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Thursday, March 18, 2010

The Power of Agreement - Part Two

"GOD took the very worst situation and through the power of agreement created the very best situation."

One of the most amazing accounts of agreement in the Bible is the creation of the world. GOD the Father, GOD the Son and GOD the Holy Spirit were in total agreement with each other as the earth was called forth into being. While the scripture does not refer to GOD as more than one person until verse 26 of Genesis 1 ("Let us make man"), I submit to you that GOD in three persons was at work in the preceding verses. GOD the Father spoke the Word, which was God the Son (see the first chapter of John's Gospel account, particularly verse 14), and GOD the Holy Spirit was the conduit through which power flowed to accomplish work in the earth (see Genesis 1:2).

Now, the earth was without form (translated from the Hebrew word "tohuw" meaning "to lie waste"), and void (translated from the Hebrew word "bohuw" meaning "to be empty"). We see an environment characterized by desolation and emptiness. Nothing is being produced and the very atmosphere is valueless. I like to view this as the most extreme form of poverty. The earth was so bad off that it's safe to say that no recession or economic downturn in the history of man can begin to compare to the earth's state at this time. As a matter of fact, this particular environment shows no sign of having the slightest potential to become Eden.

However, here comes GOD exemplifying quintessential holiness -- His Word (GOD the Son) and actions (GOD the Holy Spirit) lining up with his identity (as GOD the Father). GOD's identity, words and actions were in complete, total agreement with each other. They were consistently consistent, so much so that the lack of potential in the environment to produce anything of value was not even an issue. It's clear then that the ability to bring Eden forth was GOD's and GOD's alone. The very holiness of GOD superseded the environment. By tapping into the power of agreement, GOD's holiness thereby trumped the atmospheric conditions present in Genesis 1:1 to create the optimal conditions for Eden's emergence.

We see here in the very first chapter of the Bible how GOD took the very worst situation and through the power of agreement created the very best situation. Having been made in GOD's image and spiritually rebirthed into the Kingdom, we are endowed with the same ability to supercede our environment. Therefore, unproductive or valueless circumstances are no match for your GOD-given power of agreement, which is rooted in a lifestyle of holiness. Know who you are in GOD, not who others (or even you) see you as being. If you find yourself without an understanding of this, then begin to dig in the scriptures and allow the Holy Spirit to teach you. Additionally, make a conscious effort to ensure your actions line up with your words and who you say who you are. Don't allow the enemy, other people or even circumstances to cause you to contradict yourself. Being consistently consistent unleashes the power of agreement in your life to transform desolation into paradise.

Until next time, continue to live more abundantly through Jesus, our risen Christ and King. May His strength, peace and love be your portion.

Just in case you missed Part One of "The Power Agreement"...

Saturday, March 6, 2010

The Power of Agreement - Part One

Are we as willing as we think to simply "agree"?

As we begin exploring the power of agreement, we first need to establish some basic understanding of the word "agreement". Merriam-Webster's most basic definition of "agreement" is
a : the act or fact of agreeing
b : harmony of opinion, action, or character : concord

According to its Middle English roots, "agree" comes from "at will". Agreement can then be better understood in the context of it simply reflecting one's willingness to be in harmony. To agree is a choice and -- might I add -- a matter of the heart, since biblical allusions to the heart of man metaphorically speak of mankind’s will. I also like how Merriam-Webster explains that "agree implies complete accord usually attained by discussion and adjustment of differences."

Many times we fail to notice that, in our agreeing, we willfully choose to be on one accord concerning a matter. We neglect to see in our reasoning together over a matter just how much we "adjust" ourselves to sound "together" as a unit. One of the best examples of this is that of an individual vocalist singing with a group of other vocalists. Even though each individual vocalist may have a unique sound or timbre to his/her voice, the best group sound is achieved when everyone adjusts themselves to sound like one. We do the exact same thing in life, yet we tend to overlook this. Moreover, we overlook the power that manifests as a result of our congruence and our willingness to converge from many directions to synchronize our thoughts and actions. This undeniable, yet often ignored power in togetherness is what I endeavor to explore in this blog series.

You know, we've all grown up hearing phrases like "united we stand, divided we fall," but do we really understand the magnitude of meaning behind them? Are we as willing as we think to simply "agree"? Or has the spirit of rugged individualism that's been historically synonymous with our nation's culture crippled the citizens of GOD's Kingdom who reside in the land of the free and home of the brave?

It is my hope that through this series, we all gain a greater understanding and appreciation for the power of agreement as well as its purposes in the lives of GOD's people. The Bible illustrates how GOD manifested Himself in, what many would exclaim to be, some unusually outstanding ways when ordinary people simply agreed. I'm looking forward to this journey in GOD's Word as well as the impact it will make on our lives. As I’m blessed, I pray that you are as well. Until next time, walk boldly and unapologetically in the power of the Holy Spirit because GOD is with you and He takes pleasure in your success.

Were you blessed by this post?  Then be sure to read Part Two of "The Power of Agreement".  (And if you haven't read "The Power of Agreement - Series Introduction," feel free to go back and review it for further clarification on where this blog series is headed.)