by Lynne Taylor | Oct 15, 2021
I think all of us would agree that we are living in unprecedented times but as believers our kingdom is not of this world and we live seated with Christ in heavenly places – a place of rest. We need to be reminded to see things from God’s perspective, a kingdom viewpoint which is always a place of victory. Whenever I look at the globe in our lounge I’m reminded that because I am reigning with Christ I live above the noise and concerns of this earth. Fear has no part of me, I live my life out of faith in my Saviour and Lord and I encourage myself with the living and active Word of God. It is essential for me to live in faith at all times. The devil sees us when we live out of fear and this makes us open to attack but when we live out of faith we are in Christ, hidden from the devil. Wow! What a truth! We must intentionally raise the shield of faith in these difficult times, choosing to put on the full armour of God.
Set your mind and keep focused habitually on the things above [the heavenly things], not on things that are on the earth [which have only temporal value]. For you died [to this world], and your [new, real] life is hidden with Christ in God. Colossians 3:2,3 Amplified Bible
Our spoken words bring life or death, produce hope or despair, faith or fear, encouragement or discouragement. Are we agreeing with the enemy’s plans? If so we need to repent and break that agreement. Our kingly assignment is to rise up with faith filled prayers declaring God’s plans and joining with Jesus in destroying the works of the enemy. ALL authority has been given to us over the enemy’s plans – his plans are under our feet! Are our words agreeing with God’s plans for us and our country and our world? We are God’s warriors and God is empowering His fearless army and we are running to the things that others are running away from. God is raising up Joshuas and Calebs to take our promised land of New Zealand into her destiny.
Check out these powerful, life giving verses –
Through faith’s power they conquered kingdoms and established true justice. Their faith fastened onto their promises and pulled them into reality…. although weak, their faith imparted power to make them strong! Faith sparked courage within them and they became mighty warriors in battle, pulling armies from another realm into battle array. Hebrews 11:33 – 35 The Passion Translation
Be encouraged to:
..not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2
Rise up, fearless ones, find your position in the army and take this land back for the glory of God.
by Lynne Taylor | Sep 22, 2021
Life is very confusing for so many worldwide in these difficult times. How do we navigate through all the voices we are hearing through the media, our friends, our neighbours, our politicians, our government and know what is truth? There are so many differing opinions that are dividing friends and families and bringing such dissention. What can I do? Who can I believe?
If ever there was a time for some soul searching and a spiritual checkup it is now.
As believers, who have made Jesus Lord of our lives, the most important voice to listen to is God’s voice. This is the key to knowing truth. It’s easy to have our time alone with God every day but are we really listening to God’s voice more than other voices, especially ones that bring fear into our lives?
I am so thankful for being a believer and knowing God has all truth and He has given us His handbook, the Bible, full of promises for every situation and as far as I’m concerned, if God says it I believe it. Admittedly some truths in the word resonate more with me than others and that’s just part of my life’s journey of faith and even if I don’t “feel” like the promise is true, I will declare it and stand on it and trust God until that promise becomes part of my life experience. This allows me to stay in the peace of God and to live as an overcomer.
I’m so empowered when I dwell on verses like Luke 10:19 Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. The enemy’s plans are under our feet and I know for myself when I hear of negative things in the media I like to say “Not on my watch!” I find this very empowering, being reminded of who I am as a child of God and the power I have in prayer when I agree with God and His plans. His word is truth and Jesus has promised to lead us into all truth.
There are many voices that can sound convincing but how do we know they are truth? We must stay close to God, stay in close fellowship with others and pray with believers we respect. And it is wisdom to check out various sources and not just accept everything at face value.
Guard your hearts, and don’t listen to what the world is saying when it’s contrary to what God is saying. Our enemy is prowling about ready to suck us in to his agenda.
One thing I know for sure is that God’s word clearly says many times from Genesis to Revelation “Do not fear”. So if the only way we can please God is trusting and believing His word, surely being a believing believer needs to be a priority in our lives. Obviously one of the main attacks of our enemy is to put fear into our lives to negate our faith. Are you allowing the state of the world and the negative statements that come over the airwaves, put fear into your life? Find a promise from God to dwell on to negate that fear. Don’t come into agreement with the enemy’s plans by verbalising them.
God says in Jeremiah 29:11 “for I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” My recommendation is to keep informed but don’t dwell on all the world throws at you. Live out of the truth of the word of God. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of Christ. It’s time for reading, studying, meditating and memorizing our Bibles more than ever before. Then truth will become clear. God has promised He will show you the way to go.
My prayer is for an increase of discernment and wisdom for us in the body of Christ and to expose the lies and deceptions so we can all live in truth as overcomers. Let’s be like Joshua and Caleb – a minority, going against the crowd, defying the evil reports and then taking our promised land for Jesus.
by Lynne Taylor | Aug 14, 2021
Do you have seemingly impossible or giant size problems in your life?
We as believers don’t live out of what our eyes see but we live by what God says through the Holy Spirit and His word. Let’s take notice of the principles and truths through the story of David and Goliath. (1 Samuel 17) These encouraging truths still stand for us today. As we stand on these principles we too live victoriously and we see the giants slain in our lives.
David knew there was a war between the Israelites and the Philistines and we know, as believers, that we too are in a war, a battle against evil. What did David do? He left his baggage (natural possessions that would hinder him) and RAN TO THE BATTLE. Others in the Israelite army, when they saw Goliath, fled from him and were greatly afraid. David in contrast, knowing his identity in God, ran fearlessly to, instead of running from, his enemy. He knew victory was his with God on his side. David didn’t even bother calling his enemy by name but instead he said ‘for who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should taunt the armies of the living God.’ We too need to address our ‘goliaths’, rising in our authority, positioned as overcomers, knowing the victory is ours. Our battles are already won with Jesus on our side.
Once David makes a stand, what happens? He comes under attack from his oldest brother who wrongly accused him. We too can expect to have negative feedback and to be wrongly accused when we make a stand against evil. Remember we are fighting a spiritual battle. We are not of this world and our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness Saul also wrongly judged David because he was young – ‘You are not able to go against the Philistine.’ David’s defense was his powerful testimony of how, in the past, he had killed lions and bears. David declared that God would deliver him from the hand of the Philistine. You too have past victories of God’s faithfulness and your personal victories and you too are called to face your enemy with boldness and without fear. Be empowered by addressing your enemy with decrees and declarations, based on God’s word, silencing your foe and declaring your victory. One of my favourite declarations to the enemies that face me is ‘not on my watch.’ Somehow this statement empowers me and then my faith is lifted.
What a great example David is to us. He cast off man’s way of winning a battle. They offered him Saul’s armour but he chose God’s strategy, a sling and stones, to conquer the giant. We must do the same, even if at times it can go against our logic. God has a strategy for us to win our battles revealed to us through our personal relationship with God. Being fearful is never an option but we are to be strong and courageous no matter what we are facing. David faced his enemy knowing God was on his side and he knew his authority came from the Lord of Hosts. He declared that the ‘battle is the Lord’s and He will give you (Goliath) into my hands.’ David fearlessly ran towards his enemy and we know the rest of the story. Yes David killed the giant with a strategic blow from his sling and confirmed his death with a strike of his sword.
Live out of the victory that is rightfully yours as God’s warrior.
by Lynne Taylor | Jul 7, 2021
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we lived in a place with no fear, no anxiety, feeling loved, total provision and in absolute peace. We all desire this. Is it possible many would ask? Unfortunately not in human terms but in spiritual terms a resounding yes! The kingdom of heaven. Jesus taught us to pray for “HIS kingdom to come, HIS will to be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” If Jesus taught us to pray that way He knew the answer was possible. WE CAN have the kingdom of heaven on earth.
We are invited by our loving creator God to seek first HIS kingdom and HIS righteousness and everything else we need WILL BE given to us. When we seek first OUR kingdom, in other words what WE want to do with our lives, the full blessings of God’s kingdom are not available to us.
When we are in God’s kingdom we love and obey the king. Have we as Christians slipped away from God’s ways and He is no longer Lord or King in our lives? Or maybe you’ve never really known your loving Heavenly Father.
I believe that this time more than any other time in my lifetime that God is allowing the world to be shaken. No He hasn’t caused this virus but there are many wrong foundations in this world that need to go, inside and outside the church. They need to be revealed, smashed and rebuilt according to HIS kingdom principles.
I’ve always loved GOOD NEWS! The good news is there are keys available to open the door to His Kingdom and the full life the King promises us.
The key to His kingdom is REPENTANCE. No short cuts! Jesus is either King of his kingdom in our lives or He’s not.
REPENTANCE – is called for throughout the Bible and we are called to surrender to God as Sovereign King – to turn from our way of running our lives and making a 180 degree change of direction towards God.
In 2 Chronicles 7:14 it is clear that God is calling His people to repent, to humble ourselves and pray and turn from our wicked way and THEN we will hear from heaven, He will forgive our sins and heal our land.
Church, you and I can bring healing to our nation. Turn the key in your life to get back to kingdom principles.
If you don’t know King Jesus, repent and ask Him to forgive you and invite Him into your life to be your Lord and Saviour.
by Lynne Taylor | Jul 7, 2021
Many are familiar with 2 Chronicles 7:14
If my people, who are called by My Name, will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal will their land.
There has never been a time in my lifetime when I desire more than ever for our land to be healed. This verse tells us clearly, with the conditions explained, the way forward for this to happen. Isn’t that so like our loving Father. There is a problem and He provides the answer for the most seemingly impossible situations, because He is a God of love and mercy, a restoring God. Nothing is too hard for Him. But as is often the way, you and I as believers have a strategic part to play to see a resolution to the problem and most of all to take action to see the desired result. I, like many of you, am believing for a great awakening for the church, not only in NZ but worldwide. The word ‘awakening’ infers we have been asleep. For our beautiful Aotearoa to be in the state it’s in we have to question how ‘awake’ we have been.
Let’s look at this verse in bite size pieces.
God in His mercy is calling us to prayer, to humble ourselves. I like what C.S. Lewis said “A really humble man will not be thinking about humility; he will not be thinking about himself at all.”
I know I have failed in praying when I should, and put myself before others when I shouldn’t. I repent. To ‘seek’ means to crave, to require as a necessity. Jesus has not always been Lord and I’ve done things my way. I REPENT.
To ‘seek His face’ means to seek God’s presence.
Well respected prophet Bobby Connor has said that the greatest need in the body of Christ is His presence. God’s presence is with me all the time but I know for myself I sense God’s presence the most when I am worshipping Him to my favourite songs on Spotify or when He speaks a fresh revelation through His word. There are no shortcuts in our relationship with our Maker. Worship and spending time with the Holy Spirit in the word are vital for our ongoing relationship with our Heavenly Father. I REPENT of neglecting my relationship with God and being distracted with other things. God is speaking all the time and wanting to lavish you and me, His bride, with His love.
Do I have any ‘wicked’ (disagreeable, unpleasant, giving pain) ways that I need to turn away from? Am I always living out of faith? Hebrews 3:12 says “Take care, brothers and sisters, that there not be in any one of you a wicked, unbelieving heart (which refuses to trust and rely on the Lord), a heart that turns away from the living God.” I REPENT. I haven’t ALWAYS been pleasant and agreeable and no doubt have caused pain by my words or actions. My faith has wavered at times and I’ve slipped into unbelief. I REPENT.
When I live a life of repentance ‘I will hear from heaven’ and after knowing God most of my life I can testify to the fact that His voice has saved me, led me, encouraged me, comforted me, warned me, strengthened me and empowered me for which I am eternally grateful.
Lord Jesus I desire to be a true representative of yours on planet earth and I thank you that you are a God who sees my weaknesses is loving and forgiving and is always cheering me on to be more like You.
Thank you Lord that you will heal our land of Aotearoa. Show me my part.
by Lynne Taylor | Jul 7, 2021
Have you ever been in a situation and felt there was no way out. You find that no matter where your mind takes you there is absolutely no solution – to the natural mind that is.
Maybe that is where you are at right now. You have lost your job with no obvious signs of another one and your bank account is diminishing and you’re worrying how you can make ends meet. Or maybe you are in an unhealthy relationship which is causing you great emotional pain. Or maybe sickness has been plaguing you for some time. Fear has gripped some of you about your future and for you there seems to be no hope with no answers, no sense of destiny.
All of those scenarios are very grim and real to many BUT GOD! Yes, unless God intervenes because of His love and concern for you, the future would seem very troubling.
I want to encourage you with this story of Peter in Acts 12. Peter could identify with you and I suspect your situation could look more hopeful than Peter’s.
Peter was arrested and put in prison as a believer, for sharing his faith. He had four soldiers guarding him and he slept between two soldiers and was bound to them with chains. There were also guards in front of the prison door. But the back story is believers had met to fervently pray for him. SUDDENLY an angel of the Lord appeared and shone a light into his cell and commanded him to get up quickly and to gird himself and put on his sandals. Immediately HIS CHAINS FELL OFF. Then the angel told him to wrap his cloak around himself and follow him. You might ask, how would he get out of the prison? THE GATE OPENED BY ITSELF. He went straight to where his friends were praying. Although they were praying they obviously couldn’t get their head around the fact that Peter could get out of prison as when he arrived they thought he was his angel. Even though they would have been praying for his release, they could not believe that he was actually out of prison and on their doorstep. Isn’t that so much like us when facing impossible situations? We pray and find it hard to see an answer? But God saw their heart and their desire for Peter to be free and answered their prayers despite their unbelief.
So why not you? Why wouldn’t our loving God answer your prayers? He is a miracle working personal God and nothing is too hard for Him. He delights in impossible situations so He can turn up SUDDENLY and answer your prayers. He does hear your cry and He has never left you, and your destiny will still come to pass as you trust in your loving Heavenly Father.
by Lynne Taylor | Jul 7, 2021
In August 2020 I had a dream. I saw this huge dam and for some reason onlookers were aware that it was going to break. I could see inside the dam and saw it was beginning to break and I dived into the water. Then I appeared on top of the dam and there were many people looking on, aware of the possibility of it breaking. Then it became obvious it was starting to break. The people were waiting with excitement to see what would happen and it was like they were sightseeing and waiting for the deluge of water to be released.
I believe the dam represents the many blockages in the body of Christ that stop the flow of the Holy Spirit and delaying imminent revival. Some of the blockages being apathy, unbelief, lack of surrender and true repentance, having our own agendas and plans, lack of intimacy and prayer and hearing God’s voice, lack of love and obedience and more recently than ever, living in fear instead of rising up in faith in God’s wonderful promises.
It’s time to stand up in who we are as sons and daughters of God with satan’s schemes firmly under our feet and taking this land for Jesus. Revival is coming and the dam is starting to break but the people I saw in the dream were not prepared or involved in making it happen. They were looking for the emotional thrill of seeing the water flow, still living in their comfort zone, excited about all that God was going to do.
We are the revival that God is waiting to happen! If ever there was a time to be in God’s presence, allowing Him to shine His light into our soul, obeying and repenting from our wicked ways IT IS NOW.
We must ask ourselves “what should I being doing now to live daily out of a radical faith?” Prayer leads to action! “Lord I want to be as You in this world. Open my mouth to share the GOOD news, use my hands for healing and open my eyes to see people as You see them, give me a heart of love and compassion for those around me.”
My prayer is “Lord have mercy on us, forgive our sins and heal our land.”
by Alan Taylor | Jun 21, 2021
When Jesus saw from heaven all that sin had done in the world He said “I’ll fix it.”
He grew up in His dad’s joinery shop – He already knew how to make stuff cos He made the world. So when people brought Him a broken chair He said “I’ll fix it.”
When they ran out of wine at a wedding Jesus said “I’ll fix it.”
When the storm was threatening to swamp the boat and everybody in it Jesus said “I’ll fix it.”
When the crowds got hungry after a long day Jesus said “I’ll fix it.”
When the woman caught in adultery was stuck between the law of God and her guilt Jesus said “I’ll fix it.”
When the sick and the troubled came to him He said “I’ll fix it.”
When Lazarus died before His time He said “I’ll fix it.”
So He did. He fixed it all. And just before He gave up His spirit on the cross He said “It’s all fixed!”
by Alan Taylor | Jun 21, 2021
We read that Adam and Eve heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day (Gen 3:15).
So what did they hear? Was it the sound of twigs breaking underfoot? Hmmm….. dead wood in the brand new garden and God breaking things. I don’t think so.
Was He humming to Himself “How Great I Art”?
Personally I think they heard with their heart and not with their ears. When King Solomon asked God for wisdom his actual words were “give me a hearing heart” (1 Kings 3:9).
Friends, we have fallen so far short of God’s original intention that even though God is in us, around us, and with us in every way – we still find it difficult to perceive Him and hear Him. Yet He still promises “My sheep hear My voice”.
Trust those promptings – they could be the voice of God. Listen to what others are saying – it could be the voice of God. See what catches your attention in the Bible or in a preached message – it could be the voice of God to you.
“Lord let the eyes of my heart be enlightened and let the ears of my heart be open. Speak Lord for your servant is listening. Thankyou that you promise that I will hear your voice, and I give you permission to choose how you want to speak to me.”
by Alan Taylor | Jun 21, 2021
Many years ago I used to make declarations about putting on the armour of God (Ephesians 6). Then I realised that each piece of the armour is more than just a declaration – they are attitudes and actions that draw from the resurrection life of Jesus within us.
Take the belt of truth for example. A morning declaration in our quiet time “I put on the belt of truth!” is worthless when we don’t do what we say we will do. When our actions don’t agree with our words our belt is loosened, our trousers slip to our ankles, and we fall over. If you’re finding the Christian walk is more like a stumble, maybe you are not always truthful in what you say and that’s why you’re tripping up.
Here are some examples of belt-loosening, trouser-dropping, entangling sins.
“Yes we’ll get together sometime”. But you never follow through. Here’s a tip: don’t say it unless you mean it.
“I forgot”. Let’s re-phrase that: “You weren’t important enough for me to remember”.
When we communicate one thing but our actions say a different thing we totally loosen our belt of truth. When our words are truth and our actions are in agreement we can have confidence that our spirit belt is buckled tight, our loose clothing is out of the way, and we are ready to do God’s bidding and run the race of life unhindered.
