The Power of Alignment

Alignment = arrange in appropriate relative positions; a position of agreement and alliance

Hebrews 9:10 - … until the time of reformation.

Greek word for reformation here is: diorthosis which means “to make straight or aligned”

Ezekiel 37:1-10 is all about alignment.  It reveals how the breath of God brings things into its appropriate place for maximum contribution.  When we see things, and even ourselves, in dry conditions and having minimal effect, we should investigate if there is proper alignment. 

Ezekiel saw this valley of dry bones separated and out of alignment.  The bones were dry and non-functioning. It is amazing to see these same bones standing and being an impacting force once the breath of God brought them into alignment. 

Alignment is key to so many things.  The planets are aligned properly, our homes are to be aligned as God prescribes, our spines need alignment for optimal health and mobility, a car needs aligned to drive well, an army must be aligned in mission and as a unit, and we all need the right alignment in relationships.  Alignment speaks of agreement and contribution.

All of these examples provide insight to the importance of the agreement each part has to another and what each part does in relationship with another.  Alignment is vital to anything with purpose and a requirement to function.  In other words, life and progress happen from proper alignment. 

Hebrews 9:10 is a unique verse in that it is the only place the word reformation is used in scripture.  The book of Hebrews is so amazing in how it lays out the depth and scope of Christ’s supremacy over the old covenant.  The author of Hebrews was presenting the gospel of the New/Better Covenant and how it supersedes and abolishes the Old.  It is calling those of the Old Covenant and each generation forward to align with Christ and the New/Better Covenant He established.  The Greek word diorthosis is the root word to the English word orthodontist.  You can see the picture.  We are called to be aligned and made straight in the work of Christ.  It is amazing that the concept of alignment is used in the extremely vital requirement of being in Christ.  It really puts weight on the understanding of alignment. 

I think the modern Church has not emphasized alignment much because the view of the Church has been predominately a “sheep fold” instead of an ambassadorial army (Ecclesia / Matt 16:8).  As long as sheep are within the fold or pasture, they are free to roam and go about as they please.  They get to eat and sleep, but at the end of the day, not much progress or advancement is made.  That gives us a picture of sheep just waiting for something to happen, and if they can just stay in the fold they will be ok.  But God has called the Church to much more than wondering around, eating, sleeping, and waiting for another day.  He has called us to restore ruined cities, disciple nations, and display His glory. 

In order to advance in this assignment, we are required to adjust/reform from the disjointed, independent, roaming around way of Christianity.  We must come into alignment with relationships, direction/vision, leadership, and understanding that will allow us to contribute in ways that cause advancement of His purposes.  This brings dry, separated components into formation and to their feet as a glorious force of His Kingdom. 

Generations must align, families must align, congregations must align, businesses must align, and leaders must align.  Alignment brings order.  Order brings power that overwhelms chaos.  The absence of chaos provides a fertile place to thrive. 

RISEnetwork:

God has called RISEnetwork to provide alignment.  God is breathing on this so the proper parts begin coming together as a force.  RISEnetwork is where there are relationships and contribution.  We need the strength of relationships and the enablement of contribution.  Each person is valued and each skill is important.  We don’t want to be like sheep just hanging out together.  We want to be as an army advancing as each adds their portion.  We want you rising to your fullest as we move forward together. 

We want to align together because we recognize “Hope is Here”, and because hope is here we want to awaken, connect, and send the generations as a force of purposeful worship, pioneering hearts, and passionate leaders.  If something leaps in your spirit as you read this, RISEnetwork could be a proper alignment for you. 

Alignment will unlock destiny.  Alignment will propel you forward.  Alignment will cause you to thrive.  Like Hebrews 9:10, this is a time of reformation; a time of alignment.  God is positioning you in a movement that will impact the earth.  It is time we rise together!

Abiding is Moving

Many, including myself, are experiencing a lot of change as an era of reformation continues to release fresh wine that requires new skins.  In times of change and uncertainty we long for a sense of security and predictability.  Of course, this is a mechanism God put in us to motivate us toward Him.  He is our security and He never changes.  This draws our hearts so we experience a relief from the stress of change.  Often we are attracted to Jesus' words about "abiding" in Him.  

Abiding in Him is exactly what we are to do, but abiding in Him is not a stationary or stagnet situation. Abiding in Him is about movement and change.  See how this works out as I explain what I see in John 15....

I have been giving thought to John 15. Of course there is a lot in there. Jesus was giving instructions at the end of the Last Supper and was about to leave the Disciples. He had washed their feet, commanded them to love each other, identifies Himself as Way/Truth/Life, promises Holy Spirit, and then says to abide/stay in Him (John 13-15). He reveals Himself as the vine, the source, not the temple or law. This dialog was to call the Disciples to remain in Him/new covenant and not fall back into the old or return to Judaism.

An important part to reading scripture is to keep in place the lens of the New Covenant replacing the Old and that the original text was written to those of the Old in order to call them into the New. Jesus' words about abiding reveals that He is of the new and anything that remains in the old is not connected to the Vine therefore doesn't produce fruit. This leads to being cut off and thrown in fire. This literally happened to Jerusalem and the temple as they didn't abide in Him. In AD70, the temple and Jerusalem were burned to the ground (the fire). Those "in the Way"/ Christians that stayed in Jesus got out and were preserved. Our lives are ongoing fruit of that.

So John 15 can really speak to us to stay connect in Jesus by being in step with what He's doing. We are "in Christ/abiding" by the means of His grace at our new birth. We have been brought to Him and are not going to fall out of Him. So there is not much of a way to abide more in Him then we are through new birth. For regenerated lives, we don't fear not being in Him. So John 15 doesn't say much to us about our position or status with Him. We may want or need a deeper or more up to date communion with Him, but we already abide/remain in Him once born again.

So I'm looking at abiding from the view of remaining with Him as He brings new eras, new seasons, further work. We are to stay/abide in step with Him as He progresses His Kingdom. That which does not remain/abide in step becomes the fruitless branches and is useless. This leads to drying up and being lifeless. We all know many people and many churches that are in Chirst positionally and salvationally but are dried up and fruitless. This is because they are not abiding in Him as He brings forth new. The context of John 15 is at the brink of the new exploding into history. The promise of the Holy Spirit is that He would be the Helper, Counselor to keep us in step with what Christ is doing. This shows me that we abide in Him by staying in step with what He is doing (our salvation is secured).  That which is not abiding in Him is evident by dryness and no fruit. So if we want to abide, we must move and go past comfort, ease, own desires and walk in what has fruit of the Vine. When we see that which is dry and without fruit, we see that which is not in the Vine (abiding) and will be reduced to ashes.

As God changes seasons and calls us to the new, He calls us into it by calling us to abide. He is calling us to go with Him into the new that produces fruit. He prunes through the tension and ache of things being removed or going away. This is His process of bringing more out of us and deeping our connection in Him.

John 15 has to be seen in connection of John 13 & 14... The Last Supper/His final words to Disciples about moving from the old into the new. 

Some Thoughts on Prayer

To me, it seems like I can find myself struggling with the basic things as I desire what appears to be deeper things.  Prayer has always been part of my life.  I have heard and read many teachings on prayer and do my best to embrace the fullest measure of what is prayer.  With theological battles over how much of a role we as people play and how much is determined regardless, I can find myself battling how to approach prayer in a deeply convinced way.  I don't think I go through the motions, but I do feel I needed to see some realities of prayer for myself and not just someone else's teaching on it.  So tonight I am doing a brief teaching on prayer that has risen in my heart.  See if you find it helpful.  

To start, I see that prayer does 3 important things (I'd expect there to be a longer list, but I am wanting to touch on basics)

• Prayer effects your heart
• Engages your enemies by pronouncing their defeat
• Shapes the atmosphere. 

I see scripture revealing that by connecting Matthew 6 (Lord's Prayer) and Ephesians 6 (warfare prayer).

(Effecting our heart) Matt 6:9-10 shows prayer effects our heart by us turning to Him and recognizing Him as the Highest, the Superior. Our hearts humble before His hallowedness/holiness. Our hearts turn to desire His desires above ours.

(Engaging our enemies by pronouncing their defeat) Matt 6:11-13 shows enemies are pushed back by pronouncing they don't have a hold and can't restrain. We get bread, we forgive, we are forgiven, temptation can't capture us, and we are free from evil. Our enemies are resisted (James 4:7) through prayer as we rehearse the victory of Jesus and His provision for us.

(Shape atmosphere) Eph 6:12-20 shows us that prayer shapes the atmosphere as those verses connect prayer and contending with the powers in the atmosphere. Verse 18 speaks of prayer being our effort "to that end", the end of contending with powers in the atmosphere. Prayer is the weapon/tool by which to shape an atmosphere.  

I understand there to be different aspects of prayer available to us.  That is not the topic for this writing, but I do want to make the next comment with 2 areas of prayer in mind.  Both prayer as intercession/asking/requesting and prayer as - declarative/legislative/prophetic positions our hearts to humbly ask for His involvement and also to partner with Him to pronounce in the earth as things are in heaven.

I am hoping to get a better hold on this myself. I hope to better participate in what He has called us to in this aspect of His Kingdom. This is the work of the Bride, a son, an ambassador.

His grace enables us.

Acts Shows Us How

Thank God there are more and more of His people looking into and embracing the understanding that He desires His Body to function as an ecclesia not just a gathering.  Of course, this is not a new idea, but a returning to a forgotten foundation.  There are many good teachings available concerning the governing role of the ecclesia in shaping history for His glory.  I just listened to a recent one from Jim Hodges, www.fmci.org , where he made a great statement.  Speaking of the corporate Body of Christ he said, "We need to be congressional not just congregational."  This is key for us to grasp and implement.

There are many new approaches being taken to help apply and engage the function of the ecclesia.  As a leader, I, like many others, am asking, "How do I go about this and what am I to lead us in doing."  As I considered that, I reflected back to how we see the 1st century Church adjusting and reforming even within the first generation of its existence.  I thought back to messages about how the Church functioned in Jerusalem, and then how it did different things in Antioch.  We can also see that a different function happened in Ephesus. I guess I had processed those before to present the idea that change can and should happen for further advancement of the Kingdom.  I saw each location as a progression forward.  I still think there is accurate understanding in that, but as I looked at it again I recognized something that was helpful to me.

Instead of these Churches being progressive in change, I saw them as the needed components FOR change.  All three presented a needed element for change, further development, and function of the ecclesia.  I think there is opportunity to see a trinity of needed characteristics that we can apprehend and work toward.

In Acts 9:27, we see the apostles held council in Jerusalem.  We see in Acts 11:27 that prophets came from Jerusalem, and certainly Acts 15 reveals the council in Jerusalem.  I noticed in Acts 9:31 that the Church in the region had peace and was being built up.  This helped me see the need for the 5 Fold gifts to have a strong, healthy base to work in and from.  This is not a new idea, but I saw this as one of the three needed elements for a Kingdom Center/Ecclesia to happen and be effective.  We need to have the 5 Fold pouring into and developing a strong congregation.

Next, as I looked at Antioch, I saw in Acts 11:30 the need for the ecclesia to send people into assignments, funded and resourced.  We all know Antioch was a sending center, but if we want effective Kingdom Centers, we must develop people to see beyond themselves and beyond their local congregation.  The Ecclesia must be those looking to solve problems in what is around them and also what is beyond them.

Thirdly, I looked at Ephesus and the change that happened there as Paul parked himself for two years to gave himself to the development of leaders.  Acts 19:1-10, explains how some were unwilling to move from what had been so he got with the hungry ones and developed them.  This speaks of the desperate need we have for Kingdom Centers to be developing leaders for each family's house, the church house, the marketplace, and the state house.  We need to develop Kingdom minded, Biblical worldview, covenant leaders to work within culture to bring forth His glory.

I don't think any of this is new revelation for many as it comes to the individual functions of each of these 1st century Churches.  To me, the freshness for this moment was to see each one revealed an aspect needed in modern day Kingdom Centers/Ecclesia;  1) a base for 5 Fold gifts to pour into and develop strong healthy congregations 2) responding to assignments beyond ourselves and sending people resourced and funded 3) create the avenues in which to develop leaders that will impact culture.

I believe that if we go to work developing Kingdom Centers in regions that will carry and produce these three elements, we could see a truer function of the Ecclesia come forth and more of His glory revealed. I am working on implementing these three elements in my location.  If more and more do the same, in a generation or two we have a different thing going on.

Maybe seeing these as elements of a whole and not just as progressive helps us see what Acts is showing us for today. 

Shining Bright (public school in church buildings)

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There is a popular song on the radio right now that puts a modern phrase to the historic words of Jesus.... "Shine bright like a diamond. We're beautiful like diamonds in the sky."

Rihanna's song may have something different in mind, but Jesus spoke to us; In the same way, let your light shine before others, so  that they may see your good works and  give glory to your Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 5:16 ESV).

It's awesome how Genesis 1 records God putting stars in the dark sky as a solution to the darkness.  Jesus told us to shine.  He told us to be solutions to issues and situations around us.  It is an appropriate response for people to turn to the people of God for solutions.  It is right of the people of God to take initiative to present solutions.  As we shine, light is available to navigate through things in a way that honors God and allows hearts to see Him

This week in Ravenswood, WV, the people of God are shining bright in a unique situation.  The public school had a gas line issue and needed immediate repairs that would require all the heating to be off.  The repairs would be such that it would be multiple days of closing school.  With school administrators and teachers that are of God's Kingdom, the solution of utilizing church buildings came on the table.  Before they could pursue that idea, local pastors were already calling to offer their buildings.  In a short amount time, a solution was in place as those of God's Kingdom stepped forward to shine.  

3 congregations, including the one I lead, opened their doors for teachers and students to fill the rooms and continue in their learning.  As I arrived at our building, the halls and rooms are full of excited 5th graders and teachers smiling.  This is one simple example of God's Kingdom making solutions available and bringing a blessing in the midst of situations.  

If we look around, we can find everyday, simple ways to shine.  The people of God are to be the bright spots in the day and in situations.  These good works turn hearts to see Him.  It's for His honor that Praise Cathedral opened our doors.  The hope is that in honoring Him in this way it blesses lives and causes hearts to look toward Him.  

Rihanna may have a hit on the radio singing about shining bright like a diamond, but Jesus made that statement long ago and it has continued beyond a trendy song to compel us to make a difference.  Those of His Kingdom are stars that shine in the moments of night.  Shine brightly!!! 

From the Backward Glance in Gratitude

 “But our joy does not just rise from the backward glance in gratitude. It also rises from the forward look in hope.”

- John Piper in Desiring God

The backward glance of gratitude does something that provides hope when looking forward. Time and time again God reveals His ability and faithfulness to complete the good work He started (Phil 1:6). He continues in His purposes and our lives are forever enriched by His doing so. He leads by the light of His word shining before our feet (Ps 119:105), and each step creates a past step that says something about the next step. This is an unending blessing that provides joy at any moment.

The ability to look backwards in itself is a catalyst for gratitude. Looking back is proof we are not where we were. This then affirms that He is moving us toward His desire and design. That creates for us a solid place of assurance that the next point on the path will be of the same nature. Not all places feel the same, but all are pointing to the same. All things direct us toward Him. Our glance backward is to see Him. Our look forward is to see Him.

Seeing Him from looking over our shoulder stirs gratitude and reminds us He was there then. Seeing Him in front ignites hope that He will be there before we even know where “there” is. His Word, like head lights on the car, allows us to see the path closest to us, but His presence in the past let's us know He is beyond what we see in the light. With our hearts set in joy that He was there, is here, and is already there, we remain firm in the faith. 

Gratitude and Hope is our response to seeing Him. It is our joy to look. It is our joy to see. It is our joy to know and affirm He is how we've made it and how we will carry on.

Veils Removed, Lights Turned On, and the Smoke Clears

With the recent elections over, it can be see that we have stepped into a new America. But is it really that new or have we just had the veil removed to see what America has been for some time now? The decay and decline of America runs parallel to the recoil of Christian influence in culture. I think most would understand that the condition of the Church is a major contributor to the condition of a nation. The Church must be evaluated and must respond to the corrections needed in order to be pleasing to the Lord and disciple nations. The book of Revelation shares letters to the Churches in 7 regions of Asia Minor that expresses issues in each Church that needed addressed and reformed. The Book goes on to explain how things would go for the ending of the Old Covenant and judgment on apostate Israel. There are a lot of images and events used to explain that would happen to carry out what God was releasing upon Jerusalem. These letters to the Churches being positioned at the opening of the Book can express God’s desire to have the Church reformed and ready for what was going to happen. It would seem the Churches were being prepared to be those that extend the New Covenant into the centuries to come. The course of the future will be in light of how the Church steps into its role for the years to come.

After the letters to the Churches, Revelation displays scenes of the Throne room, scrolls/documents being unlocked, indictments laid out, and consequences for rebellion. Then, in chapter 12-13 is the picture of a Dragon that lashes out to devour a newly born son. That attempt was not successful so the Dragon found itself at war again with those that obey God’s command. The Dragon's strategy was to empower a Beast to obtain worship from the masses. The Dragon was fueling the Beast with the power to deceive. The Beast was a facade to obtain worship for the Dragon. The Beast worked to gain control and tyrannically demanded what it wanted and profaned the Most High.

Today, the Dragon/Satan, is continuing that strategy to obtain worship and allegiance through the same means, beasts. There are beasts propped up in today’s societies and nations to amass control and do the bidding of the Dragon. Like the Churches written to in Revelation, God is speaking into the Church today to address the areas we fail in. The Church must be in proper working order so it can rightfully identify and overthrow the beasts. The Church must be able to correctly deal with beasts or the nations fall prey to the deception.

In front of the nations of today are 5 Beasts that I can identify parading their taunts and smooth words to obtain control. Elegant attempts using emotional forgery to lure many like the Pied Piper. With swagger and promises, beasts gain allegiance and the unaware masses are duped and enslaved before they know it. These 5 Beasts must be overtaken and diminished through an awakened, informed, reformed and engage Church that places Jesus and His ways before mankind so worship and allegiance is ascribed to Him. This is the only way freedom, blessing, and life can prevail. The tyranny of beasts comes with a severe price tag. If the Church does not respond to the reforms God is calling for, the Dragon is able to deceive nations through these 5 beasts:

• Humanism – man as center and supreme
• Statism – civil government as center and supreme
• Religion – regulations as center and supreme
• Idolatry – constructed gods set as center and supreme
• Materialism/Consumerism – money and possessions as center and supreme

(What is set as center and supreme is what motivates us, shapes us, and determines our worldview)

These 5 Beasts demand surrender from many and countless lives are lived giving all they have to uphold these in worship. When cultures are shaped by these Beasts nations feel the ramifications. Families crash, economies fail, education dims, creativity is obstructed, and a culture of death gains a strangle hold.

There must be an awakened Church that breaks its ties with these Beasts and comes to a singular focus of worship and surrender; Jesus. If the facade of the Beasts are exposed and the Deceiver is revealed through the light of God’s word, the work of Jesus, and the gospel of His Kingdom, nations can experience the liberty provided in Him, live in the blessing of His light, and eat the fruit from the Tree of Life.

The Beasts must be revealed. The Church must reform. Jesus must be our center. A Christ Centered Movement is the offensive strategy to expose and deteriorate the smoke and mirrors of the Dragon. Revelation expresses the victory of Jesus over anything and everything that opposes Him. His Church rides with Him in victory over the beasts of history as we keep a sober mind and hearts set only for Him.