Post by MIRIAM JACOB on Nov 16, 2009 3:48:17 GMT -5
"The Power of Unity and Declaring the Word of God"
Three Yet One—"The Perfection of Unity"
Deuteronomy 6:4 Hear O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one!
Some years ago, I was pondering the Lord being "One" and yet at the same time the Triune Godhead. I don't mind telling you that it seemed beyond my comprehension as I struggled with how it is possible for the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit to be three and yet "One." Therefore I asked Him. His answer to me was quite simple, and yet filled with a wealth of revelation. He said, "The perfection of unity."
Genesis 2:18 And the LORD God said, "It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him."
In this particular verse, the word "man" (Hebrew - adam) is not in reference to male or female, rather to mankind in general. So we could translate it as, "It is not good for a person to be alone." You see, from the beginning, God's plan has been for each one of us to have others walking alongside of us. Therefore, the Body of Christ is to be joined together as one body.
Our natural, physical body, as we are well aware of, has many members within its composition, and yet is still one body in itself. It would be an understatement to say that there's solid purpose within each member being joined in unity with the rest of the body. That holds true not only with our natural body but also with the Body of Christ. Especially now, in this time we are in, it's crucial that we join together in unity of the Body.
In 1 Corinthians 12, we read that there are diversities of gifts and functions that have been distributed among the members of the Body, for the profit of all. Much like our own natural bodies, what would the hand be without the arm, and what would the arm be without the elbow? And what would the upper body be without the feet to take it places? So many differences, and yet coming all together to form one complete body, for the profit of all its members. The early Church came together in such a way that the Word states they were of "one heart and one soul" (Acts 4:31-
35). They dwelled together in such unity, even being unified in their possessions, that there was no lack among them. That's an amazing display of unity!
Psalm 133:1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!
The Power of Functioning Together, Though Different
Unity means as one—joined. Our physical bodies, although all completely joined together, have many different characteristics of each part, with many different functions all combined into one body. There are even parts of our physical body that are more sensitive than other parts, and that's exactly how it was created to be. So, if we take that and apply it to being the Body of Christ, being in unity doesn't mean that we are all going to have the exact same opinions, or functions, or feelings, etc. What it does mean is, we can all function together in our differences and uniqueness, and still be in unity with one another, knowing well that we have all been transformed into one Body, by the redeeming Blood of Jesus Christ and the indwelling Spirit of God.
It seems that in this time, we are continuously hearing it said that God is establishing His army. Yes, indeed He is. He is teaching us and training us in many different areas that we may be a mighty, undefeatable army. The one main component that all armies MUST have to be "mighty" is—unity. There must be a moving together "as one" toward the same common goal for there to be victory in the battle.
Jesus said, "Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand" (Matthew 12:25).
We see this very well displayed in the process of organ transplants in the natural body. One of the most determining factors of success or failure with an organ transplant is in whether the body will accept or reject it. If it accepts it as one of its own, then the body will receive it, and function along with it, growing in strength, thereby resulting in edification of itself (see Ephesians 4:16). If it is rejected, the body then begins to fight against itself, tearing itself down, sometimes to the point of being the cause of its own death.
"Two are Better Than One"
Sometimes we hear people saying—or we may even say it ourselves—"I have God, I don't need anyone else." That's a common deception that the enemy loves for us to fall prey to. It's much easier to take out someone who walks alone than it is those who walk in numbers. As much as I love to spend quite a bit of alone time with the Lord, I still need people in my life to come alongside of me. God has placed some awesome people in my life over the years. He's brought people that have helped me through tough times and victorious times. They weren't in my life by accident, they were purposely placed there, as God's provision to me.
When my ministry partner and I were first being established to walk alongside one another, while separately, each being in our own homes, the Lord gave us both visions. Excited to tell one another about our vision from the Lord, talking almost simultaneously, we discovered He had given us the very same vision!
In the vision, we were both climbing up a mountain together, side by side. At times one of the two would become wearied and not able to keep climbing without the other one's help. Whoever had the most strength at the time, would reach down and take the other one by the hand and help to lift her up. We took turns helping one another climb up the mountain.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-11 Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up. Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; but how can one be warm alone?
Over the years, we've watched that vision play out in our lives. The Lord taught us how to lift one another up that mountain by always pointing one another back to His Word. Truth is always found in God's Word. His truth lifts us over and above the circumstances and gives us the strength and hope to continue our ascension up the mountain.
There's Power in the Word!
Pep talks are great, but they have no power to transform...unlike the Word of God, which "is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart" (Hebrews 4:12).
Wow! I think there should be an exclamation mark at the end of that verse! There's power in the Word!
Take a look at Isaiah 55:10-11: For as the rain comes down, and the snow from Heaven, and do not return there, but water the earth, and make it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.
That is an incredible promise from the Lord! God is not a man so that He should lie, so if He says he sent His word that you may be healed, then expect to be healed. If He sent His word that you may have life more abundantly, then expect it to be just as He has said. There's power in His word to accomplish exactly what He intends for it.
His word is so powerful and full of life that even when there was nothing—NOTHING—God spoke and all of creation was formed into existence!
The Word of God is the Sword of the Spirit
And just when you thought it couldn't get any better than that, it does! The very Spirit of God that spoke everything into existence, is living inside of us and He has equipped us with everything we need to overcome any circumstance opposing His will for us.
Ephesians 6:10-17 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
I want you to take notice of something in this—all of the armor being placed on you: the helmet, belt, shield, breastplate, shoes—when all properly secured on us, is to protect us from what the enemy fires at us. It's very important that it's all in its place, so that we won't be harmed. But this one weapon...the sword of the Spirit, being the word of God, is the weapon that makes us dangerous to the enemy and his plans. The enemy doesn't tremble when he sees our armor in place. The armor is protection and it is vital for us to have it secured...but when the enemy sees us wielding the sword—the word of God—that's when he trembles, because, when in battle, it's not the armor that causes injury and death, it's the sword.
So, how do we wield the sword? Jesus tells us in Mark 11:23, "For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be removed and be cast into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says."
We must speak aloud, declaring the word into our circumstances, simply believing God at His word. There's power in His logos Word, which is the written Word—the Scriptures, and His rhema word, which is the word spoken to us by the Holy Spirit, as in a prophetic promise (which will always be in agreement with His logos Word).
Remember, because the same Spirit of God that spoke everything into existence lives within us, we have tremendous power in our words. So much so, that life and death, and blessing and cursing, are held within the power of the tongue (Proverbs 18:20-21).
The Power in Agreement
Not only has He given us power in speaking His word, but also in our place of unity, He's given us the power in agreement.
Matthew 18:19-20 Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in Heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.
Ecclesiastes 4:12 Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
Most of us have probably heard stories about families who have many boys, be it brothers or cousins, who have a reputation for sticking up for one another to no end. They so solidly unite together that if you mess with one of them, to your despair, you've actually taken on all of them. The Lord told me that's how it should be with the Body of Christ in regards to the enemy's attacks. We should be so tightly knit together, that when the enemy sends an attack against one, he has all of us to contend with.
Although the building of the tower of Babel was an unrighteous agreement, because the people were as one, God said that nothing they proposed to do would be withheld from them (see Genesis 11:1-6). Being an unrighteous agreement as it was, it was void of God's blessing and power, therefore He sent His hand against it and brought it to an end, bringing along with it their division.
Let's suppose we, being the Body of Christ, purposed to come together in righteous agreement, declaring God's word. Being in agreement with what God says would have His blessing and power working with us. In that case, what might we be able to accomplish, together as one, declaring His powerful word into our circumstances? When we begin to come together in such a way, that's when we will see our households, our schools, our workplaces, communities, government, and even nations transformed.
I can personally testify of this power of agreement with others in the Body of Christ and the word of God. In my own life it has powerfully brought many breakthroughs, at times literally overnight.
John 17:21-23 ...that they all may be one, as You, Father are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that you have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.
© Taffie Furr
Revelation of Jesus Christ Ministries
About Taffie Furr: Taffie and Brian Furr reside in Oregon with their two sons and daughter. Taffie is a co-founder and director of Revelation of Jesus Christ Ministries. With expression from the Father's heart, she ministers both the rhema and logos word, bringing revelation applicable for the times and seasons. She has a passion for abiding in the "secret place" of the Lord, and for encouraging the Church to walk in the authority given to us through Jesus Christ. She is also an intercessor for Ingathering Place and Heart of God Ministries.
Three Yet One—"The Perfection of Unity"
Deuteronomy 6:4 Hear O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one!
Some years ago, I was pondering the Lord being "One" and yet at the same time the Triune Godhead. I don't mind telling you that it seemed beyond my comprehension as I struggled with how it is possible for the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit to be three and yet "One." Therefore I asked Him. His answer to me was quite simple, and yet filled with a wealth of revelation. He said, "The perfection of unity."
Genesis 2:18 And the LORD God said, "It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him."
In this particular verse, the word "man" (Hebrew - adam) is not in reference to male or female, rather to mankind in general. So we could translate it as, "It is not good for a person to be alone." You see, from the beginning, God's plan has been for each one of us to have others walking alongside of us. Therefore, the Body of Christ is to be joined together as one body.
Our natural, physical body, as we are well aware of, has many members within its composition, and yet is still one body in itself. It would be an understatement to say that there's solid purpose within each member being joined in unity with the rest of the body. That holds true not only with our natural body but also with the Body of Christ. Especially now, in this time we are in, it's crucial that we join together in unity of the Body.
In 1 Corinthians 12, we read that there are diversities of gifts and functions that have been distributed among the members of the Body, for the profit of all. Much like our own natural bodies, what would the hand be without the arm, and what would the arm be without the elbow? And what would the upper body be without the feet to take it places? So many differences, and yet coming all together to form one complete body, for the profit of all its members. The early Church came together in such a way that the Word states they were of "one heart and one soul" (Acts 4:31-
35). They dwelled together in such unity, even being unified in their possessions, that there was no lack among them. That's an amazing display of unity!
Psalm 133:1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!
The Power of Functioning Together, Though Different
Unity means as one—joined. Our physical bodies, although all completely joined together, have many different characteristics of each part, with many different functions all combined into one body. There are even parts of our physical body that are more sensitive than other parts, and that's exactly how it was created to be. So, if we take that and apply it to being the Body of Christ, being in unity doesn't mean that we are all going to have the exact same opinions, or functions, or feelings, etc. What it does mean is, we can all function together in our differences and uniqueness, and still be in unity with one another, knowing well that we have all been transformed into one Body, by the redeeming Blood of Jesus Christ and the indwelling Spirit of God.
It seems that in this time, we are continuously hearing it said that God is establishing His army. Yes, indeed He is. He is teaching us and training us in many different areas that we may be a mighty, undefeatable army. The one main component that all armies MUST have to be "mighty" is—unity. There must be a moving together "as one" toward the same common goal for there to be victory in the battle.
Jesus said, "Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand" (Matthew 12:25).
We see this very well displayed in the process of organ transplants in the natural body. One of the most determining factors of success or failure with an organ transplant is in whether the body will accept or reject it. If it accepts it as one of its own, then the body will receive it, and function along with it, growing in strength, thereby resulting in edification of itself (see Ephesians 4:16). If it is rejected, the body then begins to fight against itself, tearing itself down, sometimes to the point of being the cause of its own death.
"Two are Better Than One"
Sometimes we hear people saying—or we may even say it ourselves—"I have God, I don't need anyone else." That's a common deception that the enemy loves for us to fall prey to. It's much easier to take out someone who walks alone than it is those who walk in numbers. As much as I love to spend quite a bit of alone time with the Lord, I still need people in my life to come alongside of me. God has placed some awesome people in my life over the years. He's brought people that have helped me through tough times and victorious times. They weren't in my life by accident, they were purposely placed there, as God's provision to me.
When my ministry partner and I were first being established to walk alongside one another, while separately, each being in our own homes, the Lord gave us both visions. Excited to tell one another about our vision from the Lord, talking almost simultaneously, we discovered He had given us the very same vision!
In the vision, we were both climbing up a mountain together, side by side. At times one of the two would become wearied and not able to keep climbing without the other one's help. Whoever had the most strength at the time, would reach down and take the other one by the hand and help to lift her up. We took turns helping one another climb up the mountain.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-11 Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up. Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; but how can one be warm alone?
Over the years, we've watched that vision play out in our lives. The Lord taught us how to lift one another up that mountain by always pointing one another back to His Word. Truth is always found in God's Word. His truth lifts us over and above the circumstances and gives us the strength and hope to continue our ascension up the mountain.
There's Power in the Word!
Pep talks are great, but they have no power to transform...unlike the Word of God, which "is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart" (Hebrews 4:12).
Wow! I think there should be an exclamation mark at the end of that verse! There's power in the Word!
Take a look at Isaiah 55:10-11: For as the rain comes down, and the snow from Heaven, and do not return there, but water the earth, and make it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.
That is an incredible promise from the Lord! God is not a man so that He should lie, so if He says he sent His word that you may be healed, then expect to be healed. If He sent His word that you may have life more abundantly, then expect it to be just as He has said. There's power in His word to accomplish exactly what He intends for it.
His word is so powerful and full of life that even when there was nothing—NOTHING—God spoke and all of creation was formed into existence!
The Word of God is the Sword of the Spirit
And just when you thought it couldn't get any better than that, it does! The very Spirit of God that spoke everything into existence, is living inside of us and He has equipped us with everything we need to overcome any circumstance opposing His will for us.
Ephesians 6:10-17 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
I want you to take notice of something in this—all of the armor being placed on you: the helmet, belt, shield, breastplate, shoes—when all properly secured on us, is to protect us from what the enemy fires at us. It's very important that it's all in its place, so that we won't be harmed. But this one weapon...the sword of the Spirit, being the word of God, is the weapon that makes us dangerous to the enemy and his plans. The enemy doesn't tremble when he sees our armor in place. The armor is protection and it is vital for us to have it secured...but when the enemy sees us wielding the sword—the word of God—that's when he trembles, because, when in battle, it's not the armor that causes injury and death, it's the sword.
So, how do we wield the sword? Jesus tells us in Mark 11:23, "For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be removed and be cast into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says."
We must speak aloud, declaring the word into our circumstances, simply believing God at His word. There's power in His logos Word, which is the written Word—the Scriptures, and His rhema word, which is the word spoken to us by the Holy Spirit, as in a prophetic promise (which will always be in agreement with His logos Word).
Remember, because the same Spirit of God that spoke everything into existence lives within us, we have tremendous power in our words. So much so, that life and death, and blessing and cursing, are held within the power of the tongue (Proverbs 18:20-21).
The Power in Agreement
Not only has He given us power in speaking His word, but also in our place of unity, He's given us the power in agreement.
Matthew 18:19-20 Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in Heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.
Ecclesiastes 4:12 Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
Most of us have probably heard stories about families who have many boys, be it brothers or cousins, who have a reputation for sticking up for one another to no end. They so solidly unite together that if you mess with one of them, to your despair, you've actually taken on all of them. The Lord told me that's how it should be with the Body of Christ in regards to the enemy's attacks. We should be so tightly knit together, that when the enemy sends an attack against one, he has all of us to contend with.
Although the building of the tower of Babel was an unrighteous agreement, because the people were as one, God said that nothing they proposed to do would be withheld from them (see Genesis 11:1-6). Being an unrighteous agreement as it was, it was void of God's blessing and power, therefore He sent His hand against it and brought it to an end, bringing along with it their division.
Let's suppose we, being the Body of Christ, purposed to come together in righteous agreement, declaring God's word. Being in agreement with what God says would have His blessing and power working with us. In that case, what might we be able to accomplish, together as one, declaring His powerful word into our circumstances? When we begin to come together in such a way, that's when we will see our households, our schools, our workplaces, communities, government, and even nations transformed.
I can personally testify of this power of agreement with others in the Body of Christ and the word of God. In my own life it has powerfully brought many breakthroughs, at times literally overnight.
John 17:21-23 ...that they all may be one, as You, Father are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that you have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.
© Taffie Furr
Revelation of Jesus Christ Ministries
About Taffie Furr: Taffie and Brian Furr reside in Oregon with their two sons and daughter. Taffie is a co-founder and director of Revelation of Jesus Christ Ministries. With expression from the Father's heart, she ministers both the rhema and logos word, bringing revelation applicable for the times and seasons. She has a passion for abiding in the "secret place" of the Lord, and for encouraging the Church to walk in the authority given to us through Jesus Christ. She is also an intercessor for Ingathering Place and Heart of God Ministries.