Article from the Elijah List

This article touched my heart and spoke to me in relation to the study we will be starting, "Made to Count", I hope it speaks to yours as well.
It is a bit lengthy...but well worth the time.
Be blessed and walk in His presence today,


January 21, 2008
Paulette Reed: "Building Upward--It's Time to UNCOVER and HONOR the LIVING STONES!"
The Vision
In a recent vision, I was traveling through time and space at an accelerated rate, just above a dark brown terrain. I realized I was seeing the foundations of the earth, and they seemed to be trembling. I was soaring so fast that my physical body actually became dizzy. I knew in my spirit that the Lord was showing me His rich foundations prepared thousands of years ago--alive with anticipation as they waited for the living stones.
Oh, how exciting to realize our Heavenly Father's foundations are always the glorious base for solid structural elements which lend to limitless possibilities! How marvelous to bow and acknowledge Jesus Christ as the One and only True Foundation--a Foundation of Love. God loved even before the creation of the world (John 17:24). May we long to have Christ's likeness established in every believer, not so concerned with the outward appearance of the temple, but deeply concerned with the foundation. Our focus should be to continually build up people, and not ministries.
With all we're hearing about this being a year of new beginnings, we must be certain to build upon sacred infrastructures while adhering to the basics--those fundamental foundations in place for centuries. For, "In the beginning, O Lord, You laid the foundations of the earth, and the Heavens are the work of Your hands" Hebrews 1:10. Don't you just love how God uses chaos to create His divine order?
Living Stones
It's awesome to know that we, living stones--breathing, walking, talking stones-- are carrying the Gospel of His glory to the ends of the earth! Oh how we are "looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God" (Hebrews 11:10).
As we build together, dear ones, some stones may seem insignificant, but it's so very crucial not to despise even one small stone. For, "Your beginnings will seem humble, so prosperous will your future be" Job 8:7. Let's keep in mind, "The hand that rocks the cradle, rules the world." In other words, we must nurture and edify every one of the Father's children as they grow up to be kings, presidents, justices and queens.
The moment we are baptized into one Body (I Corinthians 12:13), every believer becomes a beautiful stone. Look around. We come in all sizes, shapes and colors; jasper, sapphire, amethyst and more. Each person is a precious gem in the eyes of our God, shining in the darkness upon His foundation of glory and love.
We form this living Church as the Holy Spirit unites us; we become construction materials that must no longer be torn down, but acknowledged and edified. We are stones and the Holy Spirit is the cement. For, "You also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God" I Peter 2:5.
Look Around
Following my vision of the foundations of the earth, Holy Spirit brought to my remembrance a prayer I had sent to the Throne room months ago. I remember it vividly. "Lord, I need You to send someone to fill this position." The Holy Spirit replied, "I already did." This was a moment in time when the hidden became unhidden. The "living stone" was right in front of me and I almost missed it.
Oh dear friends, look around, look around for, "He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; He seats them with princes and has them inherit a throne of honor. For the foundations of the earth are the Lord's; upon them He has set the world" I Samuel 2:8.
How many living stones are in our midst right now who have not been properly honored and seated with princes?
It's time to uncover the stones, dear friends! We declare that those around us will be the best teachers, preachers, managers, mothers, fathers, and servants of the most High God the world has ever seen. World changers! We declare that not one stone will be left unturned as we train and equip, honoring and preferring one another above ourselves. We purpose to love each stone to life, so it is breathing, walking, talking and filled with the glory of God.
It's a wonderful season of "uncovering," beloved. This describes so well where we are at and indicates what we need already exists--right in front of us. Many believe that uncovering eliminates a lot of the emotional and intellectual baggage of "discovering." "Lord, send a stone to fill this hole in the wall." He says, "I already did!"
Hut, Two, Three, Four!
The army of God has been in quite a season of realignment. Some have been obediently deported several times, some resisted, and others have gone AWOL. Many have moved from the tail to the head. Now, we are entering into a season with synchronized marching coming forth. I can hear it! Hut…two, three, four. People are assuming their positions. They are standing strong and tall on firm foundations, ready to move onward and upward, taking ground.
There has been a tremendous amount of preparation in the laying of foundations. As with traditional architecture, so much occurs before design (action) and implementation. The needs of the building (the church) are identified, resources are secured, and finances are in place (or believed for). During the planning, there's a time to get questions answered, so the foundation can support the structure.
The Gifts
Every gift in the Body is necessary and all are about to increase and soar--as they are uncovered. It is time, friends. We must rebuild the temples--the people of God! Each person bears relevant gifts within them from birth, for the Creator lives in us! Sadly, some virtues can be stifled early on, perhaps as soon as we can hold a crayon and someone says, "Now, stay in the lines."
However, we know the gifts are still in "the house" within each vessel. It's time for recovering and uncovering! Blessing the gifts in each living stone as Jesus did--not allowing them to lie dormant. Jesus saw every disciple that came alongside as a gift (John 17:24). May we be like our Savior, ready and willing to identify, bless, and release what the Father has given within our own spheres of influence. May we come up from underneath, undergirding the stones, giving strong support, remembering that foundations are not seen.
Tools for Building on the Lord's Foundations
F – Firmness. As the winds and the torrents come, we simply will not survive on sinking sand. "Whoever comes to Me, and hears My sayings and does them I will show you whom he is like: He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded on the rock" Luke 6:47-48. "He set the earth on its foundations; it can never be moved" Psalm 104:5.
O – Openness. Foundations begin with open frames, remaining flexible for refinements during the building up. They are to take on whatever the Master Builder adheres to the frame, not speaking back to the Maker.
U – Unity. Of course a house divided cannot stand. Even if one single domino is pulled out of a pillar of thousands, the structure will tumble.
N – Nails. We can't actually see these construction materials, but they pierced the hands and feet of the Cornerstone of love and they hold the Church together.
D – Developers. The Lord has His developers in place. They train and equip causing the living stones to progress from an embryonic to an adult form. To grow into a more mature state, advancing and expanding. Developers have builders to come alongside and supervise assembling the joining parts so the structure is established, increased and strengthened. The builders mold, form and create, building on the past to mobilize the future.
A – Ascension into the Throne room regularly for the Divine connection that empowers and enables what is to come.
T – Truth. Absolutely no room for the veneer of servanthood--it must be the real thing. "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men" Colossians 3:23.
I – Ideals. Clinging to the path our Beloved leads us on, not the one taken by others. We are pioneers and groundbreakers. We must become uncomfortable with the norm and stretch to embrace the truth of Whom we serve.
O – Openness. To share liberally with those who may experience struggle along the way.
N – No status. Foundations are hidden. The dramatic metaphor in Luke shows us God's heart. He draws children to Himself in the midst of His disciples. Jesus said, "Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes Me; and whoever welcomes Me welcomes the one who sent Me. For he who is least among you all--he is the greatest" Luke 9:48.
S – Stable. When foundations are being laid, miles underground, it's absolutely crucial that they are not off one millimeter of an inch. If they are, as the building goes higher, the miscalculation becomes more obvious. The final structure must not be weakened by its own growth, leaning toward earth rather than reaching toward Heaven. "He led them by a straight way to a city where they could settle" Psalm 107:7.
Let's Pray: Dear Jesus, how amazing that You would come to earth as a baby, a child, Who was to rule all the nations with a rod of iron (Revelation 12:5). Remind us, Master Builder, that all we do is an offering just for You. May we each serve You with diligence and joy, being changed from glory to glory. May every child of God grow in stature and favor with the Lord and with men as You did. Give us a Heavenly vision of the wall of the city with twelve foundations, and on them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb (Revelation 21:14). May the gems You are sending to Your Church be preparation for glorious walls made of jasper, and the city of pure gold, as pure as glass. As we acknowledge each brother and sister as irreplaceable components of Your final work, let us honor You by our love. Amen.
Paulette ReedExtreme Prophetic MinistriesEmail: Paulette@extremeprophetic.com

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