The King is coming. Do you know Him?

PART 2

Know What to Look For!

Abraham may not have known "where" he was going, but he knew "what" to look for. He looked for a city with a firm foundation which was designed by God. We must look for that same thing in 2008. My husband and I have been in full-time pulpit ministry for almost twenty years now. But also, we have been custom home builders in marketplace ministry for over thirty years. We are fully aware how important a foundation is when building a house and that there are certain fundamental principles that apply when establishing strong foundations.

Footings have to be constructed and then one has to dig deep enough to find bedrock in order to drive piers or pilings into the bedrock to fasten securely to that rock. If this task is not accomplished properly, the foundation can sink, crack or collapse under the weight of the building. It is the same in the spiritual. In this new season if we do not properly build, we will collapse. We will find ourselves cycling through the wilderness once again and will miss God's timing of "coming out!" I want out of this wilderness, don't you?

Over the years I have observed the collapse of many spiritual foundations. Ministries have rapidly grown, but there was no firm foundation. Ministries built solely on the gifts of the Spirit and not upon Jesus Christ--have no firm foundation. As wonderful as revelation is, there is only one sure foundation which is Jesus Christ. Gifts of the Spirit are wonderful, but they are not foundational and not to be built upon. Observe 1 Corinthians 3:11, "For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ."

Jesus is Not Just a Foundation; He is the Entire Building!

New Testament apostles and ministers had only one message--Jesus Christ! Their entire messages were about Him and "in Him are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" Colossians 2:3. Jesus is not simply a foundation; He is the whole building process. Our faith should not waver concerning His ability to lead us into fulfillment. Once we know Him, we can trust Him. He, as the great Shepherd, will lead us into all Truth. He is the Way, the Truth and the Light.

We have the same potential as Abraham to possess the same faith--in fact I call it "God's faith!" When Jesus spoke to His disciples, He instructed them to have faith like God. Other translations quote it like this, "Have the God kind of faith!" We can have the same level of faith as God has because we are created in His image. We, like Abraham, are seeking that sure foundation, and God will direct us in 2008 if we go through the gate of faith.

The Second Thing to Look For is Boundaries!

Secondly, 2008 will require patience, perseverance and the understanding of our boundaries and assignments. Abraham sought a city built by God; he was not like those who were determined to build a tower of Babel--a work of their own hands. For those of us who have built our own kingdoms, God may be allowing some scattering and confusion because He is tearing it apart to build again. Though this is disheartening, it must be done if we truly desire to establish His Kingdom and not ours.

In order to build the Kingdom of God, we truly have to let go and release everything to the Lord. What you build might look different than another person's ministry. As long as you build according to His pattern for you, your foundation is sure. Do not consider what you do as a small thing. Remember, Jesus discipled only twelve and yet an entire world has been changed.

True faith is not intellectual; it is known in the heart of man. Faith comes by hearing and hearing His Word. But also, He is His Word, so faith comes by spending time with Him and knowing Him. When He is in our heart, we can believe! The apostle Paul said that the "eyes of our hearts" must be opened (Ephesians 1:18) and that it is "with the heart that a man believes" (Romans 10:10). Therefore, we also need spiritual insight and spiritual vision to "see" with the eyes of faith. Still, this comes from knowing Christ and spending more time in the Secret Place. Remaining in Him and abiding in Him will strengthen our foundation in this next season and will empower us to remain on track.

Counterfeit Faith

There is something to which I refer as a "counterfeit faith"--and it is pride. When we take pride in our ability to quote the word and don't know Who the Word is, we are exalting our head knowledge, our intelligence and confessing only for a blessing. I believe this grieves God because we are more interested in building our own kingdoms, planning big projects, and do not take time to know Him. Abraham stepped out in faith and believed God and yes, received a blessing. But, the blessing was also meant for us! Abraham was not self-centered; he was obedient. If we remain obedient, we will also be blessed.

Abraham's impatience resulted in an Ishmael, a birthing out of God's timing. Dear ones, we must know our times and seasons. Also, we need to be on assignment. Be careful that you do not take on projects that God is not building or that are not yours in which to participate. Every assignment has a boundary. Do not extend those boundaries unless He directs, or else you will take on more than His will has directed. If He desires expansion, He knows how to fund the projects. When Moses asked for contributions for the temple, he had to stop them from giving excessively! Now that's a building project from God!

I am not advocating that building is easy. No! Not at all! I am fully aware that the enemy will attempt to rob your finances when you step out to build. What I am feeling is that we need to be precise in building; build according to the pattern and plans of God, then He will empower us. Be sure to stay on track in 2008--in other words, track with God! Do not step into an area and build if His leading is not there. Walk uprightly and cautiously; yet remain in faith.

Whenever we step out in faith, there is a wilderness to walk through--when everything seems opposite of what God has promised. I know this because I have been there. However, I believe that at every "stop" in the wilderness when God tested Israel's heart, she had an opportunity to enter the gate of faith.

A Confirming Dream from God

While writing this article, my husband Mickey approached me with a dream God gave him the night before. It is amazing--it goes right along with this word that I am writing to you concerning faith. In his dream, there was a murderer. Mickey went to find the murderer and took his gun. When he found the murderer, Mickey started to aim to kill, and the murderer began to declare everything opposite of what God had been saying. This murderer spoke and began to verbally make bold declarations that negated all of Mickey's promises he had received from the Lord. Mickey declared, "No! You are speaking opposite of the Word!" He took aim again. The murder said, "I am going to use mind control and destroy God's people." The dream was over.

This dream is so clear to me that the devil has indeed come to steal, kill and destroy. He will begin to speak opposite of what God has declared. Precious ones, we must go back to our foundation in Jesus Christ and stand upon His sure deliverance and restoration of all God has promised. 2008 will be a year where great faith is needed because the accuser of the brethren will be very active. Remember, there are no great victories without great battles, and there is not great faith without great challenges. Be aware of your thoughts, casting down every vain imagination that attempts to exalt itself above what God has declared for you!

Wake Up and Build!

Let's enter into that new gate in 2008. It's time to wake up and build! Once more, remember that satan will come to you and say the very opposite of what God says, so cast down every word that negates what God has declared. Amen! I am very excited about all that God is going to do this year. Let's be determined to build the Kingdom of God and follow His divine design.

Sandie Freed
Zion Ministries
Email: zionministries1@sbcglobal.net

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