Mutual Benefit from Being in the Closet
(Chapter Fourteen)
Mutual Benefit - Solution Drop
Although the Battle-Closet Warrior should have a servant's heart toward her Filmmaker, may I suggest that the “Filmmaker/Battle-Warrior” relationship should be one of MUTUAL benefit? In fact, I am going to boldly suggest that BOTH parties in the “Filmmaker/Battle-Warrior” relationship should grow in their walk with the Lord as a direct result of this unique relationship. Even though we, as Battle-Closet Prayer Warriors, should choose to give to our filmmakers without expecting anything in return FROM OUR FILMMAKERS, we SHOULD expect incredible growth in the LORD as we continually seek HIS face and HIS heart ON BEHALF OF our filmmaker!
We need to remember that GOD is our source and our benefit! HE is Whom we receive from – and we, as Battle Warriors, receive the very intimacy of GOD, Himself, breathed deep into our hearts as our breath prays for our filmmaker to grow in intimacy with God as well! BOTH filmmaker and warrior should experience explosive growth! My prayer assignment and I have both experienced growth in the Lord from this very unique relationship, and I do not believe that we are the exception to this rule.
In addition, while keeping in mind the complete understanding that the Closet Warrior should have the servant's heart attitude of “giving without expecting anything in return,” please allow me to share a prophetic dream that may aid in understanding of the NEED for Filmmaker and Closet Warrior to mutually give to each other, and work together to mutually help each other for maximum effectiveness in Kingdom expansion. It was an extremely disturbing dream, and, after I woke up, I asked God to reveal the meaning. I believe the meaning has practical application for both the Filmmaker and the Battle-Closet Prayer Warrior.
I dreamed that I was visiting my prayer assignment and his family. There were many people inside his house, and all were having a GREAT time! After our visit, I stepped outside, onto the porch, and although it was quite dark outside, I could see that I was being approached, from a distance, by a man who made it clear to me that he was going to steal from me. Immediately, I started to pray. He came closer, trying to steal my credit cards and my purse. I tried to get my assignment's attention, but I was unable to get his attention. The man came even closer. I started to tell him about Jesus and started to pray for him, but he continued to approach me. The closer he came, the more he seemed to lose interest in stealing my “stuff,” and, by the evil look in his eyes, the more interested he seemed in “closing in on me” to attack me in some way.
The scene quickly changed to me laying on the porch, on my back, with the strong man laying on top of me, pinning me down, as I am squirming and wiggling around, screaming for my prayer assignment, and kicking his house with all my strength, hoping he would hear it and come to my rescue. Although I fought and wrestled, with all my might, against this strong man who had me tightly pinned down, I was unable to break free from underneath him and also unable to scream and kick my assignment's house loud enough for him to hear. I was just too weak to fight off the strong man by myself, but I was determined to keep fighting. I spent the long, dark, eerie night wrestling with the evil strong man who, I thought, initially, just intended to steal from me, but ended up, unexpectedly to me, attacking me.
The scene suddenly switched again. In the next scene, it was daybreak, the strong man, who had a “softened appearance,” was no longer on top of me while pinning me down, we were no longer on my assignment's porch, and I was “leading him” toward where I thought my prayer assignment might be at that time, telling him that we are going to find him because he would be able to help him.
I woke up, then asked God to reveal the meaning of this dream. For application purposes, as I explain the meaning, when I am referring to my prayer assignment, I will simply call him “Filmmaker,” and when I am referring to myself, I will change the reference to me to “Battle Warrior.”
First, notice the location of everyone in the dream:
Filmmaker was in his own house with his family and friends.
Battle Warrior was outside Filmmaker's house.
Strong Man was approaching Filmmaker's house, but, in order to get to Filmmaker, he had to get past Battle Warrior first.
Next, notice the time of day and lighting:
Filmmaker was in his house, which was full of light, the night Strong Man approached his house.
Battle Warrior was outside of Filmmaker's house, in the dark, wrestling the strong man all night, until daybreak, when her break-through was finally secured.
Strong Man appeared at night, in the dark.
Now, carefully notice the position of Battle Warrior as it relates to Filmmaker, in each scene:
Initially, Battle Warrior was with Filmmaker, in his presence.
After Battle Warrior left Filmmaker's presence, she positioned herself between Filmmaker and Strong Man.
Battle Warrior was pinned under Strong Man as he attacked her right in front of Filmmaker's home; however, notice Battle Warrior was still between Strong Man and Filmmaker.
Battle Warrior remained between Filmmaker and Strong Man all night long as she wrestled Strong Man.
Battle Warrior once again, was between Filmmaker and Softened-Heart Strong Man as she led him to Filmmaker.
Finally, notice the very simple explanations and very practical, real-life applications through the course of events:
Strong Man was approaching Filmmaker's house with the meditated intention of stealing and, later, attacking.
Explanation: “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy.” (John 10:10) He, “Strong Man” (a representation of Satan's kingdom) was coming toward Filmmaker to steal, kill, and destroy. Filmmaker has a huge target painted on his chest, and is a walking target for intended demonic plots of stealing, killing, and destroying!
Real-life application: It is extremely important that both Filmmaker and Battle Warrior be on the watch against the fiery darts of the enemy; however, it is vital that Battle Warrior is the watchman for her Filmmaker! “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” (1 Peter 5:8) “Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.” (2 Corinthians 2:11)
Battle Warrior was between Strong Man and Filmmaker the entire time, praying, intervening, taking on the attacks of Strong Man, and wrestling Strong Man through the night until daybreak, when she received a noticeable break-through, which was when she knew that her prayers made a way for Filmmaker to help.
Explanation: Battle Warrior knew her strength lies in her prayers that take the form of “wrestling.” Her prayers were a way of “coming between” Strong Man and Filmmaker. Through her travailing prayers, she allowed herself to be a “protective shield” around Filmmaker, which, in turn, positioned her to feel and experience the attacks directed toward Filmmaker that she was blocking on his behalf. She also knew that she was not strong enough to fight off Strong Man on her own, so she (1) prayed, and (2) by screaming and kicking his house to get his attention, sought help from Filmmaker, who is a “protective cover” for her as she wrestles Strong Man on his behalf. Finally, she knew that her prayers would soften Strong Man, and put him in a position to “receive help” from Filmmaker.
Real-life application: I am not suggesting that because Battle Warrior is praying for Filmmaker that demonic attacks will NEVER come to Filmmaker. That is simply unrealistic, naive, and unbiblical. However, it is vitally important that Battle Warrior understands that it is her responsibility to be a “protective shield” for her Filmmaker, understanding well that demonic attacks will most certainly come upon her. She needs to be fiercely committed to wrestling, in travailing prayer, for her Filmmaker, for that will help her survive the attacks; however, it is only her fierce commitment to Jesus Christ, her King, her Savior, her Lord, and her Ultimate Protector, that will keep her strong and soaring as the attacks threaten to weaken her and pull her down.
Filmmaker was being sought, by Battle Warrior, as the human “protective covering” for her as she was under Strong Man's attack, and, later, he was also being sought, by Battle Warrior as the “one who could help” Softened Strong Man.
Explanation: Filmmaker was the one who, in the human flesh form, Battle Warrior knew was a “protective covering over her,” and, in the end, was the one who would reap the benefits of Battle Warrior's wresting by “helping” Softened-Heart Strong Man.
Real-life application: It is also vitally important for Filmmaker to understand and accept that he needs to be a “protective cover” for Battle Warrior as she wrestles Strong Man in prayer for him. Filmmaker needs to make himself available to Battle Warrior when she becomes the victim of demonic attacks and when she needs his help, protection, and leadership. Additionally, Filmmaker's success in “helping” people (his viewers) starts in the travailing prayers of Battle Warrior whose prayers seek the very heart of God to “go before” Filmmaker's movies and television shows and soften the hearts of the viewers, so their hearts will be open, receptive, and fertile ground for Filmmaker to “plant his seeds” through his media of movies and television shows. Filmmaker has the great privilege of planting seeds and watering seeds, which God will, in turn, do His part, and grow those seeds to fruition, crediting it to Filmmaker for his obedience to expand The Kingdom through television and movies. Therefore, if Filmmaker is going to reap the benefits of Battle Warrior's travailing prayers on his behalf, he needs to accept his responsibility to “cover her” with his protection and leadership.
Are you starting to see the picture? This dream represents the unique, yet indescribably powerful relationship between Battle Warrior and Filmmaker, and how they absolutely MUST work together to MUTUALLY benefit from this unique, yet powerful, relationship. When Filmmaker and Battle Warrior work together and serve each other, they will mutually benefit from the relationship. My Filmmaker and I are living proof!
We need to remember that GOD is our source and our benefit! HE is Whom we receive from – and we, as Battle Warriors, receive the very intimacy of GOD, Himself, breathed deep into our hearts as our breath prays for our filmmaker to grow in intimacy with God as well! BOTH filmmaker and warrior should experience explosive growth! My prayer assignment and I have both experienced growth in the Lord from this very unique relationship, and I do not believe that we are the exception to this rule.
In addition, while keeping in mind the complete understanding that the Closet Warrior should have the servant's heart attitude of “giving without expecting anything in return,” please allow me to share a prophetic dream that may aid in understanding of the NEED for Filmmaker and Closet Warrior to mutually give to each other, and work together to mutually help each other for maximum effectiveness in Kingdom expansion. It was an extremely disturbing dream, and, after I woke up, I asked God to reveal the meaning. I believe the meaning has practical application for both the Filmmaker and the Battle-Closet Prayer Warrior.
I dreamed that I was visiting my prayer assignment and his family. There were many people inside his house, and all were having a GREAT time! After our visit, I stepped outside, onto the porch, and although it was quite dark outside, I could see that I was being approached, from a distance, by a man who made it clear to me that he was going to steal from me. Immediately, I started to pray. He came closer, trying to steal my credit cards and my purse. I tried to get my assignment's attention, but I was unable to get his attention. The man came even closer. I started to tell him about Jesus and started to pray for him, but he continued to approach me. The closer he came, the more he seemed to lose interest in stealing my “stuff,” and, by the evil look in his eyes, the more interested he seemed in “closing in on me” to attack me in some way.
The scene quickly changed to me laying on the porch, on my back, with the strong man laying on top of me, pinning me down, as I am squirming and wiggling around, screaming for my prayer assignment, and kicking his house with all my strength, hoping he would hear it and come to my rescue. Although I fought and wrestled, with all my might, against this strong man who had me tightly pinned down, I was unable to break free from underneath him and also unable to scream and kick my assignment's house loud enough for him to hear. I was just too weak to fight off the strong man by myself, but I was determined to keep fighting. I spent the long, dark, eerie night wrestling with the evil strong man who, I thought, initially, just intended to steal from me, but ended up, unexpectedly to me, attacking me.
The scene suddenly switched again. In the next scene, it was daybreak, the strong man, who had a “softened appearance,” was no longer on top of me while pinning me down, we were no longer on my assignment's porch, and I was “leading him” toward where I thought my prayer assignment might be at that time, telling him that we are going to find him because he would be able to help him.
I woke up, then asked God to reveal the meaning of this dream. For application purposes, as I explain the meaning, when I am referring to my prayer assignment, I will simply call him “Filmmaker,” and when I am referring to myself, I will change the reference to me to “Battle Warrior.”
First, notice the location of everyone in the dream:
Filmmaker was in his own house with his family and friends.
Battle Warrior was outside Filmmaker's house.
Strong Man was approaching Filmmaker's house, but, in order to get to Filmmaker, he had to get past Battle Warrior first.
Next, notice the time of day and lighting:
Filmmaker was in his house, which was full of light, the night Strong Man approached his house.
Battle Warrior was outside of Filmmaker's house, in the dark, wrestling the strong man all night, until daybreak, when her break-through was finally secured.
Strong Man appeared at night, in the dark.
Now, carefully notice the position of Battle Warrior as it relates to Filmmaker, in each scene:
Initially, Battle Warrior was with Filmmaker, in his presence.
After Battle Warrior left Filmmaker's presence, she positioned herself between Filmmaker and Strong Man.
Battle Warrior was pinned under Strong Man as he attacked her right in front of Filmmaker's home; however, notice Battle Warrior was still between Strong Man and Filmmaker.
Battle Warrior remained between Filmmaker and Strong Man all night long as she wrestled Strong Man.
Battle Warrior once again, was between Filmmaker and Softened-Heart Strong Man as she led him to Filmmaker.
Finally, notice the very simple explanations and very practical, real-life applications through the course of events:
Strong Man was approaching Filmmaker's house with the meditated intention of stealing and, later, attacking.
Explanation: “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy.” (John 10:10) He, “Strong Man” (a representation of Satan's kingdom) was coming toward Filmmaker to steal, kill, and destroy. Filmmaker has a huge target painted on his chest, and is a walking target for intended demonic plots of stealing, killing, and destroying!
Real-life application: It is extremely important that both Filmmaker and Battle Warrior be on the watch against the fiery darts of the enemy; however, it is vital that Battle Warrior is the watchman for her Filmmaker! “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” (1 Peter 5:8) “Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.” (2 Corinthians 2:11)
Battle Warrior was between Strong Man and Filmmaker the entire time, praying, intervening, taking on the attacks of Strong Man, and wrestling Strong Man through the night until daybreak, when she received a noticeable break-through, which was when she knew that her prayers made a way for Filmmaker to help.
Explanation: Battle Warrior knew her strength lies in her prayers that take the form of “wrestling.” Her prayers were a way of “coming between” Strong Man and Filmmaker. Through her travailing prayers, she allowed herself to be a “protective shield” around Filmmaker, which, in turn, positioned her to feel and experience the attacks directed toward Filmmaker that she was blocking on his behalf. She also knew that she was not strong enough to fight off Strong Man on her own, so she (1) prayed, and (2) by screaming and kicking his house to get his attention, sought help from Filmmaker, who is a “protective cover” for her as she wrestles Strong Man on his behalf. Finally, she knew that her prayers would soften Strong Man, and put him in a position to “receive help” from Filmmaker.
Real-life application: I am not suggesting that because Battle Warrior is praying for Filmmaker that demonic attacks will NEVER come to Filmmaker. That is simply unrealistic, naive, and unbiblical. However, it is vitally important that Battle Warrior understands that it is her responsibility to be a “protective shield” for her Filmmaker, understanding well that demonic attacks will most certainly come upon her. She needs to be fiercely committed to wrestling, in travailing prayer, for her Filmmaker, for that will help her survive the attacks; however, it is only her fierce commitment to Jesus Christ, her King, her Savior, her Lord, and her Ultimate Protector, that will keep her strong and soaring as the attacks threaten to weaken her and pull her down.
Filmmaker was being sought, by Battle Warrior, as the human “protective covering” for her as she was under Strong Man's attack, and, later, he was also being sought, by Battle Warrior as the “one who could help” Softened Strong Man.
Explanation: Filmmaker was the one who, in the human flesh form, Battle Warrior knew was a “protective covering over her,” and, in the end, was the one who would reap the benefits of Battle Warrior's wresting by “helping” Softened-Heart Strong Man.
Real-life application: It is also vitally important for Filmmaker to understand and accept that he needs to be a “protective cover” for Battle Warrior as she wrestles Strong Man in prayer for him. Filmmaker needs to make himself available to Battle Warrior when she becomes the victim of demonic attacks and when she needs his help, protection, and leadership. Additionally, Filmmaker's success in “helping” people (his viewers) starts in the travailing prayers of Battle Warrior whose prayers seek the very heart of God to “go before” Filmmaker's movies and television shows and soften the hearts of the viewers, so their hearts will be open, receptive, and fertile ground for Filmmaker to “plant his seeds” through his media of movies and television shows. Filmmaker has the great privilege of planting seeds and watering seeds, which God will, in turn, do His part, and grow those seeds to fruition, crediting it to Filmmaker for his obedience to expand The Kingdom through television and movies. Therefore, if Filmmaker is going to reap the benefits of Battle Warrior's travailing prayers on his behalf, he needs to accept his responsibility to “cover her” with his protection and leadership.
Are you starting to see the picture? This dream represents the unique, yet indescribably powerful relationship between Battle Warrior and Filmmaker, and how they absolutely MUST work together to MUTUALLY benefit from this unique, yet powerful, relationship. When Filmmaker and Battle Warrior work together and serve each other, they will mutually benefit from the relationship. My Filmmaker and I are living proof!
Mutual Benefit - Solution Drop Review
What Practical Application Nugget Did We Learn?
Although the Battle-Closet Warrior should have a servant's heart toward her Filmmaker, the “Filmmaker/Battle-Warrior” relationship should be one of MUTUAL benefit. BOTH parties in the “Filmmaker/Battle-Warrior” relationship should grow in their walk with the Lord as a direct result of this unique relationship. Also, even though we, as Battle-Closet Prayer Warriors, should choose to give to our filmmakers without expecting anything in return FROM OUR FILMMAKERS, we SHOULD expect incredible growth in the LORD as we continually seek HIS face and HIS heart ON BEHALF OF our filmmaker! Very importantly, we need to remember that GOD is our source and our benefit! HE is Whom we receive from – and we, as Battle Warriors, receive the very intimacy of GOD, Himself, breathed deep into our hearts as our breath prays for our filmmaker to grow in intimacy with God as well! BOTH filmmaker and warrior should experience explosive growth! Additionally, Battle Warrior and Filmmaker MUST work together to MUTUALLY benefit from this unique, yet powerful, relationship. When Filmmaker and Battle Warrior work together and serve each other, they will mutually benefit from the relationship.
Mutual Benefit - Solution Step
Practical Application Power Prayer
Warrior God, Who is our Ultimate Protective Covering and Leader, please help us, as Filmmaker and Battle Warrior, to MUTUALLY serve one another in self-sacrificing love. May we never do anything to “get” something from each other, but seek to serve, just as Jesus sought to serve when He walked on this earth. I pray that as we walk in sacrificial love with each other, that we would look to YOU to be our ULTIMATE source of protection and covering and find EXPLOSIVE growth in our intimacy with You! Amen!