What is God saying to the Church at the beginning of 2023
As we prepare for 21 Days In His Presence [our annual fasting and prayer emphasis] I wanted to document what God has said to us during our New Years Service. I am very happy to see the prophetic gifting growing among us. I believe it will continue to grow this year.
Concerning the gift of prophecy… let’s remember what the Scripture says:
Moses said…
“But Moses asked him, “Are you jealous on my account? If only all the Lord’s people were prophets and the Lord would place his Spirit on them!’” Numbers 11:29
Whether Moses knew it or not, He was voicing God’s heart. The prophet Joel confirms… “After this, I will pour out my Spirit on all humanity; then your sons and your daughters will prophesy…” Joel 2:28
The Apostle Paul says…
“Pursue love and desire spiritual gifts, and especially that you may prophesy.”
1 Corinthians 14:1
“But if all are prophesying and some unbeliever or outsider comes in, he is convicted by all and is called to account by all. The secrets of his heart will be revealed, and as a result he will fall facedown and worship God, proclaiming, ‘God is really among you.’”
1 Corinthians 14:24-25
“For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.” 1 Corinthians 13:9
“Don’t despise prophecies, but test all things. Hold on to what is good.”
1 Thessalonians 5:20-21
Remember: we test all prophecy with Scripture and the test of time, holding on to what is good. But we celebrate and value those who take a risk to grow in the prophetic. We do not condemn anyone for trying. Our value: FAITH is spelled R-I-S-K.
Here is what was revealed in our New Year’s Service.
#1 A vision or picture was received of large, beautiful, elaborate doors that were opening and a bright, very brilliant, light was shining through. There was a sense of something great coming — especially more of Jesus and His kingdom among us.
#2 God is wanting to birth something through us in coming year. This is something that will be somewhat unique for our community. What it is exactly will be revealed piece by piece. It is believed it will be consistent with the current reformation taking place in the church today.
We are challenged to remember the characteristics of the birthing process. It is uncomfortable, undignified/humbling, painful, the process is outside our control, messy, requires cooperation/surrender. We don’t get to choose what is birthed, we simply say YES to what is coming into being. It brings new life and produces great joy after much travail. It creates family. It makes way for the future, growth, possibility, hope, vision and legacy (new generations).
The vision of the doors opening seem to be connected to the birthing process as well. There are exciting and challenging days ahead. The adventure continues...
#3 The message was received that it is time to deal with foundational things. If there is ongoing, unrepentant sin that is not being dealt with, it is time to deal with it. If there is broken relationships being ignored, it is time to address it and see if there is an opportunity for reconciliation. It is time to solidify our faith and our relationship with God. If we are not spending time in the word, in prayer, in the secret place, then it is time to embrace the disciplines that cultivate our relationship with God. There is an urgency in the spirit to get these things in order in preparation for what is coming on the world.
The motivation is our love for God. It is time to embrace the Great Commandment life — loving the Lord with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength. To have no other loves before Jesus. The disciplines of daily Bible study, prayer, meditation before God in the secret place (Matthew 6:6) is the fruit of our love for God.
#4 Another picture or image was received… that we are called to be a Help Center. This means a family of people who are committed to helping each other in our walk with Jesus. As we follow Him together we are committed to help each other with challenges and difficulties. We are to be faithful to pray for each other and walk with each other through all the ups and downs of the narrow way. This is a great confirmation of what I believe God has been leading us to over the past year -- a devotion to the fellowship. I love the family God is bringing together at Christ The King!
#5. We should take seriously God’s invitation to a “season of refreshing” as described in Acts 3:19-20. We should embrace repentance, holiness and pursuing His presence. A season of refreshing is before us if we choose His way.
#6. What God wants to do among us this year will rise and fall based on our prayer life as a church and personally. We are committed to being a House of Prayer for all. We have made a commitment to a weekly intercessory prayer meeting on Wednesdays. We are going to create more opportunities for prayer in our Sunday Worship Gathering. We are calling all of our family to make a daily commitment to the secret place with God (Matthew 6:6). This is essential.
#7. A message was received that this coming year will see greater chaos in the world. But God is calling us to be His Sanctuary in our community for the coming storms. Being a true House of Prayer, building an altar through worship, making a commitment to knowing and obeying the Scriptures and setting a priority to minister to the Lord first is key to becoming a Sanctuary for our community. Reference Ezekiel 37:26-28
#8 We are encouraged in the Scriptures to be aware of the enemies schemes (2 Corinthians 2:11). We are cautioned by the Holy Spirit to be aware that the enemy will come against us with a spirit of offense and trying to bring division in our marriages and families.
Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then [in His armor]… And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Ephesians 6:13 & 18.
As we join together in fasting and prayer beginning January 11th, pray into these prophetic messages as we continue to seek first King Jesus and His Kingdom.
May His kingdom come and His will be done among us, as it is in heaven!
Amen!
-- Dan Sanders