Paula Appleby to B1 meeting

Strategic Relationships

Matthew 18:19 - 20
19“Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. 20For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.”

I heard the spirit speak these words

“My plans and purposes are delivered by a people in relationship.” God will give each individual church an understanding of what this means for them..

This is a season where strategic relationships planned by the Spirit of God will form under his direction.  These relationships are more than just friendships and acquaintances, they are Holy Spirit inspired joinings that are a precursor to the fullness of unity that waits in the wings of heaven to be revealed at the moment of the Father's choosing.  They are joinings for purpose and function in the Kingdom, and when established will bring great strength and hope to the whole Body of Christ.

Firstly within each of the local churches, we are to be open to the Spirit suddenly joining us together in a new way with specific people. Each heart will witness, “this is one of my God ordained joinings”  The witness of the spirit within you, and the agreement that you find with each other will confirm that this is something formed of God.

Some of these relationships have already begun to form, but still require a measure of strength and constancy to develop.   These relationships are too haphazard in their outworking, creating vagueness and lack of clarity concerning their purpose.  Spend time as individuals with the people with whom you sense these joinings forming.  Spend time in my presence together, and ask me for the strengthening of the bonds that you require, so that a firmness of relationship, heart and purpose is achieved.

For some, the connection has not yet been formed.  I encourage you to watch out for those relationships, and when you find the Spirit joining you together, give yourselves to the process.

The Lord would give a word of warning.  We are to examine our existing relationships.  Some relationships within the churches that have formed require adjustment.  Some of you when you come together, have grieved the Spirit by what is produced.  Christ needs to become central in these relationships.  I sense a season of grace in terms of the Lord giving time for repentance and change. It is as if the Lord is saying “I will give them time to hear my warning, and change, so that I do not require to take further action.”  I feel the Lord's reluctance to take further action on these matters.  He would rather those involved be willing to change, hence this season of grace.  However the Spirit was very clear to me in saying this season will not last forever, and that he requires a response now. 

I felt God show me that as adjustments are made in  these relationships, the whole church will feel an easing of tension, and deep pains that have existed will disappear.  There will come a sense of comfort and ease of movement in the body.  Tensions will be replaced with a sense of strength, focus and purpose in God.  The whole body of Christ in Taunton will feel this change in the Spirit, not just those who have made the adjustment.  It is because these relationships are affecting the well being of the whole body that God has determined a specific length of time for adjustments to be made. Some answers to prayer are waiting release, contingent upon these adjustments.

What is  learnt through the first season will act as a foundation for moving forward into the next.

I sense the Spirit's excitement and anticipation of being able to release this next season to us.

I heard God say.  “I will open up the doors of the churches and the hearts of the people to each other.  I will open your hearts in a new way to receive each other.”

“I tell you my people, an explosion of joy and praise will erupt from your hearts as I lead you into and through this season.  The world will not contain or restrain this joy.  The world will be unable to restrain the outpouring of love and joy that will flow through you, because of this work that I will do. I tell you my children, I am excited about what I am about to do.  My heart beats faster in anticipation of what will be revealed.”

It is as if I can see these things already accomplished and I can hear in the Spirit a great shout of “YES!!!!” in victory, as the season is released and accomplished through us.