Rest! The Lord's Remedy For Control

CONTROL

A major hindrance to the body of Christ fulfilling it's destiny today is the spirit of control. Those who control by usurping authority over the flock are labeled with the latest buzzword: Jezebel! It is true, the goal and power behind this influence is control. However, control is not limited to just some evil person trying to gain access to the places of authority in the body.

CONTROL IN ME

God is about rooting out this spirit of control in all its forms. Individually and corporately we are in a season where control is going to be dealt with. We need to be prepared to personally face our own issues of control as it pertains to our personal walk and ministry. To walk in the level of anointing and miracles needed for this present day, we need to walk in a realm of spiritual realities completely out of our control. Rest in the Lord puts the burden of control solely in the hands of the Lord.

CONTROL IN LEADERSHIP

The issue of control by leadership is going to be an ugly chapter in modern church history. Much of what has been called leadership in the body of Christ is really a form of control. Very few have learned how to release those in their care to the Lord and let Him be in control. This is the very reason we do not experience the presence, power and glory of the Lord in the measure that we are longing for. True authority comes through rest in the Lord. Even in circumstances that seem to threaten our ministry.

OUR SOURCE AND GOAL

Control is the "source"(power) and "goal" of those who operate by it. The god being served by using control is "Self". In the same manner, Rest in the Lord is the "source"(power) and "goal" of those who are entering into the way of the Lord. The God being served by those at rest is the Lord Yahweh.

DOORWAY TO REST

The doorway to rest is repentance. Death to self and its way is the key to entering into and remaining in the Rest of the Lord.

REST: SECURITY IN HIM

True rest begins in the heart of a man. Rest within a soul has a way of confronting those who do not have it. The means by which control will be removed from fellow believer's hearts is through our own personal entrance into a place of security (rest, peace, trust and confidence) in the Lord. Rest IS security and confidence in The Lord (Who He is and what He says).

Isa 30:15a For the Lord, the Holy One of Israel, said, In quiet and rest is your salvation: peace and hope are your strength....(BBE) Mt 11:29 take up my yoke upon you, and learn from me, because I am meek and humble in heart, and ye shall find rest to your souls...(BBE)

CONCLUSION

Rest is the abandonment of all control unto the Lord. Great authority is found in resting upon the Lord. This authority is seen in signs and wonders. The need to control is sourced in man and his desire to rule. We will see His glory only when control of men has been removed from the church. We will then see ordinary people doing the work of the ministry as the controls of man melt before the Presence of the King.

In Him Kriston Couchey kcouchey@juno.com http://newineskins.injesus.com