Some words leave a bad taste in your mouth
Sunday, June 28, 2009
For some in leadership, nothing causes an immediate knee-jerk reaction quite like bringing up the subject of spiritual covering. I have heard the many reasons why one should submit to a covering and then I have also heard from the wounded as to why one should not even bother. Some organizations unfortunately do little to spiritually cover yet have no problem cashing members’ monthly contribution. These wounded ones complain that there is no support through prayer, no personal interaction, no wisdom being dispensed, and flesh runs a muck at convocations across the country. Stories of control and manipulation are often shared and worn as badges of honor. And certainly not helping the spiritual pandemic is the rising number of high profile moral failures among those dubbed spiritual mothers and fathers. It is enough to send the newly called running declaring, “God cover me!” I should know. I was one of them.
Will you allow me to share what Holy Spirit revealed to me? In the book of 1 Corinthians chapter 12 Paul speaks of Holy Spirit giving gifts to men in order to perfect the church. So yes, your gift came from on High. The gift, calling and the power you pack are indeed real. But it takes the impartation from spiritual parents to establish you. Paul says in Romans 1:11, “For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established.” The Greek word used here for established is sterizo which means to make stable, place firmly, set fast, fix. It also means to strengthen, make firm or to render constant, confirm. Beloved you cannot establish yourself; that work is done by spiritual mothers and fathers, spiritual coverings.
For some leaders, the hurt inflicted runs deep and their refusal to submit to leadership can turn into rebellion. They cannot take correction, they believe they do not have to be accountable to anyone but God and often find themselves leading a group of people much like themselves – rebellious and stiff-necked! They are not rearing true spiritual sons and daughters because they themselves have not submitted to sonship.
In these last times, spiritual parents are being restored to the body of Christ. Apostolic men and women who may not have all the answers but are willing to get in the trenches with you and are willing to give of themselves are being called to the front lines. This covering will not look like anything you have seen or experienced in the past. It is truly a God-thing and it will bless your life and your ministry.
Man and woman of God, I urge you to seek the Father in regard to your spiritual covering in this season of decreed restoration. I know He is faithful to direct you. Then I pray that the spirit of a son overtake you and your heart be made ready to receive this good thing, this God-thing into your life. I pray that you would allow Holy Spirit to heal your hurt places and that oil and wine be poured out upon you. I pray that the hurt and disappointments of the past be made whole. In allowing Holy Spirit to do so, you allow yourself to become established and then you can at last birth true sons and daughters into the Kingdom. I promise what God is doing will bless you. It truly is a good thing.
Many blessings,
Pastor Lisa
