Possessing and Planting Your Territory

​Do you see the beginning of a new year and new decade as an opportunity to examine the call on your life and the assets you possess?  I do.  Let us remember that each of us is unique in the gifts and callings placed within us by God.  Our time on earth has been establish by God.  "From one man He made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and He marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands." (Acts 17:26) "Man's days are determined; You have decreed the number of his months and have set limits he cannot exceed." (Job 14:5) The Psalmist recognized the blessing he had been given by God. "Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure.  The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance." (Psalm 16:5-6)
 
How do we take possession of our inheritance and produce a harvest that blesses God, those around us and the generations to come?  First, we must recognize that we are citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven, one of expansion and increase.  Bill Johnson, Senior Pastor of Bethel Church in California says, "Our very purpose in life is intertwined with the in-breaking of God's Kingdom and the unveiling of God's glory."  Second, we must live our lives according to God's commandments.  This means putting God first (Matthew 6:33) and allowing Him to lead us.  Paul the Apostle had the right perspective.  "I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now, as always, Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or death." (Philippians 1:20) We must live according to an eternal perspective, honoring Christ in every decision we make and action we take.  In addition, we must become students of the Lord's plans and purposes for our lives.  We must evaluate our gifts and the territory that God has called us to possess.  We must set goals for our lives through intimacy with the Lord that brings revelation of our part in bringing His Kingdom to earth.
 
We have been assigned a territory on earth where we will have the greatest impact for the Kingdom of God.  The gifts He has given to us are seeds to be planted in our territories.  Unfortunately, the kingdom of darkness is scheming to destroy the good seed we plant in our land. Remember that Satan's plan is to steal, kill and destroy. (John 10:10) After Moses died, Joshua was called to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land and to take possession of it.  Here is what God said to Joshua:  "Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9) This is a word for us!  There will be battles as we possess the land and plant seed in the territory we have been ordained to take.  We must courageously battle the enemy.  Jesus has encouraged us with these words:  "In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart!  I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)
 
We have a vital role to play in the establishing of God's Kingdom on the earth.  If every person took responsibility for their territory and planted their seeds so that they take root and produce fruit, we would see an explosion of the Lord's glory throughout the earth.  Our world is in desperate need for the "sons of God to be revealed." (Romans 8:19) Let's make 2020 and the decade to come the season for the earth to be "filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea." (Habakkuk 2:14)