Audio file You have likely heard teachings about renewing the mind and setting your mind on the things above. Most of the teachings I have heard seem to focus on what NOT to think about, what not to expose yourself to, what not to pursue. Suggestions for what you SHOULD think about are focused on reading the Bible, praying often, going to church, reading Christian books, etc. Let’s look at ways of renewing your mind that combine your faith, your imagination, and your will. Faith starts with the end result God imagined you in his heart before the world ever was. [i] He was already seeing the end result of you being with Him in heaven. He is not limited by time. He calls us holy and blameless because he is seeing the end result of your union with Christ. The Bible is full of examples where things are declared long before they manifest into reality. [ii] Faith is evidence of something you are hoping for and a firm conviction or something not seen. [iii] The way we see these things that are not seen in the natural is by our imagination. We begin by imagining God’s presence and intervention in whatever circumstance, relationship, problem, possibility, etc. that we are in presently. That is our starting point. If we see ourselves as being weak in faith and hopeless, then we need to imagine our starting point as believing God loves us and wants to help us. We imagine the person of Christ dwelling right there in our situation and offering us his faith, his character, his resources. Your imagination is the eyes of your heart. The truth is our imagination is meant to play an important role in both the renewing of the mind and in our ability to set our minds on things that are in heaven (above).[iv] Imagination bridges the gap between what you know to be true and what you are actually experiencing. [v] [iv] Imagination bridges the gap between what you know to be true and what you are actually experiencing. [v] “I pray that the light of God will illuminate the eyes of your imagination, flooding you with light, until you experience the full revelation of the hope of his calling” [vi] Our imagination can create a space to receive something new and wonderful. Our imagination is like a house waiting to be filled with furnishings. If it has been filled with nasty, negative things like worry, resentment, bitterness, unforgiveness, hopelessness, etc. then those things will have to be thrown out. The Holy Spirit is more than happy to help with that. He is your joyful interior decorator and handyman. He will engage your imagination to go back over each episode where you didn’t feel God’s presence and intervention and give you a different perspective. This time, you will see him providing you with hope and restoration in that part of your soul. Over time, you will begin to practice imagining and declaring positive things instead of negative. This is where you use your will. Here is an example of using the imagination to engage with the Jesus using the first few verses of Psalm 23: "The Lord is my shepherd. I will lack no good thing. He makes me lie down in green pastures and leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul." Click here to listen. See also Seated in the Heavenly Places in Christ. We choose what to highlight and focus on in life The world’s way is to focus on the negative and highlight all that is wrong. This is opposite of God’s kingdom where we are encouraged to focus on what is right and worthy of praise.[vii] The reason we do that isn’t just to pretend. Our positive declarations and expectations are creating an atmosphere for God’s presence to come in and have his way. Persistent and consistent imagination nurtures and nourishes the seed [of God’s word] until it is birthed. [viii] [vii] The reason we do that isn’t just to pretend. Our positive declarations and expectations are creating an atmosphere for God’s presence to come in and have his way. Persistent and consistent imagination nurtures and nourishes the seed [of God’s word] until it is birthed. [viii] Pay attention to your thinking and your words. Are they constantly referring to God’s ability to be present and figure things out? Are they focused on how God sees a person or situation? Spending time with God and asking him to show you what is going on in the heavenly dimension will open your eyes to the deeper reality of each circumstance, of every person. This will take practice and the Holy Spirit will guide you into all truth. We are not describing an instant fix. Go to the post of resources and choose one of the recommended books and study it. Use it to give your thinking some renewal as you apply the concepts presented in the book. No matter where you start, the Holy Spirit will honor your effort and guide you through a transformation adventure. Don’t sit and wait for God to step in and do something. Be proactive and put effort into doing things differently. Your subconscious mind can only recirculate what has already been placed in it. To renew our minds, we need a new infusion of perspective, truth, hope, pictures. Use the word of God to give you scenarios to feed your imagination with hopeful and faith filled expectations. A prayer to cleanse the imagination [ix] Thank you, Heavenly Father, for creating me in your image and giving me an imagination. I repent for any misuse of my imagination: for trying to escape reality, for negativity, for worrying, for bitterness and resentment. I forgive others who have defiled my imagination by negativity, abuse, or neglect. I bring my imagination under your supervision. I reject unbelief and skepticism. My regular mind can’t understand things of the spirit. I want my spirit to inform my mind. I renounce any ways I have cursed myself by making limiting and unbelieving statements about my life and possibilities. And I forgive anyone who has shut down my imagination, stole my dreams or clipped my spiritual wings. I receive the cleansing by the blood of Jesus Christ over my imagination. I submit myself and my imagination to you, my God. I am one with you and I now want to use my imagination with wisdom and intent to manifest your kingdom here and create an atmosphere where you are welcome. “The Lord gave us an imagination to be used to encounter him.” [x] Every child has a great capacity to see things with their imagination. Adults assume none of what they see is real. Unfortunately, the monster under the bed or in the closet might be a demon! I have spoken to many people who have seen angels as a child. When I was about 8 years old, I woke up in the middle of the night and there was an angel standing beside my bed praying for me. My husband, Gary, remembers crying in his room at 3 years old when Jesus walked into the room to comfort him. I don’t think these stories are unusual. God placed the innate quality of imagination which is so heightened in children as a link between this dimension and the heavenly dimension. When my grandchildren were younger I would have them close their eyes and imagine Jesus ministering to them. I would have them ask him to help them feel his presence and hear his voice. We can take a Scripture such as “the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction” [xi] . We can use our imagination to engage with God. Picture a father who is loving and full of mercy. Mercy means he is compassionate instead of wanting to harm you. What is the look on his face as he gazes at you? Imagine his accepting smile as he welcomes you into his arms. Feel him with your imagination holding you and comforting you. You can see yourself as a small child sitting on his lap and resting your head on his chest. [xii] Or you may have a whole different set of pictures. You are not making up something that isn’t true. You are calling forth the reality of heaven into your earthly existence, are you not? The more we utilize our imaginations to connect to the reality of heaven, the stronger we will become in creating an atmosphere and being a portal where heaven can come to earth through us. Read Revelation 4 and imagine you are interacting with everybody in the throne room. One of the wonderful things about heaven is that everyone there carries God’s attitude about us. They love us and want to help us. They pray for us and long for us to come into our full potential. Just imagining that you have such an amazing family in heaven can lift your mood on the worst day. The imagination is a fantastic resource to us. It may need some cleansing and retraining but the basic facility is still powerful and capable of great good. The resources listed at the end of this article will give you more help in retraining your imagination. “What you see in your imagination will become your reality. What you see in your mind has the power to shape what you do. It shapes your actions. The more you see it in your mind, the greater the power that image has over you” [xiii] My common practice in prayer is to discern what is God’s will and then declare [xiv] that it be so. I then imagine that answer coming about. I use my imagination together with the faith God has given me to expect and welcome God’s intervention. Years ago, I needed to learn how to use Quick Books Pro for our ministry. I had no training in accounting at all. I began thanking God and imagining a person who would help me with it. I searched online for information. After a couple of months, I stumbled on a website about QBP for ministries. The man behind this website was more than willing to answer my questions and offered to set up my books and teach me how to use the program! When I asked him what he used to do, he said he was a retired CPA who specialized in helping ministries use Quick Books Pro! Our imaginations have great power to shape our reality. Scripture is full of encouragement to imagine good and not evil. Worry and negativity are destructive uses of the imagination. “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” [xv] We can use all of the amazing stories in the Bible as gateways to spiritual encounters. I have read the chapter on the transfiguration of Jesus and imagined I was there with Peter, James and John experiencing the light coming off of Jesus and Moses and Elijah. As I soak up that heavenly atmosphere, it rejuvenates me. Another example is the story in 1 Samuel 19. The anointing from Samuel and his group of prophets in Naioth at Ramah was so strong that it overcame King Saul as well as several soldiers sent to hunt David. I have imagined myself getting to hang out with Samuel and his group of prophets. I ask God to put some of their anointing on me for prophecy. Once we step out of this dimension, time is no longer a factor. Quantum physics affirms this. We will be so much better off allowing our childlike imagination to steer us into heavenly encounters rather than allowing our negative adult mind to anticipate worry and harm. We need to have childlike faith in the heavenly dimension. We must believe it exists and welcomes us. Jesus did say that unless we become like a little child, we cannot enter the kingdom of heaven. [xvi] Your childlike nature is buried somewhere inside yourself. Ask God to bring it forward and help you reconnect to that vital part of yourself. A prayer to activate your imagination “Heavenly Father, I want to encounter you. I want to see you with my imagination. Cleanse my imagination of any and all destructive patterns and memories. Rejuvenate my childlike character. Help me to be imaginative, trusting, open to intimacy and comfortable with being dependent on you. Give me many moments with you, Father… and with Jesus… and with the Holy Spirit. Teach me how to do this and lead me to the right resources. In Jesus name.” Resources to move you forward I want to refer you to some authors who give us some positive ways to use our imaginations in bringing every thought captive to Christ. [x] Steve Backlund encourages us to declare the reality we want to see in our lives rather than complain about our lives as if we had no ability to change them. “Declarations” is one of his books which I found particularly helpful. Wendy Backlund has a great book on the imagination called “ Living from the Unseen Realm ”. I have quoted in this article from Virginia Killingsworth’s “Miracles are Normal: Co-creating Through Oneness with Christ.” This is a wonderful book but will take some effort to apply in your life. I am reading it for the third time and still finding new ways to incorporate it into my spiritual practices. Have fun and remember the Holy Spirit wanting to dance with you all the way! PDF of article [i] See Ephesians 1. [ii] See Abraham’s story, Gideon’s story, David’s story, Jeremiahs prophecies about Jerusalem, prophecies about Jesus, etc. [iii] See Hebrews 11:1. [iv] Colossians 3:2. [v] Miracles are Normal: Co-creating Through Oneness with God by Virginia Killingsworth , pg. 119. [vi] Ephesians 1:18 TPT [vii] Philippians 4:8. “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” [viii] Miracles are Normal: Co-creating Through Oneness with God by Virginia Killingsworth , pg. 144. [ix] This prayer is a paraphrase of one from this book. Miracles are Normal: Co-creating Through Oneness with God by Virginia Killingsworth , pg. 149-150. [x] Ibid. [xi] 2 Corinthians 1:3b-4a [xii] See the post Sitting in the Heavenly Realms with Christ . [xiv] See resources by Steve Backlund at end of article. [xv] Philippians 4:8, NIV. [xvi] See Matthew 18.

Sitting in the Heavenly Realms with Christ By Dr. Nancy Moelk Audio teaching (6 min.) Audio exercise (6 min.) We want to have an experiential and tangible encounter with all the truth of God as portrayed in the Bible. Today’s exercise is meant to lead you to a more real experience of something you have already received in your relationship with Christ. But you may not have ever laid hold of it in an experiential way. Here is some explanation beforehand to help you with this experience. · We will be practicing deep breathing. When God created everything, he spoke it all into being with one exception: humans. He formed them with his very hands and breathed into them his own life! Every breath we take is a reminder of our loving Creator who still wants to touch us and breathe with us. As we take deep breaths, hold them for a few seconds and then exhale, we are deliberately directing our attention away from our thinking. We want to become aware of our bodies and particularly our hearts, which is the seat of our affections. First, we will take several deep breaths, nice and slow. Then I will give you some brief phrases to repeat which are about your relationship with God based on what the Word of God says. Try to keep taking slow deep breaths with long exhales during the entire exercise. · We are going to be using our imaginations. Our imagination is our ability to see something inside with our internal vision. Some people are opposed to the use of the imagination or any kind of “guided imagery” claiming it is somehow a focus on non-reality or a lie. Imagination can be used in destructive ways as can just about anything. But what if we use our imaginations to envision something that is true. Something that is true about God, about us, about Christ, about others, about the Holy Spirit? What if we use our imaginations to help actualize what we have been given in Christ? Jesus spoke highly of little children. They are naturally full of imagination. No surprise, they have an easier time imagining a Jesus who loves them and cares about them. Their imagination is closely connected to the ability to hope. Our imaginations help us to see the things we are hoping for through faith. Imagination helps us wake up to what we have been given, but never fully activated. · We are going to proceed as if we really have access to heaven now. The Word of God says we are seated in the heavenly places in Christ. What does that look like? Where are we sitting? On what? How? Do you think God the Father would ever want to hold you on his lap? Why not? He is the best father in all creation. Wouldn’t it seem normal for him to be affectionate and attentive to you? The Bible is full of examples of both the majesty, immense power and scariness of God as well as his tender mercy, kindness and willingness to connect to very lowly people. What if we could experience his comfort in a tangible way as we sit on his lap as a small child? "As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; and you will be comforted...” Isaiah 61:13 As we ascend into heaven, we will open our hearts to the atmosphere of heaven and the light, life and love that permeates it. We are going to relax and receive as much as we are capable of. Your ability to engage in this kind of encounter will grow over time. It is important to know that the more you focus on the lovely things which exist in the kingdom of God, the kingdom which is already in you, the more real they will become to you. We need to awaken out of our worldly slumber to our inheritance in Christ. Doing exercises like this is one way to quicken our souls via the inner spirit man which already has a connection to all of heaven. If you struggle with being distracted by your thoughts here is a way to dismiss them. Imagine your mind is a “naughty puppy” who wants to get your attention. Kindly say to your thoughts, “not now, puppy.” And return your focus to your breathing. (If you are doing this in a group and someone starts to cry, please honor their private moment with the Father and don’t try to comfort or fix them. It is normal to experience emotion as we connect with the amazing wonder of God’s personality. Allow God to touch his children and you in this moment without anyone else’s help.) We are ready to sit on God’s lap. 1. Place your feet comfortably on the floor and relax. Begin breathing (breathe slowly in and out of your nose), holding your breath for a second or two. That is God’s breath you are breathing. 2. Repeat each of these phrases on an out breath. And then take another breath or two before you say the next phrase. I am his. He is mine. I love him. He loves me. I’m in him. He’s in me. We are one. 3. See your spirit man rising up towards the brilliant light of heaven. Keep breathing. As you become aware of the light of heaven, open your heart, your inner most being to the warmth, the love and the life of heaven’s atmosphere. Stop and enjoy this for several breaths. 4. Now you will ascend a bit higher. You rise up under the sea of glass until you are standing before the throne of God. It’s just you and the Father. He has cleared the court to welcome you and to spend time just with you in this place. You approach him because he is smiling at you and extending his arms towards you, beckoning you to approach. And he says, “would you like to spend time with me child?” You continue to move towards him, and he makes a gesture to pick you up, if you want, and put you on his lap. 5. Sit on the Father’s lap and as you breathe, feel his breath and energy come into every cell of your being. Relax and allow his comfort and presence to soothe and minister to wherever you need it. As you breath out say this: I am home. I am safe here. I am accepted here. Home. 6. Stay here as long as you want. But when you leave, recognize that there is a significant part of you which is there always, sitting with Christ in the heavenly. As our minds are renewed, we will live more and more out of the energy emanating from our communion with God. The more aware we become of that reality, the more we will live out of our union with Christ in our daily lives.

Here are some resources to aid you in your spiritual adventure with Christ. I have tried to list them in order of easy reading. I pray the Holy Spirit will show you your individual starting point. God Wants to be With You by Dr. Nancy Moelk Living from the Unseen: Reflections from a Transformed Life by Wendy C. Backlund Victorious Emotions: Creating a Framework for a Happier You by Wendy Backlund Practicing His Presence by Brother Lawrence and Frank Laubach Igniting Hope in 40 Days by Steve Backlund Declarations: Unlocking Your Future by Steve Backlund The Veil: An Invitation to the Unseen Realm by Blake Healy Profound Good: See God Through the Lens of His Love by Blake K. Healy Healing the Wounded Soul: Break Free From the Pain of the Past and Live Again by Katie Souza Miracles Are Normal: Co-Creating Through Oneness with God by Virginia Killingsworth Operating in the Courts of Heaven (Revised and Expanded): Granting God the Legal Rights to Fulfill His Passion and Answer Our Prayers by Robert Henderson Receiving Generational Blessings from the Courts of Heaven: Cancel Bloodline Curses and Establish an Inheritance of Blessing by Robert Henderson Robert Henderson has written many books about the Courts of Heaven. Look up his name to find a list of all his titles. Dangerous Prayers from the Courts of Heaven that Destroy Evil Altars: Establishing the Legal Framework for Closing Demonic Entryways and Breaking Generational Chains of Darkness by Dr. Francis Myles Redeeming Your Bloodline: Foundations for Breaking Generational Curses from the Courts of Heaven by Hrvoje Sirovina Unlocking Destinies From the Courts of Heaven: Dissolving Curses That Delay and Deny Our Future by Robert Henderson Here are some biographies that will help you connect with the power and healing of heaven. God's Generals: Why They Succeeded and Why Some Fail by Roberts Liardon You can hunt down longer biographies on the people covered in this book. Supernatural - The Life of William Branham Volume 1 by Owen Jorgensen

Firehouse Ministries, Inc. provides resources for Spiritual Development and Prophetic Counsel for those who are engaging in a relationship with Jesus Christ. We work with Kingdon businesses and individuals. They will find here ongoing help and opportunities for inspiration and wisdom. Firehouse Ministries, Inc. has a strong component of emotional healing and spiritual growth. Spiritual Development, Prophetic Counsel, Emotional Healing and More Sign-Up for New Events and Posts The Dragon Bar New Book by Richard and Nancy A Book of Modern-Day Encounters with Angels, Dragons, and Supernatural Creatures Firehouse Ministries, Inc. Explore the Spiritual Exercises for More Daily Protection Prayers Cleansing Your Bloodline Sitting on the Father's Lap Spiritual Self-Defense Course Info Light of Christ Prayer and Exercise How to Do Deliverance Stepping into the Presence of Christ Love and Approval of God Getting to Know the Spirit Man Spiritual Atmosphere Control Encounter with Big Jesus Light and the Spirit Man Finding Your Destiny Pillars of Fire (Protection) Stepping into Freedom from Pain and Gratitude Peace Exercise Spiritual Barbwire Hearing Both the Spirit Man and Prophecy Encounter Jesus Moment Winning the Battle Against Fear Insigts into Spiritual Warfare Intro to School of the Four Living Creatures Get Rid of Resignation, Resentment, Bitterness and Hopeless/Despair And Many More . . . All Posts (38) 38 posts Protection Prayers (6) 6 posts Spiritual Exercises (17) 17 posts School of the Four Living Creatures (2) 2 posts Family Help (3) 3 posts Prayer (6) 6 posts Emotional Healing (13) 13 posts Hearing Both the Spirit Man and Prophecy How To Do Deliverance (15 Minutes) Encounter with Big Jesus

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