Richard & Kimberly Wilson
Do You See What God Sees?
We have many gifted, prophetic people in our spheres of influence. Our inbox stays full of requests to look at certain societal issues, dreams, prophetic words and personal revelations. The first thing we do is read the information from a nonpartisan perspective. This means that we do not make a judgment call based on the revelation presented. We must remain objective. We assess the situation and seek the Lord’s counsel for what has been revealed. If we do not get a reply from the Lord, we do not move on the issue. We file it away in the memory bank and wait for the opportune time to address it.
All too often we find that intercessors see a problem and react to the immediate need without gaining the Lord’s timing and strategy to address the issue. We must learn that God loves order. What you are seeing is not a shock to Him. He is revealing an issue, so you can dive into the preparation to succeed in the battle at hand. Chances are He is speaking to others in the body of Christ to take up arms in the battle as well.
Just like many of us who are called to a life of intercession, the prophet Habakkuk had a burden for what he was seeing in his land. He cried out to the Lord:
“O Lord, how long shall I cry, and You will not hear? Or cry to You, ‘Violence!’ and You will not save? Why do You make me see wickedness, and cause me to see trouble? Plundering and violence are before me; strife and contention arise. Therefore the law is powerless, and justice never goes forth. For the wicked surround the righteous; therefore injustice proceeds” (Hab. 1:2-4).
The Lord responded to Habakkuk’s vision by telling him to stand back and watch the nations. God had a bigger plan than what Habakkuk saw. The Lord began to reveal repositioning of the nations in the days ahead. The prophet was put in a season of observation, not action. Obviously, this frustrated Habakkuk.
The burden of the vision was more than the prophet could handle. Habakkuk still pursued the Lord through supplication to take care of this very evident problem in the land despite the instruction of the Lord requesting him to sit back and watch the plan unfold. The prophet even had data about the kingdom infractions that were taking place. He presented his case to the Lord. He pleaded for a just ruling to take place concerning the wicked Chaldeans who were ensnaring the people under the leadership of their wicked government. The cry of Habakkuk’s heart consumed his thoughts, prayers and research.
After presenting the case, Habakkuk made the statement, “I will stand my watch and station myself on the watchtower; and I will keep watch to see what He will say to me, and what I will answer when I am reproved” (Hab. 2:1). Apparently, the prophet knew that his perspective was not accurate. He waited for the Lord to correct his view, finetune his perspective and give him a strategy to deal with the issue. The story continues when the Lord answered Habakkuk and said:
“Write the vision, and make it plain on tablets, that he who reads it may run. For the vision is yet for an appointed time; but it speaks of an end, and does not lie. If it delays, wait for it; it will surely come, it will not delay” (Hab. 2:2-3).
The following verses in that chapter reveal God’s plan of action and judgment in the situation. Habakkuk wrote down the vision, the plan, the strategy for the prayer assignment and revealed the word to address the issue. The judgment was decreed through the word of the prophet. The problem, kingdom violations, plan of action and prophecy were declared because Habakkuk wrote the vision and made it plain. Had he not done this, the kingdom of Judah would not have known the Lord’s plan to deal with the Chaldeans, or Babylonians.
Just as Habakkuk did with what the Lord had shown him, we need to begin asking questions regarding the actions that are to be taken once a potential assignment is presented. Let us gain the Lord’s perspective. May we see as He sees!
Listen to this episode of Occupying Force on Charisma Podcast Network to learn how to gain God’s perspective.
Want to learn more? Check out Preparing for Battle: Developing the Lifestyle of a Victorious Prayer Warrior by Kimberly J. & Richard C. Wilson.
Originally written for Charisma Magazine. Click here to read.
Everything—Even Trials—Can Be Used for Your Good
Matthew 24:13 tells us, “But he who endures to the end shall be saved.” There is an art to enduring to the end. According to Strong’s Concordance, to endure means to hold one’s ground in conflict, bear up against adversity, hold out under stress, stand firm, persevere under pressure, wait calmly and courageously. Endurance is the mark of a winner.
Spiritual warfare is not for the faint of heart. It takes training to develop endurance. Our trials and tribulations in life become our training ground by providing resistance training for our spirit and soul. Jesus “endured the cross.” Why? “For the joy that was set before Him” (see Heb. 12:2). His endurance fulfilled His destiny to open up the way to the Father and to unseat the ruler of this age. It brought Him joy to finish the task of the cross for us. Thank you, Jesus, for your endurance!
God has destined each of us from the beginning of time with purpose. Our lives have meaning. What we have to contribute is important to the kingdom. If we do not complete our purpose, then those around us lose out because our portion of kingdom work is not complete.
We see this principle in the life of the apostle Paul. From prison he penned:
Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel, so that my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the whole praetorian guard and to everyone else, and that most of the brethren, trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment, have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear. (Phil. 1:12-14, NASB)
Paul recognized that his endurance was a window for the kingdom to advance and would have valuable effects on those watching him. Paul’s joy came because what he lived for (the manifestation of Christ) was actually happening.
In 2 Timothy 2:1-10, Paul says:
You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier. Also if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not win the prize unless he competes according to the rules. The hard-working farmer ought to be the first to receive his share of the crops. Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything. Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, descendant of David, according to my gospel, for which I suffer hardship even to imprisonment as a criminal; but the word of God is not imprisoned. For this reason I endure all things for the sake of those who are chosen, so that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus and with it eternal glory.
We must not refuse the processes that reveal the purpose of God in our life. Our endurance allows others to obtain the salvation found in Christ with eternal glory. Endurance is a divine attribute of Christ given to us. Be encouraged. We are empowered to endure!
Listen to this episode of Occupying Force on the Charisma Podcast Network for more on the force of endurance.
Want more? Check out the Wilsons’ book Preparing for Battle: Developing the Lifestyle of a Victorious Prayer Warrior.
Richard and Kimberly Wilson, executive directors of Watchmen Arise International, serve as corporate trainers of societal transforming Christians. Together they co-host the Occupying Force podcast, co-authored Preparing for Battle: Developing the Lifestyle of a Victorious Prayer Warrior (available in Spanish), and Victorious Prayer Warrior Bootcamp Online Train the Trainer Intensive. They are popular speakers who activate regional teams and individuals alike in the areas of spiritual management, civil engagement and transformed communities. To find out more about the Wilsons and interactive online training opportunities visit watchmenarise.com.
This article was featured on www.charismamag.com on May 4, 2021.
Photo: iStockphoto.com
How Fasting from Isolation Will Benefit You
They say that it takes 21 days to break a habit. That includes the habit of self-isolation. Work from home mandates removed us from our co-workers. Stay-at-home orders kept us from friends and loved ones. Restrictions on gathering in church buildings over the last year had a great effect on us. Aren’t you tired of being alone?
What if a 21 day fast from isolation removed the residual psychological effects of the past year’s trauma? Would you do it?
Isolation is a byproduct of the COVID-19 mandates. For many, the atmosphere became one of fear, loneliness and suspicion. As a result, many people became comfortable staying at home. Zoom meetings, social media and texting rose to the forefront. While valid ways to communicate, many have withdrawn from society. It is time to come out and connect with civilization!
How? Purpose to meet with someone in person every day for 21 days. Break free of intimidation and get to know your brothers and sisters in Christ. Go out for lunch, grab a cup of coffee, carry on a conversation.
During times of crisis, we need community the most. We are the body of Christ. Isolation keeps us disconnected from those with whom the Lord wants us to connect. People thrive in community.
Come out of hiding. Break the bondage of isolation today!
Check out Occupying Force with Richard and Kimberly Wilson on the Charisma Podcast Network. Learn how to fast from isolation and begin living again!
This article was featured on www.charismamag.com on June 8, 2021.
Photo: iStockphoto.com
Battling the Dark Forces That Prevail in Our Schools
Article featured on April 21, 2021 in:
There is a spiritual war going on around us—a fight between light and darkness. There is a need for an occupying force to step out of the four walls of the church and influence the society around them.
Fifteen years ago, we never imagined we would be facing many of the issues we are today. The question is: What are we as Christians going to do about it?
It is noticeably clear as we look at the nations today that Christians have stepped out of society and gotten too comfortable just showing up for a church service. We have let the non-churched determine the roadmap of our nations’ futures. How did we come to this conclusion? Just look at one of the massive problems that we face every day: the fight for the minds of our children.
Concerned Citizens: It is Time to Occupy!
Parents and concerned citizens, we encourage you to get involved and become an occupying force in the education system. It is time to pay attention to the curriculum our children are being taught. There must be a rising up of parental voices who are ready to fight like never before.
This happened in our region of Tampa Bay several years ago. On the onset of a government mandate to allow boys to use the girls’ bathrooms, and girls to use the boys’, an occupying force of parents and pastors flooded the school board meetings. Representing tens of thousands of individuals in the territory, the righteous voices that stood up and swung the vote made a difference for the students.
Listen to Occupying Force: The Origins of Occupation on the Charisma Podcast Network.
The corruption in politics, government and news is clearer now than ever. There is no longer a plumb line of truth in society; therefore, people’s ability to discern is dull. The result is the contrast between the destiny of our nation, which was founded upon God and his principles, and the philosophy of socialism and communism raging to take over. We must be willing to speak up and get involved in areas that may seem out of our comfort zones. We can no longer keep our heads in the sand and just say, “Oh well, God is in control.”
We must recognize that we are to partner with him in what He sent His Son to accomplish. Become an occupying force! 
Richard and Kimberly Wilson, executive directors of Watchmen Arise International, serve as corporate trainers of societal transforming Christians. Together they co-host the Occupying Force podcast, co-authored Preparing for Battle: Developing the Lifestyle of a Victorious Prayer Warrior (available in Spanish), and courses designed to further your influence in this world like Societal Transformers Bootcamp. They are popular speakers who activate regional teams and individuals alike in the areas of spiritual management, civil engagement and transformed communities. To find out more about the Wilsons and interactive online training opportunities visit watchmenarise.com.
Intercessory Missionaries
A favorite story of ours is in 2 Chr. 20, when King Jehoshaphat saw great victory in his nation after a declared time of prayer and fasting on a national level. What is often overlooked is the training that took place in the previous chapters of 2 Chronicles. Jehoshaphat developed the first intercessory missionary team recorded in the Bible.
Jehoshaphat’s Intercessory Missionaries
During the establishment of the army, Jehoshaphat began training the people of Judah in the ways of the Lord, through a massive evangelistic movement. He strategically pulled together an evangelistic team of teachers, worshipers and praying priests to go out to the cities of Judah. He sent out five teachers, nine Levites and two priests into the cities of Judah, whose purpose was to teach the people the Book of the Law and establish worship in the land. They were discipled in the ways of the Lord. These 16 men had the assignment of preparing God’s people for service in His kingdom, civilians and soldiers alike. As a result of their efforts, the fear of the Lord fell upon the surrounding kingdoms “so that they did not make war against Jehoshaphat” (2 Chr. 17:10).
Years earlier, during King David’s reign, 24/7 worship and prayer were established at Mt. Zion, Israel’s governmental seat located in Jerusalem. Following the relational model of the tabernacle, which was staffed with Levite worshipers and priests, King Jehoshaphat took the ministry team out of the four walls of the temple and into the cities of Judah. This brilliant plan prepared an entire people group by training them in the ways of the Lord. Jehoshaphat knew that if everyone understood the word of God and honored His presence that a unified nation would develop.
Imagine if the king’s finest evangelistic outreach team appeared in your city. Imagine that he sent out teachers, worshippers, and priests to train you. That is exactly what the Lord is doing in this hour to prepare us for the battle ahead! He is sending out His word to the inhabitants of the land to equip us for peacetime and war in this day. He is preparing an army full of mighty men and women of valor who are knowledgeable in the ways of the Lord.
Where does all this preparation get us? Well, if we look at the land of Judah, we see that the fear of the Lord fell on all the kingdoms of the lands around Judah. They did not make war against Jehoshaphat! (2 Chr. 17:10) People brought gifts to him. He had all the kingdom resources he could ever want. He was set up to succeed. Like Jehoshaphat, when we follow the instructions and training of the Lord, we are positioned to succeed in establishing His kingdom reign on earth.
Like what you’ve read?
Check out our book Preparing for Battle: Developing the Lifestyle of a Victorious Prayer Warrior
Richard & Kimberly Wilson
Kimberly J. Wilson, (formerly Johnson) founded Watchmen Arise International in 2009. In 2017, the ministry’s home base merged with Ekklesia House International in Dover, Florida where she and her husband, Richard C. Wilson, provided training, activating and networking of today’s prayer army to fight the battles of tomorrow. Now, they reside in Moravian Falls, North Carolina.