Kriston's Blog

OVERCOMING OFFENSE

Kriston Couchey

Jonah prophesied to the citizens of Nineveh saying, “Forty days this city will be destroyed!”, and yet the city was not destroyed. Is it possible that Jonah spoke the prophetic word excluding the option to repent according to his own offense toward Nineveh? Jonah had no love for the Ninevites and was angry when they repented and God did not destroy them.

And he made prayer to the Lord and said, O Lord, is this not what I said when I was still in my country? This is why I took care to go in flight to Tarshish: for I was certain that you were a loving God, full of pity, slow to be angry and great in mercy, and ready to be turned from your purpose of evil. (Jonah 4:2)

SPIRIT OF BITTERNESS - THE PROPHET’S ENEMY

Bitterness is the state of unforgiveness and woundedness resulting from offense. This bitterness has the potential to turn a true prophet into a false prophet. Jonah struggled with bitterness as his people had suffered offense at the hands of the people of Assyria, whose capital was Nineveh. It took an act of God to get him to finally give the word of the Lord, and even after that he still hated them. If you are offended by a spiritual leader, political leader, a nation, religion, or anyone for that matter regardless of how evil they are, and how badly you have suffered at their hands, your prophecy will be controlled and distorted by offense. A lot of prophecy directed toward the religion and its leaders, toward political leaders, and people groups are rooted in bitterness out of offense.

And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. ~Jesus~

This verse describes the state of much of the church today. Many have taken offense at the hypocrisy of religion. The ranks of atheists and agnostics are filled with offended men and women bitter at those representing Christ who have acted like the devil. The emergent and organic church movement's numbers are swelled with disenchanted, wounded, and offended people who were given a raw deal in the halls of religion. Thousands of offended have stopped going to churches altogether. Heresy hunting "ministries" are motivated by and continue to sniff out sin and offense from a “church” acting like the world.

ROOTING OUT OFFENSE

As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world (AGE).The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend (those causing to stumble), and them which do iniquity... ~Jesus~

The end of the age brings with it a purging. The purging is of those who are causing offense. It also brings a healing from offense for those who will allow Father to release them from their agony. The sad fact is those who are offended can easily become offenders themselves. Father has great mercy and is bringing a move of repentance and reconciliation to the earth. It is a time for those who have been offending to repent and change, and those suffering offense to get healing. We are about to see a move of the Holy Spirit bring this repentance and healing. Today is the day of salvation and restoration to Father; and to our brothers and sisters.

THE REMEDY FOR OFFENSE

Offense from others has been a tool of Father to expose in me the places of pride and self-centeredness that were not obvious apart from suffering at the hands of others. The Spirit of God told Ananias concerning Paul, “… I will show him how many things he must suffer for my name’s sake.” To be used for the greater purposes of God demands meeting suffering offense at the hands of others with the unconditional love of God. The cross of Christ was where Jesus laid down His life in love for those who hated Him, and it is the cross all who would follow in His footsteps must take up as well.

While many of us cannot claim to have suffered as much as Jesus or even Paul by the hands of others, there is a glory in suffering offenses with the unconditional love of God that releases in us a joy that is unspeakable. I have responded wrongly to the attacks of others upon me or my family in a wrong way many times. In the midst of that offense and ensuing bitterness; Father has been faithful to show me the places of self and pride that has been the “landing pad” upon which the offense of others has landed. He has given grace when I recognized and repented of the pride and released me from that bitterness and offense.

The times I have responded correctly have been through returning offense with unconditional love. Two experiences come to mind from the past in which the Spirit of God turned the opportunity to be bitter and offended into healing for me and love for the offender in my heart. In a business dealing in which I was losing income due to the refusal of a Christian to abide by his agreement; I was led to fast for forty days not for my sake, but for the sake of physical/psychological healing for the man who was responsible. In the end I recovered most of my losses and had property restored to me, but only after taking my eyes off myself and showing real love and kindness to him personally and in prayer.

Another instance was someone who personally very grievously was an offense to my family and continued in their sin. In that situation I was moved by the Spirit to approach the man and tell him that I loved and forgave Him because God loved and forgave me, though I did not agree with what he was doing. In that step of faith I received healing and deliverance from woundedness and bitterness.

FATHER'S GREAT LOVE

But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless those that curse you, do good to those that hate you, and pray for those who speak evil about you, and persecute you... ~Jesus~

There are times we have to make a choice to love and pray for one who is being an offense to us. It is Father's love alone that releases us from offense. It is love that covers a multitude of sins. Father is looking for those who will not be offended by the sin of individuals, the church, and the world; and be a light to them of His love. But we must first die to our self and its desire to react to the sin of others. It is selfish pride that picks up offense; a DEAD MAN cannot be offended. We must offer ourselves as living sacrifices to Him and embrace His great love for us that brings healing and forgiveness for others.

It is important to approach our Father with a faith in His love and goodness in order to receive the healing we need from Him. His Love brings healing that will release us from our states of deception that results from taking on offense. In His unconditional love for those who will in faith receive and live it, there is a glory that changes our perception of Him and of our brothers and sisters. He wants to impart to us a Love that has brokenness for His people and a love that lays down our life for those who would even try to kill us.

In His Unconditional Love

Kriston Couchey

The Peace of His Presence

By Kriston Couchey
HIS PRESENCE, THE DEFINING MARK OF HIS PEOPLE
The defining mark of those who have come to know God as Father is as simple as being filled with, walking in, and releasing to others the peace of God's presence. His abiding presence and life laid down in love for others is a sign that these are possessed by Him. As the days of glory that are unfolding continue, the peace of His presence is growing and deepening among those who have become living sacrifices in which He can fully express His love. As we gather in unity, His peace is removing fear, anger, offense, and the turmoil of an unjust world from our hearts as we have made His presence our home, and He has made His home in us. We in Him and He in us; the unified oneness of love that a bride and groom long for. This is the day of love's consummation.

HIS PRESENCE, THE DIVIDING LINE AMONG MANKIND
The peace that signifies His presence abides in and among us as a gentle breeze, and rises to a burning fire of passion like a mighty rushing wind. In all of the ways He expresses Himself among us, the hearts of men are laid bare and men must choose to either embrace reality of His presence, or run to their sin and cry for the mountains to fall on them and hide them from the presence of the king.

And into whatever house you enter, first say, Peace be to this house. And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest on it: if not, it shall turn to you again .~Jesus~ There is now great division come even among those who claim the name of Jesus. We are either sons of peace, or we are sons of strife; rooted in works and wisdom of the flesh that seeks to please and serve self. Fear is gripping the hearts of men as trouble overtakes the nations of the earth. The many systems of men are crumbling and weakening as the king Himself is stepping into history to show Himself strong on behalf of His beloved sons.

What was once hidden in a world of men satisfied with success and dependency upon the world's systems is coming to light. The only place of refuge is found in the Secret Place of His rest; The peace of His presence. It is here we find healing, comfort, strength, and wisdom from above to walk as sons of light in a world of darkness and confusion. We cannot overcome the offense, strife, and injustice of a world gone mad without the indwelling and abiding peace that passes understanding. Only the peace of His presence can guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus as we abide in Him and His ability to love the loveless and face opposition and suffering that MUST come to those who walk in His presence (Acts 9:16). His Spirit's presence is a dividing line showing forth what is born of Him, and is of earthly origin.

REGIONS OF THE PEACE OF HIS PRESENCE
The Spirit of God has shown me that there will be entire regions that will embrace and give way to the peace of God's presence. As the kingdom emerges in expression, some regions of the earth will experience the peace and blessing that result from the abiding presence and glory of God. People from other regions will be drawn to the presence of God and even the weather patterns in these places will be blessed by God to prosper His people. Those whose hearts are not willing to walk with Him as king will drift to regions where the lawlessness of men rules. A clear distinction of those blessed by God and those who refuse Him will be seen as there will be regions of unchecked evil and lawlessness, and regions in which the greatest miracles ever will be experienced among those who abide in His presence.

HIS PRESENCE THE UNIFYING FORCE
"...being diligent to guard the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."~Paul~ Father is today bringing about a unifying in His body of those pursuing His abiding presence. This unity is not around a doctrine, a man, a single church movement, but is among those who know Him and love His presence. These are drawn together in the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. The Spirit of God is even now calling and drawing His beloved from across the earth in regions and cities to enter into relationships with brothers and sisters that ignore past boundaries, denominations, titles, authority structures, and systems that man has made. This unity is among those whose hearts are His, and this unity cuts across all barriers of division placed upon His church. Those who are seeking what gratifies themselves will continue to cling to the dead works and wisdom of men and miss God's unifying work. Yet, those hungering for Him and His will find a peace and presence of the King that is beyond understanding in a precious unity with others of like spirit.

In the places where we the children of God will come together and forget the past, Father will manifest His kingdom to us, in us ,and through us. He will establish His peace in our midst that will envelope those who are His, and expose all that is born of men's wisdom and works. He presence will be the dividing line that confronts men with the choice to serve self, or embrace the goodness of God and lay down their lives to come alive in His presence. His overcoming peace will be established in the midst of those who will gather in unity filled with, walking in, and releasing the peace of His Holy presence to others.

In His Peace,

Kriston Couchey
kcouchey@gmail.com

THE TURNING POINT
Kriston Couchey

Revelation to Manifestation
In September 2011 I had a revelatory experience in which Holy Spirit spoke to me the following: “Up till now you have been given revelation as a witness to others of the truth I have been speaking to them. By the mouth of two or three is something established; My Spirit and the revelation given to my many witnesses have helped establish my kingdom in the hearts of my children who have been seeking me. But, the day of simply being a witness of revelation alone is coming to an end, and the day of the manifestation of that revelation is beginning.”

The Spirit has made it clear that we have come to a turning point in the age that is now unfolding. There is a spiritual excitement and expectation originating from the throne concerning what He is bringing forth in those He has prepared for this hour. A remnant has been prepared and positioned for this very day. The purpose and plan of God is now coming forth as those who have been impregnated with the seed of the revelation of Christ Himself are now positioned to Manifest Him to the earth.

A Convergence of Sons
Father has positioned His sons across the earth in circles of influence that are even now expanding and converging to manifest His kingdom. The turning point that has come is a result of His sons converging in agreement with each other in the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. The Spirit has begun calling forth gatherings of chosen vessels according to region, circles of influence, and divine strategy; in order to give instruction and execute His will and His purpose in unity of heart and purpose. The result of these convergences will be the glory of God manifesting on earth as His kingdom is established in the places of influence His sons have been given.

Impartation in Unity
This turning point is seen as Father has ordained convergences of His maturing sons for the purpose of imparting the strength of each individual to the whole. Father has gathered for His purpose those of differing functions and circles of influence to impart the strength of the whole to each part. For each one that joins in this unity, the strength they carry is imparted to the whole, and the strength of the whole is imparted to the individual. The victories, authority, anointing, and power of each part comes together as ONE by the will of the Head. This is not a joining in the flesh, nor is it related to location, but it is a spiritual convergence.

This impartation of strength, authority, and anointing is not centered on following a human leader, an agenda, or an ideology; but is found in the Lord Himself calling sons unto Himself. There is no jostling for position or preeminence. The greatest is the servant of all, and all serve. He is among His sons as one who serves and so each one serves, honors, submits to and receives each other in brotherly love. The relationships of these brothers (and sisters) are that of eye to eye and mutual honor and respect.

Impartation to Demonstration
From this impartation of unity comes forth the strength, authority and anointing of God to demonstrate the kingdom of God on earth. Father is sending sons forth with the corporate strength of those they are united with to demonstrate the kingdom of God in the circles of influence they are called to occupy. In reality the day of the true Apostolic has come, and just as other ascension gifts have had their day, now the full meaning and expression of the apostolic is coming forth and is “demonstrating” the fullness of what has been “imparted” to them in these convergences of unity.

This "Demonstration" has a spiritual and practical application. Paul said that the kingdom is not simply “words of men’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and power.” The kingdom is now coming forth in demonstration of power!

Apostolic Demonstration to Dissemination
The practical part of demonstration is apostolic “demonstration” of how to walk in kingdom life. True Apostles are called to "demonstrate" the kingdom to those who are learning and bring them into eye to eye relationships, functioning as mature sons on equal footing. These apostles are not establishing a spiritual hierarchy, but demonstrating the kingdom so others might function fully as sons as well. What is the destiny of sons if not to take a place in the kingdom as coheirs and eye to eye participants of kingdom life?

Apostles have a long list of things they have authority to accomplish. But everything they do is a demonstration to others so that they might take their places of influence and do the works the apostle has demonstrated. This dissemination of authority in the body carries the same weight of authority the apostle has demonstrated.

The King Has Come
The fullness of he measure of the stature of Christ WILL be expressed upon the earth through His body. The Glory of God has come and is even now being manifest on earth as it is in heaven!

In His Love
Kriston Couchey
kcouchey@gmail.com

THE ORDER OF THE KINGDOM
Kriston Couchey

A NEW THING COMING FORTH
When Jesus began His ministry on the earth, even John the Baptist questioned whether He was the one they had waited for(Luke 7:19). John's expectations were dashed as Jesus ignored the Roman occupation of Israel, and didn't try to change or gain influence with the religious and political establishment of His day. Instead, He offended the establishment by spending His time loving and bringing wholeness to the broken, the sick, and the destitute, and the outcasts. These nobodies flocked to Him to the embarrassment and anger of those who were in power. His inner circle of leadership were unlearned and poor men. Like John, many today are expecting God to strengthen the existing political, economic, and religious systems of men; and bless and enhance them with kingdom life. But it is not to be so in this unfolding age.

As in Jesus day, a new thing is coming forth. Father Himself is revealing His heart in sons who have left their dependence upon the systems and ways of men to walk as bearers of the Love of God to the broken and destitute. The most powerful force mankind has ever seen is Love made flesh in the form of the first-fruit Jesus Christ. The seed of the first-fruit has germinated and has been growing and maturing and is now bearing fruit; the sons of God manifesting the very heart and Love of God to all of creation with authority. A new order is emerging; it is the order of the kingdom of God, it is an order of the heart of God in His people, it is the order of Love!

A KINGDOM ORDER OF LOVE
This order of Love is not coming forth to enhance to make better previous systems or works that have been part of an age of sin and death. The order of God that is now unfolding is an order of an age in which sin and death are being completely placed under His feet (you and I are His feet). This unfolding age is being trumpeted from the heavens and the signs of this awesome transition cover the earth. The powers of the earth are shaking and all man has built is cracking and failing.

The order of his kingdom is an order of Love that the current political, economic, religious, and military powers of man CANNOT contain, nor can they stop it's coming forth. This kingdom order is emerging in fullness as the stone uncut by human hands turns to dust all nations and their systems built upon the wisdom and works of men. The order of Love coming forth in this day is much different then the order and structure of society as we have known it up till now. Here are some of the differences:

LEADERSHIP OF LOVE
Man's political and religious systems have placed emphasis on leaders with position and title. While position and title exist in the kingdom, these are simply an expression of the love one possesses. Father gives authority for the sake of expressing love. The gifts are tools to express the Love that God places in His people. In the kingdom order greater authority is expressed and possessed by those with the greatest love. There is coming forth a relational order of love among the people of God that far surpasses titles. Those who have come to relationally express their gifts in self sacrificing love will be given greater gifts and authority; while those who have gifts and authority but have not increased the "talent" of love will find what little "authority" they have will be given to others. Leadership is coming to be known for greater love that far surpasses their gifts. People will honor and follow the love of God in others and not seek to exploit a gift. True love relationships are taking predominance in God's people and the manner in which we have related is drastically changing from that of title to one of love relationship.

LAW OF LOVE
Religion and the laws of men's governments have enacted rules and requirements for people in an age where sin and death have made it necessary for law to keep people in check. Jesus made it clear that the one who loves God and others fulfills the law. The rules of men's systems are irrelevant when men by nature love each other and have written within their hearts the law of God. This order coming forth is one in which political and religious institutions find they have lost relevance as men and women are transformed by the Love of God. People will no longer need an external controlling influence to live in peace with their fellow man. As in Jesus day, there will be jealousy of the kingdom order of love that invalidates man's institutions; jealousy that will bring persecution.

THE ECONOMY OF LOVE
Today's economic system is based upon supply and demand, capitalism, free-markets, and usury. The economy of the kingdom is not based upon any of these factors, but is based solely on love. It was love that caused the New Testament believers to give all they had to meet the needs of others, not considering what they had their own. It is religion that has relegated giving to a law of tithe from an age of law, when Father's intent is that the order of love meets everyones needs. Love makes unnecessary an economic system built by man's desire to gain wealth. A new order of love turns to dust and crushes the political and economic systems of men that depend upon natural resources to live. Our Father gives all things abundantly to those who ask, and uses men whose hearts are full of His love to do so.

THE POWER OF LOVE
What the arm of man's flesh cannot do the love of God can do. While men cannot conquer a well defended city, love can conquer the hearts of the most hardened sinner. God's love is bringing down the forces of darkness that encroach upon the earth. Radical Islam, ethnic strife, and the wars that rage over resources cannot stand against the power of a life laid down in sacrifice for love. No country and their warriors can establish the kingdom with the arm of the flesh. Only the kingdom of God coming forth from His warriors of love can do so. No military was able to stop the spread of the gospel out of the mouths of the early witnesses moved by the love of God. That same self sacrificing love will bring down the very principalities and powers that empower the forces of violence, pride, and greed that threaten to overtake the earth today.

THE ARMY OF LOVE
There are warriors coming forth today out of the most desperate places. Jesus came upon the scene preaching the kingdom to the outcasts, sinners, broken, and weak. It was these that He was able to reach because they KNEW they were in need. It was this ragtag group of people filled with the Love of God that turned the world upside down. These became the leaders of God's army in their day.

Where is this order of Love manifesting today? It is manifesting among the brokenhearted, the cast down, those bound in chains and weak, and those who mourn. It is coming forth from impoverished nations whose people have been oppressed of the devil. Its coming from Indian Reservations among people who have been stripped of their dignity and heritage. It is coming forth from prostitutes finding real love in Christ. It is coming forth from street gangs, from bars, and from prisons. It comes forth in the group homes and halfway houses that cannot correct what Father alone can heal. There is coming forth an order and force of the kingdom that exercises great authority because it is motivated and moved by Love. There is a simplicity in what Father is doing, meeting mankind where their needs are because of His love. Father is calling us to be part of that order, the Order of Love.

Isaiah 16:1-2 The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me because the LORD has anointed me; he has sent me to preach good tidings unto those who are cast down; to bind up the wounds of the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those that are bound; to proclaim the year of the LORD's favour, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn...


In His Love
Kriston Couchey
kcouchey@gmail.com
http://my.opera.com/Boanerges/blog/