Revelatory Realms of Heaven

Revelatory Realms of Heaven

Third Edition

Copyright 2010

Front Cover by Kerrie Christensen

All biblical quotations are taken from the New King James Bible or the

Amplified Bible, unless otherwise stated.

Printed by Rivers of Living Water Inc, Australia.

Web site address: www.riversliving.com

Dedication

We would like to dedicate this book to those who have heard much about the Lord but still hunger to experience Him for themselves. May you find the One who makes Himself known by revelation - keep seeking and you will see Him, as He is.

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Table of Contents

Revelatory Nature

of the Godhead

god: the revelator

Revelatory Realms of Heaven

How God

Communicates

Invited Into The

Courts of Revelation

Hidden From Plain Sight

Engaging Third Heaven

Revelation

Voice of the Shepherd

Introduction

It is a foundational truth that all Christians are called to walk by faith and not just by experiences alone. However, it is also a Biblical reality that every born again believer has the potential to not only hear and recognize the Lord’s voice but to experience Him.

“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow me”.

John 10:27

The initial born again experience is the door we each must walk through, if we are to enjoy intimacy with Jehovah God. As a

result of this initial experience we become what the bible calls ‘new

creations in Christ’. 2 Corinthians 5:17. The new birth opens up a whole new spiritual realm that goes far beyond the natural, which can and does even touch our five senses. The new birth breathes life into our spirit, making the believer alive to God who is Spirit. No longer does the believer just relate to the natural world, their true home is found in heaven.

“For our citizenship is in heaven”. Philippians 3:20

As new creations, born from above, we are no longer to be bound by the restrictions of the natural world, as citizens of a

heavenly kingdom; our potential to experience the Lord and the

eternal realm that He dwells in becomes limitless. During our

journey from time to time the Lord will open our spiritual eyes so that we can see and experience the One who dwells in hidden-ness.

Heavenly encounters are not only exciting; they are part of the

Christians heritage. During our walk, the Lord will pull back the veil of hidden-ness, providing a glimpse of the One who dwells in

eternity.

Regardless of how you might feel even in the driest of times,

Divinity is at work within. Each revelatory experience helps to

awaken spiritual hunger shaking off the dust of passivity,

releasing a new fervour, to pursue Him.

Encounters with the realms of heaven are like a gateway into the

inner courts of His heart, which provide us with, refreshing and

opportunity to bathe in the sweet oils of intimacy. Part of our

heritage is to walk in unprecedented levels of revelation while living in the earth realm!

Are you ready and would you know how to respond to this type of initiative from the Lord?

Chapter 1

Revelatory Nature

of the Godhead

Chapter 1

Revelatory Nature of the Godhead

He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter

answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. Matthew 16:15-17.

Introduction

In your relationship with the Lord, have you ever arrived at the point whereby you finally felt like you have a handle on walking with Him, and as a result of this, your spiritual life began to move your realm of familiarity, only to have the Lord step into you’re place of

“certainty” with an unsolicited release of third heaven revelation, which jolted your delusions of grandeur.

All you could do was shake your head in amazement as you realized just how little, in reality, you had grasped the magnitude, splendour and awesomeness of the omnipotent God? I would imagine that this was how Peter was feeling after his revelatory experience as seen in Matthew 17:1-9.

While much is disclosed in the bible about the Lord, like Peter, He

becomes much more of a living reality to us when experience

mountain top encounters. While I acknowledge that all Christians are called to live and walk by faith and not just by experiences, there is another side to this statement. It is also foundational that every believer must encounter the Lord for themselves if their relationship with Him is going to be real and life long.

The Foundation

The bible from Genesis to Revelation records many revelatory

encounters that the writers personally had with the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

While most of these encounters did differ in nature there remained three common elements contained within each experience. It was God literally making available to them His nature, ways and

intentions.

Regardless of whether it was Abraham, Moses, Ezekiel, Peter, Stephen or Paul. At a designated time the Lord would step into their circumstances and reveal to each one strategic aspects of His nature, ways and intentions.

Lets look at an example. The account of Jacob found in Genesis 28:10-17, is familiar to most. Jacob had decided that he needed to do a little sightseeing. Haran was to be the destination. After a hard day of

travelling, the need for sleep got the better of him.

While fast asleep, Jacob had a prophetic dream. In this dream, he saw a ladder that extended from earth into heaven. He not only did see heavenly activity, he also heard the voice of the Lord. This dream touched most of his senses. Hence this encounter, would have been life changing for Jacob. Behind this revelatory experience, there was a deeper intent, God was re-affirming His covenant intentions, for Jacobs descendants. Talk about life changing. Like most heavenly

encounters recorded in the bible, this one caused Jacob to tremble.

Revelation from the heavenly realm has the power to transform, by virtue of its nature. It is interesting to note, prior to their encounters these saints had little, if any, real understanding of the Lord and His ways and because of this many had wrong perceptions, like Paul.

Therefore, we know that the Lord uses revelatory experiences to help realign our understanding, which inevitably can be a catalyst to bring great change, that effects our lives and future direction. If we are open to them, God can, and will use similar revelatory

experiences for those living in the 21st century.

Many who have served the Lord over the past 2000 year

history of the church have validated this in their writings. Often these

experiences were used to bring instruction, direction and

encouragement to those who they were called to lead.

Church leaders such as St. Patrick, Madam Guyon, Rees Howells, Watchman Nee, John G. Lake, Kathryn Kulhman and Kenneth Hagin. Their personal writings make it clear, that they also, considered

revelatory encounters as ‘signs’ from the Lord and were to be a

normal part of the Christian experience. God used these experiences, to significantly affect their lives, and ultimately their ability to impact the generation they were called to lead.

It is interesting to note that the Apostle Paul, who was used to write two-thirds of the New Testament, had many revelatory experiences.

His encounters have been the basis for much of our Church age

doctrine.

…how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery…

Ephesians 3:3.

Many have asked the question; “If these experiences are meant to be a normal part of our Christian walk, how do we access them while ensuring that we do not enter into deception or flakiness?” This is a

valid question and one that I will deal with, in the context of this book.

As always the all-knowing eternal God, that we love, has made

provision for our concerns. At Pentecost, the Lord sent the Holy Spirit who no longer dwells in a tabernacle made with hands. Through the born again experience, the Holy Spirit now makes His home within the hearts of believers.

...if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you...

Romans 8:11.

Staying on the Path of Life

The Holy Spirit has been given to the church as our Helper, not only does He fulfil this function but He also convicts the world of sin, righteousness and judgment to come. John 16:8. He has a significant ministry to every believer, this is to keep us on the path of life. John 16:13-14. He also reveals the Lord Jesus, the Word of God, to our hearts. John 14:26. The Holy Spirit is sometimes referred to as the ‘Spirit of Truth’. If we learn to lean upon Him rather than our own wisdom He will help us to discern between truth and error. Keeping our lives on the narrow path.

As the Lord opens up the revelatory realm to you, invite the Holy

Spirit to chaperone each step of the way. Ask Him to explain each experience, what they mean and what the Lord is trying to

communicate. He, the Holy Spirit will lead and help you to rightly judge what is happening. With each experience and the help of the Holy Spirit you will grow in your ability to discern what is from the Lord and what is not.

There are two methods readily available to help us discern the origin of all revelatory experiences:

1. The Inward Witness.

But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him. 1 John 2:27.

First is what the bible calls the inward witness. This is the

‘anointing within’ and is a by-product of the Holy Spirit’s

indwelling. This function is very important and it is what we use to judge all spiritual experiences. Using this spiritual faculty, helps to develop our spiritual senses.

...those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. Hebrews 5:14.

It is often through trial and error that we gain the necessary

experience and develop the ability to be sensitive to the various

sensations. Much like it was, when you were learning how to ride a bike. The inward witness is where we learn to recognize the voice of the Holy Spirit and discern between what comes from the Lord, our soul or the devil.

The inward witness finds its expression in the conscience. Our

conscience is our right or wrong faculty. It is like the green and red traffic lights on the roads. It tells us whether we should stop, or go. It helps us to recognise what is right or wrong, in relation to the issues you might face.

2. The Written Word of God.

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and morrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12.

Second is the bible. The bible is an amazing asset. The written word of

God contains life. Life that we need to grow and become strong in the

spirit. The bible is so much more than just words on a written page.

The words that I speak to you are spirit and they are life. John 6:63.

Most Christians are defeated because they are not strong in their spirit. The way we can become strong, is feed upon the word daily.

We are to be skilled in the “word of righteousness”. As the Psalmist said, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and light to my path”. Psalm 119:105. The Holy Spirit is the Author of the bible. As we study it, He will bring back to our memory what the bible says about various matters. It is important though, that we don’t use the written word as just another law. John 7:24. The bible will reflects what is truth and real. When the Holy Spirit breathes upon the words, they become life.

During His ministry Jesus, the Word, had complete Trust in the Holy Spirit, and the Spirits ability to keep Him on the path of life. He can and will do the same for us. To be trusted with more revelation, our lives must be built upon and governed by what the bible teaches. Revelation and revelatory encounters that come from the Holy Spirit will never contradict the written word.

“However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. John 16:13.

Our Initial Glimpse

“Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot

see the kingdom of God. John 3:3.

As was stated earlier, the first and most life changing revelatory

encounter should be what the bible calls, the “born again”

experience. The Holy Spirit is the Administrator of the new birth.

He reveals our sinful position before a Holy God, and then presents

Jesus Christ, the Saviour, as the answer. So it is foundational, if we are to have access to the revelatory nature of God, we first must be born again, by the Spirit of God.

Jesus said that we should have a continual river of life flowing from our heart. John 7:38. I believe we initially access this river through being baptized by the Holy Spirit. Acts 1:4-5. This experience is

imperative if we are to be empowered to do Holy Spirit anointed

work. Just as important is the ongoing experience of being filled with the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 5:18.

Rivers of revelation come to us as a result of the grace of God. As we seek Him through prayer, the word, worship and fellowship, God will respond with revelation. Every revelatory experience is given as a result of divine intention and purpose.

The revelatory experience that Saul had is a great example of

this. While on the road to Damascus the risen Christ stepped into Saul’s life. This event revealed to Saul the One who he had been

persecuting and the need for Saul to repent so he could embrace the destiny that awaited him. Acts 9:3-19. Saul’s experience is a example of what can happen when the Lord breaks through with revelation.

The Lord is not flippant with His words. Gods words are

pregnant with His life. This life consumes the work of death. Death is

something we each can experience during our walk. His words also bring insight, releasing His purposes to you. They have the power to align and release God’s creative process into your circumstances. This reality is recorded in Hebrews 11:3:

By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so

that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.

The spoken or declared word from God commences the creative process. When God speaks the Holy Spirit broods over those words,

bringing forth order where there had been formally only chaos.

Each time the Lord speaks there exists the potential to completely revolutionize the recipient, bringing life long change. This is seen in

the encounter Mary had with the angel Gabriel.

Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found

favour with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring

forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus….”For with God nothing will be impossible”. Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word”. Luke 1:30-31, 37-38.

Mary’s encounter with the angel Gabriel totally transformed the life of this young Hebrew girl. Once she embraced the word, a special

creative process was released. The word from the Angel contained the eternal power to bring forth new life and hope for all mankind.

As a result of this encounter with the voice of God, Mary’s life was never the same and God’s plan of redemption became more

apparent.

Definitions

There are a number of words for revelation used in Hebrew and Greek but for this study we will have a closer look at just two of them. The Hebrew word galah is used 34 times, while the Greek word apokalypsis, is used 26 times. These words have a similar

basic meaning, they speak of something that is hidden or cloaked and to be granted the right understanding and perspective the

meaning must be unveiled.

- Hebrew - galah: speaks of laying bare so that it becomes visible, revealing of secrets, unveiling of the Lords secrets.

- Greek - apokalypsis: speaks of unveiling or disclosing of reality previously not perceived. 1

It could be said that the Lord has designed revelatory encounters, so that we can look beyond the veil of uncertainty, while receiving a

glimpse into the heart of Jehovah God, who is eternal.

These experiences can provide the believer with a revamp of

reality. So that what is finite can have a foretaste of what is eternal.

Revelatory experiences can be God’s way of altering askew

perspectives. While downloading heavens terms of reference as it

relates to God’s reality.

Rod’s Definition

“Revelation is the spontaneous, instant insight from the Lord, disclosing heaven’s perspective on a matter formally outside of our present understanding, perception and frame of reference”.

Chapter 2

god: the revelator

Chapter 2

God - The Revelator

Introduction

The Holy Spirit, by virtue of His nature and mission, could be

considered as the great Revelator. Remember Jesus said to the

disciples,

“I will not leave you as orphans, I will come to you”. John 14:18.

He was making reference to the Holy Spirit, whom the Father would send after Pentecost. Even though Jesus departed physically, the Holy Spirit was sent as His replacement.

To a large extent the Church has misunderstood the role and

ministry of the Holy Spirit as it relates to the believer’s

individual walk. His multifaceted role during this dispensation

includes revealing Jesus to the believer and unravelling the mysteries

contained within the heart of Jehovah God.

But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit

searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. 1 Corinthians 2:10.

Wind of the Spirit

After my conversion in 1978 I became a serious student of the

scriptures. The bible was the first book I read from cover to cover. I soon developed a deep, profound love for the scriptures. To help my study program I decided to join a denominational bible college and continued on my journey to understand God through His word.

During this time of discovery, I realized that much of this new found knowledge was tainted as a result of my former life’s experiences,

leading to some wrong conclusions, which produced a sense of

frustration. So with my usual zeal I sought the Lord for answers,

because deep down inside I knew there had to be more than what I was currently experiencing.

God always answers the cry of the heart, and because of this cry of mine, God brought a number of people across my path, who were able to teach me about the baptism in the Holy Spirit mentioned in Acts 1. Once I realized that this experience was biblical and part of God’s plan for my life, I was baptized with the Holy Spirit at 21 years of age, after a Pastor prayed for me.

To say that this experience had a significant effect upon me would be an understatement. It completely revolutionized my life and walk with God.

Suddenly I found that my ability to understand the scriptures was greatly enhanced. I found I had a greater sensitivity to spiritual matters and prayer became a joy and not just toil. During this time my relationship with the Holy Spirit went to a new level.

My wife and I were introduced to ‘praying in the Spirit’ for long hours. Some prayer meetings would last all night. It was during these prayer meetings that the prophetic realm began to be opened up to us. Revelation became a part of our day-to-day lives. God began to reveal things to us through dreams, visions and other prophetic

experiences. The eternal realms of heaven became very real to us.

The Holy Spirit is very strategic in all that He does. The outcome of these strategies include disclosing the kingdom of God to the

believer and positioning our lives for victory.

I have learnt not to try and live this life separate from the ministry of the Holy Spirit. God has given Him to us as our Helper. Daily we are bombarded with facts that can affect our ability to really trust the Lord and while we do not deny these facts we understand we are

called to live by God’s truth rather than man’s facts. God’s truth is a higher reality. Truth that originates from God’s word is not subject to the constraints, found in human reasoning. God’s word is to be our final position on reality.

The Comforter, the Holy Spirit has been given to you and me to

reveal this higher reality and help us to live there. Regardless of our

circumstances, God’s truth is much greater than facts. John 14:16-17.

Because God breathed into Adam and he came a living soul, he was able to walk with and commune with his Creator. The Holy Spirit is able to breathe upon our hearts with revelation and make us alive to what God wants to say. As a result of this we become sensitive to the administration of the methods God wants to use to speak. The great Revelator, the Holy Spirit, is intricately involved in helping us to know and understand the ways of God so that we can partake of all that He has made available.

Functions of Revelation:

1. To Bring the Wind of Change.

He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have

understanding. He reveals deep and secret things; He knows what is in the darkness, and light dwells with Him. Daniel 2:21-22.

The effect of revelation is like a light that is turned on in a dark room. The light from the revelation, drives away the darkness. So that which was concealed and beyond perception, comes into view becoming

more recognizable. The Holy Spirit uses revelation to pull back the

veil of misconception, shining forth the light of God’s purposes.

The secondary effect of revelation is change. Through these

experiences the Lord begins to incubate change within, this can and should greatly affect our current frame of reference.

As discussed earlier, the life of Saul of Tarsus, is a classic example of

this. Another example is seen in Acts 10. When the Lord provided revelation to Peter he was able to see that God had a major plan for

the Gentiles. This whole idea of the Jewish Church embracing

gentile believers would have been difficult for Jews like Peter. What is

interesting to note, God’s plan for the inclusion of the gentile

nations, had always been contained within the scriptures. Yet, it took a revelation to highlight this.

Initially, this assaulted current misconceptions held by the Jewish Church. All credit to the Elders of the day, they searched out the scriptures and discovered this truth and the Elders of Jerusalem

embraced believers from all nations. Revelatory insights can bring a fresh understanding on current day purposes, while making the way for change.

Revelation was the catalyst that God used to not only bring change,

but to encourage the Church Elders to seek God for a greater

understanding of His eternal plan, as it relates to non-Jewish

believers.

The vision did not solve or answer all the questions and concerns they would have because that is not the function of revelatory

encounters. They are designed by God to instigate change and bring alignment to our thinking. This can all be summed up in one word - CHANGE!

2. Seeded with Destiny

One of the amazing characteristics of God is His ability to create something from nothing. When the Lord initiates revelation there

is deposited within our hearts the seed of destiny. He does it this way so we can be involved and even co-operate with His creative

process.

By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God. Hebrews 11:3.

God’s spoken or declared word, if received, demonstrates faith on our behalf. Faith in God’s spoken word is required if what He has

said is going to be birthed. We must understand at this point it is just in seed form. But contained within that seed is the necessary DNA to bring forth what the Lord has spoken.

Many years ago a Prophet visited our church. During the meeting he called my wife and I to the front. He spoke a strong prophetic word that

spoke directly to God’s call upon both our lives. The word contained encouragement, direction and impartation. Because the anointing

demonstrated was so strong, we felt ‘caught up’ into the realms of glory.

This feeling remained for many weeks, greatly affecting us for some

time. The Lord used this Prophet to speak into our lives and release destiny.

The prophetic word was able to sow new aspects of our call and even awoke facets that had died due to adversity. This one word from God reactivated and energized our call to ministry. Every true

heavenly encounter deposits something into our spirits that formally was not there. Revelation presents new horizons, that are outside of current paradigms.

Revelatory experiences are a representation of the creative nature

of the Holy Spirit. Like an artist, He paints pictures upon the heart, which are an indication of the potential that lies within the you and me. The womb of our spirit receives an overlay of Divine purpose,

causing the eyes of our understanding to be enlightened. Ephesians 1:17.

3. Provision for the Next Generation

God is in the business of making provision for the next

generation. Therefore what the Lord reveals acts like building blocks for the next generation. Part of our calling is to make ready the resources needed for them. Then, like marathon racers we can pass the baton onto those who will continue after we have gone.

The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but those things, which are revealed, belong to us and to our children forever. Deuteronomy 29:29

Revelation from the Lord is always progressive. What our generation

contested for and obtained should be the foundation for the next to build upon. Revelatory encounters are generational; they release a heritage within the lives of the believer and ultimately the church.

All Christians are called to overcome the strongholds within their

generation. What the current generation doesn’t overcome the next

will have to deal with it. Through prevailing prayer, fasting and

demonstration of faith by acting upon the word, God will give us the victory.

There is an old saying; “we cannot take someone where we have

not first been”. Once we prevail and break-through, the knowledge and experience gained can be passed on.

4. Revelation sustains

The spoken, personalized word of the Lord contains the power,

energy and authority to sustain us during our own personal

journey.

“It has been written, Man shall not live and be upheld and sustained by

bread alone, but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of God. “ Matthew 4:4 AMP

Revelatory experiences from the Lord are so exciting. They

invigorate, strengthen and provide perspective. Like Daniel, we also will have to warfare for revelation to be released. The devil will try to prevent us from getting access to revelatory encounters because they can be used to dislodge his strongholds. Daniel 10:11-14. Satan fights very hard to discredit and ultimately shut down the prophetic.

He knows and understands the power contained within one word from the Lord. Satan’s knows that if his deception works, it will leave

Christians feeling aimless, direction less causing them to put down their weapons and drop out of the battle.

Every word that issues forth from the heart of God has the power to energize us. When the Holy Spirit whispers the

mysteries of God’s Kingdom, it will touch the deepest part of our soul,

creating a desire to draw nearer to our Father. Relationship with the Lord is not meant to be dry, dusty and distant. He created you and me for intimate

fellowship. Through the cross God has made the way for this to be our reality.

Revelation Vs Knowledge

Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the

mystery kept secret since the world began. Romans 16:25.

To the casual observer the ways, purposes and characteristics of God can at best seem paradoxical, until we understand the trait of hidden-

ness that is generic to the Godhead.

Jesus, in Luke 10:21 said it this way:

“I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and revealed them to babes.”

All valuable treasure remains hidden until someone pays the price, digs deep and unearths what is hidden from the casual observer. To unearth Kingdom treasures requires the same tenacity. These

riches are hidden within the eternal heart of Jehovah God. They await

discovery, by those willing to lay down there own agendas and seek, hunger and thirst after them.

The mysteries of God are free but they are not cheap. There is

always a price to be paid. The currency to transact at this level is death to our carnal, self-centered natures. If we seek Him with

our whole heart, the Lord will make available to us His kingdom

treasures. This is what the bible calls, “true riches.”

Most believers are taught and are accustomed to obtaining

knowledge about the Lord through the study of the written word. However, most might not be quite so accustomed to receiving

knowledge from the Lord as a result of personal revelation.

Diligent study of the word is just one method God uses to teach

every budding disciple. In reality, what can take hundreds of hours of study and still provide only a peripheral understanding; one

revelatory encounter can release in a matter of seconds.

At various stages during the Church age, false teachings have crept in. These doctrines find their origin in man’s need to try and

rationalize spiritual truth. This attribute had its genesis in the

Garden of Eden. God instructed Adam and Eve not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Unfortunately this trait has

been evident since the fall.

The consequence of this has been doctrines that have caused much

damage to the gospel of Christ. Men’s theories, rationalizations and

intellectualizing of spiritual reality cannot connect us to the Lord,

who is Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:17. Truth that is Holy Spirit breathed can accomplish this. Paul understood this and at every opportunity he would reiterate this fact. If we are to be positioned to overcome in our generation, this must remain one of our hallmarks.

(And) that the mystery (secret) was made known to me and I was

allowed to comprehend it by direct revelation, as I already briefly wrote you. Ephesians 3:3 AMP

The Apostle Paul, who was one of the best-educated men of his era. To some degree God was able to use this. Yet all his former training could not teach or prepare Paul to walk in the Spirit. Only the Holy

Spirit can produce that which is Spirit. 1 Corinthians 2:13-14.

Could this be the reason why Paul considered his natural training more as a stumbling block, than a benefit? The walk of the Spirit is contrary to the man’s logical processes, which should not surprise us, because even the work of the cross is said to be “Foolishness to those outside of the kingdom” 1 Corinthians 1:18. While there is

nothing inherently wrong with true knowledge, knowledge itself cannot equip us for ministry in the Spirit.

The river of revelation that flows from the throne room is the

currency necessary to transact within God’s economy. Apostle Paul’s revelations down through the ages have been able to build up, strengthen and guide many during the Church age. While it is

important to maintain good study habits, understand that the Lord

uses revelatory encounters to help us understand His perspective rather than just man’s.

Interesting Thought

The Greek verb used for ‘know’ is, Eido, which means to know by

perception and the noun means, that which strikes the eye. It is

interesting also to note, the word used in Hebrew for ‘know’ is Da’ath and refers to knowledge obtained via revelation rather than knowledge

gained.

Revelation, under the Old Covenant, was mostly the domain of the Prophet, Priest or king. This is one of the differences within the New and Old Covenants. So, revelation can and should be the domain of every born again believer.

“The Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for dwells He with you and will be in you. John 14:17.

Conclusion

If we make room for the Holy Spirit within our lives, families, places of business and churches we can expect that He will breathe upon our hearts so that revelation will become a normal part of our

Christian experience. The primary benefit of revelation is, obtaining God’s perspective on reality. The secondary, is correct positioning so that we will be at the right place, at the right time, doing the right things!

The Lord loves to release what I call, third heaven revelation. God loves us and He understands our need as spiritual beings to be

connected to the eternal realms of heaven. While we cannot force

the Lord to release revelation to us, we do have a part to play. If we don’t seek, hunger and thirst for more, we will remain at the same level. The choice is yours. Do you want to play in the pigpen, or soar on eagle’s wings?

I would encourage you to pray this amazing prayer from Ephesians 1:17-19 daily; it will help to open the lens on your spiritual heart.

That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power.

Chapter 3

Revelatory Realms of Heaven

Chapter 3

Revelatory Realms of Heaven

I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, as of a trumpet, saying, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last”. Revelation 1:10-11.

Introduction

The bible contains many references relating to heaven. While all

Christian’s see and embrace Jesus as the Lamb of God, there is

another aspect that we have struggled to understand. Jesus, now, dwells in heaven. He is the risen, glorified Christ, siting at the right hand of the Father. He is the Lord over all things - now!

John had been close to Jesus, during His earthly ministry, reclining at the table with Him. Yet, John’s revelation of who Jesus is, up to that point, was mostly as the Lamb of God. During his experience at Patmos, John saw and experienced some of what I am referring to. Like John, we need a revelation of who Jesus is now. This is the

central theme of the book of Revelation. Jesus is and will always be the central theme of all things. The picture language used in this book conveys this truth.

Others, also, have been caught up in revelatory experiences and saw amazing things contained in heaven. Heaven is our true home. It is where God lives and governs the universe. God has made provision for believers to experience a small taste of what one day will be our home. This comes as the Lord opens our hearts to see Him.

In 2 Corinthians 12:2-4 Paul, in describing his encounter, takes a

distant stand when relaying his experience, he says, “I know a man….

was caught up to the third heaven …. heard inexpressible words”.

He heard and saw things that he felt were not even lawful to speak about. Moses heavenly encounter must have left him breathless. On the mountain God provided Moses with the blueprint to build the

tabernacle. This was to be a type and shadow of what is in heaven.

You shall raise up the tabernacle according to its pattern which

you were shown on the mountain. Exodus 26:30

God uses revelatory encounters to release vision and

instruction. They also transform the way we see and relate to the Lord. This helps to position our hearts. Heavenly vision brings the framework needed to know how and what to do. There are various methods the Lord will use to convey His intentions to you and me.

Three Foundations That Speak

Genesis is the book of beginnings. In this book we are given a

picture of the Creator’s handiwork. If we look closely at these, we will be afforded a greater understanding of the Creator. Contrary to what science tries to advocate, Jehovah God has not left Himself without a witness. There are three extraordinary ‘signatures’ that

reflect the attributes of the Creator. Each of these are overlaid with a revelation of the work and intentions of the Lord.

Each of these amazing signatures teaches about the infinite

wisdom of our glorious Creator. They all act as reference points, like

signposts, that point the way for every genuine seeker. Each signpost can lead a willing heart to a foundational understanding about their Creator and His plans for their lives.

1. The Creation – General, non-specific revelation

The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament

shows His handiwork. Psalm 19:1.

Creation itself is one of the most powerful voices. God has left

recognizable endorsements within His creation. Each one of these can provide us with general revelation about the Lord God and His ways. The heavens, the earth, animal and plant kingdoms and

mankind reflect a Master engineer. His handy work is nothing less that the declaration of One who is not only creative but a master planner. Many throughout the ages have been overwhelmed by both the complexity and beauty of His creation.

Day after day all of creation speaks of the intricate loving work of the one true God. The creation itself should be enough to convince even the most ardent sceptic of His reality.

For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen,

being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse. Romans 1:20

While creation may not provide the ability to have a personal

relationship with God, nevertheless, if we take time to analyse the creation, we will receive a measure of revelation. Every new day shines forth attributes of the Creator, so that all can have a general understanding of Him and His ways.

The history of the nations is also a tapestry that is intricately

interwoven with the signature of God. If we commit to research

history from His perspective you will be afforded greater

understanding of the amazing tapestry that He has worked down through the ages.

2. Biblical Revelation – The Word of God

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for

doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.

2 Timothy 3:16.

The next signpost is the written word of God. While there have been

many arguments against, the validity of the scriptures. My

position is, the scriptures are the inspired word of God. We are very

blessed that God ensured that we would have access to His manual, the

bible. The bible contains sixty six individual books, penned mostly by

different people chosen by the Lord. Each wrote under the direction and inspiration of the Holy Spirit. The various authors came from all kinds of different backgrounds. Yet, in each of the writings there is a

similar revelatory thread, woven into the pages of each book. This is the progressive and unfolding revelation of God and His plan of redemption.

The scriptures are an ongoing, ready source of revelatory insight. They provide a clear picture about our origins, the fall of man, the plan of restoration and God’s ultimate future kingdom on earth. The scriptures are prophetic in nature. The Old Testament is basically a prophecy about Jesus, the living word. While the New Testament is the revelation about what was promised.

If you study the history of the bible it is a miracle that we still have access to it. No book in history has been so openly attacked and

scrutinized. During its history many have tried to destroy it,

defaming and maligning what it says. Yet, through all this it has been a pillar, comforting many and reflecting the grace, mercy and

goodness of the One who authored it. In many western nations it has been and still is a best seller, much to the chagrin of its opponents.

The reason this inspired book has stood the test of time is because it provides us with a window into the heart, mind and counsels

of the Author, of all things. At any time we can gaze through this

prophetic window and engage the revelatory nature of God. Because the words were penned as a result of the anointing of the Holy Spirit, it carries the unique signature of God. If we would give as much study time to the bible as to other more hedonistic pleasures, you will see

contained within every book, a revelation of the God of all eternity.

Contained within the bible is the doctrine of God. This is

simply a revelation on how we are to conduct our lives and how to

steward His gifts. With the leadership of the Holy Spirit, we can use the

scriptures to judge personal and corporate revelation. Because they are God breathed, they are revelatory by nature. As such, the Holy Spirit can use them to speak to us at a very personal level.

The ultimate purpose of all revelation from the scriptures is so that we might know Jesus Christ as our Saviour, Redeemer and coming King. Commit to spend time not only reading but also studying this wonderfully inspired book. If you do, your walk with the Lord will be revolutionized. Your diligence will be the precursor to the next signpost, personal revelation.

3. Personal Revelation – God Still Speaks

(Things are hidden temporarily only as a means to revelation.) For there is nothing hidden except to be revealed, nor is anything

(temporarily) kept secret except in order that it maybe made known. Mark 4:22 AMP.

The third foundation God uses to communicate revelation comes at a much more personal level. It is designed to speak specifically to us, as individuals.

Jehovah God has created you and placed you on the earth with a

specific purpose; your life and times are in His hands. He knows

everything about you; where you live, your date of birth, even the things you like and dislike. He loves and cares about you.

Personal revelation from the Lord deals with and speaks to

areas of our lives that only the Lord could know about. We can be

totally unaware of Him or His presence, and suddenly He

begins to disclose His heart. These are times of personal

intimacy with the Lord; it is just you and Him. They make you feel so

special because He has come close.

“I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, but

now my eye sees You. Job 42:5.

The Holy Spirit has access to a myriad of methods that He can use to communicate information to you. However, it is not just about information. Revelation transforms our perspective and sowing our heart with inspiration.

The natural world can often parallel what is happening in the spiritual. It is interesting to note, one of the fastest growing

industries, world wide, is communications. Most people have at least one mobile phone. E-mail has become a common method that

individuals and, the corporate sector use to exchange information. At this time also, within the church, there has come a greater focus upon every believer learning to hear and recognise God’s voice.

Communication is certainly part of heaven’s agenda at this time.

In the last chapter we will look at some of the methods that God uses to speak. God loves people and will go to great lengths to communicate with you. He has even used a donkey. A Prophet called

Balaam had got himself way off track. God speaking through a

donkey, brought understanding and realignment to Balaam’s heart.

Religion would try to convince us that God almighty no longer speaks to people at a personal level. However, the God of the bible who did speak is still willing and able to communicate with you.

God is light. 1 John 1:5. Revelation produces light in our heart. Light dispels blindness, so we can plot the course that is ahead.

History teaches that when there is little or no revelation flowing from

God’s heart, society will move into darkness of heart. This

happened during the leadership of Eli the priest. His sons Hophni and Phinehas were part of the Levitical leadership.

They were not submitted to their father and they introduced

Israel to pursuits contrary to the Law. The result of this was a closed heaven over the nation, and that meant there was no revelation made

available to Israel’s leadership.

And the word of the Lord was rare in those days; there

was no widespread revelation. 1 Samuel 3:1

Jesus said that He is the Light of the world. Revelation

provides us with light to live by. It could be argued that the lack of

revelatory insight within the Church contributed to Europe

being plunged into a long period of spiritual darkness during the middle ages. Could the reason for this happening have been

because Jesus was not the Lord of His Church; man was? This time of darkness prevailed until the time of the Reformers.

It is estimated that up to 20 million born again believers were

martyred during this period. This time of inquisition was instituted

and driven by the governing Church leaders of this period. I have found that Holy Spirit derived revelation keeps the heart centred on Christ and carnal attitudes at bay.

My Personal Experience

I was 19 years old when I was first saved in July 1978. I had been

brought up in a non-Christian home. Prior to this, I have no

recollection of ever hearing the gospel or attending a formal church

service. I was a typical teenager of that era. I wanted to have fun and taste all that the world could offer me. Even at a very young age, I had an interest in spiritual things. Around my nineteenth year the Lord began to bring Christian people into life. After attending

my first Church service I began to experience increased spiritual

activity.

This activity was coming from both sides. After much contesting with the spiritual realm, without the influence of others, God broke through into my life. I realized that He was my Creator and that Jesus Christ had died for my sins, and God had raised Him from the dead. I also clearly understood, for the first time in my 19 years apart from Him, hell was my only alternative. That evening I yielded my life, will and all that the future would hold for me, to the Lord of Hosts.

I know many others have had similar experiences. God steps into your personal circumstances and in an instant reveals His eternal plan and purpose for your life. This should not surprise us. The One who designed the concept of family is constantly increasing His

family. Today He beckons you to draw near to the Lover of your soul. Will you say yes and embrace His invitation to come into His courts of intimacy, drawn by the sound of His beckoning voice?

Conclusion

God has set in place three foundational methods that speak to all about the God of heaven and earth. Regardless of your previous

experiences, culture or station in life. He loves and cares about you.

If we humble ourself and seek Him, He will make the mysteries

contained within His kingdom available to you. Matthew 16:17. Don’t try to stereotype how He will speak. The Holy Spirit has a huge

revelatory arsenal from which He can communicate.

At various intervals during the past 2000 years, the Holy Spirit has released fresh waters of revelation to individuals within His Church.

I exhort you not to allow man-made religious attitudes of doubt and unbelief to prevent you from experiencing His voice. Move out of your comfort zone, go a little deeper and drink freely from the river of revelation that flows from God’s throne.

Chapter 4

How God

Communicates

Chapter 4

How God Communicates

Your ears shall hear a word behind you , saying, “This is the way, walk in it.” Isaiah 30:21

Introduction

We have seen that God is revelatory by nature. This means that God has a propensity towards revelation as a major method He uses to communicate with His people. We need revelation because often the things of God are concealed from plain sight. This is why Jesus often taught in parables. A truth was contained within a story. These were designed to engage the hungry in the pursuit of reality.

This propensity toward revealing Himself via revelation has

always been one of the major methods the Lord uses to convey His

intentions. When this happens, the recipients are launched into a time of encountering the Lord and His ways. Most revelatory

experiences make available an understanding of a small

portion of His redemptive purposes, thus showing forth His loving

character. Each revelatory encounter is designed to speak to the latent potential contained within our hearts and engage us in a journey of

discovering Him.

1. The Voice of Creation

In Genesis 15:1-7 God used the night sky to paint a picture for Abram to show His intended covenant plan, which would stretch

forth effecting future generations. This revelatory encounter had a

two-fold effect. It introduced Abram to God’s covenant nature, and

also to provide Abram, as a person, with a vision for his future. So often to maintain our integrity as it relates to our calling, we must have something visual to hold onto. Revelation can be this doorway.

Abram, like us, would have many trials to go through, and it would be the prophetic vision he now had in his heart that would keep him during the tough times. As in this instance, God can anoint any

aspect of creation and use that to convey a portion of His intentions to you and me. What God speaks through will also reveal something unique about Him and His purposes. What He reveals becomes part of our inheritance. Deuteronomy 29:29.

2. Parables of the Night

The dream realm is another method that the Lord will use to

communicate and impart heaven’s intentions. Dreams, likewise, paint a picture so that we can see what was formally part of the

unseen realm. This type of revelation, also, is able to provide a

portion of heaven’s blueprint.

Jacob encountered the Lord’s revelatory nature in a heavenly dream. Genesis 28:12-14. In this dream God not only reveals covenant plan, He also shows Jacob that the reality of heaven does touch earth. Jacob suddenly had the revelation that heaven is close and does invade the earth realm. The old Celtic saints would refer to this reality saying, “the veil between heaven and earth is very thin.” One of the

purposes of revelation is to pull back veils of obscurity, giving a glimpse into heavens perspective.

This is what Jesus was referring to when He taught us to pray, “On earth, as it is in heaven.” Matthew 6:10. Joseph received his

commissioning via a dream; Genesis 37; as did Solomon. 1 Kings 3:5, 15. High level, or prophetic dreams, speak about our future calling

while down-loading into our hearts God’s intentions.

3. External Signs

Moses, during his time in the wilderness, received his calling and introduction to who the Lord was, as a result of an external sign. God spoke through a burning bush. Exodus 3:2-6. This encounter was like an ‘ice breaker’. It introduced Moses to the One who would anoint and appoint this special man, to lead Israel into the process of redemption and restoration. External signs are still common today as a method of imparting the Lord’s insights.

Each revelatory experience is intended to break into our natural

paradigms. We can get locked into religious cycles whereby our

expectations on how the Lord will deal with us are constricted by natural thinking. Revelatory encounters can and should once again affirm that God is still the Lord in all things. If He chooses to speak to us in an unusual way then that is okay.

As we can see from the Bible, revelatory encounters are not just for our personal edification, although we will be edified by them. They are intended to lift our vision and perspective of the Lord and His ways.

I have found that revelation can be the precursor to personal

transformation. Revival can be birthed out of personal revelation. Martin Luther received a revelation on justification by faith. This

totally transformed him and revived those who did receive this

revelation. This truth was concealed within the bible. Religious mind sets of the day, were the cause for this hiddenness. The effects of this one revelation still touches our lives and has transformed how the church relates to the Lord.

During His forty years of leadership Moses received many other

revelatory encounters from the Lord. Each one empowered Moses to complete his calling and ministry. God can and still does reveal Himself through external signs. Exodus 10:2.

4. The Angelic

An insecure, young man called Gideon, as a result of a visitation from an angel received his commission for the next phase of his life. Judges 6:11-12. This experience was totally out of the box for Gideon. He and his people had known only oppression from the

Midianites for many years. God, through this revelatory encounter, was

saying ‘Now is your time Gideon. Rise-up and run your race with the

vision and purpose.’ Gideon, like many of us, could only see his

inadequacies and responded accordingly. This encounter was the path that launched Gideon from indistinctness to a giant of scripture. Prophetic encounters are intended to move our focus from us, to the all sufficient One. To this end the Angel spoke to the potential within Gideon.

Angels have always been part of God’s revelatory arsenal.

Zechariah 1:9. Angels are ministering spirits, sent to minister to those who are inheriting the kingdom of God. The Bible has many accounts

whereby the saints have been assisted, protected, delivered and

provided for by angels. Angelic activity can be an indication that heaven is up to something. We see this just prior to the birth of Jesus. Matthew 1:20.

Revelation not only lays before us God’s vision and intended

outcome, it also empowers us to apprehend the promise. You also have a destiny set before you, waiting to be seized. Allow the Lord to speak and awaken the potential within you.

5. Voice of the Lord

Samuel had a significant calling to fulfil. He was called to be a

spokesman to the nation of Israel. The voice of the Lord had not

been heard for such a long time. Israel needed a revival and to be

awakened to the word of the Lord. Eli, who served as Israel’s priest at that time, had regressed so far he didn’t recognise when the Lord

tried to call young Samuel. 1 Samuel 3:4-5. Samuel’s life and ministry represent a transitional era. The word of the Lord was scarce but God wanted to activate the revelatory flow to His people. Samuel was called to transition God’s people into this new era. It was to be a time when His voice would be heard and recognised again. Before that could become a reality, Samuel had to learn to hear and know how to respond to the Lord’s voice. 1 Samuel 3:10.

The methods that the Lord uses to communicate become like a

doorway, where we can enter and re-enter experiencing revelation. In His sovereignty the Lord may use other methods to speak to you. Whatever the method, as you exercise it, you will gain authority at this particular gate. This is like a doorway for you and place whereby you can help others experience Him.

If like Samuel, our lives are given over to the Lord, the Holy Spirit will open up a portal generic to you, whereby you can receive personal revelation from the Lord. You see, God loves to

communicate with His people.

6. The Prophetic

The prophetic anointing is amazing. It can create the right environment for the Lord to speak in whatever fashion He chooses. Not only is personal prophecy one of the methods that the Lord will use to speak and build up His people, God will also use it to bring transformation.

Saul as the first king, had a few personal issues, yet when he was

exposed to the prophetic anointing his heart was completely changed. 1 Samuel 10:6-11. The prophetic anointing is able to bring God’s

presence, or what I call the substance of heaven. The prophetic is able to affect the atmosphere. The communication of God is not just

about information, it must also bring transformation. We all need to be changed.

When the Lord speaks it is always with the intention to re-create and provide new terms of reference. Hebrews 1:1-2. As we draw closer to the Lord, the more of His glory we will experience, making it easier to hear and recognise His voice. In all things we are meant to be

going on from glory to glory. 2 Corinthians 3:18

7. Spirit of Revelation

As New Testament believers, the Holy Spirit dwells within. John 14:16-17. I sometimes refer to the Holy Spirit as, the Spirit of

revelation. Ephesians 3:5. Therefore, potentially every believer can receive personal revelation. When the Spirit of wisdom and

revelation knowledge rests upon us, we become positioned to

receive a down load from heaven. These are times when the Holy Spirit quickens or highlights our understanding. The outcome being, we can know things about the Lord and His purposes that formally were outside of our terms of reference. This can be very powerful. I believe that the writers of the Bible came under a Spirit of revelation, which enabled them to pen the scripture.

The greek word for reveal is apokalupto. The meaning of this word at a foundational level, is to uncover or disclose what formally was concealed. Revelatory encounters come out of a place of increased

intimacy with the Lord. Revelation comes as we develop our

relationship with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit also is the

Interpreter of all revelatory encounters. While revelation is often the domain of those who are called to the Prophetic Ministry, there is no reason why all believers cannot experience certain levels of

revelatory encounters. We are encouraged by the Apostle Paul to ask

and even seek after this type of grace. Ephesians 1:17-18. More about the spirit of wisdom and revelation anointing in the next chapter.

8. Caught up in the Spirit

There are many accounts within the scriptures whereby the

recipients of revelation were caught up in a different realm. Many of the Prophets make reference to the word of the Lord coming to

them. This became a doorway for them into revelatory experiences.

Ezekiel 1:3, Jeremiah 1:4, Jonah 1:1, Luke 3:2. These encounters seem to have been spontaneous, even unsolicited. It was almost like heaven

collided with the earth realm as a result of this they began to see, hear and experience what heaven was saying, then at some point, they would proclaim this word.

This type of revelatory encounter would be considered high

level revelation, and as such not as common, as some of the other

methods. It would seem that these encounters rode on the back of when the Lord speaks. Revelation 4:1-2. It was during these times when being caught up in the Lord’s presence, that the Holy Spirit enabled them to see things that were outside their current paradigm.

Some of these prophets were exposed to amazing powerful truths contained within the experience. The word of the Lord brought each one into a time of experiencing His presence and power. As you seek the Lord, learn to become more and more intentional even

deliberate in your intimacy with Him. These are the times that

position our hearts to receive.

Conclusion

But as it is written, “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. 1 Corinthians 2:9-10.

As we have seen from the scriptures revelation and revelatory

encounters can be a doorway or entry point to discover more about

the Lord, His ways and intentions. Every revelatory encounter must be weighed against the infallible written word of God. This is where we look to finds its precedent.

Every revelatory encounter with the Lord must also produce in us Christ likeness, or what the bibles calls the fruit of the spirit. The

signature we look for in any encounter is the Lord’s presence.

Revelatory experiences are heavenly and will have an enormous

effect on our lives. Like the Prophets of old, those who encounter His presence will be undone by His majesty and glory. Revelation is able to bring heaven’s perspective while at the same time, transforming the hearts. The prophet Daniel put it this way:

I, Daniel, was grieved in my spirit within my body, and the visions of my head troubled me. Daniel 7:15

Chapter 5

Invited Into The

Courts of Revelation

Chapter 5

Invited into the Courts of Revelation

That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, might give to you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the sphere of a full knowledge of Him, the eyes of your heart being in an enlightened state with a view to your knowing what is the hope of His calling.

Ephesians 1:17-18. Wuest Translation

Introduction

The early Church considered revelation as a normal part of their

spiritual diet. Apostle Paul, in this prayer for the Christians at

Ephesus, provides an insight into what God has made

accessible to believers. Yet, many within the Church communities still

struggle with revelation as being a principle method that God has and will continue to use, to communicate. With this in mind, I want to point out that two-thirds of the bible is made up of prophetic

proclamation. We understand that prophecy came to the recipients through revelation.

Knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation(origin), for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.

1 Peter 1:20-21

Maybe this stems from not really understanding that God (Jehovah) is revelatory by nature. There are so many accounts of revelatory

encounters within the bible. By now we should have moved past scepticism, into deeper realms of spiritual life that flow from

revelatory encounters. If we maintain our present fearful stance,

satan will have successfully robbed the Church of this aspect of our

inheritance. Deuteronomy 29:29.

While we don’t hold personal revelation in the same league as

scripture; we should not diminish its power to greatly impact us.

Personal revelation reveals a personal God, who is intimately

involved in our day to day lives.

Paul’s desire was to move the Church beyond just an intellectual

appreciation of the Lord, to a place of experiencing Him.

Revelation is intended to be part of His ‘encounter arsenal.’

Revelation put simply, is receiving inspirational insights that were formally outside of our current or former spiritual paradigm.

In this chapter we will discuss what the ‘spirit of wisdom and

revelation knowledge’ looks like, and how to

access it in your daily walk. But first let’s look at the

difference between the teaching graces, as opposed to the

revelatory anointing.

The Teaching Grace

Most would be very familiar with the teaching anointing. Most Christians on Sunday’s get the opportunity to be taught from the scriptures, by teachers. A Fivefold teacher is tasked with the

responsibility to expound upon the scriptures. Teachers are anointed by the Holy Spirit to lay down foundations of truth. The

administration of their calling tends to be more information, rather than inspiration. They break down doctrinal chunks into ‘bite size pieces’, making them more digestible.

The teaching grace expounds what has all ready been revealed in the scriptures. The Church has often fed from this table. This has been

and will continue to be one of the methods God uses to renew our minds, and helps to keep the Church stable. There is another

method the Lord uses to feed His people. Jesus made reference to this in

Matthew 4:4; more about that later.

Work of the Revealer!

…for He will not speak from himself as a source, but as many things as He hears He will speak, and the things that are coming He will make known to you. John 16:14 Wuest Translation

I like to call the Holy Spirit, the great Revelator. Jesus taught that the Holy Spirit would unveil the secrets and mysteries that are hidden from plain sight. One of the major differences between the Old and New Covenants is how the Holy Spirit relates to and works with the believer. As we have seen, through the born again experience, the Holy Spirit dwells within the believer, rather than in temples made with hands. 1 Corinthians 3:16. The Holy Spirit, who is the

Executive of all of God’s communication, makes you His home at the New Birth.

The Holy Spirit has an incredibly creative nature. This is seen not only in the creation but also through the diverse methods He uses to communicate with us. The Holy Spirit is also called the ‘Spirit of Truth’, which means we can trust Him. He cannot lie. We can trust that He will only reveal that which is true and in conformity with the character of God.

“However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. John 16:13.

Drinking from Revelatory Streams

“He who believes in Me, as the scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water. John 7:38.

A spirit of wisdom and revelation knowledge is like heaven

shining insight upon our spiritual eyes, releasing spiritual vision, while

lifting the veil of present constraints, launching our lives into a fresh awakening. Or put another way, it brings us into a greater

level of perceiving the Lord. Revelation is not just for the purpose of

releasing information, although it does this. It is more about the

transforming work that it sublimely performs. Revelation has the

effect of awakening our hearts to new, greater realms of potential, thus enlarging our horizons.

…beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory. 2 Corinthians 3:18

I would like to share with you some of my journey and how I

discovered these wonderful wells of revelation. Since my conversion, I have always been a student of the scriptures. As such I hold the word of God in very high regard. I have always tried to measure my decision making process, against what the word of God teaches.

But as I matured as a Christian, life required that I make decisions that would effect my future and the bible didn’t provide me with the specific direction that I needed. Such as, who should I marry? Where should I live? Which church should I attend? What should we name our children? Scripture can provide general principles and direction. But we all need from time to time specific personal direction. I am sure you have been in the same position. The bible itself told me that God is fully aware of this need and has made provision for it.

Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” Whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to the left. Isaiah 30:21.

Now this is where the Holy Spirit operates as our personal Helper! Therefore I discovered the imperative of having a close

relationship with the third Person of the trinity. The Holy Spirit can take what is impersonal and non-specific, breath upon it and it

becomes personal and practical. I also discovered that personal

revelation remains superficial, until it is rightly interpreted. I was then launched into the Holy Spirit’s boot camp, all the time,

learning how to rightly interpret what the Holy Spirit revealed. This for me became like Heaven’s University. Apostle Paul, in the opening verse in Ephesians 1, suggests that to be successful, we must also pursue the ‘spirit of wisdom.’ Wisdom is the ability to rightly apply what has been revealed. The bible records that Moses found himself

attending this similar University. He suddenly encounters a burning bush in the desert that was not consumed. Exodus 3:1-4. I deal more

specifically with the interpretation process in a later chapter.

The methods the Lord uses to communicate are many and

diverse. The Holy Spirit is not limited in how He can bring personal

revelation to the door of our heart. The bible establishes a few

methods such as dreams, visions, prophecy, personalized scriptures, insightful inspiration, angels and even external signs. Yet, there is another method He loves to use, because it is so personal. It is so

personal, no-one will even be aware of it, except you! It is like that still small voice or a knowing within. He whispers to you and a knowing fills your heart. His whispers can even sound like your own thoughts wafting into your mind. Mahesh Chavda puts it this way:

Spiritual seeing and hearing are not only through words of knowledge or visions and the like, but through a flash of insight, or a slow burning

instinct that reveals knowledge and conviction in the Presence of Christ that such a thing is so. It is that still small voice in the chest or heart sounding like yourself, but not quite, which lets you know that you know a certain thing is evident beyond what you can touch with your natural abilities.

I continue to look forward to special times when the Holy Spirit breathes refreshing revelation into my heart. There is nothing as wonderful as these times of personal closeness with the Lord. It is truly out of this world. It is a foretaste of what eternity will be like, as we dwell in the presence of the ‘Word of God’, Jesus. Let’s take a

look at how we can begin now to access these streams.

Keys to Accessing those Revelatory Streams

Like all things in the Christian experience we have our part to play. I discovered this in the early stages of my journey. It was not long after I was baptized in the Holy Spirit, I received teaching about

praying in other tongues, or what the bible sometimes calls,

praying in the spirit. This teaching was to become very significant. It

literally opened up new doors whereby I could experience the Lord. The bible teaches that praying in the spirit energizes our spiritual lives.

…building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit. Jude 20.

I was launched into praying in the spirit for long hours at all night prayer meetings. These times were to have a dramatic effect on my ability to receive revelation from the Lord. It was like I began to

access the mind of the Lord. Revelation started to hit my heart on various issues. Prayer became a thing I looked forward to. I felt like I was taken back-stage of a major play to see what was next going to happen. During these times the Holy Spirit would reveal strategic insights on what was coming and how to pray about these. Praying in the spirit became my doorway in the courts of revelation.

During this season, my wife and I would pray in the spirit and with our understanding for at least three hours. 1 Corinthians 14:15. It was like the Holy Spirit would highlight certain issues during these prayer times that He wanted us to pray through. The Holy Spirit also taught us about prophetic intercession. For more about this subject, see our “Prayer Training Manual”. Not only were we praying back to Lord the things He wanted to deal with, we would also prophesy to the ‘mountains’ He wanted to move. You see Jesus taught that we were to ‘speak’ to our mountains. Prophetic proclamation is one the methods the Holy Spirit will use to achieve this.

I say to you, whoever says to this mountain,

“Be removed and cast into the sea….Mark 11:23.

At this time I was also pastoring a church. Formally I would obtain sermon material through rigorous’ study. Now I began to receive my messages in a matter of moments. I could write a series of sermons within a matter of hours. Each teaching was fresh and new. This now is one of my major methods I use to access what God wants to say to the Churches we are ministering in.

The Holy Spirit began to breathe new and fresh understanding upon my heart. As I connected to the spirit of revelation, the Holy Spirit conveyed fresh manna from the bakery of heaven, to feed the people. Maybe this was what Jesus was referring to when He said, “I have food to eat of which you do not know.” John 4:32.

Revelation not only provides insight and instruction, it also feeds and nourishes our soul. You see, revelation is not just about stroking our inquisitive minds. It is designed to bring life; God’s life. God’s spoken word still has the power to nourish you and me while we are on the journey. Matthew 4:4.

God still speaks powerfully in dreams and has done so since the

beginning. These extended times of prayer opened up the door to powerful Godly dreams. Our dreams became a lot more clear,

specific, colourful and instructional. Many contained strong

revelatory messages from the Lord. Some of these dreams have helped us plot our course. (Should you want to learn more about dreams and their interpretation, we have written a Dream

Interpretation manual which is available at our web-store.)

For many years Kerrie and I have prayed the Ephesians 1:17-20 prayer, daily. We have literally asked that the Lord would give us a spirit of wisdom and revelation knowledge in Him. Many of our books have come as a result of receiving revelation from the Lord. In times of communing with Him, He brings insight and instruction to

our hearts and we write about these subjects.

Desire is another important ingredient to receiving from the Lord. A great example of this is seen in the account of the woman with the issue of blood. She wanted something from the Lord; to be made whole. She knew instinctively, that if she could just touch His

garment her provision would flow. I have discovered, to get the best from God, our hearts must be cloaked with a passionate desire for Him. The Holy Spirit responds to our desire for the Lord. Often it is those who ‘hunger and thirst’ the most who get the most. Matthew 5:6.

Worship is another important aspect for accessing streams of

revelation. Worship engages the Lord’s heart, opening up those

revelatory streams. Worship creates a highway for His presence to come near, particularly in a corporate setting. You see, God dwells within the praises of His people. Worship opens up our heart to

receive inflows from heaven, immersing our lives in the dew of

heaven. It is the times when I bathe my heart in prophetic

worship, that I get caught up in the streams of His presence. I have often taught, as we worship the Lord, He loves to respond with

revelation. So cultivate the heart of a worshipper. It will attract

revelation to you. (More about this subject in my wife Kerrie’s book, ‘Worshipping Warriors Arise.”)

Purpose of Revelation

He reveals deep and secret things; He knows what is in the darkness, and light dwells with Him. Daniel 2:22.

Revelation is like receiving personal communication from the Lord. This can disclose His personal specific will for your life. Learning to access a spirit of revelation will ignite revelatory insights that will spill over into every area of your life. It can have the power to greatly

transform you, your home, business and workplace. Others can and will be affected by this anointing.

We have seen this happen many times. In one such instance, I had been working for an employer who had begun to treat me very harshly. No matter what I did, it was never good enough. My days were filled with feeling like I was living and working under a cloud of oppression. My employer even threatened that my employment might be terminated. I knew that was not God’s best for me at that

time. Because of this I knew I would have to overcome. I attended a weekly prayer meeting with a group of Elders from the Church we were attending. During one of these prayer times I shared the

difficulties with them. We prayed and cried out for God to show us what was at the heart of the issue. The Holy Spirit showed us what had been motivating this person.

As such, the Elders in prayer, took authority over what had been controlling my employer, who at the time was on an overseas

holiday. When he returned he was a completely different person. Even how he treated me, dramatically changed. Eventually we became good friends. My employment was not terminated. In fact I was promoted and sat on their Board for many years. Revelation from the Holy Spirit can be the catalyst to bring transformation and can change the winds of adversity.

When God speaks, His voice activates change, empowering us to see what was formally obscure and or outside our understanding.

Revelation, which comes out of God speaking, helps us to know that He is near and involved in our circumstances. Revelatory encounters helps to link us with our destiny. It was a personal revelation that opened up God’s intended purpose for Apostle Peter. Matthew 16: 16. It was through this revelation that Peter’s vision of his future was greatly enlarged. It was the foundation that supported his calling over the years, even during hard times. Personal revelation speaks to the latent potential within, waiting to be awakened by the voice of

the Lord.

Conclusion

As we have seen, a spirit of wisdom and revelation is something to

be sought. It continues to be one of the methods the Lord uses to

disclose His heart, mind and counsels to us.

Our responsibility is to create the environment whereby the Holy Spirit can breathe fresh insight and inspiration into our lives. These

are the gates we must walk through if we truly desire to enjoy

personal intimacy with the Lord.

Chapter 6

Hidden From Plain Sight

Chapter 6

Hidden From Plain Sight

Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.

1 Corinthians 10:10

Introduction

So often we find that the mysteries of God are hidden in from plain sight. God’s intention is to reveal these mysteries, yet to uncover them will require pursuit. As an example the promised Messiah had been spoken about for many generations, yet when He came most didn’t perceive that the promise was standing before them.

Another is the creation. Contained within the creation is a

revelation of the Creator. Hiddenness is designed to cultivate

pursuit in the heart. Revelation is the reward of our seeking.

Jesus used parables to conceal the deeper mysteries of the kingdom. Mark 4:22. Dreams can be another example of truth hidden in plain sight. To uncover the meaning requires seeking and pursuit. Once

discovered becomes a vehicle of blessing.

Another reality of this truth is seen in God’s dealings with

Israel, these are a prophecy of the New Testament era. There is

revelation of Jehovah God to be found within the promises He gave to Israel. Contained within every promise, hidden from plain sight, are the eternal attributes of the One who made the promise. The

outworking of each promise, is designed to bring a greater

knowledge of the Lord of the promise.

Revelation is not and end in itself. Revelatory encounters are

designed to lead us into a deeper understanding and obtain wider insights into who the Lord is. If it doesn’t, our relationship with the Lord will always remain needs based and shallow. Each season in the life of the believer brings new and fresh insights into the Lord.

Blessing Hidden in Adversity

Israel was given great promises but the way to the promised land was via the wilderness - adversity. Understand, difficulty is not an end in itself, it is the place where God will break-through and show Himself strong on our behalf. This trait can be seen throughout the bible, Job is one such example. Contained within quite difficult circumstances, would come forth to Job and his friends a unprecedented revelation of almighty God. We should not fear adversity. Often God will lead us into the midst of the storm, because that is where He is. It has been said that the greatest revelation of who Jesus is found in the midst of storms. Mark 6:45-51.

Visitation can come even during times of the greatest adversity. We can learn this from the account of the woman of Zaraphath. 1 Kings 17:8-24 The prophetic promise for freedom to all mankind was

hidden in plain sight for many generation. The fulfilment of this promise is seen in the suffering Servant, Jesus Christ. Prophetic promises are given to engage us on a journey of discovery; much like a treasure hunt. While the destination is important, it is not the main thing. What we become on the journey is the goal, rather than the other way around.

Israel, through the covenants had been given a promise of liberty, freedom and their own land. Yet, due to their extended period of

confinement in Egypt, these Abrahamic promises at best would mostly have seemed like folk-law. Each day would have brought new struggles to their door-step. Yet, we know that God is always true to His word, even when our timing does not match up with His. Israel’s prophetic time-clock was counting down, their deliverance

as a nation was at hand. The man anointed for the task was Moses.

Dawn was about to break over their circumstances, the promise was about to break-through, but so often just before the dawn, it becomes the darkest. This was about to become Israel’s reality. So often just before the birth of the promise, adversity throws one more curve ball in an attempt to bring discouragement.

Maybe, you also have been given many great promises from the Lord that have not come to pass in accordance to your time clock!

However, we can see from God’s dealings with Israel, even when we feel like there has been a ‘divine delay’, be assured Divinity is at work. Often, the most significant preparatory work takes place behind the scenes. Where the promises are concealed - Hidden from plain sight!

Prepared For The Promise

God had foretold that Israel would experience a great deliverance from it’s enemy and come to their own land, the land of promise. Acts 7:5-36. Have you received prophetic promises from the Lord that you waiting to become a reality? There is an important truth we can learn from Israel’s experiences; before we realise the promise there is always a wilderness, which is often the complete opposite of that which was promised.

A prophetic promise reveals God’s intended purpose. The

promise acts like a seed, sowing our heart with potential. This is

intended to release vision and purpose. This phase shows forth a truth,

“One word from God can change our lives.”

However, prior to this becoming our reality, we must be made ready to carry the promise. The preparation phase is all about making the carrier of promise ready. Good stewardship is required when gifts are given, faithfulness is the hallmark of correct stewardship.

1 Corinthians 4:2.

It is in our wilderness times, that we are made ready to carry the anointing necessary to inherit the promise. This Divine process can be confusing when viewed through natural thinking. It certainly

confused Israel and can have the same effect on us unless we

understand God’s desired end.

You are now in a prophetic season that is peculiar to you. Either you will be walking in the fulfilment of your promise or you will be in a time of preparation. Contrary to natural thinking the fiery furnace of preparation is very important if we are realise the fullness of what has been promised. To handle heavens riches well, “The Promise”, our lives must be equipped and our heart made ready, (for more

specifics about this process see my book - Fulfilment Of Promise)

Your place of preparation is designed by God to bring you closer to Him. Every true victory comes out of a deeper place of intimacy with the Lord. Your circumstances, can be the very place of your greatest transformation and victory. This is God’s intention for you, as you walk through the preparation phase.

Events that Produce Revelation

During the Exodus, God brought Israel to a number of locations, I would like to investigate six of them; as each reveals significant

aspects of God’s redemptive nature and character, they also

prophesy about His dealings. Also, interwoven within each of the covenants is a revelation about Jehovah God and His intentions. Just as powerful are the locations God brought Israel to which, speak about His redemptive purposes. Each of these are prophetic in

nature, they reveal His heart and purposes. They also point toward a

coming Messiah. Matthew 11:13

The Old Covenant is considered a prophecy, that speaks about the new. Matthew 11:13. This is why the New Covenant is considered to be better. Hebrews 8:6. So often God’s intentions or plans are hidden within His dealings. The Old Covenant reveals this reality. If you are

not aware of this Divine trait, it is easy to miss what God is trying to communicate. Israel struggled with this during their forty years in the wilderness.

If we look at these six events in isolation it can appear as if God was leading Israel into hardship. So often their complaining was rooted in uncertainty, they couldn’t see what the Lord was

trying to show them. Does that sound at all familiar? I think most

Christians can easily identify with Israel’s struggles. I have on many occasions been tempted to complain, without really understanding or

seeing the bigger picture. This is normally when we focus more upon

ourselves, rather than the Lord. Let’s look closely at each of these six

encounters, and what each reveals about the intentions of Father God.

1. God The Deliverer

As a nation Israel, for many generations had known adversity through slavery. Oppression can rob the heart of identity, vision, purpose and finally hope. To move out of their confinement, Israel, as we also do, would need a Deliverer. Life has a habit of placing

constraints and restrictions on people. God created us for

freedom and as such, what beats in the heart of man, is the cry for

freedom. Yet, to accurately navigate out of these jails, God has to bring

deliverance.

In Israel’s instance their prophetic time clock was counting down, fullness of time had come. God was about to break-through with

supernatural delivering power. His chosen vessel for the task was a man called Moses. Prophetically, Moses is a type of Jesus. Jesus is

and always will be our Deliverer.

The Lord is for Israel, as He for you. He is your miraculous Deliverer. It takes the power of the Lord to release us out of the captivity to this world. The vehicle for this is what the bible calls the, “Born Again “ experience. God’s redemptive nature is displayed, each time a person

is brought out of the stranglehold of this present age. He can and will set you free no matter what type of circumstances you are in.

Maybe your prophetic time clock, also, is counting down and the time of your miracle deliverance is drawing near. Israel’s first

revelatory encounter with God, was witnessed through His

delivering power. Do you need deliverance today? Then, call upon your Deliverer. He will come set you free and lead you into freedom.

2. God The Healer

After their departure from Egypt and Red Sea crossing, Israel stepped into a time of testing, three days without water. After

experiencing the Lord’s God deliverance, most of the people would have been on a high. Some may have felt like they were invisible. Yet, they were about to be immersed into the rivers of adversity -

personal thirst! Three days in a desert without water would test any one’s faith. What is interesting though, it was the Lord, not the devil, who lead them to place where the water was poisoned. Suddenly they discovered that their natural abilities were no match for their needs.

On our journey of revelation, God, deliberately, will bring us to the end of our own resources, wisdom, and strength. This is where we learn the only way to the promise is via His supernatural

intervention. We cannot get to where we are meant be, apart from our Deliverer showing up in the middle of the storm.

It is quite humorous, after their great victory, one obstacle and the people were wanting to go back to where they had come from, the place of bondage. Exodus 15:24. When God leads us out of a place

that was never His best for us in the first place, His intention is to take us forward and never go back to where we have come from. Phillipians 3:13-14.

Adversity reveals what is really in the heart. What is in the heart will come out of the mouth once the pressure goes on. Matthew 12:34. But

God was about to show them that His prophetic promises are true, regardless of this temporary, natural obstacle. Israel was about to move into another stage of revelation.

God provided Moses with the solution. God said, “cast a piece of the tree into the water.” I bet they wanted something a little more

spectacular after their past experiences. Yet, once again simple

obedience, no matter how ridiculous it might appear, was their

doorway for the miraculous. This event was to be a revelation in

itself. God is able to take what was formally poisonous to us and make it sweet and life saving. This was Israel’s second revelation of who God, really is - our Healer!

3. God Our Large Place

The next location God brought Israel to, is called Elim. The name Elim means large trees. God brought this fledgling nation to a place of enlargement. This speaks of prosperity, richness, blessing and

refreshing. After they had experienced much, the nation

needed a time of restoration. Restoration is the place where vision is

reaffirmed and times of quietness or the absence of contesting, the Lord’s presence feels close.

God is a Father, He understands that during the times of contesting for the promise, we also need seasons of refreshing. This is what Elim speaks about. On our journey we all need times where the oils of

refreshing are accessible. Times when we can enjoy His goodness and experience His blessings. Psalm 23:5-6.

Times where we can kick back and just enjoy the Lord. Elim was

such a place for Israel! Have you experienced your Elim lately? If not, I sense there is such an experience just over the next sand dune for you.

4. God The Provider

The next place of encounter occurred in the Wilderness of Sin. This is between Elim and the Sinai. Even though Israel had been on their journey for a short time, the provisions they brought with them were starting to run out. As a nation they were cashed up with gold and other expensive items, yet there weren’t any shopping malls where they could buy food. Once again the pressure went on, they needed food and they needed it quickly. The urge to complain was

overwhelming and it was not long before they cried, “where is the food Moses”? Sounds like another opportunity for Jehovah God to strut His stuff! On our journey in this life, God so often, brings us to the end of our own resources.

If we are to grow in and experience the supernatural, our faith will be tested. The call to all, is to ‘walk by faith’. Now this is not an

optional extra, it comes with the territory. Israel was about to have another revelatory encounter. Man in his fallen state, tries to remain

independent and self-sufficient, this is a by-product of the fall. But God has a different game plan, learning to trust in the goodness of God is part of our schooling. God took Israel from a place of supply into a situation where if God didn’t come through, they would all die.

The only reason why we can experientially know the Lord as our all in all is to be brought to the end of our own resources. Wow, sound tough? It is our doorway into the heritage that is

available to every believer. This is why the Lord brought Israel to the

Wilderness of Sin, God brought them to the reality of discovering that their provision was to found in their relationship with Jehovah God. Yes, another divine set-up. Israel was about to experience

provision at it’s supernatural best.

Also Moses said, “This shall be seen when the Lord gives you meat to eat in the evening, and in the morning bread to the full.” Exodus 16:8.

God, is concerned about our welfare, but it is as we step out onto the

water of uncertainty that we step into His supernatural zone. If He allows us to remain in our comfort zones, the supernatural will only be a doctrine rather than a reality. Our tendency toward religious mind sets are shattered when we move from theory to experience.

He is our Father and is more than able to provide for our needs.

Until we are put into a place of need, it will remain as head

knowledge and head knowledge cannot transform the heart, which is the intent of each situation Gods brings. Each time God brings us to the end of ourselves, at that point we discover that He is there and He is more than enough. God is good and is more than able to supply your needs, you have His promise. Philippians 4:19.

5. God as Living Waters

Rephidim is the fifth location. It is sometimes called Massah and Meribah, which speaks of contention. In this instance there was no natural supply of water in this deserted location. Once again the

people began to cry and complain, for fear that their needs would not be met. Sound familiar? When our hearts are more focused upon our needs being met than seeing God as our all in all, we can be easily drawn into grumbling and complaining. Grumbling and

complaining, which is unbelief, releases the destroyer in our midst. 1 Corinthians 10:10. Israel had very quickly forgotten the Lord’s

goodness from previous experiences.

God heard their desperate cry and instructed Moses to strike the rock and the water they needed came forth. Exodus 17:5 This miracle was a sign, and has amazing prophetic implications. This is a prophetic picture of Jesus, our Rock. Psalm 95:1 It is interesting to note that the living waters came from the rock, supplying their needs. Jesus is our source of living waters. John 4:13-14.

Not only did the Lord provide for His people. He also prophesied of the Redeemer through this revelatory encounter. God’s full

intensions are often hidden within adverse circumstances. Yet, if we

have eyes to see, even in the midst of our storms, Jesus, the Fourth Man is able to turn the fiery furnaces into a place of break-through and provision. No enemy can stand before the Lord of life.

6. God the Revealer

The sixth location, the Wilderness of Sinai, was to become Israel’s major place of revelatory encounter. It was during these times that God pulled back the veils of generational misunderstanding, and

revealed to the nation that they were called to walk as a special

covenant people before the Lord. Sinai, for Israel, was an amazing place of revelation. In this barren place the priesthood, of which they are as a nation, was revealed at this location. Not only that, they also received the Law. It was the revelation of who Jehovah is that would inaugurate and empower them for this special task. They were called to carry this revelation to all the other nations. Literally, Jehovah the God of the universe came and met with them.

God is still in the revelation business. Matthew 16: 13-17. We enter into the kingdom of God through revelation. A revelation of who

Jesus is and our current position before a holy God. Revelatory streams open up the way so that we can experience or encounter the Lord of Hosts.

Much of what we need to know is hidden away from plain sight and as such, revelation pulls back the veil so we can see. As we have

mentioned many of the parables Jesus used reveals a kingdom

reality that is hidden to the undiscerning. Yet, the Holy Spirit, the great Revelator, has been given to reveal what has been hidden.

Conclusion

Each of these six locations or places of encounter, that God brought

Israel to were meant to reveal aspects of the Lord of Hosts. This was all part of the adventure Israel was called to, a journey of discovery and encounter. As a believer, the Holy Spirit will have locations of

encounter for you.

Each one is designed to equip you with a greater understanding of who God Almighty is, for you. Each of these revelations become like a place of authority or empowering from which you can better learn to overcome. Resist the temptation to grumble and complain as Israel did. Embrace your trials and you will enter into your promises.

Chapter 7

Engaging Third Heaven

Revelation

Chapter 7

Engaging Third Heaven Revelation

Introduction

The bible tells us that, God’s throne is set in heaven; from His throne

proceed lightnings, thunderings, and voices. Around God’s throne are twenty-four elders who, as celestial representatives, offer up their worship to Jehovah God, day and night. Revelation 4:4-5. The bible also relates, there is a River of Life which issues forth from the throne of God. The River of Life speaks prophetically of the life that flows into you and me with each revelatory encounter. Revelation 22:1.

Prophetically, revelation is like the manna God fed Israel in the

wilderness. Revelation, is able to sustain and energise. Revelation, opens the eyes of our understanding to see the Lord. Jesus makes

reference to the life sustaining power contained in revelation.

Matthew 4:4.

Jesus in John 7:38 made reference to this river and its ability to flow out from within the believer’s inner most being. This is all part of God’s design, so that as a result of these experiences, all can be

refreshed, blessed and built up in their faith.

The enemy of our souls will do all that he can to prevent the Church from experiencing these blessed encounters. He uses a two-fold

strategy to circumvent what God has for us. Satan employs the work of the religious spirit, which works with doubt and unbelief. He knows that God requires faith from His people and the spirit of

religion robs us of dynamic faith. The other tactic he uses well is

passivity, where we take the attitude ‘whatever will be will be’.

There is no room for passivity when it comes to obtaining third

heaven revelation. All that God has promised in the bible is

available to the Church, but we will have to fight to obtain or

possess the promises. There is no place for passive indifference. To possess will require the warrior’s mentality. This fight revolves around

overcoming our own carnal inclination and then resisting the

ongoing pressure from the courts of Satan. Many don’t fully

understand the part each believer has to play in possessing what God has made available.

Through the Church age a subliminal thread of passivity has woven itself deep within the fabric of Christendom. What God has promised prophetically is an invitation. Our job is to possess what has been promised. There is so much at stake. We, His Church, must shake off all passive attitudes and warfare for what is available and the platform to know how to do this will require third heaven revelation.

Setting The Scene

Jesus in Matthew 6 taught that it is the diligent seekers that will

partake of God’s kingdom. To comply with His instructions, requires the passionate single-hearted pursuit of the Lord. The mysteries of the kingdom of God are free but they are not cheap and if we are not prepared to ‘forsake all else’, elevating the Lord and His kingdom to greatest priority, we may never fully encounter His best for our lives.

The Greek word used for seek in Matthew 6, means, ‘the single

hearted pursuit of the object desired.’ Therefore, to experience

heavens treasures, our hearts must be set upon the single pursuit of Him and His presence.

The early Church experienced a strong river of revelation that was

subsequently lost once Constantine politicized God’s Church. We can learn from those God used to establish the Church age and

hopefully enjoy the same results they experienced. The Lord is

opening up a windows of revelation to those who are called to live and warfare for break-through in the 21st century. Revelation can act like a strategic battle plan. Releasing new and fresh strategies to overcome what is ahead.

There were four principles demonstrated by the early Church that released revelation to in their midst. They were:

1. Create the right environment.

2. Prophetic worship.

3. Prayer and fasting.

4. Meditation upon the word.

1. Environment

One of the key responsibilities we have as a prophetic generation, is to cater for God’s presence in all our endeavours. The bibles

teaches, God dwells in the praises of His people. Psalm 22:3 We are able to foster an environment where God’s presences becomes

tangible and rich. Then, out of His presence revelation will flow freely.

God, the Creator is right into building. God was the One who

provided Moses with the blueprint on how to build the

tabernacle in the wilderness. Later, He also provided Solomon with

new blueprints for the temple in Jerusalem. 2 Chronicles 5:1-14. But now He no longer dwells in buildings made with hands. Every

believer contains a measure of God’s kingdom within. The Holy Spirit’s intention, is for the kingdom of God to finds its expression in and through our lives.

The kingdom of God is not just about words but also about

power. That power is released when His presence comes. At these

times people meet head-on, with Divine solutions for difficult

problems. When God steps into our circumstances things change very

quickly. If His presence is to come and remain, like the saints of old we must create an environment where He is comfortable. To develop

a place where the Lord’s presence will remain, should be our goal, if we succeed, His glory will burst into our lives in unprecedented levels, releasing a river of revelation that will change you and your circumstances.

The Practicalities

The first environment to work on is our heart. The bible says in

Proverbs 4:23, “to keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it flows the issues of life”. If you are consumed with worry, uncertainty,

anxiety and fears there will be too much ‘noise’ contending with that ‘still small voice’. Peace is one of the foundations for kingdom living. Peace guards and protects our heart. It is in that place of peace where we can sense His presence.

So, work at bringing your heart to place of trust. Work on

yielding every aspect of your life, to the Holy Spirit. Bring your cares and concerns to the Lord. As you do, His presence will

surround your heart and the challenges that have tried to buffet you, will lose their power.

Secondly, manage, or if need be, remove all things that are

distractions for you. Distractions are common within our culture.

Distractions shift our attention from the main thing. Distractions aim at causing our heart to be divided. I find it very easy to be distracted by

entertainment, therefore I monitor my intake of television, movies and DVD’s. I have had to discipline myself placing the pursuit of the Lord first and foremost in my day. We all have 24 hours each day, therefore make it a goal to tithe 10% of your time each day to

fellowshipping with the Lord. Create that tabernacle of David within your own heart through praise and worship.

I have found that anointed music is a great tool for creating the right

environment for His presence. Music is a real key for connecting with the presence of God. It is important to realize that His kingdom reign and rule is based upon, righteousness, peace and joy in the

Holy Spirit. Romans 14:17. Make provision for the peace of God to be established in your heart, mind, home and relationships.

Thirdly, godly, mature, whole relationships is something God is passionate about, as should we be. Much of the bible deals with

relationship issues. Working on and developing good relationships is part of our calling. While not every relationship can be fixed, we are called to be at peace with each other.

Learning how to conduct our relationships after a biblical pattern is part of our calling. Many difficult relationships can become a thing of blessings, if we will just commit to talk and work through the issues.

2. Prophetic Worship

Private and corporate worship is another platform, to usher in His presence. Psalm 22:3. Worship is our primary calling. We are created to worship the Lord. God has created mankind for the

purpose of worshiping Him. Worship is where we

encounter His presence. True worship is more than just

singing a few songs on Sunday. True worship is a life style thing, where we bring every aspect of our lives including our spirit,

soul and body, into submission to His will. Worship is centralising our full affections, upon the Lord.

When we worship God in spirit and truth, He responds with

revelation. When we worship Him, He releases a river of revelation that flows from His throne. Heart felt worship that is full of love, adoration and a desire for Him, brings change and opens up the

portals of heaven.

The more time I spend in self-abandoning worship, the more He

comes near making His voice much more clear and precise. Never underestimate the value of worshipping the Lord daily. If you make

worship a part of your daily life more and more revelatory

encounters will become your experience. Psalm 97:1-6.

3. Prayer and Fasting

Prayer for many has become a format of pounding on iron doors that seem to be perpetually shut; crying out in desperation, hoping that God might in some way have mercy on their desperate situation.

While there is a place for persistent prevailing prayer, there is also another aspect that should be reflected in our prayer life. Prayer is our spiritual lifeblood; it is at these times when connect to our only Source. Prayer is more than just crying out for help or demanding things. Prayer is designed to be our place of intimate communion with the Lord.

Daily prayer is all about positioning our hearts before the great I AM. Much of what has been called prayer, is more a kin to throwing up random requests, hoping that something might change. Prayer is not about a formula, it is all about a relationship. Personal communion with the Lord should be the foundation that we set prior to seeking answers to life’s issues.

I found that if I add regular fasting to my prayer life the results are intensified. Prayer and fasting sharpens our life. I have found that prayer with fasting brings my soul into submission to the Holy

Spirit and opens up my heart to be clothed with His presence. This is because fasting helps to crucify our flesh and brings the self-life to the cross. Fasting combined with prayer changes us, which often

is the precursor to receiving the break-through. If you want more

specific information on this subject, we have written a book on Prayer

and Fasting. You can purchase this book from our web store at www.riversliving.com

4. Meditation upon the Word

The Lord gave Joshua a powerful tool for victory. It would provide Joshua with the number one strategy for success in possessing the Promised Land. That tool was meditating upon the word, every day.

Joshua 1:8.

The Hebrew word for meditate is hagah, meaning to

mutter, ponder and continually repeat. Meditating upon the word of God has a powerful transforming effect.

Meditating upon the bible is more than just reading the scriptures. To hagah the word, engages two gates, the eye and ear gate, doubling the effect. All lasting victories must first be won within.

This principle taught to Joshua was reiterated by Paul in Romans 12:2. The word of God, if meditated upon, has the power to renew our minds, so we think as God thinks. When we do this, it is easy to discern what is the good, acceptable and perfect will of God for our lives. If we consistently put good stuff into our minds, we provide the Holy Spirit with a powerful platform to speak. The Holy Spirit breathes upon the scriptures that we have placed within our heart, which releases personal revelation.

Like prayer, if we are to enjoy long-term results, it must become a life-style. Don’t forget that the benefits will not only be substantial, they will be eternal. Meditating upon the scriptures is powerful. This exercise will renew your way of thinking, enabling you to carry more of His presence.

Revelatory Streams

While God is not limited in how He can communicate revelation,

there are a number streams that find a precedent in the

scriptures. These will help you judge, test and measure your revelatory

encounters. God may use one or more of these, to communicate

revelation to you.

1. Dreams and visions. Job 33:14-16.

2. Trances. Acts 10:9-13.

3. Angelic visitation. Luke 2:8-11.

4. Voice of God. Matthew 17:5.

5. Voice of Jesus. Luke 24:15-17.

6. Voice of the Holy Spirit. Acts 13:2.

7. Holy Spirit bearing witness to our spirit. Romans 8:16.

8. A believer’s revelatory counsel. James 5:19-20.

9. Written word of God. Psalm 119:105.

10. Voice of our conscience. 1 Timothy 1:19

11. Gift of prophecy. 1 Corinthians 14:3.

12. Inward witness. 2 Timothy 1:3.

13. External signs. Matthew 16:3.

Symbolism – Interpreting Revelation

It is one thing to receive revelation. It is another to

rightly interpret what God is saying. It is in the interpretation

process where most get it wrong. God often uses symbolism to communicate a truth. Revelatory experiences are very exciting but for these to be of any benefit we have to mature in uncovering the cloaked meaning. This will ensure that the revelation can be used to build up and bless.

There are always three elements attached to every revelatory

encounter:

The Revelation.

The Interpretation.

The Application.

The Revelation:

Put simply, this is the information that the Holy Spirit has

communicated. When this happens there comes what I call the

signature of heaven attached to the experience. Some might call it the

anointing. This helps us to discern, if the revelation is coming from the Lord or somewhere else. Revelation from the Lord will produce

characteristics commensurate to His nature.

These experiences can be really powerful, so much so that they can touch or even affect us at an emotional level. This is what I call the ‘seeding process’ and it is important at this early stage to resist

stepping out believing that we now have the full picture. Revelation is quite often released to us piece by piece, a bit like a puzzle. The initial revelation requires the next step, the interpretation.

The Interpretation:

The next step is all about discovering the meaning of the revelation. The interpretation is very much a process. Normally what has been communicated contains much symbolism, therefore requiring time alone with the Holy Spirit to understand what these symbols mean. We have found at times we have had to study some of the symbolism for weeks before we really understand what they represented.

If you don’t fully understand what has been conveyed, ask the Holy Spirit to provide you with further meaning. This can mean

spending more time seeking in prayer. Ask the question, ‘Is the

information being considered literal or symbolic?’ Does it relate to me personally or someone else? Some revelation can have a

multi-faceted meaning. It can apply to you and others at the same time.

Some experiences have taken me many months before full

understanding came. Don’t try to rush the interpretation. When the Holy Spirit is ready He will tell you. Another trap that we can

easily fall into, is allowing our own prejudices or desires to bring us

to the wrong conclusion. Don’t try and make it say what you want it to say! Allow your own emotions to become still. Spend time in the word and prayer. And if you are still unsure what it all means, consult your pastoral oversight or those who are more mature in the faith. Often the interpretation comes to us progressively.

The Application:

The third element, the application, is the outworking of the other

two. Once you have understood the interpretation it is time to seek the Lord on how to implement what He said. This part tends to be more strategic in nature. What to do! Remember, God is creative.

Allow Him to breath His creative, counsel and wisdom into the

equation. It is one thing to receive a word from the Lord about

starting a ministry or business etc. It is entirely another to know how to apply it – this is the application.

Conclusion

The early church considered third heaven revelatory

experiences as a normal part of their walk with the Lord.

Whether it was a dream, vision or angelic visitation, they

expected that God would reveal His plans and purposes to them. The first century church were protected and directed via revelatory

experiences. Many of these experiences even commissioned them to take the gospel to the nations.

A by-product of these types of encounters is a glimpse into

heaven, our true home. Third heaven encounters can also be

considered the language of the Spirit. They communicate

something of God’s heart, mind and counsels. They also provide the

opportunity to step into the realm which God occupies. It could be said that revelatory encounters are one of the vehicles God uses to

provide a foretaste of eternity.

Chapter 8

Voice of the Shepherd

Chapter 8

Voice of the Shepherd

And they heard the sound (voice) of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the

presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. Then the Lord God called to Adam and said to him, “Where are you?” So he said, “I heard Your voice in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself.” Genesis 3:8-10.

Introduction

God has placed within every person the need to belong and to be part of meaningful relationships. Psychologists have discovered that if a person is going to be a fully functional contributor to his or her community, they have to develop the ability to relate to and

communicate with others. This foundational aspect of human

nature is a reflection of the One who designed us with the need to

participate in effective relationships.

In the beginning God intended for mankind to first have

meaningful communication with Him. As a result of the fall, these

lines of communication were interrupted. Adam and Eve for the first time had a barrier between them and Jehovah God. This barrier was the result of their sin. Sin throughout the ages has had the same effect. It places a barrier between a Holy God and His people, and hence the need for a Saviour.

Through the cross this barrier has been brought down,

restoring what was lost in the garden, including the ability to have two-way communication with the Godhead. During this

chapter we will investigate how we can further develop the ability to

hear and recognize the methods the Lord uses to speak.

Jesus, the Way

“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to

the Father except through Me. John 14:6.

Jesus is not only the Saviour of the world, He is also the “way” that we are restored back to God, affording us the ability to

communicate with the Father. The bible calls Jesus, the ‘Word of God’. He was and still is God’s communication to a lost world. Jesus,

during His ministry, spent a lot of time revealing the Father heart of God. The idea of Jehovah God as a Father figure was a new

paradigm for this very legalist society. The reformer that He was, Jesus then took the revelation to the next level. He called Himself the ‘Good

Shepherd’.

At the time, Israel was mostly an agricultural society; they were very familiar with farming terminology. The term Good Shepherd would have been a revelation indicating His intention to not only come near, but to care for and provide,” Mysheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10:27) The cross and resurrection are our evidence of God’s total commitment to restore mankind back to right relationship with Him. This includes the ability to hear His voice and the new birth is evidence of this potential.

Religion, which is normally man’s attempt to do what only God can do, tries to convince that God is mostly out of reach and not

particularly personal. Jesus, in John 10:27, ripped this misconception

apart, making a way for every believer to not only walk with God as

Adam and Eve did, but also demonstrated Jehovah God’s plan to be

our Father.

Time for Change

Current statistics suggest that our current evangelism methods have a retention rate of about 10%. That is one in every hundred who make

a commitment remain long term within a local Church body.

This reveals that there is something intrinsically wrong with our

efforts to connect new converts, in a personal way, with their

Creator. If the basic need of every human is intimacy and to relate at an intimate level, then how we introduce people to the Lord needs to change. Maybe our current focus of just getting them out of hell is counterproductive.

If we connect our hearers in such a way that they know how to hear from the Lord, rather than just enduring regular programs many more might choose to remain.

Intimacy with the Lord, is the primary need of every heart. One way to overcome this trend would be to spend as much effort

helping all believers to learn how to hear from the Lord, as we do on

teaching doctrines. If you desire to grow in the ability to hear and recognize His voice, God has made a way. He has made provision for us all to be as close to Him as we desire! Let’s push past all ensuing

restrictions and learn to recognize the Good Shepherd’s voice.

Recognizing the Sound

So it was, while they conversed and reasoned, that Jesus Himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were restrained, so that

they did not know Him. Luke 24:15-16.

We know that people have fingerprints that are unique to them.

This also applies with our voice patterns. When we speak our voices

produce a sound that is unique. This is like having our own phonetic or phonation signature. To recognize an individual’s voice signature we need to spend time developing sensitivity to the sound of their voice. At some point our ears will be trained to identify their unique voice pattern.

It is interesting to note that Israel, during their wilderness

journeying, had to learn to recognize Jehovah’s voice. It would

become the hallmark of Israel maintaining their covenant

relationship with Jehovah God. Exodus 19:5-6. It is one thing to be familiar with what God has to say in His word. It is another to

develop the ability to hear and recognize His phonation signature.

As a minister, people come to me with many ‘good ideas’ and it would be easy to be ‘bounced’ from one good idea to another. If we are going to identify what are God’s ideas opposed to man’s, we must develop our ability to recognize the sound of His voice.

I have been married for in excess of 28 years, and during this time I have become very sensitive to my wife’s voice pattern. Even if we were in a large noisy group of people I would quickly identify the sound of Kerrie’s voice above the others. This is because of the time I have spent becoming familiar with her phonation signature.

There were times when our children were young when they called out to me during the night. I would immediately awake, even though I had been in a deep sleep. My ears had become attuned to their voice patterns. I am sure you have had similar experiences. The principle is, the more acquainted we are with a person, the more readily we can identify their voice signature.

This was the principle Jesus was referring to in John 10:27, “My sheep hear My voice”. Basically, the more time we spend in intimate

communion, the easier it will become to recognize the sound of the

Lord’s voice. The bible teaches that each member of the Godhead

has a unique discernible voice signature. Let’s have a look at what the word has to say about this.

- The Father

While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him! Matthew 17:5.

- The Lord Jesus

Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” And he said, “Who are You, Lord?” Then the Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.” Acts 9:4-5.

- The Holy Spirit

As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said,

“Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which

I have called them.” Acts 13:2

In each of these accounts it is clear that not only did all three

members of the Trinity speak, each voice pattern was so

distinguishable the writers could discern Who was speaking. The only condition being, “He who has ears, let him hear.” Some might say,

“That’s how God worked in that period, but not now it is different.”

I would remind you that the scriptures say, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Hebrews 13:8. If this were how the Godhead communicated to previous generations, it would be

reasonable to expect that they can each speak to those in the 21st

century Church. Now is the time to cast off the shackles of unbelief and refresh our resolve to grow in the art of hearing the Lord’s voice.

If you desire to impact your generation now is the time to re-dig

the wells of intimacy, so that we, like the early Church, can make our mark upon this generation.

- The Father

The voice of the Lord is over the waters; the God of glory thunders; the Lord is over many waters. The voice of the Lord is powerful; the voice of the Lord is full of majesty. The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars.

Psalm 29:3-5.

The sound of the Father’s voice is very commanding. When He

speaks, what He declares has to happen. His voice carries the sound of eternity upon every word. When the Father speaks, glory is also

contained in every word, which can cause the hearer to be caught up in His presence. Each word the Father speaks contains the dunamis energy to fulfil what He said.

So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it. Isaiah 55:11.

- The Son

It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life. John 6:63.

The bible refers to Jesus as the ‘Word’ and all things were made through Him. (John 1:1- 3). This provides us with a clue as to what His voice sounds like.

Because He is the Word, what He says contains the depths of

eternity in them, and when He speaks the hearer, like the

Apostle John, is moved into a revelatory stream. His voice can seem

directional, yet every word that comes from His mouth reflects the Shepherd’s heart and is encased in love. One word from Jesus will

open our ears to hear and our eyes to so see and release rivers of

living water. The eternity of eternities rides upon His voice and every obstacle must bow to His commands. Revelation 1:10, 15. He fights on our behalf the enemies that try to resist what He has said.

His words can be like a two-edged sword, bringing judgment upon principalities and powers of darkness. Revelation 19:15. The heart of the Father will always be reflected in whatever Jesus says because they are of one heart.

- The Holy Spirit

While Peter thought about the vision, the Spirit said to him, ”Behold, three men are seeking you. Arise therefore, go down and go with them, doubting nothing; for I have sent them.” Acts 10:19-20.

I have found that the Holy Spirit has one of the most

colourful and unique ways of communicating. It can be like many

spontaneous thought’s rising up from within and filling my mind. The ‘spontaneous thoughts’ occur during or after a time of waiting on the Lord.

When I have stilled my mind and set my heart upon the Lord by meditating upon His goodness, reading the word or just spending time with Him while working in the garden, suddenly creative ideas, thoughts or solutions begin to waft up into my mind. I think this was what Jesus was referring to when He said, “out of your innermost being would flow rivers of living water”. John 7:38.

The Holy Spirit is able to whisper His gentle thoughts and it is easy to miss His gentle prompting, if we are not sensitive to them. What the Holy Spirit communicates can revolve around the unveiling of what the Lord requires of us; what He wants to do in and through

us. The Holy Spirit also will speak through pictures. He often uses

visions, impressions and dreams. What the Holy Spirit speaks will always be in-line with the character and nature of Jesus. The

signature of His voice is like the gentle whisper of a summer breeze that can be easily missed if we are not attentive.

The Five Platforms

The bible provides us with an insight on how the early Church aligned their hearts so they could receive from the Lord. We can, and should be, experiencing the results they did. Try and embrace the five platforms as a lifestyle.

1. Submitted to the work of the cross. Matthew 10:38-39.

To enjoy intimacy with the Lord, our mind, will and emotions are to be submitted to the Lord. This is accomplished as our minds are renewed by His word. The world teaches that we can do

what we want, whenever we want. This is contrary to the gospel and true discipleship.

Only the cross has the power to deal with our self-life. Traits such as self-focus and self-centeredness must be allowed to go to the cross. If we are crucified with Him, we will be raised with His resurrection power. Without the work of the cross we will remain trapped within the fortress of our carnal nature.

2. Become a ‘Doer of the Word’. James 1:22.

We cannot expect that the Lord will provide us with revelatory

encounters if we are not doing what has already been revealed in His written word. The basis for any additional personal

revelation is living according to His revealed will, the word of God. We cannot expect Him to speak if we are not prepared to obey what He has already been revealed.

3. Submission to the work of the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 4:30.

Jesus submitted His life, ministry and the Church to the work

and ministry of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is given as our

Helper during this life. The Holy Spirit is a ‘gentleman’. He will not force His way on us. Therefore, a yielded heart and lifestyle is the

necessary ingredient for His intervention and involvement.

4. Whatever He says to you, do it. John 2:5.

When you receive personal revelation, don’t try and rationalize away what God has communicated. We are to be good stewards of

His words. I have found that when the river of revelation has dried

up, it is because I am not living within the confines of what He

has already said to me. One of the major reasons why we are not

hearing His voice is because we are not complying with His last

instructions.

5. Daily occupy the secret place. Matthew 6:6.

If we are going to hear from the Lord we must allocate time with the Lord each day. Intimacy in the secret place is where His heart becomes available to us. We know that even Jesus, the Son of God, made provision to spend intimate times with His Father before He made any major decisions. Become a lover of the ‘secret place’.

The saying goes, “We are what we eat.” A similar principle can also apply in our spiritual lives. If our lives are to be fruitful we must be

careful from where we obtain our spiritual sustenance. There were two trees placed in the Garden of Eden; the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. The tree of the knowledge of good and evil represents ideas that find their origin within the heart of man. They seem like good ideas but their place of birth was not from God’s heart.

Remember the law of Genesis: fruit always produces after it’s own kind. If we want to produce life in us and in others we must learn how to eat from the Tree of Life (Genesis 2:9). Ideas that do not find their origin in the heart of the Lord will only further alienate us from

the best that the Lord has for our lives.

Power Of Words

The word of the Lord, while containing information, has a greater effect that just providing insights. One word from the God has the power to transform and create new paradigms. Our words should be aligned to that which God is saying. What you say today, helps to frame your tomorrows.

The bible teaches that, words create, sustain and position.

But He answered and said, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word (rhema) that proceeds from the mouth of God.” Matthew 4:4.

There is nothing more powerful and life changing than one word from the Lord. When He speaks to you, your life will never be the same. Contained within every revelatory encounter is:

1. Creative power.

Every word that proceeds from the mouth of God contains the

necessary DNA to bring forth what He has spoken. The spoken word of God contains the power to create what He has said.

2. Sustenance.

Revelation that flows from the mouth of God contains the

spiritual sustenance to help us overcome the daily challenges we all

experience.

3. Alignment.

Warfare, difficulties and conflict can cause a cloud of

discouragement and despondency to hinder our progress. Yet,

when God speaks to us vision and purpose are restored, bringing

alignment back to our lives.

You can be in the darkest valley and yet one personal word from the Lord will eradicate the uncertainty filling your heart, and

replace it with eternity.

One word from the Word, Jesus Christ, has the power to even raise the dead. It will wash away all your concerns, clothing you with faith for today and tomorrow.

Conclusion

We have seen that God has made provision for every believer to hear the Lord’s voice for themselves. Jesus has made the way, so each

believer can enjoy a close intimate relationship with the Father. He did this, by becoming the Way.

Part of our Christian heritage is the ability to hear and recognise the voice of the Lord. The devil and religion tries convince us that this is not for today, but don’t settle for anything less than what God has promised you.

And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I

must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock

and one Shepherd. John 10:16.

Bibliography

1. Approaching The Heart of Prophecy - Graham Cooke.

2. Experiencing The Depths of Jesus Christ – Madam Guyon.

3. Rees Howells Intercessor – Norman Grubb.

4. The Spiritual Man – Watchman Nee.

5. John G Lake, His Life, His Sermons, His Faith.

6. The Coming Prophetic Revolution - Jim Goll.

7. I Believe in Visions – Kenneth E. Hagin.

1. The Blue Letter Bible www.blueletterbible.org

Table of Contents

Revelatory Nature

of the Godhead

god: the revelator

Revelatory Realms of Heaven

How God

Communicates

Invited Into The

Courts of Revelation

Hidden From Plain Sight

Engaging Third Heaven

Revelation

Voice of the Shepherd