September 26, 2024
"Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.”
- Genesis 1:26 (NIV)
If you have ever played a video game or watched any movie where the main character receives a mandate, you are familiar with the phrase... “Your task, should you choose to accept,” and then it would go on to state what the task is. Well as Christians, your task, should you choose to accept is to exercise dominion over everything that is not in alignment with God’s mandate of dominion for your life. Today we will explore in Genesis 1:26 the key and steps towards fulfilling this mandate.
The first step towards fulfilling the dominion mandate is to understand who you are in Christ, in whose image you are created, and for what you were created. David was just an ordinary shepherd boy; he was the youngest of Jesse’s 8 sons. Yet he knew he had courage, even when a lion or bear came to attack the sheep (1 Samuel 17:34-36). He recognized that anyone or anything that defied the armies of the living God had to be brought under control. As a believer you are made in the image of God, and likeness of God.
The next step is to realize that you are designed and destined to rule. Psalm 8:5-6: "You have made them a little lower than the angels and crowned them with glory and honor. You made them rulers over the works of your hands; you put everything under their feet:" Just as a Diplomat or Ambassador derives their authority from the mandates given to them, becoming the voice of the government they represent. You have been made a king and priest commissioned to serve God, and reign on the earth (Revelation 5:10).
Your task is to exercise dominion over everything that is not in alignment with God’s mandate.
Once you understand who you are, and you realize you are destined to rule, the next step is to seek God’s guidance and wisdom in prayer. James 1:5 AMP - If any of you lacks wisdom [to guide him through a decision or circumstance], he is to ask of [our benevolent] God, who gives to everyone generously and without rebuke or blame, and it will be given to him. To complete this mandate, you cannot underestimate the power of prayers. Here in NCA, we partake in Dominion Prayers daily, because we understand the importance of partnering with God continually and consistently to bring about transformation and establish His rulership and kingdom over every aspect of our lives.
The last step is giving God thanks. Let thanksgiving to God become your tradition. Thank Him for what He has done, what He is doing, and what He will yet do. Thank Him for the inheritance that we have in Christ, and the privilege granted us to call Him Abba Father (Ephesians 1:5-6; Galatians 4:6). Expressing gratitude shifts the focus from what is lacking and helps us prevent grumbling or complaining, which can be a significant barrier to demonstrating dominion. By expressing gratitude to God, you declare and proclaim the dominion of Christ over your life and any circumstances you may be facing.
You have been given the mandate to have dominion. Own it and approach every challenge with confidence in the God in whose image and likeness you were created. Luke 10:19 (AMP) states - “Listen carefully: I have given you authority [that you now possess] to tread on serpents and scorpions, and [the ability to exercise authority] over all the power of the enemy (Satan); and nothing will [in any way] harm you.”
Song of Worship
I have given you authority, to trample on snakes and scorpions
And to overcome, all the power of the enemy (oh, to overcome)
Nothing will harm you (nothing), Nothing will harm you
Nothing will harm you
Nothing will harm you (nothing), Nothing will harm you
Song I Have Given You Authority by Don Moen
Prayer - We boldly declare all of God’s promises over our lives. We speak the life and truth of God over our circumstances. Empower us by The Holy Spirit to exercise dominion in every area of our lives, in Jesus Mighty Name we pray. So, it is, and so shall it be in Jesus' mighty name we pray. Amen.
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