درباره این اپیزود
The Church was meant to be a reflection of the Kingdom of Heaven on Earth—filled with His presence, power, and glory. So why isn't this our reality? Could something be holding the Church back? In this video, you will discover two missing keys required to become the Glorious Church and truly demonstrate the Kingdom of Heaven on Earth. This one might shift how you think about church forever.
In this episode, Darrel and Cindy share personal stories from decades in ministry that reframe what "success" in church should actually look like
If you've ever longed to see a Church filled with God's manifest presence, where lives are genuinely transformed, and Heaven touches earth, this episode is for you.
In this very important episode, we reveal:
• Why so many churches function below their true potential
• The foundation that must be restored before the Church can rise in glory.
• Why many churches may be missing God's best without even realizing it.
• The difference between a "seeker-friendly" church and a "God-friendly" one.
• Why this message lays the foundation for the Heavenly Glorious Church Model.
• A powerful prophetic word about what God's people truly need
Then get a preview of what's coming next in the series!
Episode 12 Timecode Chapters
00:00 Introduction & Review
01:33 Beginning Part 3 — Personal vs Corporate Glorious Church
02:14 Preface 1: Not Just a People—a Place (Heavenly Hubs)
06:01 What Are Glorious “Kingdom of Heaven” Hubs?
08:46 Break: An Invitation
KEY 1
09:30 Preface 2: Restoring Divine Order & Is God in the House?
10:17 Key 1 - Why Divine Order Matters
11:41 Two Biblical Examples of Divine Order
14:39 Our #1 Ministry and #1 Function
21:14 Seeker-Friendly or God-Friendly?
23:58 Personal Story 1: Guest Experience vs God Experience!
26:43 Personal Story 2: A Negative Seeker-Friendly Example
29:51 Entertainment-Driven vs Presence-Driven Church
KEY 2
30:21 Key 2 - Is God in the House?
31:48 What People Really Need in Church…
32:50 Prophetic Word: "All They Need Is…”
36:31 What Do We Really Want?
37:55 The Glorious Church Paradigm
39:45 Next Episode—The Heavenly Glorious Church Model
40:58 Review & Final Thoughts
42:51 Prayer for You & Closing
Go to our Podcast page!
ShekinahToday.org/Podcast
Learn more at our Shekinah Today Website
ShekinahToday.org
Learn about our new book – Rise of the Glorious Church!
ShekinahToday.org/RGCbook
Shekinah Today TV Channel
Youtube.com/@ShekinahTodayTV
یادداشت ها را نشان دهید 🔗
رونوشت 🔗
00:00:00.479 --> 00:00:09.919
The church was meant to be a reflection of the kingdom of heaven on earth, filled with God's presence, power, and glory.
00:00:09.919 --> 00:00:12.880
So, why isn't this our reality?
00:00:12.880 --> 00:00:15.599
Could something be holding the church back?
00:00:15.599 --> 00:00:26.239
Well, stay with us because today we discover two missing keys required for the church to really become like the kingdom of heaven on earth.
00:00:26.239 --> 00:00:32.479
Welcome back to th er 3Shekinah Today Podcast.
00:00:32.479 --> 00:00:35.439
We're your hosts, Darrel and Cindy deVille.
00:00:36.079 --> 00:00:40.799
Well, welcome, all you glorious, victorious people in Christ.
00:00:40.799 --> 00:00:41.359
Amen.
00:00:41.359 --> 00:00:45.679
That's what we want to declare over the church and the body of Christ.
00:00:45.679 --> 00:00:53.039
Not what we're seeing at the moment, but what we're believing and seeing through the eyes of God, where he wants to take us.
00:00:53.280 --> 00:00:53.679
That's right.
00:00:53.679 --> 00:00:55.119
He sure does, for sure.
00:00:55.119 --> 00:00:55.679
All right.
00:00:55.679 --> 00:01:10.319
Well, if you joined us for our previous episode, we got to talk about the glorious journey of the bride, an ancient pathway that leads you to the glorious life that Christ has waiting for you, your divine destiny.
00:01:10.319 --> 00:01:10.799
Amen.
00:01:10.799 --> 00:01:14.079
So go back and listen to that and watch that if you haven't seen that yet.
00:01:14.319 --> 00:01:14.959
That's right.
00:01:14.959 --> 00:01:21.439
And one thing we've been saying is that, you know, there's been much talk about living your best life now.
00:01:21.439 --> 00:01:23.439
But it is amazing when you look at this.
00:01:23.439 --> 00:01:27.040
God is wanting to take the church to a whole new level.
00:01:27.040 --> 00:01:27.359
Yes.
00:01:27.359 --> 00:01:33.439
And that best life now is really the glorious life that we can only find in Christ Jesus.
00:01:34.079 --> 00:01:34.560
That's right.
00:01:34.560 --> 00:01:36.319
And that's what we covered last time.
00:01:36.319 --> 00:01:43.120
Now we're beginning part three of our book, Rise of the Glorious Church, that we've been exploring and going through.
00:01:43.120 --> 00:01:48.560
And part three covers how to rise up glorious on the corporate level as the body of Christ.
00:01:48.799 --> 00:01:49.280
Amen.
00:01:49.280 --> 00:01:56.480
And we realize, as we shared in the last podcast, it has to begin first within each of us individually and then corporately.
00:01:56.879 --> 00:01:57.280
That's right.
00:01:57.280 --> 00:02:00.799
It's first, it's a personal level journey, which we covered last time.
00:02:00.799 --> 00:02:05.439
Now, how does that look in a corporate level journey to rise up glorious?
00:02:05.439 --> 00:02:06.079
That's right.
00:02:06.079 --> 00:02:06.719
Amen.
00:02:06.719 --> 00:02:12.879
If you have the book, you'll see that in part three, we begin with a preface one and a preface two.
00:02:12.879 --> 00:02:18.879
The first preface says, Not just a people, a place, heavenly hubs.
00:02:18.879 --> 00:02:20.159
What does that mean?
00:02:20.479 --> 00:02:21.439
I love that.
00:02:21.439 --> 00:02:26.719
Because the scripture tells us, for you are the temple of the living God, as God has said.
00:02:26.719 --> 00:02:32.879
And in 2 Corinthians 6 16, it says, I will dwell in them and walk among them.
00:02:32.879 --> 00:02:36.639
I will be their God and they shall be my people.
00:02:36.639 --> 00:02:38.400
I absolutely love that.
00:02:38.400 --> 00:02:41.360
My heart just so moved by that scripture.
00:02:41.360 --> 00:02:47.759
Imagine God walking among us in our churches when we gather an assembly together.
00:02:47.759 --> 00:02:50.560
God literally walking among us.
00:02:50.560 --> 00:02:51.120
That's right.
00:02:51.120 --> 00:02:53.280
Because he wants to touch every life.
00:02:53.280 --> 00:02:55.280
He wants to speak to everyone.
00:02:55.280 --> 00:02:56.879
And that's what he wants to do.
00:02:56.879 --> 00:02:59.599
And we have to create that atmosphere.
00:02:59.919 --> 00:03:00.159
That's right.
00:03:00.159 --> 00:03:04.400
And if you see that scripture, it talks about I want to dwell in them, that's the personal level.
00:03:04.400 --> 00:03:05.919
And I want to walk among them.
00:03:05.919 --> 00:03:07.360
That's the corporate level.
00:03:07.360 --> 00:03:07.759
Yes.
00:03:07.759 --> 00:03:09.439
As a body, as a family, right?
00:03:09.439 --> 00:03:09.919
That's right.
00:03:09.919 --> 00:03:16.800
The scriptures talk about that we're built together into a holy temple as living stones to become a dwelling place for God.
00:03:16.800 --> 00:03:21.360
That we're to be filled with the fullness of God in Ephesians 3.19.
00:03:21.360 --> 00:03:26.879
And they're growing together in the fullness and maturity of Christ in Ephesians 4.13.
00:03:27.120 --> 00:03:27.520
Amen.
00:03:28.080 --> 00:03:32.560
So we see the glorious church is both a people and a place.
00:03:32.560 --> 00:03:40.319
A people conform to the image of Christ and a place that reflects his glorious kingdom on earth.
00:03:40.319 --> 00:03:48.719
See, God's people are his ultimate temple, yet throughout scripture, we see God's desire for a central dwelling place, right?
00:03:48.960 --> 00:03:49.280
Yes.
00:03:49.520 --> 00:03:54.960
Where his family gathers and his presence and his glory and his power are revealed.
00:03:54.960 --> 00:04:02.560
We see this from the tabernacle of Moses to Mount Zion to the New Jerusalem talked about in the book of Revelation.
00:04:02.560 --> 00:04:07.120
God has always desired to dwell in his people and walk among his people.
00:04:07.360 --> 00:04:08.080
I love that.
00:04:08.080 --> 00:04:12.240
I could just stop right there and just yes, thank you, Lord.
00:04:12.240 --> 00:04:19.759
Scripture shows us really from beginning to end that God loves family and he loves it when his family comes together.
00:04:19.759 --> 00:04:23.600
He has always wanted to dwell in us and walk among us.
00:04:23.600 --> 00:04:30.240
And you know, one thing I think about is right now, after COVID, all the things that happened, so many people have isolated themselves.
00:04:30.240 --> 00:04:32.720
They're no longer gathering together.
00:04:32.720 --> 00:04:39.439
And when you think about that, if we're going to be a healthy church, a glorious, victorious church, you can't do that.
00:04:39.439 --> 00:04:51.040
You know, what if I cut off my hand, a part of my body, and I set it aside, no longer is it getting the blood flow, no longer is it getting the nutrients it needs.
00:04:51.040 --> 00:04:53.839
It's going to dry up and die in a short time.
00:04:53.839 --> 00:05:04.800
And so, any of you listening to this and watching this, we want to encourage you to go to church, find that place where God wants you, that gathering, and be a part of that.
00:05:04.800 --> 00:05:08.639
Because God wants you to thrive, not just survive and barely get by.
00:05:08.639 --> 00:05:09.120
That's right.
00:05:09.120 --> 00:05:11.680
And so family is so important to him.
00:05:11.680 --> 00:05:16.000
And when we come together as family, it delights the heart of the Father.
00:05:16.000 --> 00:05:18.560
And that is where you are going to flourish.
00:05:18.560 --> 00:05:25.360
Even in your old age, God, as I've said, he wants you evergreen, he wants you to go long and go strong.
00:05:25.360 --> 00:05:25.920
That's right.
00:05:25.920 --> 00:05:26.480
Amen.
00:05:26.480 --> 00:05:27.199
Amen.
00:05:27.360 --> 00:05:37.439
See, Hebrews 12, 22 to 24 links Mount Zion, the heavenly Jerusalem, and the church all together as one glorious reality.
00:05:37.439 --> 00:05:45.040
So we see Mount Zion is like a picture of the glorious church dwelling where heaven touches earth.
00:05:45.040 --> 00:05:56.240
And that's where we see that really God's glory shines both on a personal level through his people and corporately through what we call a glorious kingdom of heaven hubs.
00:05:56.240 --> 00:05:56.800
Amen.
00:05:56.800 --> 00:06:01.680
Yes, and then we start covering what that looks like in our next episode.
00:06:01.680 --> 00:06:04.319
So, glorious kingdom of heaven hubs.
00:06:04.319 --> 00:06:05.839
What does that mean?
00:06:05.839 --> 00:06:18.000
We believe God is going to be raising up local churches that become kingdom of heaven like hubs, places like the kingdom of heaven like realms and culture is established on the earth.
00:06:18.000 --> 00:06:18.879
Amen.
00:06:18.879 --> 00:06:20.959
Imagine what that would look like.
00:06:20.959 --> 00:06:35.439
See, we envision it like this glorious local churches being led by the fivefold ministry leaders who are fully surrendered to God to carry God's heavenly blueprints to become like an extension of the kingdom of heaven on earth.
00:06:35.439 --> 00:06:42.319
They would cultivate a heavenly habitation for God's presence, power, and glory to dwell.
00:06:42.639 --> 00:06:44.399
You know, some people may think that's odd.
00:06:44.399 --> 00:06:49.759
I've never heard that saying before, but just think of this literally churches.
00:06:49.759 --> 00:07:00.399
Imagine churches in every single community, every city across this nation that literally are carrying the kingdom of heaven, a heavenly blueprint.
00:07:00.399 --> 00:07:00.800
Yes.
00:07:00.800 --> 00:07:02.560
And that are linked with heaven.
00:07:02.560 --> 00:07:07.600
They're in alignment with the kingdom of God, with heaven, heaven on earth.
00:07:07.600 --> 00:07:28.079
Imagine the Spirit of God moving in such a way that we've created as a church such an atmosphere for the presence, the power, the glory, the love of God to be established in those communities and it beginning to flow like rivers of life-giving water into the communities, to the families, to the imagine what could happen.
00:07:28.079 --> 00:07:36.800
And then those churches actually activating, they're engaging at every level of their community and is bringing the kingdom of God.
00:07:37.040 --> 00:07:46.000
They're also like a place not just to assemble and worship and disciple, but to train and plan and operate strategically to impact their community and the nation.
00:07:46.000 --> 00:07:46.399
Amen.
00:07:46.399 --> 00:07:52.959
And they're like a well-prepared army for God's end-time purposes and a great end-time rescue mission.
00:07:53.120 --> 00:07:53.680
That's right.
00:07:53.680 --> 00:08:02.319
And as the pastors and the leaders of these glorious churches are equipping the saints for, like you said, an army to be deployed.
00:08:02.560 --> 00:08:02.959
That's right.
00:08:03.199 --> 00:08:08.319
To go out and to take the gospel and truth and the power of the kingdom.
00:08:08.319 --> 00:08:11.199
It's just amazing to actually imagine this.
00:08:11.439 --> 00:08:11.920
Amen.
00:08:12.160 --> 00:08:22.800
These glorious church, heavenly hubs, will become like an oasis and fountain of life that flows into the communities to bring hope, to bring transformation.
00:08:23.120 --> 00:08:26.480
And we'll reveal more what that looks like in the following chapters, right?
00:08:26.480 --> 00:08:26.959
Amen.
00:08:26.959 --> 00:08:28.000
It's going to be great.
00:08:28.000 --> 00:08:42.320
But look, before we get into the heavenly glorious church model, which we start next episode, we first need to establish and restore two critical keys to help us establish these kingdom of heaven-like hubs that will form and arise.
00:08:42.320 --> 00:08:43.360
So stay with us.
00:08:43.360 --> 00:08:47.120
We'll share these two keys in a moment or right after this break.
00:08:47.519 --> 00:09:00.320
Decades ago, God began shaping within Darrel and Cindy a grand vision, revealing his end-time plans and blueprints for what he's about to do in his church and in the nations.
00:09:00.320 --> 00:09:08.320
And now the time has come to share these from their new book, Rise of the Glorious Church.
00:09:08.320 --> 00:09:18.559
To learn more about all this, we invite you to watch our engaging and prophetic trailers and inspiring shorts on our new Shekina Today YouTube channel.
00:09:18.559 --> 00:09:25.840
Then subscribe, share, and see more details on our website at shekinatoday.org.
00:09:31.279 --> 00:09:36.799
Okay, so we talked about preface one, not just a people, but a place, Heavenly Hubs.
00:09:36.799 --> 00:09:41.759
Preface two as we set up to get into this part three of Rise of the Glorious Church.
00:09:41.759 --> 00:09:47.840
Preface two is this restoring divine order and asking, is God in the house?
00:09:48.480 --> 00:09:49.440
I love that.
00:09:49.440 --> 00:09:51.840
That is the main question we need to ask.
00:09:51.840 --> 00:09:52.960
Is God in the house?
00:09:53.200 --> 00:09:53.519
That's right.
00:09:53.679 --> 00:10:03.360
You know, we can have everything look great, everything in place, but if God's not in the house, there's no power there to set captives free.
00:10:03.360 --> 00:10:03.840
That's right.
00:10:03.840 --> 00:10:04.960
There's no power.
00:10:04.960 --> 00:10:16.000
See, because we can have the word and just the letter of the law, but without the spirit of God breathing upon it and in it, it does not have the power to set free.
00:10:16.240 --> 00:10:16.720
That's right.
00:10:16.720 --> 00:10:18.639
So let's look at this a little closer.
00:10:18.639 --> 00:10:26.639
If we want to see God move in our churches fully, without limits, it will require us operating in divine order.
00:10:26.639 --> 00:10:32.559
See, when the church comes into heavenly alignment, it can truly operate at its fullest potential.
00:10:32.559 --> 00:10:34.799
That's the importance of divine order.
00:10:35.039 --> 00:10:35.440
Amen.
00:10:35.679 --> 00:10:38.000
Divine order is a big deal to God.
00:10:38.000 --> 00:10:40.320
We see divine order throughout scripture.
00:10:40.320 --> 00:10:48.240
In creation, the sequence that He created everything and the order he created everything in, marriage, in biblical instructions of the tabernacle.
00:10:48.240 --> 00:10:53.120
In fact, the Ark of the Covenant, His presence and glory was the first thing they were to build.
00:10:53.120 --> 00:10:55.039
Everything else was built around that.
00:10:55.039 --> 00:10:59.279
And then especially divine order and instructions on how to carry the ark of the Lord.
00:10:59.279 --> 00:11:00.960
Remember, when they didn't do that, right?
00:11:00.960 --> 00:11:01.759
Somebody died.
00:11:01.759 --> 00:11:02.960
And they had to go back.
00:11:02.960 --> 00:11:04.159
What's the proper way?
00:11:04.159 --> 00:11:07.360
What's the divine order the way we're supposed to carry this and do this?
00:11:07.519 --> 00:11:08.000
That's right.
00:11:08.240 --> 00:11:17.440
And so really we see in the church a lack of divine order is why many believers and churches are limited and functioning well below what God intended.
00:11:17.759 --> 00:11:18.639
That's so true.
00:11:18.639 --> 00:11:21.919
And you know, we've heard the phrase cart before the horse.
00:11:21.919 --> 00:11:28.240
If you've heard that, you understand it means that something is out of order and contrary to really how things should be functioning.
00:11:28.240 --> 00:11:28.879
That's right.
00:11:28.879 --> 00:11:32.720
But imagine a horse standing behind a cart trying to push it forward.
00:11:32.720 --> 00:11:37.840
It would be awkward, frustrating, and far less effective than it was designed to do.
00:11:37.840 --> 00:11:40.000
And at the same time, someone could get hurt.
00:11:41.039 --> 00:11:44.799
I mean, let's look at two biblical examples of divine order.
00:11:44.799 --> 00:11:58.000
The first example of divine order, where Jesus declared the first and greatest commandment is to first love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.
00:11:58.000 --> 00:12:01.519
Then he said, second, to love others as yourself.
00:12:02.000 --> 00:12:02.320
Amen.
00:12:02.799 --> 00:12:04.159
Did you notice the order of that?
00:12:04.159 --> 00:12:06.480
God first, people second.
00:12:06.720 --> 00:12:06.960
Right.
00:12:07.200 --> 00:12:08.159
That's divine order.
00:12:08.159 --> 00:12:08.720
It is.
00:12:08.720 --> 00:12:11.279
We see that also in our next example.
00:12:11.279 --> 00:12:12.240
Example two.
00:12:12.240 --> 00:12:13.679
Or example two is this.
00:12:13.679 --> 00:12:19.279
In Revelation 2, Jesus commended the Ephesians church for many great things they were doing.
00:12:19.279 --> 00:12:21.679
I mean, they were doing so many great things right.
00:12:21.679 --> 00:12:24.399
But listen, he said, But this I have against you.
00:12:24.399 --> 00:12:26.480
You have left your first love.
00:12:26.480 --> 00:12:27.279
Wow.
00:12:27.279 --> 00:12:33.759
See, while they were working and serving and doing ministry, their relationship with Jesus was no longer first.
00:12:33.759 --> 00:12:35.840
And see, the message here was clear.
00:12:35.840 --> 00:12:40.159
Our relationship with Jesus must remain our first and central focus.
00:12:40.159 --> 00:12:42.480
Everything else is secondary.
00:12:42.720 --> 00:12:43.200
Amen.
00:12:43.200 --> 00:12:45.440
And that's so important to remember.
00:12:45.440 --> 00:12:53.759
It's interesting because the alarming statistics indicate that many pastors have little to no prayer life or real time with God.
00:12:53.759 --> 00:13:00.879
And you know, so many of their hearts, they're motivated, they want to help people, they want to serve, and they just pour and pour themselves out.
00:13:00.879 --> 00:13:08.080
They're so preoccupied with building the church that many have lost their first love without even realizing it.
00:13:08.080 --> 00:13:13.360
As a result, they begin to rely on and build based on mere human strength and reasoning.
00:13:13.360 --> 00:13:21.600
On the surface, they may appear successful, but they are like sand castles that will crumble in the storms ahead.
00:13:21.600 --> 00:13:26.480
How can we build God's house his way if we are disconnected from him?
00:13:26.480 --> 00:13:27.279
We cannot.
00:13:27.519 --> 00:13:28.000
That's right.
00:13:28.159 --> 00:13:29.200
They need him.
00:13:29.600 --> 00:13:30.080
That's right.
00:13:30.399 --> 00:13:42.720
As they are pouring out and pouring out, but if they don't take the time to allow God to pour back in and to build that intimate, beautiful relationship with the Father, they're not going to know his heart, they're not going to know his mind.
00:13:42.720 --> 00:13:45.039
And there will burnout will come.
00:13:45.039 --> 00:13:46.720
And that's what we see often.
00:13:46.720 --> 00:13:49.360
They become easy prey to the enemy.
00:13:49.360 --> 00:13:58.399
And eventually many end up falling into sin, and then their secret sins are exposed, and it brings great damage to the church of Jesus Christ.
00:13:58.399 --> 00:14:06.879
And you know, I use this saying, pray, P-R-A-Y, or become prey, P-R-E-Y, to the enemy.
00:14:06.879 --> 00:14:08.639
Because that's really what it is.
00:14:08.639 --> 00:14:08.799
Yeah.
00:14:08.799 --> 00:14:15.519
You either stay in connection and keep that close relationship strong because He is our strength.
00:14:15.759 --> 00:14:16.159
That's right.
00:14:16.320 --> 00:14:24.320
And if we're not connected to our vital source, our love, our light, our power source, we're not going to be able to stand.
00:14:24.559 --> 00:14:24.799
That's right.
00:14:24.799 --> 00:14:27.360
So if you don't pray, you'll become prey.
00:14:27.360 --> 00:14:28.399
That's right.
00:14:28.399 --> 00:14:37.200
So we see that divine order is a critical key that helps set up and lay the foundation for the church to rise up glorious.
00:14:37.200 --> 00:14:37.759
Amen.
00:14:37.759 --> 00:14:38.799
So important.
00:14:38.799 --> 00:14:46.639
And another key aspect of this is understanding what our number one ministry and our number one function is.
00:14:46.639 --> 00:14:50.639
Again, restoring divine order must be given with God Himself at the center of everything.
00:14:50.639 --> 00:14:54.639
And that's where our number one ministry is to the Lord.
00:14:54.639 --> 00:14:55.279
Amen.
00:14:55.279 --> 00:15:00.559
So the first step in restoring divine order can be summarized in one key statement.
00:15:00.559 --> 00:15:06.320
Ministry to the Lord comes before ministering for the Lord.
00:15:06.559 --> 00:15:07.200
Amen.
00:15:07.200 --> 00:15:09.919
And that's both in our personal lives, right?
00:15:10.159 --> 00:15:10.480
That's right.
00:15:10.799 --> 00:15:11.600
And corporately.
00:15:11.600 --> 00:15:12.000
That's right.
00:15:12.000 --> 00:15:13.200
The leaders in God's house.
00:15:13.440 --> 00:15:13.759
That's right.
00:15:13.759 --> 00:15:16.639
So what does ministering to the Lord look like?
00:15:16.960 --> 00:15:23.200
When we think of ministering to the Lord, that's not like something, oh, I have to work for the Lord.
00:15:23.200 --> 00:15:24.720
I have to minister to him.
00:15:24.720 --> 00:15:27.840
This is really about relationship.
00:15:27.840 --> 00:15:31.120
It's really about worshiping him, acknowledging him.
00:15:31.120 --> 00:15:37.759
I mean, we know scripture tells us that we enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise.
00:15:37.759 --> 00:15:43.519
And you know, when you have that vital, intimate relationship with him, that just comes naturally.
00:15:43.519 --> 00:15:46.240
It's just an overflow of the Spirit of God.
00:15:46.240 --> 00:15:49.039
It's not like, okay, I gotta be thankful.
00:15:49.039 --> 00:15:54.639
I'm gonna enter his courts and I'm gonna be, I'm gonna say thankful things and I'm gonna do this.
00:15:54.639 --> 00:16:00.480
But see, when you have that vital relationship with him, it's not about having to do this or do that.
00:16:00.480 --> 00:16:03.919
It's about out of the overflow of the Spirit of God in you.
00:16:03.919 --> 00:16:08.080
You just want to thank him for what he's doing and you want to praise him.
00:16:08.080 --> 00:16:11.919
And so it's a beautiful ministry and relationship with the Lord.
00:16:11.919 --> 00:16:20.879
And that's really ministering to the Lord is not some kind of a work we do, it's something just flows out of our love relationship with him.
00:16:21.200 --> 00:16:21.600
That's right.
00:16:21.600 --> 00:16:28.639
See, there's no higher purpose than to worship the Lord, ministering to him, enthroning him above everything else.
00:16:28.639 --> 00:16:33.600
Because when we minister to the Lord, it draws God's presence, his power, his glory.
00:16:33.840 --> 00:16:34.159
That's right.
00:16:34.399 --> 00:16:40.240
When we minister to the Lord, it changes the atmosphere as heaven starts invading the earth.
00:16:40.240 --> 00:16:40.960
That's right.
00:16:41.279 --> 00:16:49.200
It's we see the scriptures is with the high praises of God in your mouth and a two-edged sword in your hand, you will execute vengeance on the nobles.
00:16:49.200 --> 00:16:52.879
And really, those are the high principalities, the powers.
00:16:52.879 --> 00:17:13.119
But you know, the the ministering to the Lord, I just want to say this is you know, God doesn't need your praise, he doesn't need your affirmation, he doesn't need He's self-sufficient, He is all sufficient in Himself, but really we need that because we need His presence.
00:17:13.119 --> 00:17:22.319
We need Him more than anything, and that's why this is so critical in the divine order of things, because we need Him.
00:17:22.559 --> 00:17:22.960
That's right.
00:17:22.960 --> 00:17:25.680
As we sow to the Spirit, we reap the Spirit.
00:17:25.920 --> 00:17:26.400
That's what they're doing.
00:17:26.880 --> 00:17:29.119
We reap life, we're sowing and we're reaping.
00:17:29.119 --> 00:17:30.720
Reaping life is reciprocal.
00:17:30.799 --> 00:17:31.119
That's right.
00:17:31.279 --> 00:17:35.359
Our praise to Him, you know, praise, worship, power, and glory to you, Lord.
00:17:35.359 --> 00:17:36.559
He gives that back to us.
00:17:36.720 --> 00:17:37.119
That's right.
00:17:37.279 --> 00:17:44.960
He gives us power, his power, and his glory to help release among us, and that helps when ministering to the Lord comes first like that.
00:17:44.960 --> 00:17:48.559
It also brings the anointing and power to minister then to the people.
00:17:48.880 --> 00:17:49.119
Yes.
00:17:49.359 --> 00:17:53.519
So we minister to the Lord first, that's first to God, vertical ministry.
00:17:53.519 --> 00:17:53.759
Right.
00:17:53.759 --> 00:17:55.839
Then we minister for the Lord.
00:17:55.839 --> 00:17:58.079
That's horizontal ministry to the people.
00:17:58.079 --> 00:17:58.960
That's right.
00:17:59.200 --> 00:18:01.839
And you know, this may seem real elementary to some people.
00:18:01.839 --> 00:18:03.119
Yeah, yeah, I know that.
00:18:03.119 --> 00:18:06.400
But a lot of people in their head, they know it.
00:18:06.400 --> 00:18:16.720
But with all the distractions we have in our day, and especially for pastors and leaders, it's so easy to let that be the first thing that goes.
00:18:16.720 --> 00:18:28.000
So we need to, as we look at ministry and we look at the church and all that God is, He has to become the main attraction in our churches.
00:18:28.000 --> 00:18:29.519
He has to be number one.
00:18:29.519 --> 00:18:38.240
The greatest gift we can give the people is not merely a program, a message, or a ministry moment, it's an encounter with God Himself.
00:18:38.240 --> 00:18:38.799
Amen.
00:18:38.799 --> 00:18:46.240
And we're not just talking about experience, we're talking about, and and I know I've been there and many others have.
00:18:46.240 --> 00:18:51.440
You walk into the room, into the church, even driving up onto the driveway.
00:18:51.440 --> 00:18:52.000
That's right.
00:18:52.000 --> 00:18:59.839
And you know, someone's been praying here because the atmosphere is electric, it's filled with faith, with the love of God.
00:18:59.839 --> 00:19:04.799
And literally, you step out and you know, oh, I'm this is very different.
00:19:04.799 --> 00:19:16.640
And see, God, He wants that in every church, everywhere, because there's so many out there that need it, that are hungry.
00:19:16.640 --> 00:19:22.720
They want that peace, they want that presence, they are hungry for change, they're trying to set themselves free.
00:19:22.720 --> 00:19:27.920
And it's not gonna happen without the presence, the power, the truth of God's word.
00:19:28.640 --> 00:19:29.119
That's right.
00:19:29.119 --> 00:19:35.920
So imagine a place where people come, encounter God in a life-transforming way.
00:19:35.920 --> 00:19:38.799
The ministry starts going to a whole other level.
00:19:38.799 --> 00:19:39.359
That's right.
00:19:39.359 --> 00:19:43.920
A heavily throne room-like level, because God's presence and power is there.
00:19:43.920 --> 00:19:46.079
That's what divine order helps bring.
00:19:46.079 --> 00:19:46.480
Yes.
00:19:46.480 --> 00:19:53.519
When he's our first order of ministry, it sets up a powerful time of ministry thin to the people.
00:19:53.759 --> 00:19:54.319
That's right.
00:19:54.319 --> 00:20:01.359
Well, you know, nowadays, and we've seen this kind of these cookie-cutter uh great marketing and all of this stuff.
00:20:01.359 --> 00:20:06.640
And here, you go plan a church and we'll pay for everything, we'll get this for you, we'll get this for you, and that for you.
00:20:06.640 --> 00:20:09.839
And so it becomes kind of like a business model.
00:20:09.839 --> 00:20:12.880
And and there's nothing wrong with that.
00:20:12.880 --> 00:20:25.839
But if you don't have if if God's not at the forefront here and he's not number one, and you're not bringing God into the house, it doesn't matter how brilliant your marketing is, it's not gonna be it'll do good for a while.
00:20:25.920 --> 00:20:29.519
It may not even look successful, but it'll be like an inch thick, a mile wide.
00:20:29.680 --> 00:20:32.079
Yeah, and we've we've seen that over and over again.
00:20:32.400 --> 00:20:32.960
That's right.
00:20:32.960 --> 00:20:37.119
And we're gonna share later what a prophetic glimpse of all this looks like.
00:20:37.119 --> 00:20:44.079
When the king of glory comes in, it starts revealing why ministering to the Lord is so critical.
00:20:44.079 --> 00:20:48.640
And it's gonna help set up why the glorious church will rise up glorious.
00:20:48.960 --> 00:20:49.440
Amen.
00:20:49.599 --> 00:20:57.359
We see our number one ministry is to the Lord, our number one function as a church is to be a house of prayer.
00:20:57.359 --> 00:20:57.839
Amen.
00:20:57.839 --> 00:21:06.240
Everything will flow from there, and we'll explore the power and significance of prayer further later on in the power center.
00:21:06.720 --> 00:21:09.839
Actually, one of my favorite chapters building the power center.
00:21:10.160 --> 00:21:11.200
Yeah, it's gonna be great.
00:21:11.200 --> 00:21:13.599
That'll be in a couple episodes down the road here.
00:21:13.599 --> 00:21:20.160
All right, so now let's share real briefly about good versus God's best.
00:21:20.160 --> 00:21:32.000
So we see ministry to people is really important and close to God's heart, but even something good can be out of order when it replaces the most important thing that should come first.
00:21:32.000 --> 00:21:35.440
Again, we have to be careful not to put the cart before the horse.
00:21:35.440 --> 00:21:39.359
That we believe our first focus in the church must be God Himself.
00:21:39.759 --> 00:21:40.000
Amen.
00:21:40.319 --> 00:21:46.880
And then when we do that, then he comes and ministers to the people in a far greater way than we ever could.
00:21:46.880 --> 00:21:49.440
This is God's best in a nutshell.
00:21:49.440 --> 00:21:59.039
So we got to be careful not to let the good of just ministering to the people replace the best, bringing God into the house and then let him minister to the people.
00:21:59.279 --> 00:21:59.519
Amen.
00:21:59.519 --> 00:22:07.759
You know, as we look at this for decades now, we've seen many churches just trying to become seeker friendly.
00:22:07.759 --> 00:22:08.799
They just want the numbers.
00:22:08.799 --> 00:22:09.759
We need more numbers.
00:22:09.759 --> 00:22:11.039
And I understand that.
00:22:11.039 --> 00:22:16.160
You know, scripture, Jesus said, go into the highways, the byways compel them to come in.
00:22:16.160 --> 00:22:18.640
So there is a place for that, absolutely.
00:22:18.640 --> 00:22:21.039
But first we want to be a God-friendly church.
00:22:21.039 --> 00:22:30.000
Because if we're going to shut everything down, the Spirit of God, the truth of God's word, and everything, just so people will come, we're nothing more than a business or a club.
00:22:30.240 --> 00:22:30.640
That's right.
00:22:30.799 --> 00:22:31.440
We cannot do that.
00:22:31.440 --> 00:22:31.920
So true.
00:22:31.920 --> 00:22:34.000
Because they may come, but what do we have to give them?
00:22:34.319 --> 00:22:35.440
And it's all in the name of relevance.
00:22:35.440 --> 00:22:35.759
Exactly.
00:22:35.759 --> 00:22:36.799
I want to be relevant.
00:22:36.799 --> 00:22:37.680
So that's good.
00:22:37.680 --> 00:22:42.559
That can be a good thing to a point, but you don't let that replace divine order again.
00:22:42.559 --> 00:22:43.599
The most important thing.
00:22:43.920 --> 00:22:44.400
That's right.
00:22:44.400 --> 00:22:46.720
Because God, they need God.
00:22:46.720 --> 00:22:50.079
They don't need more of everything the world has to offer.
00:22:50.079 --> 00:22:50.720
That's right.
00:22:50.720 --> 00:22:56.480
And so this has resulted in a consumer-based mentality for many Christians.
00:22:56.480 --> 00:22:57.920
In other words, they go to church.
00:22:57.920 --> 00:22:59.519
Oh, what do you got for me today?
00:22:59.519 --> 00:23:00.559
You know, that's right.
00:23:00.559 --> 00:23:01.920
What will keep me interested?
00:23:01.920 --> 00:23:03.279
What will keep me coming back?
00:23:03.279 --> 00:23:08.960
Instead of realizing that they are a part, a vital part of the body of Jesus Christ.
00:23:08.960 --> 00:23:13.519
And there are several churches, many churches out there that are doing this correctly.
00:23:13.519 --> 00:23:14.960
They are really seeking God.
00:23:14.960 --> 00:23:17.200
They're people of prayer and all of that.
00:23:17.200 --> 00:23:22.480
But there are many that through the decades here, a lot of the teaching has really shifted.
00:23:22.480 --> 00:23:30.559
But this consumer-based approach actually pressures pastors and ministry teams to perform, perform.
00:23:30.559 --> 00:23:31.039
That's right.
00:23:31.039 --> 00:23:35.839
To compromise the truth and use questionable tactics to draw and keep people.
00:23:35.839 --> 00:23:43.680
But the church, instead of focusing first on being seeker-friendly, the church must focus first on being God-friendly.
00:23:43.680 --> 00:23:57.039
We point this out because we know how easy it is to fall into the trap of trying to create an amazing guest experience and miss out on what people need the most, a real God experience.
00:23:57.359 --> 00:23:58.079
Oh, that's so right.
00:23:58.079 --> 00:23:58.400
Yeah.
00:23:58.400 --> 00:24:04.799
We can relate to this through a personal story that we understand how easy it is to fall into this trap.
00:24:04.799 --> 00:24:06.160
It's a slippery slope.
00:24:06.160 --> 00:24:12.480
See, decades ago, we actually worked with a new and upcoming church, and we were actually helping to lead a media team.
00:24:12.480 --> 00:24:19.039
And our heart was, we want to glorify God and all the motion graphics and the presentation, everything like that.
00:24:19.039 --> 00:24:27.359
And listen, God loves creativity and can use media in a powerful way if done with the right motivation under the direction of the Holy Spirit.
00:24:27.359 --> 00:24:28.000
That's right.
00:24:28.000 --> 00:24:37.039
However, for us, we had gotten lost in all the noise and all the flash of creating a production called church to attract people.
00:24:37.359 --> 00:24:42.720
And what happened really is back then you were going day and night.
00:24:42.720 --> 00:24:45.359
There was a lot of pressure to produce, produce, produce.
00:24:45.359 --> 00:24:45.839
That's right.
00:24:45.839 --> 00:24:47.920
But what happens again slow fade.
00:24:47.920 --> 00:24:51.279
Yeah, what happens with that is you start to get burned out.
00:24:51.279 --> 00:25:00.640
And you start, you know, that when the things of the Spirit of God just kind of gradually are slip away, and all of a sudden you're like, where's the hunger I once had?
00:25:00.640 --> 00:25:01.039
That's right.
00:25:01.039 --> 00:25:02.640
Where's the passion I once had?
00:25:02.640 --> 00:25:06.880
And it's because you didn't even have time to be vitally connected to your source.
00:25:06.880 --> 00:25:08.559
We're not going to blame a church for that.
00:25:08.559 --> 00:25:10.480
We're going to blame ourselves for that.
00:25:10.480 --> 00:25:10.799
That's right.
00:25:10.799 --> 00:25:12.319
Because we let it happen.
00:25:12.559 --> 00:25:12.960
That's right.
00:25:12.960 --> 00:25:15.680
So we became distracted for what was most important.
00:25:15.680 --> 00:25:22.160
We got out of divine order, and our focus was attracting the people instead of attracting God's presence and power.
00:25:22.160 --> 00:25:28.400
And see, the reality is a church without God's presence is little more than a Christian social club.
00:25:28.400 --> 00:25:29.200
That's right.
00:25:29.200 --> 00:25:31.599
And God had to really wake us up one day.
00:25:31.599 --> 00:25:33.440
And it was like, wow, what are we doing?
00:25:33.680 --> 00:25:34.000
Right.
00:25:34.160 --> 00:25:35.359
And it was astounding.
00:25:35.359 --> 00:25:36.319
I'll never forget it.
00:25:36.640 --> 00:25:37.839
It was it was powerful.
00:25:37.839 --> 00:25:41.039
He began to just really deal with us and show us things.
00:25:41.039 --> 00:25:45.279
And he said, The work I'm doing in you, I'm going to do in my church too.
00:25:45.279 --> 00:25:48.319
And that he would begin to wake up his people.
00:25:48.640 --> 00:25:49.200
That's right.
00:25:49.200 --> 00:25:51.599
And so he really reset our lives.
00:25:51.599 --> 00:25:53.200
We renewed our walk with him.
00:25:53.200 --> 00:25:54.960
We disconnected from that church.
00:25:54.960 --> 00:25:58.559
We had to get away and re have a sabbatical and reset.
00:25:58.559 --> 00:26:12.799
And the funny thing is, and this is ironic, is that after our sabbatical, the Lord led us to a small startup church whose entire media presentation consisted of an old-fashioned overhead projector on a wall.
00:26:12.799 --> 00:26:15.680
Talking about God has a sense of humor.
00:26:15.920 --> 00:26:18.400
He just he why he just removed it all.
00:26:18.640 --> 00:26:19.039
That's right.
00:26:19.200 --> 00:26:21.759
And he did because he's like, You need me.
00:26:21.920 --> 00:26:22.319
That's right.
00:26:22.480 --> 00:26:24.240
All that other stuff you just set aside.
00:26:24.640 --> 00:26:29.440
So we went from a high-tech stage, large screens, to a humble overhead projector.
00:26:29.440 --> 00:26:31.440
God definitely has a sense of humor.
00:26:31.440 --> 00:26:36.960
But listen, during that season, he reminded us, just like you said, his presence is what we truly need.
00:26:36.960 --> 00:26:38.480
That's everything else is secondary.
00:26:38.480 --> 00:26:39.039
Amen.
00:26:39.039 --> 00:26:41.359
Of course, his word is the foundation of all that.
00:26:41.359 --> 00:26:41.839
That's right.
00:26:41.839 --> 00:26:44.000
But his presence is an extension of that.
00:26:44.000 --> 00:26:47.279
And that leads us to a second story that we had, actually, honey.
00:26:47.519 --> 00:26:48.000
Amen.
00:26:48.000 --> 00:26:52.799
You know, God, first I want to say this: God is so committed to his church.
00:26:52.799 --> 00:26:54.799
He loves his church.
00:26:54.799 --> 00:26:56.240
He really does.
00:26:56.240 --> 00:26:59.519
And he is here to help us.
00:26:59.519 --> 00:27:04.000
He's not coming to condemn us, he's coming to help us.
00:27:04.000 --> 00:27:07.200
And a lot of times we just need our eyes opened up.
00:27:07.200 --> 00:27:09.119
A lot of times we don't realize it.
00:27:09.119 --> 00:27:11.039
We just get buried in all the stuff.
00:27:11.279 --> 00:27:11.519
That's right.
00:27:11.680 --> 00:27:13.359
And he's like, hey, hey, wake up.
00:27:13.359 --> 00:27:13.839
That's right.
00:27:13.839 --> 00:27:16.720
And that's why we've been praying for awakening for several years.
00:27:16.720 --> 00:27:17.119
Yes.
00:27:17.119 --> 00:27:22.319
And but that personal story, um, I'm not going to go into it into detail right here.
00:27:22.319 --> 00:27:24.240
I do have it in the book.
00:27:24.240 --> 00:27:32.640
But I I do remember walking into uh a church, it was a women's event here in North Texas at a big uh multi-campus church.
00:27:32.640 --> 00:27:39.599
And I was looking forward, I was thinking, oh, I'm looking forward to genuine worship and ministry and the really the presence of the Lord.
00:27:39.599 --> 00:27:44.559
But I was so saddened what transpired to the point that I actually had to leave.
00:27:44.559 --> 00:27:46.079
And my spirit was grieved.
00:27:46.079 --> 00:27:47.039
It just was.
00:27:47.039 --> 00:27:55.359
And I was able to push past the secular country Western music in the sanctuary and the adult minister in short shorts and cowboy boots who opened up the service.
00:27:55.359 --> 00:27:59.599
I was trying to overlook all these things, not wanting to be critical or religious.
00:27:59.599 --> 00:28:10.079
But then several women came out on the platform with loud music and light show lined up with backspace to the to us, then broke out in seductive dance moves to a jingle created for the next women's event.
00:28:10.079 --> 00:28:15.440
I felt like I was in a nightclub and was concerned about, oh, what's going to happen next?
00:28:15.920 --> 00:28:16.799
Oh my goodness.
00:28:17.039 --> 00:28:17.359
Yeah.
00:28:17.359 --> 00:28:27.920
And sadly, it appears that increasingly these are common experiences in both men's and women's ministries, and really at the writing of this book.
00:28:27.920 --> 00:28:32.559
You know, we've seen that happen over the last several decades, but there is a real shift going on.
00:28:32.559 --> 00:28:32.960
Yes.
00:28:32.960 --> 00:28:34.000
There is a real shift.
00:28:34.000 --> 00:28:39.039
There's a real breaking, God's shaking, God's dealing with leaders, with his people.
00:28:39.039 --> 00:28:41.200
And so we are seeing a shift here.
00:28:41.200 --> 00:28:42.640
But that is what we were seeing.
00:28:42.640 --> 00:28:44.240
And I literally left.
00:28:44.240 --> 00:28:55.359
I was in tears, and my spirit was grieved because I'm thinking to myself, this church is supposed to be God's house, a holy place, a place of prayer and worship.
00:28:55.359 --> 00:28:57.200
And God wants us to rejoice.
00:28:57.200 --> 00:29:01.519
He wants us to celebrate and all of that, but not the way the world does.
00:29:01.519 --> 00:29:05.039
I was thinking, okay, when are they going to break up a tequila?
00:29:05.039 --> 00:29:07.200
You know, that and everything.
00:29:07.200 --> 00:29:12.240
Ministry leaders are supposed to be setting an example and training the women in godliness.
00:29:12.240 --> 00:29:14.319
That's what God's word instructs us to do.
00:29:14.319 --> 00:29:18.000
So I asked, what has become with the house of God?
00:29:18.000 --> 00:29:21.839
And so, but God is doing He's doing a work.
00:29:21.839 --> 00:29:22.880
He's doing a work.
00:29:23.039 --> 00:29:23.359
That's right.
00:29:23.519 --> 00:29:30.319
And you know, I just think of these other churches like the underground church in China and these other churches that are just barely surviving.
00:29:30.319 --> 00:29:35.279
You know, a lot of times these things start happening in places they get really comfortable.
00:29:35.279 --> 00:29:40.799
And in America, yeah and in the area that we are in, and all of that, things are comfortable.
00:29:40.799 --> 00:29:43.839
People have everything they need and they start just sitting back.
00:29:43.839 --> 00:29:44.559
I'm good.
00:29:44.559 --> 00:29:48.480
No hunger or need for uh to press into God.
00:29:48.799 --> 00:29:50.480
It's the Laodicea kind of church.
00:29:50.480 --> 00:29:51.519
Exactly.
00:29:51.519 --> 00:30:01.599
So we encourage churches really to evaluate everything you're doing and allow the Holy Spirit to search your hearts and motives for what you're doing and why you're doing it.
00:30:01.599 --> 00:30:03.519
It isn't God's will for you to do this.
00:30:03.519 --> 00:30:12.799
Satan is working hard to lure the church away from her first love, the real power source, God's pure word and his presence.
00:30:13.039 --> 00:30:13.519
Amen.
00:30:13.519 --> 00:30:14.400
Amen.
00:30:14.400 --> 00:30:19.599
We must guard ourselves against becoming entertainment driven.
00:30:19.599 --> 00:30:23.119
And instead, we need to become a presence-driven church.
00:30:23.119 --> 00:30:23.440
Yes.
00:30:23.440 --> 00:30:34.559
And you know, God will use there, God, again, we've said this several times that the media, God will use media, he will use creative presentation, he will do use drama and all of that.
00:30:34.559 --> 00:30:40.160
He will use those tools and can use them in a powerful way if the anointing in the presence of God is on them.
00:30:40.160 --> 00:30:45.359
But if they're not pure before him, you know, we just want to bring in any kind of entertainment.
00:30:45.359 --> 00:30:46.400
That's not true.
00:30:47.839 --> 00:30:49.279
What's the reason for us doing this?
00:30:49.279 --> 00:30:50.319
What's the motive behind it?
00:30:50.319 --> 00:30:50.880
Yes.
00:30:50.880 --> 00:30:51.680
So yeah.
00:30:51.680 --> 00:31:01.279
So we looked at divine order was the first key to restoring things, putting things in place for the church to rise up glorious.
00:31:01.279 --> 00:31:05.680
The second key we've talked about is God and the house.
00:31:05.920 --> 00:31:06.240
Amen.
00:31:06.960 --> 00:31:10.799
So divine order is first to get God to attend the house, right?
00:31:10.799 --> 00:31:13.680
And then let him minister from there.
00:31:13.680 --> 00:31:20.240
But when we see in the book of Acts, for example, in the New Testament church, they were never seeking for ways to draw people.
00:31:20.240 --> 00:31:24.400
In fact, when we look at that, the New Testament church was obedient to God.
00:31:24.400 --> 00:31:27.839
They were in prayer, and God moved in such a powerful way.
00:31:27.839 --> 00:31:30.240
In fact, the fear of God hit the church many times.
00:31:30.240 --> 00:31:38.640
There was many signs and wonders that happened, and as a result, many people, even thousands, were added to the church daily, it says.
00:31:38.640 --> 00:31:44.400
See, when the God's presence, power, and glory show up, he will draw the people.
00:31:44.400 --> 00:31:48.240
In fact, when God shows up, you won't be able to keep the people away.
00:31:48.480 --> 00:31:48.960
Amen.
00:31:48.960 --> 00:31:51.440
It's God's presence that they need.
00:31:51.440 --> 00:31:58.960
You know, people may be emotionally stimulated by music, by the creative presentation and the lights and all of that.
00:31:58.960 --> 00:32:03.920
And that can be emotionally stimulating, but yet they can leave unchanged.
00:32:03.920 --> 00:32:04.640
That's right.
00:32:04.640 --> 00:32:09.759
The world is already saturated, oversaturated with creative and flashing media.
00:32:09.759 --> 00:32:12.480
People don't need more of what the world is offering.
00:32:12.480 --> 00:32:15.680
Instead, they need what the world cannot offer them.
00:32:15.680 --> 00:32:18.079
That's an encounter with a living God.
00:32:18.319 --> 00:32:18.960
Amen.
00:32:19.440 --> 00:32:26.400
A life-changing God encounter and a God experience is really what they need and want.
00:32:26.400 --> 00:32:31.839
This reminds us of a key quote from a prophetic word that we share later in chapter seven.
00:32:31.839 --> 00:32:35.839
They're not looking to be entertained, they're looking to be changed.
00:32:36.640 --> 00:32:36.960
Wow.
00:32:36.960 --> 00:32:37.759
Just think about that.
00:32:37.759 --> 00:32:41.759
They're not looking to be entertained, they're looking to be changed.
00:32:41.759 --> 00:32:42.400
Wow.
00:32:42.400 --> 00:32:49.200
See, a person's first and greatest encounter when entering a church should be the presence of God.
00:32:49.440 --> 00:32:49.759
Amen.
00:32:50.000 --> 00:32:50.640
Imagine that.
00:32:50.640 --> 00:32:55.920
This actually reminds us of a prophetic exhortation the Lord gave us during prayer.
00:32:55.920 --> 00:33:06.960
And we pray it encourages you, every minister and church as well, as you listen to this prophetic exhortation, where the Lord says, All you need is me and my presence.
00:33:07.200 --> 00:33:07.839
Amen.
00:33:07.839 --> 00:33:11.440
So I wanted to just take a moment and share something before I read this.
00:33:11.440 --> 00:33:11.839
Go ahead.
00:33:11.839 --> 00:33:15.599
Is as you were talking about, and we've been talking about give them me.
00:33:15.599 --> 00:33:18.480
All they what they need is me, the presence of God.
00:33:18.480 --> 00:33:24.480
You know, I've talked to many people, and there are so many young people today, and just think of it.
00:33:24.480 --> 00:33:32.160
There's young people, people our age, people older, that they are so confused, they're hurting, they're in depression.
00:33:32.160 --> 00:33:46.640
I mean, some of the even statistics come out of the US and the UK and other nations, even, is these young people, a lot of them are now on some kind of a psychological financial aid because they can't even function hardly.
00:33:46.640 --> 00:33:48.799
And it just breaks my heart.
00:33:48.799 --> 00:33:59.440
And imagine some of those people coming into a church, coming to church because they're so confused inside and messed up and depression and hopelessness and everything.
00:33:59.440 --> 00:34:02.960
Their family's broken apart and they're coming in.
00:34:02.960 --> 00:34:04.960
And someone help me.
00:34:04.960 --> 00:34:06.559
I need to be changed.
00:34:06.559 --> 00:34:09.679
And then they come in and there's no power there.
00:34:09.679 --> 00:34:11.039
There's no prayer going on.
00:34:11.119 --> 00:34:14.559
There's no flashy presentations and great presentation.
00:34:14.719 --> 00:34:19.840
Everything looks good, sounds good, and everything, but there's no power there to set them free.
00:34:20.079 --> 00:34:20.559
That's right.
00:34:21.119 --> 00:34:27.519
And listen, this the church, we need to understand there is a world broken, dying, hurting.
00:34:27.519 --> 00:34:28.000
That's right.
00:34:28.000 --> 00:34:30.000
And they are looking for answers.
00:34:30.000 --> 00:34:30.480
That's right.
00:34:30.480 --> 00:34:32.960
And we have to give them something more.
00:34:32.960 --> 00:34:34.079
We have to.
00:34:34.079 --> 00:34:39.280
And that's only going to come as we connect with heaven.
00:34:39.280 --> 00:34:48.880
And our churches become these glorious heavenly hubs where the Spirit of God is thick and rich and powerful and ready for those that come in the door.
00:34:50.480 --> 00:34:50.800
That's right.
00:34:50.800 --> 00:34:52.000
That's what he wants to bring.
00:34:52.000 --> 00:34:56.480
And that's where I think you'll hear his heart in this prophetic word that he's about to read.
00:34:56.719 --> 00:34:57.280
That's right.
00:34:57.280 --> 00:35:01.519
No challenge, no problem is too big for him.
00:35:01.519 --> 00:35:02.239
That's right.
00:35:02.239 --> 00:35:02.639
Right?
00:35:02.639 --> 00:35:06.880
It's too big for us, maybe, for man, but not too big for God.
00:35:06.880 --> 00:35:09.519
So if he's in the house, everything's going to change.
00:35:09.760 --> 00:35:10.079
That's right.
00:35:10.079 --> 00:35:10.559
Listen to this.
00:35:10.559 --> 00:35:11.199
This is amazing.
00:35:11.440 --> 00:35:16.880
So this is the word the Lord is saying, Yes, I will move through the instruments.
00:35:16.880 --> 00:35:19.440
Yes, I will move through your songs.
00:35:19.440 --> 00:35:20.719
Yes, I will move.
00:35:20.719 --> 00:35:21.760
But know this.
00:35:21.760 --> 00:35:23.519
I need none of these.
00:35:23.519 --> 00:35:28.400
I will use them, and I will use them mightily, and my anointing will come upon them.
00:35:28.400 --> 00:35:32.159
But know this, it is me alone that they need.
00:35:32.159 --> 00:35:33.840
I am the one.
00:35:33.840 --> 00:35:36.880
Sorry, who will set them free.
00:35:36.880 --> 00:35:39.920
I am the one that can bring them to their knees.
00:35:39.920 --> 00:35:42.800
Remember, all they need is me.
00:35:42.800 --> 00:35:47.119
You do not have to have all these other things to set them free.
00:35:47.119 --> 00:35:48.239
Remember that.
00:35:48.239 --> 00:35:49.760
All they need is me.
00:35:49.760 --> 00:35:51.599
Give them me.
00:35:51.599 --> 00:35:53.119
Give them my presence.
00:35:53.119 --> 00:35:54.559
Give them my word.
00:35:54.559 --> 00:35:56.480
You cannot give them.
00:35:56.480 --> 00:35:58.159
Listen to this, church.
00:35:58.159 --> 00:36:01.519
You cannot give them what you do not have.
00:36:01.519 --> 00:36:06.159
This is why I've told you and will continue to call you deeper into me.
00:36:06.159 --> 00:36:08.400
So you will have what they need.
00:36:08.400 --> 00:36:09.840
Give them me.
00:36:09.840 --> 00:36:13.920
And here's a secret: pay the price down on your knees.
00:36:13.920 --> 00:36:14.880
Pursue me.
00:36:14.880 --> 00:36:18.559
So let that just resonate with you.
00:36:18.559 --> 00:36:27.360
So all of these things God will use and he'll use them powerfully because he's given gifts to the church to equip the church and to build the church.
00:36:27.360 --> 00:36:29.760
But it's his presence.
00:36:30.159 --> 00:36:31.920
That is so good and powerful.
00:36:31.920 --> 00:36:35.440
So we have to ask ourselves, church, what do we really want?
00:36:35.760 --> 00:36:36.400
Amen.
00:36:36.400 --> 00:36:37.280
That's right.
00:36:37.280 --> 00:36:41.440
Every church must ask itself, what are we truly building here?
00:36:41.440 --> 00:36:49.199
Are we building a place just to draw people with our creative presentation to get converts, increase attendance, and build church membership?
00:36:49.199 --> 00:36:52.800
And sadly, there can be a lot of pride caught up in that too.
00:36:52.800 --> 00:36:54.079
Like, oh, I'm successful.
00:36:54.079 --> 00:36:55.679
Look at all these people got saved.
00:36:55.679 --> 00:36:56.960
And look at all this.
00:36:56.960 --> 00:37:09.280
And need to ask ourselves, are we building a place for people to come or are we building a place for people to come and encounter God to be set free and to have their lives transformed and changed?
00:37:09.280 --> 00:37:12.719
Remember, God's presence and power will draw the people.
00:37:12.719 --> 00:37:18.880
He will use it.
00:37:18.880 --> 00:37:24.880
He can use it as a powerful tool, but it's his he will draw them by his spirit.
00:37:25.119 --> 00:37:25.519
Amen.
00:37:25.519 --> 00:37:29.840
And we know most churches really want God's presence in the house, right?
00:37:29.840 --> 00:37:31.440
And in the services.
00:37:31.440 --> 00:37:33.920
But it's so easy to get distracted.
00:37:33.920 --> 00:37:40.480
And that's why they have to strip away the distractions and focus on bringing God back into the house.
00:37:40.480 --> 00:37:46.639
And that doesn't mean you don't use marketing or media as a tool inspired by the Holy Spirit, like Cindy mentioned.
00:37:46.639 --> 00:37:49.920
But first, let's make sure we have something to give them.
00:37:50.159 --> 00:37:50.480
Amen.
00:37:50.719 --> 00:37:51.599
Let's give them God.
00:37:51.920 --> 00:37:52.239
Amen.
00:37:52.320 --> 00:37:52.480
Right?
00:37:52.480 --> 00:37:52.880
Amen.
00:37:52.880 --> 00:37:53.840
That's what they really need.
00:37:54.079 --> 00:37:54.400
Amen.
00:37:54.400 --> 00:37:55.760
The author of life.
00:37:56.320 --> 00:37:56.800
Wow.
00:37:56.800 --> 00:37:59.760
So we see this as we start closing here.
00:37:59.760 --> 00:38:02.320
The glorious church paradigm is this.
00:38:02.320 --> 00:38:06.719
The glorious church begins by attracting and hosting God's presence.
00:38:06.719 --> 00:38:13.360
First by ministering to him, then from his presence, he ministers to the people.
00:38:13.599 --> 00:38:13.920
Amen.
00:38:14.320 --> 00:38:21.039
Releasing his life, his power, his deliverance, his healing, his blessing.
00:38:21.039 --> 00:38:24.000
It's life transforming what he wants to bring.
00:38:24.159 --> 00:38:24.480
Amen.
00:38:24.480 --> 00:38:26.800
Amen.
00:38:27.119 --> 00:38:33.599
And as the church continues to host his presence, it can become more than just a place where services are held.
00:38:33.599 --> 00:38:36.480
It becomes like a heavenly habitation.
00:38:36.480 --> 00:38:36.960
Amen.
00:38:36.960 --> 00:38:40.239
A dwelling place for God's throne and glory on earth.
00:38:40.239 --> 00:38:40.719
Amen.
00:38:40.719 --> 00:38:48.639
It becomes that kingdom of heaven like hub and realm on earth that will shine out like a city on a hill.
00:38:48.960 --> 00:38:49.360
Amen.
00:38:49.360 --> 00:38:55.360
You know, I have to bring this up, and I think we may have shared it way early in our one of our podcast episodes.
00:38:55.360 --> 00:39:02.159
Is I remember this back in maybe 2010, there was a move of God happening in some city or state.
00:39:02.159 --> 00:39:09.119
And it was amazing because people were going there because God was really moving, ministering to people, setting them free, people getting saved.
00:39:09.119 --> 00:39:10.960
It was definitely a God thing.
00:39:10.960 --> 00:39:17.679
But when I saw this, my heart was just overwhelmed with this longing from the Spirit of God.
00:39:17.679 --> 00:39:22.639
And the Lord said, Cindy, I don't want to just move in one place.
00:39:22.639 --> 00:39:26.480
I want to move in every city, every community.
00:39:26.480 --> 00:39:30.559
I want to move across the nations of the earth and in America.
00:39:30.559 --> 00:39:32.639
And it's going to happen.
00:39:32.639 --> 00:39:34.559
How is in the communities?
00:39:34.559 --> 00:39:36.159
God wants to reach everywhere.
00:39:36.159 --> 00:39:45.119
So we're believing, and we believe this is the heart of the Father, is to have these glorious churches, glorious church hub, glorious churches in every community.
00:39:45.119 --> 00:39:51.199
Every so in this book, we kind of we lay out really that heavenly blueprint.
00:39:51.440 --> 00:39:52.800
And what will happen as a result of that?
00:39:52.800 --> 00:39:53.599
Yes, amen.
00:39:53.599 --> 00:39:56.800
See, when divine order is in place, that's right.
00:39:56.800 --> 00:40:00.000
God is in the house, he's our number one focus.
00:40:00.000 --> 00:40:00.400
That's right.
00:40:00.400 --> 00:40:07.840
And his presence comes, he begins ministering to the people, things start going to a whole another level that we've never seen before.
00:40:07.840 --> 00:40:10.639
Church was meant to be a God's house, not ours.
00:40:10.800 --> 00:40:11.119
Amen.
00:40:11.360 --> 00:40:14.960
Therefore, our goal must be build his house, his way.
00:40:14.960 --> 00:40:15.679
Amen.
00:40:16.400 --> 00:40:19.840
That's where we have as pastors and and leaders in that.
00:40:19.840 --> 00:40:21.920
We have to throw out our own agendas.
00:40:21.920 --> 00:40:27.119
We have to get rid of all the little cookie cutter, Mark and here's the here's the plan, da-da-da-da-da.
00:40:27.119 --> 00:40:31.440
And they'll all come, you know, have your bouncy houses and do this and do that.
00:40:31.440 --> 00:40:34.800
And and all of that is, I'm not dissing all of that.
00:40:34.800 --> 00:40:39.760
But if you got all of that and you don't have God, again, you got nothing.
00:40:39.760 --> 00:40:41.519
You have nothing.
00:40:41.920 --> 00:40:45.519
So God has a certain way that He wants to build His house.
00:40:45.679 --> 00:40:46.000
Amen.
00:40:46.239 --> 00:40:53.440
And really, there's a heavenly, glorious church model, a prophetic and divine blueprint for the glorious church.
00:40:53.440 --> 00:40:53.760
Amen.
00:40:53.760 --> 00:40:55.360
What it's supposed to look like.
00:40:55.360 --> 00:40:58.159
And we start going through that in our next episode.
00:40:58.159 --> 00:40:58.719
Amen.
00:40:58.719 --> 00:41:04.800
So, in quick review, preface one, it's not just about a people, it's about a place.
00:41:04.800 --> 00:41:05.119
Amen.
00:41:05.119 --> 00:41:09.599
Heavenly hubs, heavenly kingdom hubs on earth that God wants to establish.
00:41:09.599 --> 00:41:15.360
Preface two, it's about those two keys: restoring divine order and as God in the house.
00:41:15.360 --> 00:41:19.599
And then realizing again that our number one ministry is to the Lord.
00:41:19.599 --> 00:41:24.079
That ministry to the Lord comes before ministry for the Lord.
00:41:24.239 --> 00:41:24.559
Amen.
00:41:24.960 --> 00:41:27.039
Ministering for the Lord to his people.
00:41:27.039 --> 00:41:30.719
And our number one function is to be a house of prayer.
00:41:30.719 --> 00:41:35.760
Our number one ministry to the Lord, our number one function is a house of prayer.
00:41:35.760 --> 00:41:37.440
Everything flows from there.
00:41:37.760 --> 00:41:38.239
Amen.
00:41:38.639 --> 00:41:41.519
And remember, it's good versus God's best.
00:41:41.519 --> 00:41:41.920
Amen.
00:41:41.920 --> 00:41:43.119
Which is really glorious.
00:41:43.119 --> 00:41:44.079
That's what it is.
00:41:44.559 --> 00:41:48.159
So we ask the question, is God in the house?
00:41:48.159 --> 00:41:51.360
Because really it's his presence we know they need.
00:41:51.360 --> 00:41:52.000
Yes.
00:41:52.000 --> 00:41:54.960
And we ask the question too, what do we really want?
00:41:54.960 --> 00:41:57.199
We need to ask that question as the church.
00:41:57.199 --> 00:42:00.159
Do we want to see lives truly transformed?
00:42:00.159 --> 00:42:00.559
That's right.
00:42:00.559 --> 00:42:04.880
Then we have to adopt that glorious church paradigm that you were talking about.
00:42:05.119 --> 00:42:05.519
That's right.
00:42:05.679 --> 00:42:09.039
We have to have that and understand what that looks like.
00:42:09.280 --> 00:42:09.599
That's right.
00:42:09.599 --> 00:42:17.119
And we'll be going into that in our next episode with a chapter called The Heavenly Glory Church Model.
00:42:17.119 --> 00:42:20.559
It's a prophetic blueprint of what God wants to build.
00:42:20.559 --> 00:42:23.360
And we're reminded again of what he spoke to us.
00:42:23.360 --> 00:42:25.360
We shared it at the end of last episode.
00:42:25.360 --> 00:42:29.199
We'll share it again here because it's setting up what we're going to start talking about next.
00:42:29.199 --> 00:42:29.679
Amen.
00:42:29.679 --> 00:42:34.960
This is where the Lord is saying break the mold, let my plans unfold.
00:42:35.280 --> 00:42:35.760
Amen.
00:42:35.760 --> 00:42:38.159
That's going to be a powerful one.
00:42:38.159 --> 00:42:44.719
And looking at this and just the truths that are there and what that heavenly glorious church model is.
00:42:44.960 --> 00:42:48.719
And his plans are revealed in the heavenly glorious church model, I believe.
00:42:48.719 --> 00:42:50.079
And the chapters after that.
00:42:50.079 --> 00:42:50.400
Amen.
00:42:50.400 --> 00:42:51.519
Provide more detail.
00:42:51.519 --> 00:42:51.840
Amen.
00:42:51.840 --> 00:42:52.880
It's going to be exciting.
00:42:52.880 --> 00:42:54.960
So that concludes our episode today.
00:42:54.960 --> 00:42:55.840
Yay.
00:42:56.480 --> 00:42:57.599
We made it through.
00:42:57.599 --> 00:42:58.320
Yes, yes.
00:42:58.320 --> 00:42:58.639
All right.
00:42:58.639 --> 00:43:01.760
Well, thank you so much for joining us today.
00:43:01.760 --> 00:43:10.559
And we pray, we pray that God has spoken to you, stirred your heart, and just really imparted his heart to you.
00:43:10.559 --> 00:43:11.599
Because that's a big thing.
00:43:11.599 --> 00:43:17.199
Getting God's heart in the midst of all the noise and all the voices and so much going on.
00:43:17.199 --> 00:43:23.360
It's there's nothing more beautiful than to be close enough to him that you can hear his heartbeat.
00:43:24.239 --> 00:43:24.719
That's right.
00:43:24.719 --> 00:43:31.199
Remember in 2 Corinthians 6, 16, he talked about he wants to dwell not just in us, but walk among us.
00:43:31.199 --> 00:43:37.440
And that's what we can help set up through divine order and making sure that God is in the house.
00:43:37.440 --> 00:43:37.840
Amen.
00:43:37.840 --> 00:43:40.639
His presence, his power, his glory.
00:43:40.880 --> 00:43:41.440
Amen.
00:43:41.679 --> 00:43:44.159
And some more details about that next time.
00:43:44.400 --> 00:43:44.800
Amen.
00:43:44.800 --> 00:43:47.039
And we pray as we close this out.
00:43:47.039 --> 00:43:48.159
I want to pray for you.
00:43:48.159 --> 00:43:54.400
That very scripture in that 2nd Corinthians, he said, I will dwell in them and walk among them.
00:43:54.400 --> 00:43:57.599
I will be their God and they shall be my people.
00:43:57.599 --> 00:44:09.840
And we want to pray that over you right now, that in your home where you are right now, that God will walk among you and your family, and you will know that he's in the room.
00:44:09.840 --> 00:44:12.239
And that he will speak to you.
00:44:12.239 --> 00:44:19.679
And again, we know the scripture draw near to me, and I will draw near to you.
00:44:19.679 --> 00:44:22.320
So he loves it when we take that first step.
00:44:22.480 --> 00:44:22.800
Amen.
00:44:22.960 --> 00:44:25.760
That he wants to walk among you, your family.
00:44:27.039 --> 00:44:27.440
Amen.
00:44:27.440 --> 00:44:29.360
Well, that concludes our episode today.
00:44:29.360 --> 00:44:33.679
And we look forward to next time when we talk about the heavenly glorious church model.
00:44:34.000 --> 00:44:34.320
Amen.
00:44:34.559 --> 00:44:40.159
So until then, together in Christ, let's rise up glorious to transform lives.
00:44:44.239 --> 00:44:44.639
Amen.
00:44:44.800 --> 00:44:45.119
Amen.
00:44:46.639 --> 00:44:52.239
We hope you enjoyed this episode of the Shekinah Today podcast with Darrel and Cindy deVille.
00:44:52.239 --> 00:44:56.880
We invite you to subscribe and leave a review wherever you're listening.
00:44:56.880 --> 00:45:00.400
And please share to help get this important message out.
00:45:00.400 --> 00:45:06.480
And if you haven't yet, we encourage you to get a copy of Rise of the Glorious Church.
00:45:06.480 --> 00:45:14.000
It goes deeper into what Darrel and Cindy are sharing and will help you prepare for what God is doing in the days ahead.
00:45:14.000 --> 00:45:22.880
If this message and ministry has been a blessing to you, we want to invite you to sow into the vision and mission of Shekinah Today Ministries.
00:45:22.880 --> 00:45:34.719
Our mission is to exalt Christ, raise up his glorious church to reveal his glory, advance his kingdom, and transform lives, families, cities, and nations.
00:45:34.719 --> 00:45:39.599
You can donate by going to our website at shekinaToday.org.
00:45:39.599 --> 00:45:41.760
Thank you again for joining us.
00:45:41.760 --> 00:45:45.840
Until next time, let's rise up glorious.