In the message today is a small part of my testimony in relation to my journey in the kingdom of God. Pastors Gary and Amanda know more of the testimony and I will leave that to share more about another day.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
I was elected as a Councillor of the Whitsunday Regional Council in Queensland in 2024, and just recently I was appointed to the position of Deputy Mayor. Not everyone supported my nomination due to some local politics in the southern part of the region. However God’s way prevailed and I was appointed. I am honoured and blessed and the supporting messages I have received are for the glory of God.
“For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.” Isaiah 9:6-7 NKJV
An emphasis of this scripture is “Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end”
In taking on the position of Deputy Mayor or any position of authority you have to be of strong courage as in “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.””
Joshua 1:9 NKJV
We are to be carriers of His kingdom. The kingdom of God does not come by observation but by activation. There is no point if we keep it to ourselves, there is no point if the kingdom of God stays within you. We have the Holy Spirit within us and the Bible reminds us “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13 NKJV. As carriers of His kingdom the Lord can expect us not to be dormant. We are ambassadors. “that the sharing of your faith may become effective by the acknowledgment of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.” Philemon 1:6 NKJV
I heard this analogy from a recent Pastor message; a solar system captures the power of the sun and this energy is then used to create electric power. If the solar system is not connected to the grid then the power generated is not going anywhere and is just being stored up if it has the capacity to store, it is not being released.
God wants us to release and not store it up in ourselves, God wants what is in us, to be used in the nations. For the kingdom of God to be on a forceful advance God needs an army and will call upon us to take positions such as the position I was appointed to as Deputy Mayor. Be encouraged to step into all the Lord is calling you into, as His army.
John Finlay
