Mike Parsons –
Receiving Mandates from God
When it comes to a mandate from God, it must be relational. Previously, I would ask, “What’s my mandate for today?” But God shifted me to focus on spending time with Him heart to heart. In doing so, I naturally understand His heart for the day, which guides and directs me in various situations. Knowing the Father’s heart allows us to creatively work out His intentions through who we are. I don’t ask for mandates anymore; instead, I engage with the Father’s heart and follow the desires and intentions He reveals.
When it involves another person, it’s about understanding the Father’s heart for them. We can’t force or control people to do what we or God want. Instead, we aim to create an environment where they can discover God’s desire for themselves. This involves nurturing and encouraging them to find their own identity and path in God, rather than just telling them what it is. Love is key to all relational matters. Showing unconditional love helps others connect with God and discover His desires for them.
Now, rather than seeking a specific mandate, I seek God’s heart to guide me and keep me operating in love. A mandate from God is permission to outwork His heart, so understanding His heart is essential. Intimacy and relationship are crucial, and love is always at the core of God’s intentions. Love can be direct and truthful, sometimes challenging what someone believes, but it is always active and with the right intentions. God provides the wisdom for how this love should be expressed.
Understanding and Implementing Blueprints
A blueprint from God is a pattern of what to build. It could be for anything: a car, a jumper, or a house. Blueprints outline the general structure and sometimes the details of what needs to be created. For example, a car blueprint shows its components and overall design but might not specify the colour. Similarly, God might give us a general blueprint with the flexibility to fill in the details as we go, or a detailed one specifying everything. The key is to understand that a blueprint is a guide, and how we implement it can vary based on the information given and our creativity.
Evolving Blueprints
Sometimes, blueprints from God evolve. Initially, you might receive a general idea of what God intends, but as you begin to establish it, more details and directions emerge. Consider a blueprint for a house: one house might be a bungalow, another a three-story mansion, and yet another a tent. They all serve as places to live but vary significantly in design and purpose. The key is recognizing that a blueprint sets the foundational intention, and as you work on it, you must be mindful of where and when it applies.
Blueprints also come with jurisdiction. You can’t build a house on someone else’s land without permission, or they would own it. Similarly, ensure you’re in the right place and time. God might show you a blueprint today but intend for you to start building it five years later, giving you time to prepare and grow into the role.
Understanding and implementing a blueprint often involves personal change and transformation. God may show you something, but you need to be ready for it. This readiness involves timing, personal growth, and sometimes, waiting for the right moment. Avoid being too hasty or too slow; be sensitive to the steps needed and the timing of each phase.
Collaboration
Blueprints indicate God’s plan for something He wants you to be involved in, often requiring collaboration with others. Building something significant often can’t be done alone. Be open to finding and engaging with the right people at the right time, as collective effort and unity are crucial. Clarity at the beginning is vital. Even a small deviation can lead to significant errors over time. Avoid rushing the process. A prophetic word or vision from God might not be for immediate action; it could be meant for years in the future. Take the time to talk with God, seek agreement, and ensure everyone involved is on the same page.
Case study: establishing an ekklesia
I once engaged with a group who were meeting together and seeking to establish an ekklesia. They wanted my help to discern God’s blueprint for their mission. Initially, they seemed to work well together, despite their different personalities—two couples, each with their own approach.
We sought God for the heavenly vision and wrote it down. I advised them to ensure that everyone was clear on what the blueprint meant because words can be interpreted differently by different people. For example, what one person understands by ekklesia might be very different from another’s interpretation.
Within about six weeks, I received feedback that things were not working out. As they discussed their vision further, it became clear that their interpretations of what God had said were vastly different. One couple had a very forceful approach, wanting things done their way, while the other couple was mild and gentle but had a clearer understanding of God’s intentions.
Eventually, they had to part ways because their end goals were different. Even though they had heard the same words from God, their interpretations were so divergent that collaboration was impossible. The couple who I believed had received the correct blueprint continued with their mission, while the other couple, who wanted to control the process, declined to meet with me for further discussions.
This experience highlighted the importance of establishing a clear, shared understanding when working with others on a blueprint. It’s crucial to lay a deep relational foundation and ensure everyone is on the same page from the start. If you’re building something together, like a car, one group might envision a production line with machinery, while the other sees a handcrafted labour of love. Without clear alignment, conflicts will arise quickly.
Summary
1. Mandates: It is better to engage with God’s heart to understand His intentions, rather than seeking specific tasks. Operate in love and allow God’s heart to guide you.
2. Blueprints: Recognise that they can and do evolve. Be mindful of jurisdiction, timing, and the need for personal growth. Collaborate with others but ensure clarity and unity in the process.
By aligning with God’s heart and timing you can faithfully fulfil God’s plans and purposes.
Sons of Issachar 