church knowledgeable and mature to stand and debate the doctrines and tenets of our faith in the hope of winning some.
We need to build and invest in the competency of every believer as the wisdom of this world arises to challenge the philosophy of our faith. Dr. Ben Carson reminds me of Daniel in Babylon. We have to believe the Lord to give us the Spirit of wisdom and boldness to defend our faith without aggression.
As the day of the Lord draws closer upon man, the earth will continue to witness groaning of all kinds; they will be increased labor pain that tells us to remain prepared and be ready for the birthing of a glorious company of people known as the man-child tribe, the sons of the God Company of saints who will finally stand as the three of heavens witness on earth.
We are getting closer to that season where everything we know and understand about the church and humanity is taking a new form and shape. My point is, the context of our plans and objective for the coming year should be defined in the light of the progressive unfolding prophetic agenda of the father for this end of days.
Don’t be carried away be false prophetic prediction
Let us not be carried away by some emotionally stirred prophetic prediction future-telling of religious charlatans. More than ever before, there’s a need to readjust our eyes and focus on the Lord that no matter what may be happening around or within us we will remain unmovable and unshakable. I strongly believe that this year has afforded many of us the opportunity to learn and be equipped with various unique knowledge and experienced that can further enhance our advancement in the coming seasons.
If you have lost a sense of direction
Yet not too many will be able to precisely say for a fact that they are looking forward to the coming year with great expectation unfortunately. Many are in the place where they have lost their sense of meaning and direction to life. The meaning of purpose, vision and destiny is almost becoming a foreign idea for these folks.
While they may be found among believers or even seem to be handling spiritual leadership matters, there is something deeply wrong with the philosophy of their relationship with God and men. On the natural, when you encounter these brethren, you will assume everything is perfect with them. However, they’ve been discovered to be the most isolated, lonely and frustrated folks within the community of God’s people.
While they may be the best in caring and ministering to others, yet, their own life is filled with discouragement, unending emotional pain and bitterness of their childhood memories which is presently affecting their current relationship and work productivity.
Their connection with social media is basically to help them go through the day or they will lose their mind. Facebook and other social media platforms have become their source of strength and therapy.
There’s no doubt about finding quality information and answer on social media platforms if we know what we are searching for. My point however is, you cannot depend or survive on social media alone as the precise reference point of gathering strength in dealing with the highly complex inner struggles of your life.
The rise of true kingdom community
There has to be a real-time community where we can truly connect physically and spiritually in searching and receiving the pure kingdom truth that can build and enhance our sense of community, integration, transformation and restoration.
The days ahead of us requires that the church becomes a powerful kingdom community center where individuals and families alike can come to and find strength and hope for the days ahead.
The future is in your past
Back to my main point, our childhood is one of the most influential reality still shaping our present existence. If we don’t effectively handle this aspect of our past that is still a threat to us today, I am afraid, it will continue to predict and shape the very outcome of our future regardless of the prophetic team or title we give to the coming year.
Experience, good or bad is some of the best tools heaven employs to refine and perfect all that is required to shape us into what we’ve been designed for in life. Furthermore, if we’ve not been taught how to positively make use of the various experiences of our lives either good or bad, there is the possibility that we can be found to be perpetually trapped in the negative experience and circumstances of our past.
In the next few days, we will be stepping into 2016. And as usual, many already have sets of objective, purpose and plans for the coming year. This is a very good discipline that encourages motivation, focus and direction as a believer. Life’s development is designed by a sustained practice of movement towards a set goal and objective.
The word of the lord enjoys every believer to discover their place and purpose in life. Not until we have fully grasped the very essence of our life and the purpose why we are born into the environment we find ourselves, we will certainly not have the precise sense of objective and direction towards the place of our ordained prophetic assignment.
if you however fall into this category of those who through knowledge or providence are able to identify, and are able to move towards a set objective for the coming year, I salute you and will encourage you to keep focused and pace with that which you have set before yourself.
The father has a placed for you in the future if you will return to the past
However, there is another category of individuals who may not be as certain and clear with regards to what the future, 2016 holds for them. By the way, this group I am referring to are not just limited to the unsaved folks. This includes Christians and even those in leadership position if you ask me.
And the reason for this is not because these individuals lack knowledge or understanding with regards to how to dream or make things happen. Nor is that they don’t know how to pray. No, some of the people I am referring to here to some degree are seen to have achieved some level of ‘success’ in life and ministry.
However, deep within some of these men and women, there is a subtle, brutal ranging battle within them that is almost seeking to enslave them to their past pattern of thinking.
The past is a crucial part of any person that cannot be wiped off or wished away. We can, however gain vital lessons that can help our development or that of another through the appropriation of the right lessons even though these lessons may sometimes expose us to very deep emotional and psychological pain for a season.
The power of pain
Pain is good if it will led to us winning and breakthrough in our immediate future. Yes, the story of some of our past is quite difficult to tell or share. However, the only way we can conquer those feelings of abuse, misuse, injustice, miss future, and marginalization, the loss of a very close family in our childhood or teenage life is by confronting them in the spirit of true forgiveness. If the memory of our past still hurts and hunts us, it means that we have not truly learned what forgiveness is all about, and therefore, we are not ready to advance into the future.
If we are yet to let go of those inner issues of our hearts that causes us so much pain and depression, we are then saying we are not ready to step into the future. Remember, the future is not a calendar year. It is the decision we make daily to leave behind what holds us back yesterday.
As long as you still feel the sense of guilt, neediness and victimization mentality, it means there’s still a major stronghold erected within the invisible wall of your mind that needs to be pulled down. These strongholds are like parasites that feeds on every negative thought and feeling you allow within your soul.
For example, the thought of fear and rejection will build or enhance the stronghold of insecurity and uncertainty. The motivation to step into new areas of life will be interpreted as a challenge from such a person.
When you condone negative thoughts and feelings
They are forever in opposition to change. When you condone the thought of rejection, you will see your best friend and ally as an enemy who is playing to attack you. Meaning that you interpret people’s good will from a suspicious negative perspective. This kind of people eventually becomes isolated and of cause, prone to satanic or demonic attacks.
The enemy keeps the pressure of attacking their thought and emotion of these people until he tries to snuff every ounce of hope, faith and love out of their lives. The point I am making here underscores the fact that seemly activity towards a goal does not necessarily define progress and fulfillment in a life that is still trapped by his or her past.
Some of the things we see or even term as great achievements today in the body of Christ are actually fig leaves we employ to cover our inner nakedness and shame. As individuals suffer insecurity and dysfunctional behavioral challenges, so does a family, community and the larger society. The inability to embrace a healthy emotional or spiritual life can damage, and is damaging the very structure of society.
This is a position many, especially within the body of Christ will not like to acknowledge or deal with due to levels of difficulty strongholds they will have to confront.
Secondly, the type of entertainment setup pattern of worship in most church community those not allow for such kind of serious issues. And if such issue shows up unnoticed, we relegate them to individuals without the training and skill to handle them. This kind of attitude is indirectly telling the people to keep their problem.
Why some cannot emotionally free in our church settings
While we may preach and teach the truth, the kind of administrative structure within this gathering does not encourage individuals to come forward in sharing the deepest secrets of their lives. The only time people seem to be willing to share something in our church community is when they have a testimony of a job promotion or financial increase unfortunately.
Why? That is the kind of culture set in the house by the leadership. More so, those who in the past have dared to share something that tends to make the church look or sound incompetent was immediately shut down. Therefore, people will rather keep silent with their challenge and emotional struggles because they don’t want to be seen as though they lack faith, vision and Revelational understanding to mention a few.
I felt identifying with this group of people in terms of trying to make sense of their inner struggles and condition will give them a sense of hope, faith, love and courage they need first to adequately understand what is happening to them and take the necessary step to move out of the prison of past emotional bondage.
Some of the things I have learned about people is that everyone is looking for someone who they can truly share some of the deep issues troubling their hearts. They just need a listening ear. Due to the lack of sincerity and openness most especially in the church community, many have remained trapped in the prison of the past; they are dying silently out of loneliness and self-rejection.
Because we live in society that only thrives on lies and deception, it has become even more difficult today to actually find those who are willing to acknowledge that we have issues that requires serious assistance even among people of the way.
I know what I am taking about
I can talk about this because I have been in that state of life where the thought of ending your life crosses your mind even as a believer. Depression becomes your companion, fear takes the place of faith. The voice of hopelessness becomes almost stronger than the voice of hope and faith. Hate almost pushes away your inherent nature of love by the power of deliverance manifest to pull one out of such dark alley.
Dealing with the complex dysfunctional realities of our lives could be highly challenging if there is a lack of truth and the unwillingness to confront the past reality of our lives.
I struggled to make sense of the condition that seem to have trapped me with little or no answer even after praying. While you are among people, the sense of emptiness and loneliness flood your mind without knowing what to do until there was a divine intervention.
The impact of what I am sharing takes more than the general bible knowledge and response you may get from a friend or fellow church members am afraid. Understanding who you are in the light of truth is one the most important aspect in stepping into the zone reality of lasting freedom. Yes, freedom and liberty in Christ is what gives you the courage to step out of that inner conflict no one but you can see.
The future is what you make of it today
As you get yourself ready for the coming season, allow me to highlight some point I felt should help you make sense of your future. The days ahead of us all are symbolic of a mountain climbing experience. Those who remain in the valley will be decided for by the circumstances, challenges and evil system of the Age.
Regardless of who you are, where you are, where you’ve been or what you’ve done, or what someone has done to you; you belong to Christ and him alone! You are never disenfranchised. I need you to be firmly established in some of these facts and truth that will guide you as you press further into 2016, and you need to press into 2016 with the strength of the Holy Spirit.
Here are the things you need to know by revelation:
- 1. God, your Heavenly Father knew you before you were born. The fact is, he created you, and set up the circumstances within the environment that now shape what is now termed as your life.
You’ve been destined for a successful life, regardless of your knowledge, what you term as failures or inabilities. He is the one working in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Do you believe this? You need to.
- You are not a product of an accident, even if you were born out of wedlock or rape. The circumstances surrounding your birth might not have been right in human eyes. Yet, the Lord used them as the vehicle to Lunch you into this world. Your Heavenly Father, the creator of your life, has the most perfect plan for you regardless of the condition or confusion around you.
- The reality of your past memory can be one of the most powerful instruments designed to shape you into your heavenly ordained assignment on earth. Do not allow the enemy to turn what your heavenly father ordained to build and nurture you in displaying his glory for your defeat.
- 4. Remember, whichever way you are born, you have an enemy that is relentless in his pursuit to destroy you. Even if you are born into royalty with all the opportunities in life to be whatever you want to be, you will still have enemies and challenges that will try to stop you.
Therefore, only when you live in the revelation of Christ, who is your victory, you will be defeated. Christ is your key and driver into the future.
Never fill embarrassed about your own challenge, embrace it and use it as the tool the Lord has ordained for you to be the best you’ve been designed for. Note this, all human has their own unique challenges regardless of their admission or not.
- 5. Progress is not about the big things done or achieved as good as they may be. Progress is about gaining that sense of:
- a) MEANING TO LIFE
- b) PURPOSE FOR EXISTENCE
- c) FULFILLMENT WITH WHO YOU
ARE AND WHAT YOU ATE SENT TO DO
- d) RIGHTEOUSNESS PEACE AND JOY IN THE HOLY SPIRIT
- 6. NEVER RUN WITH THE PACE OF OTHERS. BE ENCOURAGED AND MOTIVATED BY WHAT YOU SEE OTHERS DO OR ACHIEVE, BUT NEVER TRY TO COPY THEM, BECAUSE YOU ARE NOT GRACED NOR GIFTED TO DO WHAT THEY DO, AND MORE SO, YOU WILL ONLY BE REWARDED FOR YOUR OWN GIVEN ASSIGNMENT.
- THE FUTURE IS NOT A PLACE BUT THE PERSON OF CHRIST. IF YOU ARE IN CHRIST, YOUR FUTURE WILL NOT ONLY BE SECURED BUT FULFILLING.
- REMBER THAT PROPHECY ARE NOT MERE WORDS AND THEY CANNOT FULFILL THEMSELVES. THE KEY IS, THE TESTIMONY OF CHRIST IS THE SPIRIT OF PROPHECY. THERE, KEEP THE TESTIMONY OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST ALIVE IN YOUR LIFE AND YOU WILL BE A LIVING FULFILLMENT OF EVERY PROPHETIC WORD ORDAINED FOR YOUR LIFE AND COMMUNITY.
Please remember that your future is in Christ and not in the crisis of the days head
Have a fulfilling and prosperous 2016
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