August 20, 2006
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subscribe, view past issues and Get the Book Meet the King of Kings In Releasing Kings we described Kings as bold, creative, competitive, prosperous, gregarious, and visionary. Most of us recognize that description in a few people, say 10%, instead of 90% as the book claims. I really believe what God is doing in the larger body of Christ does apply to 90% of us. Many of are still a work in progress. Let's explore how and why we too can be Kings. There are 3 ways we could end up "Kingly" by the above definition.
You can decide to be a King - Although 1 and 2 are true, I want to make a case that 3 is the "deciding" factor; that you are free to choose the favor of God and you can choose to receive your land by taking on boldness, creativity, competitiveness, and prosperity. We don't imply that everyone will go into business, but I do believe we each carry a dream that God is wooing us to pursue. One of my favorite lines in the preface for Releasing Kings is, "This book is not about how to be successful at your job; it’s about how to be successful at your dream." Knowing the King of Kings - One of the strongest influences on our willingness to be "Kingly" is our concept of what God is really like. Within the boundaries of salvation by faith in Jesus' death on the cross and his resurrection we each carry a slightly different focus on which of God's attributes are most important. Let's look at some of those "cause and effect" relationships; If God is _____, then I'll be _____. We really do become like the God we worship. 1. Knowing the God of Truth (Omniscient) - God is truth and we all detest moral relativism and situational ethics. Revelation is one of the exciting experiences of knowing God. However, we've all met the excess of this facet of knowing God. Gatekeepers of truth; condescending sheriffs in the body that want to judge us in a legalistic way. We are not drawn to God by this excess; we are driven away from our dream.
2. Knowing the God of Power (Omnipotent) - God is all powerful as evidenced by creation and His ability to intervene in the world (the miraculous). Those that emphasize this precious aspect of God can fall into a relationship defined by a "chain of command" that places a premium on obedience. When we interact with them we feel the oppression of their authoritarian desire to control us; the way they perceive God is controlling them. The result is fear and flight.
3. Knowing God as the Rock of Ages (Impassible, unemotional) - God's character is unchanging; He will never leave us or forsake us and we can trust in him. However, when we over-focus on this facet of His nature, we may assume that he is emotionally untouched by our actions. If we view God as too holy to be encumbered by our humanity, we too take on that attribute and distance ourselves from our emotions. The more we try to be stoic and principled (like the Rock), the more our pain causes our personalities to divide into multiples. Knowing people that have become unemotional is nearly impossible; they hide from relationships of depth. 4. Predestination (Meticulous providence, Exhaustive Foreknowledge) - Classic predestination is centered on a belief that “sovereignty” means that God knows and controls the future. Under this view our only job is to find the singular “will of God” and do it. Initiative is viewed as a swamp of presumptuous shipwrecks fraught with temptations that play on our carnality. "Spirit led" means that if God doesn't touch the joy stick, we don't move. People that require God to manage the future this closely are typically "decision paralyzed." They cannot "own" their own vision and resign themselves to be eternal servants instead of Kings. They would never dream of a two-way conversation with God that changes His mind the way Moses did (Ex 32:11-14) - real interaction and intercession coupled with initiative. They also assume God is sovereignly behind everything that goes wrong. They are unable to explain God's motive and are tempted not to trust Him. 5. Knowing the God of Love - Although God has the sovereign power to manage us and the future like pre-programmed robots, He has chosen to elevate love relationships as His preeminent characteristic. Here is what "God is Love" means. He chose to use his sovereignty to create us with free wills so that we could choose to love Him. He really has created other powers and personalities that have their own limited sovereignty. Ambassadors entrusted with some of God's own power and wisdom. His goal is a volunteer army of "lovers." He is so wise and self confident that He has chosen to woo us toward his will through the power of His love. Admittedly its a messy process that deviates from the script; Angels have fallen, holocausts have occurred, but God is unwavering; resurrecting our failures, multiplying our faithfulness, and empowering us as Kings. He dances over our victories and grieves with us over our losses. He is interactively shaping a dynamic future with us toward a victory that is not in doubt. He is headed toward a spotless bride that has chosen to rule and reign with him. You're invited.
When you Know God - Spiritual maturity in people is very recognizable. When you encounter it you feel the inspiration and the invitation of love's encouragement. Instead of feeling, discerned, lectured, judged, managed, or bypassed... you feel the pull of personal embrace; the sense that you are important and so is your dream. You're not the ant cowering in front of a cosmic force. A very personable God has reached out and knocked on your door and extended his hand to join him in a great adventure. Who would have thought? - The Jews expected the Messiah to show his power and take vengeance on the rebellious. Instead, God himself took on the form of humanity and submitted to the cross out of love for the World. Omnipotence would never have predicted such an act of love. Predestination would have never planned for it. The classic view of God didn't expect him to get His hands dirty. Yet, God responded to your and my situation with a loving invitation to relationship. Choose to be Kingly - What gives the rest of us the courage to be Kingly? God's personal invitation. We're invited to be seated at His right hand. We're invited to shape the portion of the future that has our name on it and inherit our land. We can choose not to - many "just say no." God continues to woo us and others toward His plan. No, the future is not all locked up. God has sovereignly chosen to take the risk and allow us to play a role in shaping it. Prayer does change things. Prosperity can be converted to ministry and we can make a difference in history. You can be bold, creative, competitive, prosperous, gregarious, and visionary. God truly is the King of Kings and he's inviting you into your dream. It's true. We've underestimated the power and breadth of God's love. If you want to read more:
Life is an adventure. People are a blessing. God is amazing. We're winning.
Love, John & Harold (are dancing - Join us)
Conference in Charlotte, NC You're invited to a conference called a Gathering of Kings on September 23. A local businessmen (Tim Flachman) got excited about the book and newsletters and has teamed up with other Marketplace Ministers to make it happen. Tim is a great example of what God is doing in young, visionary entrepreneurs with a heart for ministry. Make plans to be there and receive the impartation.
____________________________________________________________________ You can get your copy of Releasing Kings for Ministry in the Marketplace at 1-800-308-5837 (or) |