The Staff AND the Sword



" Whenever Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed,
& whenever he lowered his hand, Amalek prevailed.
But Moses' hands grew weary, so they took a stone &
put it under him, and he sat on it,
while Aaron and Hur held up his hands,
one on one side, and the other on the other side.
So his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.
And Joshua overwhelmed Amalek & his people with the sword...”
- Exodus 17:8-16

I've read this passage many times in my daily Bible readings, but it never stood out to me til I read it some months ago in that Revival book that I keep mentioning. This understanding has radically impacted my life since then!

In the passage of Scripture above, Moses' aothority, power & leadership is represented by the rod of God. The strength & passion of the younger generation is represented by Joshua's sword.

Basically, the significance is this. The younger generation must show honor & submission to their elders & follow their leading if we expect to be blessed by the Lord. This is proper order of alignment arranged by God from the beginning. Submitting to this releases the Lord's blessing & favor. An understanding of this alliance & alignment is absolutely imperative if we're to experience sustained revival. A revival can last more than one generation, if the generations are united together!

"Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise,
but the companion of fools will suffer harm."
- Proverbs 13:20

We desperately need to inherit the courage, identity, inheritance, Power, wisdom, teaching, covering, protection & annointing of the older generation. We need the authority of godly, mature mothers & fathers to establish a life of purity & holiness.

"He will turn the hearts of fathers to their children
& the hearts of children to their fathers..."

- Malachi 4:6b

Aligning ourselves under the covering of the authority of the older generation is essential if we desire to be successful in fulfilling the task at hand. We are Called to be under authority. In fact, we can't walk in authority unless we're first submitted to authority. Obedience to authority aligns us under the Covering. Trying to live without this covering is like trying to live without grace.

We also have to have an understanding of the inheritance- If we honor authority, we're privileged to occupy the ground that they've fought for (acquiring what they've gained). We're standing on the shoulders of those who have come before us. But we aren't Called to merely hold onto that Vision, but to further it. We want to go further than our predecessors did! This is real stewardship. We're supposed to work hard to add to the inheritance that we've been given! THIS is a multi-generational vision!

"From everyone who has been given much, much more will be demanded;
& from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked."

- Luke 12:48b

So, in closing, some questions for you-

Have you learned how to submit?
Are you properly aligned under the authority God has placed in your life?
Are you respectful & submissive to this authority?
Are you experiencing the blessings of God in your life because of this?
Who are you aligned under?
Who is regularly, consistently mentoring, inspiring & impacting your life?

Are you asking them to give you the Blessing & Power of God?
Are you choosing to submit, obey & honor?

Are you asking the Lord to rise up spiritual mothers & fathers in your life?
Can you serve your fathers when it's not about you & your vision?
Can you help them accomplish the things on their hearts?
Can you do everything in your power to see their vision fulfilled?
Can you prioritize that over your vision?
Who are you serving on purpose?
What is your motivation for serving someone else?

If you want to receive your own Vision, faithfully serve someone else's. If you want to walk in __________, then serve someone else who moves in that area. Learn to be loyal, faithful, trustworthy & dependable. Put your vision aside. Remember- "It's not about you!" Learn from their strengths, weaknesses, successes & failures. Diligently follow & serve them til the end. Then you will be blessed.

"And if you have not been faithful in that which is another's,
who will give you that which is your own?"

- Luke 16:12

Light Your World!



Last week, I was reading a book about modern-day revival- where we're lacking, what we've lost & how to regain it. It's taken me at least 8 months to finish it, but it was a great book! And it's great to be reading again!!!

I know I'll post at least one other thought from this book eventually, but here's the idea that's on my heart currently.

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket,
but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. I
n 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 5:14-16

Our personal responsibility is to unveil the reality of the Kingdom through every aspect of our lives. This is the Church's ministry to the world. We're called to be "full-time ministers," no matter what our "life occupation" might be.
Our job is to let our light shine! To be Christ's hands & feet in our world. So that when unbelievers experience us, they will see the difference in us & might glorify God!
We should be moved to take personal responsibility to let our light shine wherever God has placed us. To speak words of Truth right now, right where we're at. To bring light into our homes, workplaces, Churches, neighborhoods etc. We need to catch the Vision.

We can't wait for somebody else to take the responsibility. I once saw a sign that read "I always wondered why somebody didn't do something about that. Then I realized- I AM somebody!" A photo of that sign is currently on my bulletin board, to remind me everyday of my personal responsibility.

This is what a "strategic, missional mindset" looks like- to constantly be thinking about what you're saying, doing & thinking. To be aware of other peoples' needs & hurts & how you may bless them with the gifts, resources & talents that God has given you.

"It's time to go public- let your light SHINE!"