Aligning Ourselves with the Kingdom

Aligning Ourselves with the Kingdom - January 20, 2013 (Positioning Ourselves with the Kingdom) Two weeks ago we looked at Jesus as the gate of Heaven.  He was the prototype of the New Testament of God, the new wineskin. We also are the New Testament temple of God and we also are to be the gates of Heaven for the nations. Last week was about us coming into agreement with God coming, quite possibly in ways we haven't experienced or thought of. In these days, we need to keep our minds and our hearts ALIGNED  and focused on God and what we know is going to happen. This week, we need to talk about our role as facilitators on the earth of what our Father desires on the earth. As gates, wer are facilitators, we can't actually make the things of heaven happen, it is God's desire and His power, but we have a role. Thos ewho only have a relationship with a set of rules will never operate as the gates of heaven, they are too focused on what not to do and avoiding punishment from God. We are invited into at relationship witha a real God, who has emotions and affections for you.  He is actually revealed in three persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  This almighty God desires for things to be different in your life and mine and on the earth.  He desires that they be better.  So, He invites us into a real heart to heart relationship, a new way of living. This new life3 in Christ is about receiving and giving... We can love God because we first received His love... He blesses us so we can bless others... As we give, we receive mroe, to give more... As gates of heaven, we have to recieve from heaven to give, that means positioning ourselves to receive so that we can be filled. As those who have received the life of heaven in Christ, we have moved beyoind living for as set of rules and avoiding punishment into a new way of living - by the spirit. Conflict is not a sign that this is not a save place or that God is calling you to move. Conflict is a sign that you are in a relationship with someone who is different from you.  It is an opportunity to learn to walk in love and mercy. Flesh versus Spirit: It is not difficult or even unlikely that we will please the Lord when we operate in the flesh.  It is actually possible!! Romans 8:1-9 We please God by learning to live by the spirit. This is living in relationship.  It is learning to live by different motives with very different potentials. John 5:19-20 It boils down to Positioning your heart to know God. Parable of the ten virgins: (Matthew 25) At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Concentrate on what you know to be true in these days.  There is so much turmoil and uncertainty in the political world.  We can be overwhelmed.  If we feed on that stuff, then that's the wrong kind of oil that will clug up your lamp.  That stuff will feed fear. If we will focus our attention on what we know to be true. Act 2:  Peter says these are the last days. Acts 2:1-21  When the day of Pentecost came, there were all together in one place... Are we approaching the end of the age?  I believe we are.  Difficult times are coming.  I do not believe that the people of God are going to be raptured out of here before times get difficult. This is going to be a year of miracles, more healings.  We are going to see this year things we have been praying for years.  I want my lamp to be full. I want to be a full participant, not a part time participant.