A Word through Lisa Cooke
As
you know, the enemy is about the business of trying to wear the Saints out by
distracting them, discouraging them, deceiving them and by bringing division
into the camp, thus causing many to become lifeless, powerless and ineffective
for the
Although
we contend against these issues regularly, the Lord has recently revealed to me
that the enemy has loosed targeted assignments specifically sent at this time to
beat up, beat down and wear out the saints. These assignments are labeled
Distraction, Discouragement, Deception and the Accuser of the Brethren.
These assignments are designed to bring death, dysfunction and hopelessness both individually and corporately. Some of the enemy’s schemes and tactics are detailed below:
This is
what I believe the Lord spoke specifically to me in reference to
distraction and discouragement. Many
of you will have other situations that are unique to you and your churches and
ministries. The intent is to recognize the schemes and plans of the enemy and
collectively as the Body of Christ, through the power of unity, come into
agreement in prayer through petition, proclamation and declaration to divert
these schemes and plans.
Distraction
– The enemy is trying to rob many
of their time, their energy, their joy and of their resources both individually
and at the corporate level.
·
Unnecessary
projects that appear necessary and picking up assignments intended for
someone else
·
Many have projects
and assignments that the Lord has given them to do, but the timing is not for
now. The enemy would want
individuals to get off of course from what they are truly supposed to be doing
by spending their time, resources and energy into something that is really
anointed for another time.
·
Equipment problems
and malfunctions – computer, communication systems, vehicles, media and sound
equipment, etc.
· Personnel (ministry and work) and Relational issues (all kinds)
Discouragement
-
·
Loss of
vision/doubt and disbelief
·
Relationship
issues interpersonal and corporate
·
Employment and
financial issues-delay and loss of resources
· Illness – emotional, physical and spiritual
Accuser of the Brethren and Deception – The enemy has loosed a concentrated effort to bring disunity and offenses into the corporate Body of Christ.
In addition to that, a deceptive spirit has been loosed causing situations to appear differently then they really are. Because of this, individuals are judging and misreading situations incorrectly and are unable to discern accurately the true heart and motives of their brothers and sisters in Christ.
This is occurring within interpersonal relationships as well as at the corporate level. Emotions are high and many pastors, ministry leaders and congregations are feeling emotions of fear, agitation, frustration, hopelessness, anxiety, worry, doubt and disbelief, etc. We need to lay down our own preconceived ideas and notions and put on the mind of Christ and seek the Father’s Heart, so that we can rightly discern the times and seasons we are in, and correctly assess even the most difficult of situations. The goal is to move more purposefully onto the path that the Lord has lain before each and everyone of us, as individuals and as part of the Greater Corporate Body of Christ.
We each fit somewhere………….
Ps
133, Eph 4:34-5:2,
As many of you are aware, the Lord is transitioning His church for the next move of God, and many churches, ministries and individuals are at a critical crossroads in their creative purpose and destiny. These churches, ministries and individuals are at various stages of transition, positioning/repositioning and are on the verge of the launching of new ministries/destinies.
The
enemy is trying to sabotage these processes by bringing in chaos and confusion,
deception, disunity, discouragement, doubt and disbelief. Many
of those whom the Lord is moving upon are facing critical decisions and the
enemy would love nothing better then to get the Corporate Body of Christ and the
Saints of God to make these decisions based out of emotions, fear and out of the
flesh instead of by the Spirit of the God.
It is imperative that you get into a place of peace and rest and seek the Lord for His Council. Spend more time in the Word of God, set time aside for uninterrupted quiet times with the Lord in an attitude of prayer and worship, seek outside council from within and outside of your churches/ministries, write down the goals and the vision of the church, ministry or that you have individually and carefully consider these in prayer and through proper council.
Whatever you do, do not make decisions out of your emotions and do not fly solo (say No to the independent spirit-the enemy would love to isolate you and separate you from those that can help walk you through your time of transition). Keep communication lines open with all interested parties (this will help keep the accuser away) and individually make sure you are physically taking proper care of yourself
Set
time aside for your family, friends and loved ones and set time aside to go have
some fun and play time. All these
things will help alleviate the effects of stress and weariness.
Churches and Ministries may experience the following:
Reshaping of vision, birthing and launching of new ministries. downsizing. Some ministries will be going back to the original vision that they strayed from even years ago (returning to their First Love), and still other churches and ministries will simply fade away and merge into the new thing the Lord is doing. (Remember where the Lord closes a door He always opens a new one up. It just may not look the way you thought it might.)
Individuals may experience the following:
·
Repositioning in
your current church or ministries you are affiliated with
·
Increased
responsibility at the ministry level. Some
will be leaving the secular world to move into itinerant ministry.
·
Laying down of
ministry responsibilities
1.
To enter into a time of seeking the Lord for His direction about what to
do in the next season of their lives. This
will be a time to develop greater personal intimacy with the Lord and a time
where vision will be reshaped and birthed.
2. To enter into a season of healing and deliverance in preparation for the Lord moving them more fully into their creative purpose and destiny. If that is you embrace it!!!
3.
To enter into a
season of getting their “houses in order”
·
Some will be
transitioning to new church homes/even relocating geographically
1.
To impart, teach and train in the areas the Lord has gifted them in.
2.
To undergo a season of mentoring, discipleship, teaching and training.
This will be a season of great growth for many.
3.
Some have relationship issues and disagreements at the corporate level.
Remember, it is ok to agree to disagree.
If you are one who has issues with your leadership that are irresolvable,
and you have done everything you can to try to resolve these situations, then
simply agree to disagree and move on in peace and bless them.
Pastors and ministry leaders --if there are those that that the Lord has
given you charge over, who have irreconcilable differences with your church
or your ministry, and after doing all you can do to rectify these differences,
then bless them in love and release them to their new church home.
Remember to do all you can do to maintain Unity!!!!!!!!!!!!
If
this word bears witness to you at any level please pray accordingly.
Stay in an attitude of praise and worship and pray and prophesy the Word
of God over your lives, churches and ministries.
If you are one who the Lord is moving upon, remember to get others to
rally around you to help maintain balance, to provide help and support during
this time of transition, testing or trial.
Here
are some scriptures to mediate on:
Phil 4: 4-9, 1 Peter 5:6-11, Eph 3:14-21, Dan 2:20-23, Matt 6:8-13, Rom 12:9-2,
Neh 8:10
Heb
4:16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain
mercy and find grace to help in time of need. NKJV
Jeremiah 33:3 Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know. NKJV
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