The War Council

Built in the secret place to be spilled out on the open fields of glory… “He who dwells in the secret place…” Ps. 91:1. Everything depends on spending time in the presence of God. Strength is found in the secret place of seeking His face. Triumph is gained here. We are to abide in the shadow of the Almighty; to dwell in the place of the Most High. A major theme the Lord has been teaching me in the last year is that fruitfulness flows from intimacy with Jesus.

            Ministry and transformational growth must be established in us first before we are ready to go to battle in ministry to others. We can only pour out when we have received from Jesus. Head knowledge is not enough; we need heart transformation and revelation. We need the Lord to change us and fill us with the Holy Spirit. First and foremost get to know Jesus. Then there will be a river of Living Water flowing out of you. My calling is to KNOW Jesus. I need to be rescued and filled by grace and the Holy Spirit. Then I need to be made into a conqueror. Then, built into even more than a conqueror. Before we’re ready to go into the open fields of demonstration, we first need time and preparation in the secret place.

            The secret place is a place of:

·      Protection (we’re no longer a play toy for the enemy)

·      Wholeness, health

·      Strength

·      Constancy (steadfastness, upward consistency)

·      Victory (sin not reigning in your life)

·      Joy (no depression or gloom)

·      Peace (nothing can daunt you)

·      Calm (no stress, anxiety, or worry)

·      Love

·      Unwavering faith

·      And it’s a place of secret (going behind the scenes)

The secret place is the forge where the Master Craftsman shapes a man of God. It is in this place that intimate fellowship is cultivated, it is where every last vestige of the inner tyrant of the flesh is subdued, removed and dealt a death blow; this place readies the soul to allow the Spirit of Almighty God full access; it is where a man is prepared for living a martyrs life; this sacred chamber of the King’s love buries the treasure of Christ so deeply in the soul in order that nothing can wrench it out; and it brings a man to life, to make him a conqueror, and then, to make him even more than a conqueror.

1^st We Must Breathe the Breath of Life:

·      We must be brought into the covenant protection (enter into the bond of blood)

·      Remove all that binds and hinders (confession of faith)

·      Willingly place our sin on the able shoulders of Jesus and let the Cross carry them

·      Gain the power of God (infilling of the Holy Spirit)

We must get unction – the anointing of God, and be drenched in who He is.

            2^nd We Must be Made into Conquerors:

·      Learn the Spirit-life: learn to pray, handle the Scriptures, learn the life of faith, walk of faith, and actions of faith

·      Learn the Spirit-voice: learn to listen, yield, and abide and wait

·      Learn the Spirit-power: learn to triumph over sin and sickness, stand strong, and pray through

3^rd We Must Become Even More than Conquerors:

·      Learn to be a deliverer: learn to command in Christ’s authority over winds and waves, life and death, natural laws, etc. Learn to intercede for the lost, oppressed, afflicted, orphaned, trafficked, etc. Learn to prevail in prayer, not relinquishing hold until victory is gained. Learn to preach with Spirit unction.

This season of being built before we go is vital. If we are not first made strong and enter into the authority of Christ, we will become burnt out, disillusioned, and have no power over the enemy. If you’re being called up as a deliverer you’ll first go through a season in the wilderness – brought to the cross, die to self, expose false identities, place of prayer and fasting, heart change. Ministry must be built by God; birthed from intimacy with Jesus. Preparation time is needed. Prayer, worship, Biblical study, Biblical meditation, and stillness must be cultivated. God raises us up and calls us out in His own timing, not ours. Even our aspirations to go and do must be surrendered before Him on the alter. He calls us at just the right time. We don’t want to miss it. We need to be connected to Him, open and available to the leading of the Holy Spirit. And when He sends us forth we will be ready to speak with boldness. We must become a student of the character and nature of Jesus, so what comes out of us will be Jesus and fountains of Living Water. A voice can set a heart free and transform a generation. But it takes decades of going after Jesus and intimately knowing Him. Come away from everything that detaches your heart from Jesus. Flee darkness; pursue righteousness. Pray for vision and heavenly perspective.

Abba Father, train us in spiritual warfare, fill us with Your Spirit. Burden our hearts with the lost. Build us to be made strong, fearing nothing and not loving our lives unto death, made ready to be spent and poured out on the battle field for the glory of Jesus. Jesus was prophesied as one who would baptize us in the Holy Spirit and fire. And He promises that we will receive power when the Spirit of God comes upon us and we will be witnesses to the ends of the earth. Fire of God fall down; send an outpour of Your Spirit on your chosen ones. Give us enabling power through the work of grace, a pure heart, and clean hands. These hands are Yours, teach them to serve as You please. Sanctify us and drive us to holiness. Transform us into a house of prayer. Our heart is Your dwelling place. Shekinah glory come. May we be watchful and keep oil in our burning lamps. Awaken and arise a generation of leaders, prophets, pioneers, and forerunners. Raise up a generation of mighty intercessors who will bring Your kingdom and spark a revival that will sweep across the nations and prepare the way of King Jesus. The Spirit and the bride say, “Come”.  

(content from message of www.ellerslie.com)