Called To InfluenceSample
The Culture of Heaven
Matthew 6:10 Jesus teaches us to pray, ‘Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.’ On earth as it is in heaven became a co-existing reality when Jesus came to earth, but what does ‘Your kingdom come’ mean?
Over the years our ‘Kingdom’ understanding has eroded, like a cliff disappearing into the sea, changing the landscape of our faith. Jesus references Isaiah 61, which outlines the signs of the Kingdom, ‘The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me (GOD’S PRESENCE), because the LORD has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor (JUSTICE). He has sent me to bind up the broken-hearted (HEALING), to proclaim liberty to the captives and the opening of the prison to those who are bound (FREEDOM i.e. SALVATION AND DELIVERANCE), to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favour (PEACE), and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn (COMFORT), and grant to those who mourn in Zion to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit (JOY), that they may be called oaks of righteousness, a planning of the Lord, that he may be glorified’.
As an adopted child of God and ambassador for God’s Kingdom, you can powerfully tap into all of these and bring them from heaven to earth as you encounter people daily.
A client arrived for her coaching burdened by all that was going on in her life, declaring, “I just want to find peace”. I explained, as a Christian, I can pray for Peace if she would like to experience this, to which she replied, “Yes please!” A short prayer, “Come Holy Spirit and bring your Peace” enabled my client to experience Kingdom Peace. Her boss asked a week later what had happened as, “She has been walking around in a happy cloud ever since.”
Once you understand and focus on Kingdom values and recognise through your identity you have access to them, their opposites become a target for your attention as you learn to pray and take authority over them. When you encounter despair, offer Comfort; when there is hopelessness, release Joy; if you witness physical and emotional pain, bring Healing. Praying for and declaring God’s Presence can change any situation.
You express the thoughts that fill your consciousness, so fill your every thought with the truth of God’s Kingdom. Take every opportunity to influence society from a Kingdom perspective.
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About this Plan
God’s missional plan for you most likely sits in your everyday life, which includes the many hours spent at work. By radically changing the way you think about work and partnering with God daily, you can experience greater job satisfaction as you bring Kingdom influence and cultural transformation to those around you. Let us explore how you might bring the culture of Heaven at work over the next 5 days.
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