Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Flag Ministry or Flag Worship



The use of flags can be quite an entertaining sight to see, but when used to lift up blessings, glory, honor, and power to the Lord in His presence, flags can be more than entertaining. Used in accordance to the Word, flags become the primary sign for lifting up a "standard" of God. The Bible refers to the word flag as "standard" or "banner." The Hebrew word degel is translated as, a flag or banner or standard. Degel comes from the Hebrew root word dagal, meaning to flaunt, i.e. raise a flag; to be conspicuous, setting up with banners. Standard is defined as a banner used as an emblem, marker or rallying point; an ensign; military or personal flag. In the Old Testament, God commands Moses to instruct the children of Israel to camp by their own "standard" to signify their tribe. (Numbers 2:2) There were 12 different flags or banners for the 12 tribes. (Numbers 1:52, 2:2-3, 10, 18, 25; 10:14, 18,22, 25) Banner is defined as a flag or cloth standard. It is used figuratively to define one of God's Name's, Jehovah Nissi, the Lord is my banner! God's salvation and truth is declared by the raising of the banners, Psalms 20:5, Psalms 60:4. He is a banner of love and protection described in Song of Solomon 2:4 and reigns with great power, Song of Solomon 6:4, 10. He is a standard and He is calling us to lift up a standard, declare and proclaim it to all the world. (Isaiah 5:26, 11:12, 13:2, Jeremiah 50:2).

Flag Ministry or Flag Worship is the union of flags, music, and the Word of God that allows one to enter into the awesome presence of God. This worship art form brings a memorable experience of worshiping our Lord under His anointing. There are two reasons or purposes I believe for Flag Worship: (1) to exalt the name of the Lord and give Him all the praise and the glory, and (2) to destroy the works of the devil. The basic technique of flag waving is not really a new art form. We see this art displayed in the world in rhythmic gymnastics or in a school's marching band, but waving those same flags and streamers under the anointing of God as the Holy Spirit ministers to our hearts, minds, and spirits leads us into an unforgettable time of worship with the Lord. God has a message for us and through Flag Worship is one way He can deliver it.

How does one begin to praise and worship with flags begins with a desire to praise and worship the Lord. There is no special talent needed to worship with flags, even though having some skills in dance and ballet enhances your worship, but a willingness to use your body for the glory of God definitely is required. What you don't have the anointing will make up for as you present your offering to the Lord. Flag Worship can be done as an individual or group worship. As an individual, you are called on to ministry with several flags and streamers of all sorts while worshipping to a song or sometimes no music, being one with Christ. As a group, you minister as one in Christ even though each person gives their offerings with flags to the Lord in a choreograph worship or spontaneous. Through each worship piece, flags are raised and a "standard" as we know is lifted up for all the world or your audience to see. You or the group become the "bannered one (s) or standard-bearer (s), one who carries an ensign into battle. The types of flag worship pieces are the same and similar to those of dance ministry. There is a flag praise piece, a flag worship piece, a warfare piece, a flag prophetic piece, a flag celebration and dedication pieces, and many more. Notice that I didn't say, "flag praise dance piece", because dance is not a necessary requirement to worship with flags. Therefore, one can stand still and worship with flags!

The ministry comes from the heart! The colors of the flags are important as you select them for ministry. The meaning and references are many as the Holy Spirit ministers to each person individually.

White
- Glory & majesty (Daniel 7:9, Revelation 20:11)
- Purity (Revelation 1:14)
- Completion (John 4:35)

Purple
- Royalty (Judges 8:26)
- Wealth (Luke 16:19

Black
- Sorrow, Calamity (Revelation 6-12)
- Hell (Jude 13

Blue
- Heavenly Character (Exodus 28:31)

Green
- Spiritual Privileges (Jeremiah 11:16)
- Spiritual Life (Psalms 52:8, Psalms 92:12-15)

Red
- Atonement (Isaiah 63:2) - Persecution (Revelation 12:3)
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Article courtesy of Beit Tehlia Congregation

Monday, February 10, 2014

Symbolic instruments of Praise, Worship, Warfare and Intercession



When we talk about these instruments, we are talking about tools that are symbolic. The bible is a book full of symbolism. We see in Col 2:16 & 17 that the festivals are referred to as shadows of things to come. Heb 10:1 also refers to the law as a shadow of things to come, but not the same image of those things. The Israelites were given these things as symbols of the things to come. The definition of shadow is “an image cast by an object and representing the form of that object”.

Romans 6:4 talks about us being buried with him in baptism and then raised again to newness of life.

Colossians also makes reference to being buried and raised again. Every reference to the communion tells us that the bread represents Christ's body, the juice, His blood. The relationship between the church and Christ is said to be like a marriage. When Christ was on earth, he taught in parables. These very parables are stories created to portray things of the Spirit with natural means.

These are only but a few symbols that the scripture uses to give us things in our natural realm, that connect with our natural senses and intellect to help us understand the things of the unseen spiritual realm.

So we need to remember that these things in and of themselves have no power. They are objects used to express things in the natural realm that are being revealed in the Spirit.

With this said, I will also state this. There are some of these instruments that are used propheticallythat as far as scriptural referencing, I feel is a little on the thin side. However, I have also experienced that power when these are used. I will make it clear that I would rather tread lightly in thisarea then to use scripture in what I feel is not an appropriate interpretation.

Alright, let's start with color interpretation. There are so many color interpretations out there. I heard it once said that if you had a room full of people that moved in prophetic color interpretations that you would have as many color interpretations as there were people. This is true for the most part.

I will present two interpretations:

One I have found to be the most scriptural I have truly ever seen represented. It from a teachingdone by one of my dearest friends, who has moved in the area of prophetic worship for many, many years. She has traveled and taught extensively for a large part of that. Her name is Mevalene Anderson. She uses the colors of the stones of the priestly breast plate, and coincides this with the blessings that were bestowed upon each of the 12 tribes.

Rueben is red - God's love

Simeon is gold - refined

Levi is yellow - anointing, like liquid gold

Judah is green - healing, prosperity

Dan is blue - God's glory

Naphtali is silver - we were bought with a price

Gad is orange - warrior, or used with red as fire

Asher is pink - childlike faith, innocence

Issachar is purple - royalty

Zebulan is aqua - refreshing, haven

Joseph is black - new beginnings

Benjamin is iridescent - white, purity

Many of these coincide with other interpretations. Most other interpretations rely on nature to help interpret the meanings. But God does give divine revelation when He is actually consulted.

Red is the blood and sacrifice, power and passion

Black is sin, but also of things hidden

White is purity, without blemish, holiness

Silver is redemption and righteousness

Brown is the earth and flesh

Green is prosperity and abundant life

Pink is innocence and intimacy

Orange is war and fire

Purple is royalty and kingship

Gold is divinity

Bronze, brass or copper is strength, trials and testing

Yellow is glory and sonship

Blue is open heaven, revelation, Holy Spirit, priesthood

Aqua is water, refreshing

Burgundy is new wine

The most important thing to remember is that the Spirit has a reason for moving us towards colors.

If you are constantly drawn to the same color flag all the time, or your home is filled with certain colors repeating itself throughout your home, there is a message being relayed in that. Ask the Holy Spirit, He will bring the revelation.

Now moving on to flags.

Scripture actually does not use the word flag. It refers to banners, ensigns and standard. Flag is a more modern term, and is used in some more recent translations. Each one of these words has slight differences in their meaning.

Standard (Strong’s #1714) Banner, used more towards a military reference; also #5127 to put to flight, to drive hastily, to cause to disappear.

Banner #5251 Something lifted up, signal, pole, sail, ensign.

Ensign #226 sign, signal, a distinguishing mark, remembrance, miraculous sign. It is used in this context 77 times in scripture. Sign of something past, or future, or sign of something unseen such as covenant. Gen 17:11

Webster’s: Banner: a piece of cloth attached by one edge to a staff, an ensign displaying a distinctive or symbolic device.

Flag: A piece of fabric of distinctive design that is used as a symbol, a signaling device, to attract attention.

All of these are sometimes used interchangeably.

IDENTIFICATION:

Uses in scripture:

Standards were used as a mark of identification. Num. 1:52 “The children of Israel shall pitch their tents, everyone by his own camp, everyone by his own standard, according to their armies.” (NKJV) Num 2:2 “Every man of the children of Israel shall pitch by their own standard,”

There are others along this same line.

Each standard was unique and identified the individual tribes. We are familiar with the Lion of Judah, however, all of the tribes had a symbol on their standards. There is some controversy as to what those were. Much has been lost over time.

I have taken what seems to be the consensus:

Reuben: Palm tree-Mandrakes or water

Benjamin: Wolf

Joseph: Ox (Ephraim and Menassah) Two oxen, one domestic, one wild

Gad: Troop

Naphtali: Stag

Dan: Scales, or serpent

Zebulun: Ship

Issachar: Donkey

Levi: Breastplate

Simeon: Tower

Asher: Olive Tree

Judah: Lion

The flags are believed to have been the color of each of the stones in the breastplate. These interpretations come mostly from the Midrash. There are about a 100 of these books and they are written as a means of scripture interpretation and historical documentation.

Nations today still use flags as a means of identifying themselves. These flags contain colors and symbols that represent something about the country itself. Take the american flag. The red stripes are symbolic of shed blood. Many lives have been lost that the people of this country might have the freedom that we have. The white stripes symbolize higher realms of light. The stars represent the states that are part of this country, and the blue is symbolic of Americas relationship to the Almighty, Creator of all. Other interpretations are red for valor, white for purity, blue for justice. Nothing is without some kind of meaning in the flag. Even the fact that all these things are woven together.

MILITARY, RULERSHIP, POSSESSION:

The majority of scriptural references to banners is used in a military context. The references in Numbers 2 states that they set these standards according to their armies. Song of Songs 6:2 makes reference to the awesomeness ,(some translations say terrible) as an army with banners. When the word terrible is used, it creates a picture of how an approaching army with it's banners looks to the enemy!!

It strikes dread in their hearts. When we look at Is 31:8 & 9 we see the enemies perspective.

“Then Assyria shall fall by a sword not of man, and a sword not of mankind shall devour him. But he shall flee from the sword, and his young men shall become forced labor. He shall cross over to his stronghold of fear, and his princes shall be afraid of the banner.”

Raising the standard is part of the preparation for war, together with strengthening the the guard and posting the watchmen.

Jer 51:12 “Set up the standard on the walls of Babylon; make the guard strong, set up the watchmen, prepare the ambushes. For the Lord has both devised and done what he has spoken against the inhabitants of Babylon.”

Banners and flags are used to make proclamations. To declare a thing that will happen. Jer 50:2 (NLV) This is what the Lord says: “Tell the whole world, and keep nothing back! Raise a signal flag so everyone will know that Babylon will fall!” (NKJV) “Declare among the nations, Proclaim, and set up a standard; Proclaim and do not conceal it. Say Babylon is taken, Bel is shamed. The idols and strongholds are coming down.

THE LORDS BANNER

In Ex 17 we see that the Israelites were at war with the Amalekites. After the victory was won Moses built an altar and called it Jehovah Nissi. The Lord is my banner.

The Lord himself has a banner/standard. Is 11:10 “and in that day there shall be a Root of Jesse, who shall stand as a banner to the people; for the gentiles shall seek Him and His resting place shall be glorious. “ This banner/standard is Jesus.

This banner is used to call the lost to himself Is 11:12 He will set up a banner for the nations, and will assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth.”

The Lord raises this standard in battle on our behalf. Is 59:19 “When the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him”

The Lord himself gives us this banner to display: Ps 60:4. “You have given a banner to those that fear You, That it may be displayed because of the truth.”

We are also his banner Zec 9:16 “The Lord their God will save them in that day, as the flock of His people. For they shall be like the jewels of a crown, lifted like a banner over his land.

And of course this banner is waved over us in love Song of Solomon 2:4

As we use banners/standards we are making declarations and decrees. We put the enemy on notice, he is going down and celebrate the victory as he is defeated. As the Lord leads us to certain flags, certain colors/images, we are declaring our identity in Him and who He is to us.

TABRETS/TIMBRELS

The word tabrets means a timbrel a drum. It was made with a wooden circle and covered with a membrane. It had a leather strap attached that was slung over the shoulder. We see this instrument used often in ancient worship and celebration. This is the closest definition we have, this instrument has virtually disappeared over the centuries.

Ex 15:20 And Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron took the timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances.

2 Sam 6:5 And David and all the house of Israel played before the Lord on all manner of instruments made of fir wood, even harps, and on psalteries and on timbrels, on cornets, and on cymbals.

Ps 149:3 Let them praise his name in the dance; let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp.

And the list of these references can go on and on. The amazing significance of this instrument is that Lucifer was made with a tabret. Ez 28:13 After listing the stones it says, the workmanship of your timbrels and pipes was prepared for you on the day that you were created.”

This instrument is so pleasing to the Lord that he created the first worship leader to have one as part of his very being.

WARFARE/JUDGMENT

These awesome instruments can be used in warfare as well. Is 30:32 “And in every place where the staff of punishment passes, which the Lord lays on him, It will be with tabrets and harps, and in battles of brandishing he will fight with it.”

As the staff of judgment comes down, it comes with the beat of the tambret and the sound of the harp.

Praise is a powerful weapon against the enemy. These instruments were used as celebration and praise unto God. Praise breaks the enemies power over us and places our mind, will and emotions in a place that lines up with the word.

The word tells us that this instrument will once again be returned to us in its original form. Jer 31:4 “Again I will build you, and you shall be rebuilt, O virgin os Israel! You shall again be adorned with your tabrets, and shall go forth in the dances of those who rejoice.”

Interesting thing about this passage. It refers to us adorning ourselves with tabrets. These instruments were apparently beautiful to look at. This word adornment not only means to decorate, but it means to attack in a hostile manner.

The design of current tabrets is of course symbolic. They resemble the ancient drum by stretching a piece of fabric across the middle of the ring, leaving enough room for a hand hold. The colors and streamers used on these tools are symbolic much the same way it is for flags or other instruments. They are also used as an adornment, to decorate, much like the above passage says they do for us.

TESTIMONY PG 22

STREAMERS

The definition of a streamer is a flag that streams in the wind, any long narrow wavy strip resembling or suggesting a banner floating in the wind.

Since banners and flags have already been covered I do not see it necessary to go elaborate.

ROD OF GOD

The Hebrew word for rod is Matteh. #4294 which means a staff, branch, tribe but also references a scepter and a sword.

Some translations use the words stave, staff, and scepter.

Ex 4:20b “and Moses took the rod of God in his hand” Ex 17:9 also refers to the rod of God.

IDENTIFICATION

These rods or staffs were used an a means of identification. Num 17:2 “Speak to the children of Israel and get from them a rod from each father's house, all their leaders according to their fathers's house, all their leaders according to their father's houses—twelve rods. Write each man's name on his rod. “

Gen 38:25 When she was brought out, she sent to her father-in-law saying, “By the man to whom these belong, I am with child. And she said, Please determine whose these are—the signet and cord, and staff.”

In the new testament we see this reference to identification. Mark 6:8 “He commanded them to take nothing for the journey except a staff--”

DISPLAY OF SUPERNATURAL POWER

We are all familiar with the Exodus story. The Lord used the staff that was in Moses hand to symbolically represent the expression of His power. The water into blood, the parting of the red sea, the water coming from the rock. As an expression of his power, the Lord used the actions of Aaron to execute judgement upon Egypt. Aaron repeated what the Lord was doing in the Spirit, Ex. 7:17 By this you shall know that I am the Lord. Behold, I WILL STRIKE THE WATERS which are in the river with the rod that is in my hand, and they shall be turned to blood.” vs. 20 “And Moses and Aaron did so, just as the Lord commanded. So he lifted up the rod an d struck the waters that were in the river, in the sign of Pharaoh and in the sight of his servants. And all the waters that were in the rifer turned to blood.”
Ex 4:17 “And you shall take this rod in your hand, with which you shall do the signs.”

ROD OF TESTIMONY


The staff itself was used as a way of remembering the acts of God in their lives. They would mark their staffs with symbols of significant events in their lives. The birth of their children, promises God had given them, the fulfillment of those promises. Whenever the Lord moved in some miraculous way, they would mark it on their staffs. Jud. 5:11 “Far from the noise of the archers, among the watering places, there they shall recount the righteous acts of the Lord,”

JUDGEMENT


Is 11:4 But with righteousness shall he judge the poor and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth and he shall smith the earth with the rod of his mouth and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.

Rev 19:15 “Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He himself will rule them with a rod of iron.”

Rev 2:27 “He shall rule them with a rod of iron”

Is 30:32a “And in every place where the staff of punishment passes, which the Lord lays on him”

THE LORDS ROD

What is the Lords rod”

Is. 11:1 And there shall come forth a rod, out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots. The Fathers rod is Jesus.

This is why David could say Ps 23:4 “Your rod and staff, they comfort me.”

I have found this to be an extremely powerful tool in warfare and in staking the territory. I have used to to walk my home, my church building and other places. Aaron was a priest before the Lord. When he used his rod to exhibit the Lords awesome power, he was doing it in the role of a priest before the Lord. When you use this instrument especially with the mindset that you are a king and priest before the Lord, there is tremendous power in the realm of the Spirit.

BILLOWS

There are two scriptural references for this and two definitions.

#1530 heap, spring, wave, billow, over a dead body, used in ratifying a covenant, spring

#4867 breaker, breaking of (sea)

Ps 42:7 Deep calls unto deep at the noise of your waterfalls; all your waves and billows (1530) have gone over me.

Jonah 2:3 For You cast me into the deep, into the heart of the sea, and the floods surround me; all your billows (4867) and Your waves passed over me.

I personally love using billows. When you pass them over someone it is like they are being washed over by the depth of the Lord. They are covered and encapsulated in His presence. As you wave them up and down in the air, it's like casting things to heaven and pulling things down from heaven.

VEILS

Typically when the scripture refers to a veil, it is talking about something that is a covering around the head and face.

Spiritually speaking it is referred to being blinded or unable to see spiritually clear.

2 Cor 3:14 “But their minds were blinded. For until this day the same veil remains unlifted in the reading of the Old Testament, because the veil is taken away in Christ,”

Clear sign only comes through Christ.

2 Cor 3:16 Nevertheless when on turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.

The veil in the tabernacle/temple, kept the Holy of Holies separated. The priest was only permitted to enter into the presence of God once a year to place blood upon the mercy seat. But Christ went into the Holy place for us once and for all. Through him, the veil of his flesh we can now go into the presence of God anytime we want to and come before him with boldness.

Heb 10:20 “by a new and living way which he consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh.

To come before the Lord and use this instrument is a powerful way to intercede for others. As we pray for the veil to be removed off their lives and for our lives as well. That we may see clearly all that he is showing us. 
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Tuesday, November 5, 2013

The Significance of the Colors Used To Make Worship Flags



 


This post is to serve as a guide to the biblical significance of various colors used in flag ministry as it relates to Praise and Worship.
Different color combination can also have different meanings.
  • Yellow: Faith and glory of God, anointing
  • Orange: Fire of God, deliverance, warrior, passionate praise
  • Fuchsia: Joy, right relationship, communion
  • Scarlet: Fine linen for the tabernacle, Cleansing, Royalty
  • Red: Blood of Jesus, love of Christ, blood of the lamb, atonement, redemption, salvation
  • Wine: New birth, multiply, overflow, mercy, filled with plenty, new wine
  • Purple: Royalty, kingship, majesty, mediator, wealth, authority
  • Blue/Sapphire: Law, commandments, Heaven, God revealed, grace, Priesthood , water of the Word and authority, prayer, river of God, over-comer, Living water, Holy Spirit, divine revelation
  • Turquoise/Jasper/Aqua: River of God, sanctification, healing, life-giving flow of the Holy Spirit, the New Jerusalem
  • Green: Praise, life,  health, growth, prosperity, restoration, new beginning, fruitfulness, flourishing
  • Gold: Eternal Deity, the Godhead, foundation, sanctified, alter, beauty, precious, holiness, glory, purified out of the refining fire, tested, majesty, righteousness, divine light
  • Silver: The Word of God, redemption, refined, purity, divinity, righteousness, salvation
  • White: The Bride of Christ, Revelation, purity, Holy Spirit, blessedness, holiness, righteousness, light, joy, angels, saints, peace, completion, conquest, triumph, victory, surrender, harvest
  • Brown: End of a season, Pride/filthy rags, weary, faint, People
  • Black/Onyx: Darkness, evil, sin, affliction, humiliation, calamity, death, famine, mourning, reconciling Mediator, authority, obedience unto death

Joining Different Colors
Combing various colors will add new meaning to your worship flags.
  • Tabernacle - Scarlet, Purple and Blue: These are the colors used in the tabernacle where God dwelled with the Israelites in the desert (Exodus 28:8; 36:8; 39:1)
  • Bride of Christ – Gold, Silver and White: We are purified when Jesus redeemed us to become holy as He is holy (Malachi 3:3; Deuteronomy 22:29; Ephesians 4:24)
  • Fire – Yellow, Orange and Red: As we stand in faith the glory of God is revealed no enemy can penetrate His protection or overcome His deliverance (Romans 4:20; Psalm 97:3; Joshua 2:18-21)
  • Faith – Yellow, Green and Blue: Faith in God’s ways given to us by the Holy Spirit brings life to us now and for eternity (Romans 4:20; Hebrews 10:15-16; 1 John 2:25)
  • Healing water – Blue and Aqua: Life, cleansing, healing (Psalm 1:1-3; Revelation 22:1)
  • Covenant/Promise – Rainbow colors: Promises of God (Genesis 9:13)
  • Grace – Purple and pink: We are adopted into royalty when we are birthed into God’s Kingdom. This is only done by His grace He provides everything we need. (2 Corinthians 8:9)
  • Mercy – Purple and red: Jesus is our mediator and redeemer, He clothed us in salvation and gives us a robe of righteousness (Titus 3:4-7; Isaiah 61:10)
  • Praise – Fuchsia, purple and aqua: We have joy in the wealth of the Holy Spirit (Jeremiah 33:9; Hebrews 2:10-12; 13:15)
  • Worship – Purple, blue, and wine: Longing, seeking to be in God’s presence because of who He is. (Matthew 2:2; John 9:31)
  • Majesty – Purple and blue: Dignity, priestly, power, authority, ruler, King or high official (1 Chronicles 29:24-25; 2 Chronicles 2:14; 3:14; Jeremiah 10:9; Ester 8:15; Ezekiel 27:7)
  • Repentance – Black, Red and White: All can be redeemed by Jesus through repentance, because all of us fall short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23 – 24
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Article courtesy of Creations Anew

Thursday, October 17, 2013

Why Do We Use Flags In Worship?



Why Do We Use Flags In Worship?


Flags and banners have been used for centuries to identify tribes, as in the wilderness for the tribes of Israel , to mark territory or boundaries. Flags were used to signal battle field movements, and to signal messages between ships. Flags were also used in war to judge the direction and velocity of the wind. Even today sports announcers and players will look to the flags and banners flying over a stadium to see which way the wind is blowing.

We use flags in worship :

To Give Honor – When we wave our instrument, we minister in love to our King and proclaim the magnificence of Who He is. We declare a name and an aspect of God's character.

To Declare Our Allegiance – When we wave our instruments in worship, we admit our loyalty as members of our Lord's army. We do this in the presence of men on earth and before powers and principalities in the heavens.

To Communicate – As a flag is raised, the prayers over it, the colors used, and the words or symbols on it are used in speaking to our Lord in the aspect of His character depicted in the flag. We ask Him to reveal Himself and related matters of His heart to us. For example, if a flag exalts Him as Jehovah Roi (The Lord Our Shepherd), we are asking to speak to Him who leads, protect, and comforts us. Perhaps our hearts are crying out to Him to bring us to that place of restoration, or to show us specific direction for a situation. We ask, and then await His response.

To Signal the Presence of God - Lifting flags in worship is symbolic of the action of Moses as he lifted his rod (a shepherd's staff, a symbol of a flag) as a visible sign of God's presence, power and authority over the enemy.

To Rally the Troops - We know our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against rulers, powers and spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places (Eph.6) . Raising a flag stirs unityand loyalty in the King's army, gathers warriors together for strategy and strengthens our commitment to victory.

To Declare Territory – Matthew 18:20 (NKJV) tell us, “ For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” By claiming territory in the name of Jesus and asking Holy Spirit to purify, to bind and cast out any and all demons and evil spirits, we establish our Spiritual boundaries. When we do not do this we are leaving our selves open to the realm of the enemy. With the flags, we claim our territory and ask Holy Spirit for protection.

To Direct Warfare and Praise - Early records show that in ancient Egyptians battles, soldiers looked to flags(ribbons or fabric tied to poles) to determine the direction of the wind, then shot their arrows accordingly to reach their target. In terms of spiritual warfare, a particular flag might be flown in the physical realm to reveal what is happening in the spiritual: it relates the direction of the "wind" of the Holy Spirit on a particular day.

To Put the Enemy to Flight – Isaiah 59:19 tells us, "...When the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him." Flags are God-given, God anointed, Word-based instruments that display His truth. Truth and light cause the enemy to flee. "Nuwc" is a Hebrew word which means “lift up a standard."

To Boast of Victory - Another Hebrew word for banner is "dagal" and the definition of it is "to flaunt, be conspicuous, and set up with banners." Ps. 20:7 says "we will boast in the name of the Lord."

To Be a Touchpoint of Faith - God directed Moses to put a bronze serpent on a pole as a focal point and promised that whoever would have faith enough to look on it would be healed of the deadly serpents' bites in the wilderness. As we look to the Cross in faith, we find healing in the blood of Jesus. Flags are not idols and do not contain healing, nor any other manifested gift of God, but serve the Body of Christ as a visual reminders of His faithfulness as Jehovah Rophe, the God Our Healer, or Jehovah Shalom, The Lord Our Peace, or any of the wonderful qualities of El Shaddai, the All Sufficient God, God Almighty.

To Herald an Event - Flags declare a specific event or season. Through the use of flags in worship, the Bride of Christ is announcing in the spirit of Elijah and John the Baptist, “The King is coming! Prepare the way of the Lord!” 
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Wednesday, October 16, 2013

eBay Double Layer Worship Flags Listing

Double Layer Worship Flags made with purple satin and red organza fabric.  Colors signifies MERCY!!!

Top layer is approximately 56" wide and 30 inches long.  Bottom layer is approximately 54 inches wide and 34 inches long.

Flags are sold as a pair (2) and includes the pole.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/121195764489?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649

Monday, October 14, 2013

Flags and Banners - Purpose and Use (Flag Ministry)


 

Throughout history, Flags and Banners have represented the beliefs and purposes of those who carry them. Flown as signals, rallying points and standards of identification, flags define battle lines, and give direction and encouragement. They declare the victory and identify the one in authority. They are an outward expression of the praise that is in our hearts.

In a worship service, Flags and Banners are used for God’s people as a visual tool on which to focus. They can declare a time of battle in spiritual warfare, God’s love, His grace, holiness and power. As the Spirit of God (the watchman) directs, the waving of Flags and Banners will open the “spiritual gates” of heaven allowing the Holy Spirit to flow freely among His people with healing, deliverance and encouragement. Flags and Banners are vital to the Body of Christ. They make a statement – a statement of our worship, our praise, our warfare, and a statement that reflects our work with the Lord. They are a form of visual worship and they make a powerful statement to the non-believer. They are a silent witness in ministry but they speak volumes to anyone who looks at them.

Flags and Banners:

  • minister to the Lord, to give Him Glory, Honor and Praise.
  • open personal communication with God.
  • rally the troops to war.
  • create an environment of Worship.
  • tell people who you represent.
  • signal or attract attention to an event that is happening.
  • herald an event.
  • unify the company. In the Tabernacle in the desert, each of the 12 tribes had their own banner Numbers 2:34. Each clan and each family had their banners with the tribe logo and the family name on them.
  • show victories won.
  • are a demonstration of God’s presence lifted up in our midst.
  • can be a rallying point of healing. In the desert when Moses lifted up the serpent on the stake, that was a form of a visual banner for healing.
  • put the enemy to flight.
  • expose and destroy the works of the enemy through worship.
  • communicate the gospel of Jesus Christ to reach the lost.

To Bestow Honor - To declare a name and an aspect of God's character. As we wave it, we minister in love to our King and proclaim the magnificence of who He is.


To Communicate - As a particular Flag/Banner is raised, the prayer behind it is somewhat like a phone call. We are speaking to our Lord in the aspect of His character depicted in the Flag/Banner, asking Him to reveal Himself and related matters of His heart to us. For example, if a Flag/Banner exalts Him as Jehovah Rohi (The Lord Our Shepherd), we are asking to speak to Him as the One Who leads, protects, and comforts us. Perhaps our hearts are crying out to Him to bring us to that place of restoration, or to show us specific direction for a situation. We ask, then await His response.

To Signal God's Presence - Lifting flags in worship follows the action of Moses as he lifted his rod (a shepherd's staff, a spiritual type or symbol of a flag) as a visible sign of God's presence, power and authority over the armies of Israel.

To Declare Our Allegiance - As we wave our Flags and Banners in worship, we admit our loyalty as members of our Lord's army in the presence of men on earth and before powers and principalities in the heavens.

To Rally the Troops - We know our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against rulers, powers and spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places Ephesians 6:12. Raising a flag stirs unity and loyalty in the King's army, gathers soldiers together for strategy and strengthens commitment to victory.

To Direct Warfare and Praise - Early records show that in ancient Egyptian battles, soldiers looked to Flags and Banners (ribbons or fabric tied to poles) to determine the direction of the wind, then shot their arrows accordingly to reach their target. In terms of spiritual warfare, a particular flag might be flown to say in the physical realm what is happening in the spiritual: it relates the direction of the "wind" of the Holy Spirit on a particular day. To Put the Enemy to Flight - Isaiah 59:19 tells us, "...When the enemy comes in, like a flood the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him." Flags and Banners are a God-given, God anointed, Word-based standard that displays His truth. Truth and light cause the enemy to flee.

To Boast of Victory - The Hebrew word for lift up a banner is "degel" and the definition of it is "to flaunt, be conspicuous, set up with banners." Psalm 20:7 says "we will boast in the name of the Lord..."

To Be a Touchpoint of Faith - God directed Moses to put a bronze serpent on a pole as a focal point and promised that whoever would have faith enough to look on it would be healed of the deadly serpents' bites. As we look to the Cross in faith, we find healing in the blood of Jesus. Flags and Banners are not idols and do not contain healing, nor any other manifested gift of God, but serve the Body of Christ as visual reminders of His faithfulness as Jehovah Rapha, The Lord Our Healer, or Jehovah Shalom, The Lord Our Peace, or any of the wonderful qualities of El Shaddai, the All Sufficient God, God Almighty.

To Herald an Event - Flags and Banners declare a specific event or season. Through the use of Flags and Banners in worship, at such a time as this, the Bride of Christ is announcing in the spirit of Elijah and John the Baptist, "The King is coming! Prepare the way for Jesus! The King is in the land!

Worship and Warfare

All worship should be glorifying to God, and lead anyone watching to a greater depth of worship to Him. As with choreographed "presentation" pieces, we can also worship Jesus by just dancing freely as led by the Spirit. We must listen to the Holy Spirit and do exactly what He tells us, even if we don't understand why. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your path." Proverbs 3:5-6.

Praise and worship are powerful spiritual weapons against the powers of darkness. Christian ministries are prime targets for spiritual attack, which may come in many forms such as illness, discord, mechanical failures and opposition. Intercessory prayer is needed for all ministries! Many of us have such a, comforting picture of the cross. We see the forgiveness of our sins, our reconciliation to the Father, and provision for our healings. But do we see the rest of the picture? Jesus was in physical and emotional agony on the cross. Jesus was also in spiritual warfare on the cross. Numerous people view the cross as completely foolish. Many also consider worship to be foolish and weak, when in reality it too, is a form of warfare. 1 Corinthians 1:27 says, "But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God has chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty."

Who would have thought that David could really slay Goliath with one small stone? Who would have believed that the walls of Jericho would fall down flat at the shout of the people? Or what about when Samson slew a thousand Philistines with the jawbone of an ass? To the natural eye each of these things seems totally foolish. Yet God was at work in each one of them. So really how foolish is it to stand in front of the entire congregation waving a Flag or Banner around in the air? Just as there was no actual power in David's stone or Samson's jawbone; there is no actual power in the Flags and Banners. They are symbolic weapons. Praise and worship are weapons in themselves because they lift up God, and tear down the enemy's kingdom. Every time you give true praise unto the Lord a spiritual missile is hurled into the enemy's camp. A missile that causes confusion and destruction. That is why the enemy hates and fights our praise and worship. "Blessed be the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight." Psalm 144:1.

Flags and Banners are very effective weapons to use against satan and his armies. They are made mighty by the Spirit of the Lord to pull down strongholds and bind their works.You must remember this: This is Warfare.....not just waving a Flag/Banner. By using these instruments of praise and worship you are entering into spiritual warfare. We are an army! We are the militia of the Lord. A militia by definition is an assemblage of armed citizens brought together for the common defense. In Colonial America, when the militia was mustered, you would see men armed with whatever they had - some with rifles, some with shotguns, some with muskets, others with just pikes and spears. They were there, armed, ready to defend their liberty, their homes, and their families from the onslaught of the enemy.God has given strength, authority, and warfare to men. It is part of His plan, and is built into the nature of man. Women, no matter what their personality, or spiritual maturity is cannot bring the same strength into something that a man does. We encourage men to join the Flag/Banner ministry as God leads them.When you are giving praise to the Lord with your Flag/Banner or even just your bare hands, you, too, are standing up to the onslaught of your enemy. You are in battle for, and with, the Lord. You are a member of the army of the Lord.We have all heard of hand-to-hand combat. In man's army hand-to-hand combat is a physical one-on-one confrontation with the enemy. In God's army hand-to-hand combat is lifting your hands in praise. Although our enemy is unseen - the combat is real.

When Flags and Banners are lifted as a statement, it becomes a wave offering to the Lord. The diversity of colors represents the multi-faceted dimensions in how our adoration can glorify God for his unique and phenomenally awesome character. These weapons of aggressive worship become faith statements whereby we can agree with God for victory. They are for joyful celebration. They cause us to rejoice in jubilee. They inspire us, like a signal, to break forth into exuberant demonstrations of praise. Aggressive worship often combines with dance as spiritual eyes open and natural senses dull. The focus is for the Audience of One, and our eyes are not on the congregation. The flags in brilliant splendor are richly graced with symbolism. In our weakness, God becomes our strength. As we raise our Flag/Banner toward the heavenly realms, volumes are spoken as the devil's airspace is invaded with shouts of faith calling forth victory. Flags, as well as banners, are used in worship to exalt Jesus and His name before men and also before the powers of darkness. They may also declare our redemption through Jesus and His Blood. During worship or during ministry time, our flags proclaim the dominion of God's Kingdom and mark our spiritual territory. The flag makes a proclamation before heaven and earth, angels and demons through the one raising the flag, on behalf of all those present, whom the flag bearer represents. The flag bearer is truly "raising the standard" to rally the troops in spiritual unity. The flag minister must be following the Holy Spirit, who is also guiding the worship leader, the dance leader, and the covering of the house. If we all remain submitted to the Lord, He will ensure order, and be enabled to move in power through the unified body. In Worship, the flag may be speaking the heart of the people toward God, or God's heart toward His people. It declares His awesome power, reminds Him, and us of His eternal word and covenant promises. In Warfare, The flag proclaims the Kingdom of God, and declares our authority over the powers of darkness. We raise our flags in victory as we go into battle, giving honor to The One who has already won all our battles.

Our Worship is intercession. There is no choice to be made, no conflict of interests. As we magnify the Lord with our praises, His presence naturally enforces our covenant rights, fulfills His promises, and releases Kingdom reality into our circumstances. He is passionately seeking passionate worshipers to restore the tabernacle of David. In that temple, there was no separation between God and Man, and it was 24 hour worship that replaced the veil, creating a safe interface between His holiness and our need. He has promised to re-create it in our day. Flags and Banners are visual worship. You don't need words to understand this form of worship. They are symbols that transcend language and racial barriers. People of different languages and backgrounds understand that you are praising the Lord. The Holy Spirit can use these visual expressions to reach out and penetrate a hard heart. Just as more traditional forms of praise and worship prepare the atmosphere and soften the heart to receive the word of God, this too is anointed to do the same.This visual worship is a form of communication. We use these instruments of praise to proclaim who God is to us. They can represent a name, a character trait, or an attribute of God that we are lifting up. Be aware that it is not only communicated to God, but also to others who may be around us.

The prince of the power of the air is satan. Ephesians 2:2 As we each raise the flag, we are pressing into his territory. We can use a flag as a tool of intercession both in worship and exaltation of the Lord God Almighty and in warfare to take back what God has already given to us. "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places." Ephesians 6:12 We need to realize what we hold in our hands. If we don’t know the authority the Lord has given us, we will not use that authority and in turn, will have minimal effect in our efforts against the forces of darkness. "The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell in it." Psalm 24:1

Lifting a Flag and/or Banner is a Kingdom tool of identification, proclamation and glorification. In worship and warfare, the function of a Flag and Banner is to attract the attention of the people of God, to proclaim a message of identification or focus for a biblical truth and purpose, to impact the heart of God, the heart of the people and the spiritual realm for a positive outcome. God uses the things of the natural world to affect the things in the spiritual world.

The Lord created all forms of worship to be used for His Glory and to usher in His presence. It is time to take back the arts from the enemy’s hands and to use them in the way the Lord always intended. We want to be obedient to what pleases Him.

The Spirit of God is stirring the hearts of men and women to express their worship in ways that may seem uncommon to some and a more expressive visual means to others. The fullness of worship will increase in the arts as the spirit of David is reborn within the body of Christ.

The Father speaks to His people through the means of visual arts, music, and manifestations. Using visual arts in worship is one method of crossing over a language and physical impairment boundaries, as well as cultural and denominational lines.

God created us for worship and within each one of us is a desire to worship Him that is just waiting to be released unto Him. “But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshippers will worship the Father is Spirit and truth for the Father is seeking each to worship Him. God is Spirit and those who worship Him must worship in Spirit and Truth.” John 4:23-24

There is nothing more heart-stirring than an altar full of believers waving Flags and Banners in Praise and Worship to the Lord.
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Article taken from Waves of Worship