victory anointing

Victory Anointing
12/20/05
Today the Lord reviewed my change of attitude with me, from sourness and guilt, to faith. I had started yesterday in a snit of anger at circumstances I could not control, and ended that day in His praises. The same happened today, and I had to repent of loving the rewards of getting my way at the cost of His nature. As He commended me for standing on the faithfulness of His nature, He spoke the following;

“There is nothing which means more to me than hearing the praises of My warriors who have fought the battle and won. People praise Me every day for the things I give them, and for the everyday goodness of life itself; it’s beauty, it’s sweetness, it’s kindness . . . But there is something more that comes from the heart who has fought by faith and won. There is a faith that moves My heart, it moves My hand, it moves My total Being to want to stand with that one in the throne of God.

Man has often thought that I fight all his battles for him, only to find out sadly, and with much bitterness, that there is a part he plays. But those who rise up above their bitterness and stand on the faithfulness of their God, even though they are disappointed in their part, have a sweet incense that rises up to Me. It smells like My son Jesus.

Every man, woman or child who reminds Me of My son’s sacrifice gladdens My heart in a time of terrible wickedness and darkness on the earth. These are the sweet incenses that rise with the prayers of the saints and cause thunder and lightening to hit the earth. For there has been no time of battle as there is now, since the time of Man began.

I will show you what it means that Michael rises up to fight for the saints of God. There is a special anointing coming upon the earth for victory. I have seen My saints lose, I’ve seen them oppressed, I’ve seen them stopped, I’ve seen them put to death, I’ve seen them barred from ministry even though they were faithful. In every test known to Man I have seen . . . and yet those who stand on My faithfulness and praise Me, even after their battles, long and hard, and the weariness sets in . . . they send up a sweet aroma to Me that I cannot help but embrace them and move all heaven and earth on their behalf.
Satan has told many that it is a test of their God, that He puts them in this place and then abandons them. But it is not so. I wouldn’t have judged David for causing Uriah to be abandoned if I Myself were guilty of abandoning My saints. For so it is written “I will never leave you or forsake you”, and this is true. Each one of you are appointed to battles. Often you find yourself alone; this is not because your God has left your side. For your God is mighty and awesome and walks beside you with His angels. And for those times when you were alone, perhaps there was a saint or two that was appointed to be by your side . . . forgive them for the weakness of Man, and stand on the strength of your God. I have not forsaken you. Saith the Lord.”

Families; a Word from 12/07

A few weeks ago the Lord was reviewing my last year with me. It is the end of 2007 and this isn’t unusual for Him to go over His purposes, and if they were accomplished.

One big change in my husband Dave and my lives is that the Lord called us back to live in my home town to be with my ailing father. Because we came back in June, I had 3 months to be with my father before he died. He had strayed from his faith and I was blessed to see him restored before his death. The Lord pointed this out to me, saying “See, I answered your prayers”. Yes, that was a big answer.

From this memory came others as the Holy Spirit directed me to family members whose lives I had seen Him touch. My mother had been lonely, and seemed to cheer up more and more as we spent time with her. Then the Lord reminded me of my sons and how my youngest had begun talking about the “fear of the Lord” and other Christian topics. How wonderful to see God at work here in my family. It was almost as if we had left one ministry (we had been serving in YWAM) for another. Even better, it was my family.

Then the Lord began telling me how important families are to Him. He reminded me of King David, and how it was said of him that he had a heart after God’s own heart. The Lord asked me to turn to 1 Chron. 17, and I wondered what I would find there. It was about David’s desire to build God a house, but that the Lord said He would build David a house. I stopped right there. I remembered the Lord saying that David’s son would build His house, but I hadn’t remembered that the Lord said He would build a house for David. Yes, I remember the term “house of David” from the Bible. But, it wasn’t about a house. “It’s about his family” the Lord said. Just like Abraham’s family was important, so was David’s. God gave a legacy to David’s family, to rule over Israel. God is concerned with building families, generation after generation, who will serve Him.

The Lord directed me to the passage about David’s house of Cedar, saying that some men are more concerned with building their own house than having God build one for them. “That is why I am sending the spirit of Elijah to the earth; he will turn the hearts of the fathers to the children and the children to the parents.” If this wasn’t so serious, God wouldn’t threaten the earth with a curse (see Mal 4:5,6). Families have a purpose, and are more important than we know. God has plans for families, and for each generation of a family, He has a planned work for them to do.

I had a dream a few months ago wherein many people were called to an old church, to repair it. There was a lot of work to do, and each person was there to assess his or her part. All of a sudden the building began to shake. I looked out the window to see demons driving large earth-moving equipment, and digging away at the hillside the church was on. Satan’s evil laugh could be heard, saying that he conscripted the people called “Missionaries” to help him. Then I saw that most of the people who had come to repair the church were helping to move the land away from it, down a long river bed. At the end of this dream I had a feeling that the church had lost something very important to her; her land, her inheritance.

I had wondered how the devil could fool missionaries into his service, when the Lord began talking to me again about families. He reminded me that many people feel compelled to leave their homes and go to far lands to spread the gospel and participate in many ministries there. Then He said, “I am sending the spirit of Elijah. This is My plan, to get My Bride ready. The Church needs repair. Without the fathers, the children’s hearts will grow bitter. Even now there are sons who will not enter into My kingdom because their parents go. It is the season for My Bride to prepare herself, to make herself ready. It is the time to mend families, to rid them of their generational curses and strongholds. Why should they remain under a curse when I have come to set them free? I want the fathers to give their children a legacy of walking in the kingdom with them. But many of the church leaders are compelling the fathers and mothers to go out and plant their seeds in far away lands. So My own house is in need of repair. My Bride has stains on her garment still. And the families I would mend are waiting.” I believe the Lord is telling us more about the Spirit of Elijah and the purpose of turning the hearts of the parents and children to each other.

This is the end of the teaching about families. Let us pray to have our eyes opened concerning our families, and the part we have in them. Let us see with Jesus’ eyes the important work our family has to do in this present generation, and also learn how to prepare our children for their work, and the work to come. Amen. God will come to see a Bride who has prepared herself (Rev 19:7).

the Body of Christ, Warfare, and the Blood

The Body of Christ, Warfare, and the Blood
3/10/06
Have you ever had one of those days where you knew you would have more faith, and more success in your battles against satan and your own flesh, if you just knew who you were in the Lord? I have had many of those days, more lately than ever. I have been waiting for an angelic visitation, dream, anything that would clue me in, for I have felt inundated by doubt. Today I got my answer, and I’m sharing it with you because it’s our answer.

The Lord said “There is a verse about the Blood you don’t know about”. I knew He was setting a lesson up, so turned as directed to Revelation 19:13. I was taken aback. Why? Because the verses from 11 – 16 describe the body of Christ, or, Jesus as come in our flesh. I have read this many times, yet this morning I found the scriptural evidence for what the Lord has been telling me; the Bride are those Christians who have Jesus manifested in their human lives. The anti-Christ says this is not possible (2 John :7). But the Christian says it is possible (1 John 4:2,3). Though many translations state “has come”, as if Jesus came in the past in His flesh, the Greek (Strong’s Concordance) says that the root word is “come”, present tense, or imperfect tense.

Looking at verses 11-16 in Rev. 19 I am reminded that Jesus wears many crowns (vs 12) which we lay at His feet (Rev. 4:10). We are His victory, and He works victory through us on this earth. Seeing His robe dipped in blood links us with our robes washed in blood (Rev. 7:14). It is this same blood that we overcome satan with (Rev. 12:11). His name is “Word of God”, and He is the Word incarnate in the flesh (Jn 1;14). We are becoming the Word in the flesh, and that is why satan assails us with doubts and fears; he doesn’t want us to have the victory of standing on God’s Word. The sword of Jesus’ mouth (vs 13) is our sword (Eph 6:17), the Spirit with the Word of God. The rod of iron (vs 15) is the authority over the nations given to the Church at Thyatira (Rev 2:27).

And of course, it’s a time of justice and war (vs 11). God is setting His plumbline in the Church to put us into true righteousness so that we won’t be caught naked with the righteousness of our own. He is setting us in the earth as saviors (Ob :21), because we are in His likeness. So our enemy opposes us, for we are called redeemers.

There are many parts of the Man depicted in Rev 19:11-16 that I don’t identify with; I don’t have eyes that blaze like fire, for one. But these inconsistencies are there for a reason; Jesus is the Head of His body. He is above us, though He resides in us. He chose to live in earthen vessels so that He could be the first among the many brethren He is redeeming from the earth. And we are part of His plan. We are a part of His body. Our life is hidden with Christ in God (Col 3:3), yet daily we get a glimpse of that life and our new identity. I want to encourage you to take hold of that for which you were called to, and don’t let go! Amen.

victory in battles

Victory in Spiritual Battles
1-23-06
Just recently I experienced the end of a spiritual oppression, or I should say, warfare. I had often explained to the Lord that I’d appreciate learning how to pray against evil, and have read many books and attended classes on this subject. But until this morning, one particular battle did not cease. This morning our room was flooded with angels while we slept, and they buoyed me up in joy, marking the end of the warfare. What a great way to start the day! Later, during my quiet time, the Lord asked me why the angels came, and I had no answer. But of course, He asked me because He had the answer.

There are battles from foes which are too strong for us to conquer. One is recorded in Rev 20:9 where satan’s army surrounds the city God loves. God directly intervenes and sends fire from heaven to defeat His foes. Another incident is recorded in Psalm 18:17-19 when David cried that his enemies were too strong for him. The Lord intervened on David’s behalf and fought on his side, enabling him to win the victory. These are the stories we expect from men filled with faith. But then, sometimes our own battles drag on without a break in the action, and we become battle-weary, and our faith suffers.

In my case, the Lord had shown me that my foes were too strong for me (spiritual foes), which seemed hard to understand. I thought every battle we ever would fight had a guaranteed victory assigned on our behalf. So I prayed for help in my battle. The Lord directed me to pray for Michael to stand up for His people (Dan 12:1). He also directed me to break off a generational curse. Still there was no breakthrough. But yesterday I worshipped Him for His goodness anyway, and praised Him for His word. I love His word, and it lifts me up when He shares with me. I told the Lord He is the reason I live for. This morning after reminding me about my time of praise, this is what the Lord said about why the angels came;

“You stood on My nature of goodness and faithfulness to My own, though you have not seen it in your life as far as the coming to pass of victory and promises given by My Spirit. A faint memory of My strength is what you stood on and praised me for. You love Me and My Word. You declared your commitment to Me. So I sent the principalities away. Therefore the angels came to rejoice with you, for I, your provider, have opened the door for them.

This is the heart which will prevail against its enemies; one which will stand on what it has known to be truth, in the face of overwhelming odds. Be not presumptuous about your position over evil powers, even though you are kings, a royal priesthood. Look at the parable about the king who considered whether he was able with 10,000 men to oppose the king coming against him with 20,000 men (Lk 14:28-32). If he did not feel confident, he would make peace with his enemy, or compromise. The basis of compromise and every unfinished work is depicted here as the lack of commitment. Commitment to the preparation of minor wars leads to victories in the great wars. The king with lesser men could win his battle if he had been faithful in his lesser battles and trusted in Me. For the lesser battles prepare one in faith and skill for the greater battles. But a man who grumbles and complains during minor skirmishes will make a way to peacefully abide with his spiritual enemies when they are too much for him.

I have made a way for streams in the dessert, for abundance in the wilderness, and for the righteous to triumph over their enemies, even when the enemy is too strong. For I see the intent of the heart which desires complete victory and will stop at nothing less (Ps 18:34-40).”

In reading the scriptures quoted here, I found that I had fallen short in the “intent of my heart” part. “Who’s speaking to me?” and “When do you want me to do this?” became small foes which led to unbelief and disobedience when left unopposed. Though we are wise to question which spirit speaks to us, and test them, there comes a time when we must establish God’s word and stand on it. Then we must be in His timing and not waver. All these lessons teach us our priorities daily, and for our life. It took my coveting God’s word and presence with all of my heart for my intent to be right. Then He brought the victory. Amen

trials and battles

Trials & Battles
4/23/06
Trials and Battles . . . how do we know when to submit under the mighty hand of God, and when to take authority and fight? I’ve wrestled with this question for most of my Christian walk, and it has often frustrated my prayer life. Do I pray for God’s intervention, or do I walk with Him through the fire? After all, our faith is tried in the fire (1 Peter 1:6,7). And if our faith does not become like gold, we are counseled to “buy gold” from the Lord (Rev 3:18). Yet some trials can give the feeling of being defeated instead of being made richer in Him.

In my prayer time for the last few days the topic of trials and battles has been the discussion. This morning the Lord answered me, saying “We look at victory differently. I don’t look at them (trials and battles) as different things”. The Lord pointed out that Jesus’ biggest victory came after the cross.

Since Jesus is our example, when things seem to be a contradiction (we have behaved rightly but there is no victory), let us look at what preceded His biggest victory, the cross. Before Jesus died as our sacrifice,
The people who sang His praises yelled for His crucifixion
His disciples scattered
His one and only “door” to escape this ordeal was slammed shut when Barabbas was chosen to go free
He was tortured physically, and reviled against
He actually went to hell before he ascended

If I saw these things happening in my life, I wouldn’t think that a triumphant victory over my enemy was soon to come! Yet Jesus remained true and obtained a greater victory than His disciples had known possible. Now Jesus is the Name above all names. He holds the greatest authority.

We know that, even though Jesus didn’t need to be refined through the cross, he was tested and suffered. From this we learn that we too may pass through awful trials that seem as a punishment, but are not. Until Jesus is the only authority on the earth there will be hardships, afflictions, adversity, and death.

The biggest comfort in our trials, and the greatest weapon in our battles is God’s Word. Following Jesus’ example again, during the time of His crucifixion He
Defended the purpose of God’s Word, bringing understanding of the need for His suffering before His crucifixion, and how it fulfilled scripture, afterward (road to Emaus).
During the great contradiction of going to hell, Jesus preached the Word of God to the captives there, setting them free (Eph 4;8).
He obtained His inheritance, His brothers and sisters. We were promised to Jesus in God’s Word (Heb 2:13).
He received greater authority. And just as He overcame and sat down with His father in His throne, we also, when we overcome, will sit down with Jesus in His throne (Rev 3:21).

What I see is that Jesus had a defense, a work to do, an inheritance to obtain, and a greater authority to receive. Perhaps the cross we bear during our lives is more important than we think. And, if we expect God to be glorified at some point during our trial, wouldn’t we bear it better? Jesus looked forward to the glory that awaited Him, and it gave Him endurance (Heb 12:2,3). We can trust God to have good waiting for us in and after our trials.

Our defense is God’s Word, and His purposes in our lives are worth defending. We also can continue to hold out God’s Word to others and minister to them during out trials. Often, it’s in our trials that we gain a greater understanding of God’s Word and its application to our lives. Those things appointed to us as inheritances are received as a result of our overcoming (Rev 21:7). And we receive greater authority as a result of our faithfulness.

I hope this lesson helps you as you face contradictions in your own lives this season; times when the good you’ve striven to accomplish seem to meet with adversity, and the searching prayers of your heart bring no answers as to how you caused such a predicament. Let us look forward to the Christ being glorified in our lives, and we becoming transformed as we stand in faith in the work He will bring to perfection in us all. Amen.

We are Jesus Crown

Merry Christmas!

We are Jesus’ Crown
10/16/05
Jesus wears a crown. We are His crown; His glorified chosen people. That is why we lay our crowns at His feet. We owe all the power, authority of our lives to Him. He is the authority which puts all authority under His feet so that He may present it to His Father. He is the one who will help prepare the Bride and then present her to His Father, holy, spotless, and blameless. We were not worthy, but we were made worthy through Him, washed in His blood. Hallelujah!

We are His crown. We are His inheritance. He saw us and met us in Himself before we were born. He seeks us out and finds us during our lives, the fulfillment of His nature on this earth. How we do groan within, waiting to be transformed into His likeness. Our lives are a toil here on earth, shedding our old nature and growing in His likeness. Yearning evermore to be complete in Him and to be complete in each other as His bride.

The age to come is dawning, and those who are worthy will walk with Me in white. Christianity has been asleep, like a well-fed baby slumbers in the night. And My trumpets will sound and wake My people and those who have kept their lamps trimmed will walk with Me in holiness and light, for the new day is dawning and this is the age of power. It’s no longer the age of thinking back on the works that were done; the glories, the wonders and the miracles of the past. But it’s a day of reckoning and a day of power, a day of victory and a day of weeping and gnashing of teeth. Oh the sorrows of those who have grown tired of waiting, and the joys of those who have trimmed their lamps and been prepared by the Holy Spirit. As the light arises it will be seen who has faith and who has no faith. Those who are prepared will be walking in white and their deeds will be righteous, and they are righteous, even as I am righteous.

Because Christians have thought that the “age of power to come” refers to heaven and the after-life, they have not prepared their faith for the works that I want to do on the earth. As I said, when I come, will I find any with faith? Men are preparing to sleep well, and to die well; but to rule and reign, they do not know. They do not know that when they lay their crowns at My feet, they are glorifying their King, and that I am putting their crowns back on their heads to rule and reign on this earth. They have not perceived My vision or call; what their destiny is. They will know when the trumpet sounds if they are prepared or not; if they have held onto the vision I entrusted to them, or if they have been talked out of it through Humanism and through all of satan’s lies that are sown in the earth. For long ago he sowed his weed seeds in My garden. He has been cultivating them alongside the work of the Holy Spirit’s cultivation of My seeds. Man has chosen which to let grow in his heart, and the hearts of Men have prepared the kingdom of God and the kingdom of satan. It will all be evident, for it is the age of harvest. That is the age that is on the earth, a glorious and powerful age; an age of conflicts. Those who found that they preferred to submit to Man will not be prepared to stand in this hour. They will be deceived away from their destiny and their call. They will have been found to have given their authority, their power, their crown[1], to Man. But those who have given their crowns to Me will be seated on My throne, to walk on this earth in glory and power. No man will trick them or deceive them into giving away their authority, but they will walk in the giftings and callings of God, for My purposes.

I have said that the glory of the latter house would be greater than that of the former house, and the latter rain will be greater than the former rain, the early rains of the Church of God. That is the time that you have come to.

There is a book of war that has been opened in heaven. It is a book for the saints, to benefit from the foreknowledge of the enemy’s plans. This is the book I’ve been showing you in your dreams; the contents of this book that have been opened, so that your hands would know how to war. This is an hour of trial[2] like no other, for satan has been given Man’s authority[3], and will overcome some saints. Many are appointed to trials[4]. Encourage them, and pray for their escape. You yourself have faithfully endured, and have not denied My name. I will grant repentance[5] to some of those who have slandered you[6]. Instruct them[7] so that perchance you can win some back for My kingdom. Thank you.

[1] Rev 3:11
[2] Rev 3:10
[3] Rev 17:17
[4] Rev 2:9-11
[5] 2 Tim 2:25,26
[6] Rev 2:11; Rev 13:6,7
[7] 2 Tim 2:25,26

the Spirit of Prophecy

*Spirit of Prophecy
11-26-06

Man cannot approach Me with his good works, but with obedience to My Words and faith in Me, he can come. I reward all who seek Me and believe that I am.

When Adam and Eve fell in the garden of Eden, cherubim were placed at the East entrance with flashing swords to guard the entrance to the Tree of Life[1]. This was because Adam and Eve had eaten of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, and Man cannot mix his knowledge of good and evil with obedience to My voice. Man cannot, by his own choosing, choose what he thinks good is, and follow that good, and please Me. There will come times in a man’s life that what I speak may seem contrary to what he thinks is good. So Man must come to know that I alone am good, and my voice proceeds from that goodness.

The two cherubim guarding the entrance to the tree of Life were symbolized later on top of the ark of the Covenant, and Moses heard My voice speak from there[2]. The entrance to Life was preserved for Man, as was My voice. I still speak to My people above the testament, where My throne is[3]. I, Jesus, by My Spirit testify to My Father’s Words. This is called the Spirit of Prophecy[4]. I am seated there on My Father’s throne, between the cherubim, inviting you to overcome and sit down with me[5].
[1] Gen 3:24
[2] Ex 25:21,22 & Num 7:89
[3] 2 Kings 19:15
[4] Rev 19:10
[5] Rev 3:21

offense

The Offended Body of Christ
12-21-07



When My people worship Me in praise and dance, I am happy. How do you think I feel when one person’s worship makes another person unhappy? If an older woman dances and another one despises it? When My people love each other and accept Me in each other, then the body will be sound and whole. But a curse of illness and affliction enters in where offense runs rampant. As it is with a physical body that neglects the care of its members, so it is with the spiritual body, My Church.

There are those who believe their judgments of offense are beneficial to the body of Christ. If only I would consult them My bride would become perfect! If they continue to justify their offenses, they will become like a bunch of little Hitlers, setting their brethren at naught because of offenses, and seeking to create the perfect people in My Church. This is not my Spirit.

I receive those who are wounded in spirit, crushed in their heart and forsaken by man. It is My glory to take the wounded member of My body and heal him, setting him in his place according to My purpose.

If I bring an obnoxious man to the body, is not My purpose that the body would use the gifts I gave them to minister to him and set him free from his root sin of bitterness? But some fold their arms in front of their chests and shake their heads. In their offense at the obnoxious brother, they keep him out. In doing so, these offended ones do not represent Me.

My body needs the Life I supply each member with. And by that Life, each member needs to nurture those in need. This is not by each member’s choosing, but the decisions are made in the Head, Jesus Christ Himself. And therein lies the problem; the body is not in submission to the Head. Some of its members think if they submit to the important scriptures they do well. This is like the scribes and Pharisees who asked Me which commandment was the most important. They did not know how to apply the word of God to their lives and take care of their brother. So when I come, many offended people will say “Lord, I prophesied in your name and cast out demons.” But I will say to them that what they neglected to do for their brethren, they did not do for Me, and I do not know them.

Scripture references;
Mt 11:6
I Cor 12:18 – 21
Eph 4:16
Mt 22:36 (see also Luke 10:27-37)
Mt 7:21-23 and 25:41-45

Addendum; in the concordance the Greek word for offense is a synonym to charging a person with a sin or a trespass. After looking this up, the Lord added “If you are offended at your brother, you pray out of those offenses that I will fix him. But if you love him and choose to forgive him, you will pray for his healing.”

God-given authority

God-given Authority
10-4-06

Satan wants man’s God-given authority. We have become the protectors of that authority, not wanting to yield it to satan’s emissaries (Rev 3:11). When we foolishly set aside who we are in Christ, we do not walk in our God-given authority. There is a casual nature which comes into our lives, as if someone else can finish what God gave us to do, and thereby damage that faith given us for His works’ sake. We bear His authority for a purpose we don’t see through our natural eyes; the purpose is seen through eyes of faith. An inheritance for the whole earth waits for those who walk in faith bearing the message of the Kingdom of God. Those who give their appointed crowns to others who seem more qualified to manage their calling will damage the overall work of the kingdom of God, and if they do not return to their walk of authority in Christ, they will be judged along with the unbelieving.

“Though you are hindered by not seeing those things which are unseen, and though you are distracted by those things which you do see, there is victory awaiting you. Remind each other about the One who brought victory through His blood, or you will seek victory in your own efforts at loving and working in this world. Your own love is not sufficient for the trials ahead. But it is in remembering that you will realize the victory won and the authority granted through the cross, and that every Word from My mouth is ever true. You are daily given living words to sustain your lives, to see by, to walk in faith by.

Man keeps treating faith as if it is magic. It is not an unseen force which draws the power of God to it. The basis of true faith is found in remembering My Words and believing them. The enemy is all about changing times, seasons, and changing the truth into lies. But I am turning the hearts of men back to the foundations of truth given to him when the victory was first won. This incomparably great power which raised Jesus from the dead works in us (Eph 1:19-23). This kind of power is not just magic or energy; it is authority.”

the Authority of Prayer

Authority of Prayer
8/28/06
I was praying for a woman named Chris today, and many thoughts came to mind. There were accusations against her, and thoughts of how the Lord would bring such good out of this illness for Chris. I did not agree with either train of thought, and as I submitted my mind to the Holy Spirit (see 2 Cor 10:3-5) I heard the Lord say “Isn’t the blood enough?” I remembered the scriptures in Rev. 12 about the accuser of the brethren pursuing those who had the spirit of prophecy, and that they had overcome him by the word of their testimony and the blood of the Lamb. “Yes, the blood is enough” I answered. “But I don’t see the connection to healing”, or to the passage in Rev. 12. The Lord reminded me that Michael contended with satan over Moses’ body, and said that we should contend with satan over healing, not submitting to thoughts of what good may come from the infirmity, or of thoughts suggesting the sick person has sinned. If a person has sinned, we can stand in the gap as one who forgives them (Mt 6:14; Jn 20:23). There are scriptures about restoring the Christian who sins (1 Jn 5:16) but not all sickness comes as a result of sin.

If we are to overcome our enemy by the word of our testimony and the blood of the Lamb, praying for our sister is a good place to start. To stand in the gap for her health means to stand against accusations against her. It means that her past sins, like ours, are under the blood of Jesus. It means that our testimony lines up with the Word of God, and He is faithful to perform it. Most of all, it means that having done all, we stand in defense of God’s Word. It is living and active, and God will perform it. We are God’s defense against the accuser of the brethren, and by our love and care of each other the world will know we are His (Jn 13:35).

authority of standing in our appointed place

Our Authority
3/8/06
“As you come to Him, the living Stone – rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to Him – you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 2:5)

I am building you into a spiritual house. Many have the vision of what I am doing and are standing in their place, bricks made without straw. These bricks are made in the hope of the freedom purchased through salvation, the walking out of the land of slavery of Egypt and all it symbolizes. These bricks are men who have the vision of living in the promise land, of fighting the good fight of faith and obtaining the promises of a Faithful God. They are also called lively stones, precious jewels which stud the walls of the City of God.

These stones have a purpose. A stone that stands in its place is one I can build others upon, as I work the master plan for My holy temple. But there are some holes in My walls, for some stones are not standing in their places. They are stones which remain outside the city walls, for they are offended at Me and the requirements I lay on them. “What requirements are there?” they say, “for Jesus did everything for me, and God will take care of the rest.” Their simpleminded faith is a snare to them, so I come to reason with these stones and ask them to stand in their place.

As in the days of old, when Moses led My people out of the land of slavery, so is salvation for My people, a coming out of bondage of sin. But just as in the days of old when My people were freed and set on a journey, so now My people must travel towards My vision for their lives; the promised land, or as in the New Testament, the promises of God. My people need the vision of what I am building in order to obtain My promises. I am not leaving My people in salvation and doing everything for them, but they must fight for the land they will inherit. All those who thought that the promised land was not worth fighting for died without My promises. This is your example. Teach My people not to stop at freedom. Their salvation is the beginning of a walk full of purpose and power. My people cannot rest on what I have accomplished for them. Take what I have done for you and use it as the Gift that allows you to do the same, and more. I have called you “like living stones” because you are like Me, the Living Stone. I have called you a royal priesthood because you are like Me, the Royal Priest. I stand in you, and it honors Me when you do as I did. But those who are offended at the walk, and who shrink back from the fight of faith, have missed My vision of building a holy temple stone by stone, and of redeeming people on the earth.

The spiritual house, or temple, will shelter My people, and it’s walls will keep the enemy out. Understand that your enemy has a design for which many need to stand together against in order to thwart. Each stone is needed in its place, standing in his or her God-given authority. Put away all simplemindedness and pray with each other for your circumstances to fall into line with My will. These are the keys I gave you, that you would bind on earth and I would bind in heaven; that you would loose on earth and I would loose in heaven. I will do it. Use the authority I purchased for you when I bought your salvation and do not remain outside Egypt, waiting to see what I will do next. Coming out of Egypt is only the beginning. Glory awaits those who enter into My promises and faint not at the battles to come.

This is what the Lord said to me this morning, and I submit to you for prayer. God be with you.

the Authority of the Word of God

Authority of the Word of God
7/24/06
There is great authority in the Word of God. It is the standard against which all things are measured. Yet the Word itself is not the heart of God. The heart of God is expressed by His Holy Spirit, for holiness rests in the heart. It is the heart that will withstand a battle, standing firmly on the Word of God. Every test and trial which comes upon Man brings up the dross and leaves the fine metal of the heart purified.

A man without a purified heart will still have the authority of the Word in his heart and mind, but there is an authority to the overcomer that will elude him. For I am waiting for the manifestation of My sons and daughters. There is an agreement of My Word that can only be seen as it is manifested in the hearts of those tried and tested. So I spoke to the church at Laodicea to buy from Me gold tried in the fire, for their hearts could not withstand the trials which were to come upon them without first being purified through their present trials. They had avoided purification and chose not to mortify the flesh, and so were caught naked.

In the warfare against the flesh, the world, and sin there is purpose. A man must not lose sight of My hand resting upon his life. The authority will come to those who will affirm My Word, both spoken and written, through prayer. I wait for the “amen” of My creation, those formed into My image. Amen.

authority to move obstacles

Authority to move Obstacles
4/3/06
I am beginning to see that sometimes we need bigger equipment than we expected, for the job God gives us is not always as simple as it seems. Even simple jobs become more complicated when our enemy interferes with our work, and the complicated jobs start to look impossible.

This became very apparent last Saturday when Dave hired an excavator to level our back yard for a car port. Dave had tried to level it with a “walk behind” version of the earth and rock movers we see here in Hawaii. He worked hard, all that week end, and it was not possible to accomplish the leveling of our back yard. But the excavator he hired Saturday had a huge tractor that looked like a dinosaur, and it had rulership over every rock in our yard. Each time it unearthed a piece of blue lava rock Dave praised the Lord, and so did I.

This experience became the groundwork for a lesson today. Many of us are trying to move obstacles out of the way, off of the highway of the Lord so that the righteous can travel there (Is 57:14). Our prayers are the hands and our faith is the backbone for these obstacles to move. But there seems to be more rocks, and more urgency to move them. We need some extra strength when things don’t seem to budge.

So who has rulership over our rocks? This is the point the Lord brought home to me. He wants to give authority to His people so that they can do those works He predestined for them to walk in. The scriptures He led me to are in Revelation 2:18-29; the letter to the church at Thyatira. In this letter, the Lord assessed the contents of their deeds, and the motivation of their hearts. Though they had many deeds, some of them had compromised the integrity of their hearts. The symbolism of Jezebel represents a spirit which corrupts that which is holy through lust of the eye, lust of the flesh, and the pride of life. Though the congregation in Thyatira was not misusing their authority, neither were they tackling the huge obstacle of impurity in their midst. They needed to repent. They were the ones who had rulership over their own rocks, and the Lord was urging this congregation to use their authority to move them.

Authority is expressed in the Bible in a few scriptures I want to review here;
If a man will rule over his spirit, it won’t become broken down and vulnerable to evil influences (Prov 25:28).
If a man will be patient and just, he will rule well (2 Sam 23:3 & Pr 16:32).
We are told to rule with diligence, and manage the lives of those under us well.
These are guidelines which prevent the compromise of holiness when evil presents itself.

If the church at Thyatira would overcome it’s compromise with all that Jezebel represented, and eliminate her spirit, God would give them authority over the nations. This process depended on the congregation ruling in their own backyard first. Their faithfulness in using their God-given authority would bring more authority and be effective for ruling the nations (Lk 19:17).

This brings us back to the question of “whose rocks are they?” If the rocks are in our ministry, they are ours. But if they are in another city, or nation, they probably belong under the jurisdiction of principalities. For a church to grow and expand it’s influence over cities, authority to rule over the principalities of those cities must be granted or all ministry will be ineffective. Faithful management of a little authority shows the Lord that He can safely expand our territory. We, like Thyatira may have “many” deeds and our works may be great, but to continue we need to exercise authority in our families, ministries and churches first. Then God will give us authority over the nations.

We look forward to having the nations as our inheritance, but just like the promised land, there is a war to win before we gain them. I believe the faithful will overcome and be granted authority over the nations. And in having authority, they will remove the obstacles so that the people can travel on the highway of the Lord. There may be many rocks, but God is letting us see a challenge that we can conquer, even more than conquer, in Him. Amen.

the Kingdom

God’s Kingdom and the Call to War
2/5/06
“If this is God’s kingdom, I want out!” Is that what we would say to Jesus if He stood with us today? He has been giving us kingdom authority and partnering with us from on high (and within) since His resurrection . . . but sometimes we don’t like what we see in our lives. “It’s too hard” we complain. “I thought God would take care of everything” we moan. Will we neglect to conquer, just because it takes works of faith, works involving sacrifices we didn’t think He would require of us? Does the Church want to sleep until the day she possesses the New City with her Lord?

What can be known about our role in God’s kingdom can often be seen in how He treats us, and what He has given us to use on the earth. We can look at the gifts God has given us to see Him preparing us to rule. Wisdom, prophecy, interpretation . . . these are not meant for paupers, but for princes. Because we can wage the good fight of faith, we are given protective armor instead of protection. Rather than leading us as babies, He lets us mature through real-life experiences, experiences that teach us the good judgment needed to rule in a kingdom. But many of us didn’t think it would be this way, did we?

One other important thing God gave us was His Word. We live in a time so hard, so full of war physically and spiritually that God wrote a letter specifically to us so that we would overcome. If we will heed it, we will wake up. We will stir the flame of our hearts into fervency and desire His kingdom to come fully onto the earth, looking just like it does in heaven. We have been praying as a Church for God’s plan to happen here where we live. We should not be disappointed that we have a part to play in its coming.

The part we have to play in God’s kingdom coming onto the earth can be seen in the stories of the other players. The Apostles built a foundation which we now build on. They labored in works which will live on forever, becoming gates in the City of God. Many saints have lived and died to preserve the faith so that it would be delivered to us whole and entire. They are a cloud of witnesses who testify of a God who is glorified through the works of men’s faith. But we have a unique part. We at the end are the final “Amen” to God’s works. It is written that the Lord will come with saviors (Ob :21). We are even more to be in His image, suffering to partake of His resurrection Power, laying down our lives in sacrifice so that His nature would be a living fragrance on our prayers. We will join them one day, saying “Amen” to all they speak about our God. Let us shake of the dust of our sleep and arise, for it is a glorious occasion every day to walk in the kingdom of God.

1/2 hour of silence #2

The Half Hour We Live In
2/7/06
This morning while in prayer I heard the Lord tell me that I didn’t really understand the times we are in. I remembered that He showed me the first trumpet preparing to sound. That was about 9 months ago. Here is what He shared with me this morning;

“Man thinks I will come back to judge him at his best. He thinks the Spirit will be flowing and he will reign victoriously. But this is the ½ hour of silence. This is that time when I have dried up the Great river Euphrates so that men might be tested by deception. For the love of man has grown cold, and each thought in his heart is for himself, even in some hearts in My kingdom. So my answers are slow, that the waiting would deepen his love. Though some will grow in love, some will not. For satan is gathering many to war against what they know to be the Truth. It is a wilderness, not a paradise. There is unfaithfulness in men’s hearts towards Me. It is a time of testing so severe that many are turning away in the great rebellion. Even those elect which have My great light in them would be lost if this continued. So I will cut it short.

This is a time that men have to be prepared for ahead of time, for it is silent in heaven. Those who are righteous will be holy, and those who are wicked will do evil. The hearts of men will either turn to Me, or away.

Is it any wonder that there are so many self-help books for men to read? Satan has led the hope of man down a path of self-perfection in order to frustrate and anger him. He hopes to turn My people away from their hope in Me, using their abundance of carefully planned works and words to sicken their hearts. For hope deferred makes the heart sick. But what a man believes he waits patiently for. And what a man hopes for he waits for. It isn’t the hope itself that is wrong, but whether a man hopes in what I will produce in him and his life and in the earth, or whether he will produce it from his own seeds. If he has tended to the seeds I planted in his heart, his hope will bear fruit unto eternal life. But if he seeks his own gain and walks according to his own understanding, his hopes will be frustrated and he will call Me evil.

So it is a time to encourage and strengthen your brethren. Do not desire any man to fail, but intercede on behalf of all men, for the days are full of evil. Worship Me with all your heart for in this is safety."

the first trumpet, and the 1/2 hour of silence

For a few day I have had these 2 dreams and their message on my mind. I believe the body of Christ is being prepared for something much larger than it imagines, and therefore submit these dreams to you. May we all find ourselves ready for Him whom we love. Amen.

First Trumpet
5-7-05 dream
In this dream there was a band of about 4 people and myself in the sky. A young man was the flutist and the rest were adults. When the young flutist played, I responded back to him by playing on a short mouth piece flute. We smiled at each other and knew we were waiting for something or someone.

In front of us in the sky was a whale, about 40 ft away. It didn’t move except to open it’s mouth in our direction. We commented on it, and wondered about the whale, but didn’t feel any danger.

Then the whale let out a barely-perceptible sound that was like the sound of a horn. A less-defined creature appeared in the sky above the whale, dark dark red, like dried blood. It had tentacles like liquid blobs which moved out from it’s body, and down towards the whale. With 2 of these blobs it engulfed the whale. I said “Did you see that!?” But the others hadn’t been watching. I was alarmed and thought we should leave.

Interpretation – In this dream we were suspended in silence in the 2nd heaven. The whale represents the seventh seal (fullness of the seals, or a large seal = a whale). During the seventh seal the first trumpet is sounded, so I heard the beginning of the first trumpet. At this same time there is blood in the sky, mixed with hail and fire. The blood represents the protection of the blood of the Lamb for God’s people during judgment. Fire tests the works of Man, and hail is the judgment of God. Because I saw the blood moving we know now that God is sealing His people so that the plagues will “pass over” them, just as the blood of the Lamb on the door posts caused the angel of death to pass over the children of Israel when the angel of death came to Egypt. The barely perceptible sound indicates that these things are occurring in the heavenlies and just beginning to reach down to us on earth. The six seals have passed, and the seventh contains the sounding of the first trumpet, which has begun to sound. May we all be found ready, waiting for the Bridegroom, with lamps trimmed. Amen.





Half hour of silence
5-7-05 dream #2

I was walking with my husband Dave down the hallway of a hospital with my arms full of stuff. We were chatting and I was going to work as a nurse. We passed a lady I used to work with who held her baby for me to see. She had it while I was gone. I realized it was at the first hospital I had worked at. I said “I wonder why they sent me here?”, yet I accepted my assignment. I looked forward to seeing people I knew and had worked with.

I notice I had my bear-claw slippers on. I entered the nurse’s station and couldn’t find where to clock in, wondering if it was a time sheet or a card for a time clock. Someone told me to wait in the other room where the nurses receive report and set my stuff down. I asked Dave if he could get my shoes (“I forgot my shoes. Could you get them?”) He looked unhappy but went to get them. I sat in the back of the room I was to wait in. It was empty except for the head nurse. She stood behind a lectern up front. A half of a clock was on the wall in back of her head. I wondered if she’d recognize me but she averted here eyes. No one else was in the room while we waited, and she was flipping through her notes on the lecture.

Interpretation – This dream is about working in a ministry during the half hour of silence[1]. Coming to work with my slippers on shows that I do not have the right preparation because of sleep. My reliance upon my husband is not right. Each Christian is asked to be alert and on the watch during the time we occupy the earth. The head nurse is the leader of a ministry, preparing for the time to speak when the silence is ended. The half clock represents the half hour of silence. God has given us a brief period of time in which to prepare and wait on Him. May we be found ready. Amen.


[1] Rev 8:1

the House of Cedar

House of Cedar
10/11/06 dream
In this dream I was in a house with many rooms, made and paneled inside and out with rough-hewn cedar. There was a view of lovely clouds in a green valley. Then the carpenters and I were standing outside the house looking at the valley. The clouds to my left shifted, diving up with a sweeping motion, and then disappearing beneath the horizon. A strong storm was coming with powerful winds, and I retreated inside the house. I saw silk flowers fallen in the walk way.

After this dream the Lord led me to 1 Chronicles 14:2 where it is written that King David knew that the Lord was establishing him because a palace of cedar was built for him. I believe this is a parallel of what the Lord is doing with His people in our time; establishing us in His promises, or the Promised Land. King David gained victory over the Lord’s enemies and was established in the Promised Land, and we must gain victory over our enemies to be established also. The Lord is building up our faith and will one day have a people who stand on Who He is and what He says, putting our enemies under our feet by the authority and power of Jesus. This establishing of God’s church seems to precede His manifest presence coming into His people, which parallels the building of Solomon’s temple. Perhaps we have waited for the Lord to come in His power and have missed our role in being established in our faith. Our faith is necessary for the harvest, and Jesus foretold that our faith would be thin in the times of the end[1]. God is preparing us for a harvest of righteousness and we can see the winds of adversity, sickness, and other trials entering the lives of the saints to blow the vanity of our affections for this life away. He is preparing a people in which to dwell with the fullness of His glory.
[1] Lk 18:8

seven thunders

Healing, and Putting all things under Jesus’ feet
3-23-06
I would like to share a lesson from this morning with you. I had just woken up with the belief that satan deceives Christians into accepting afflictions, infirmities, calamities, etc. as part of God’s plan for their lives. The dream which brought this belief home to me was one where I was shown that the varicose veins I had was a design of the enemy. Though my veins are small potatoes compared to the afflictions many have, I still pray to have God’s healing. The lesson the Lord gave me when awake is as follows;

There is a parallel to the warfare we are experiencing which deals with such enemies as sickness. This parallel is found in the wars appointed to the children of Israel upon entering the promised land. Moses received a covenant from the Lord which told the Israelites not to let any of their enemies remain. They were not to co-habitate with the Canaanites (Ex 34:10-16). They were not to make a treaty with them, but break down all their altars, and God would drive the enemies out of the land. If the Israelites did not obey the Lord in doing this, their enemies would become a snare to them, eventually leading the Israelites to prostitute themselves to the gods of their enemies.

One of the consequences of co-habitating with our enemies is that we begin to look for the good in them. This leads us dangerously close to calling what is evil good (Is 5:20). We can form a belief system which looks for evil circumstances to form us into the image of Christ, and eventually to believe this is God’s perfect will for our lives. If so, why the sacrifice of Jesus? Though God does work all things to our good, He does not intend us to believe that all things are His perfect plan.

The Israelites had great success in routing their enemies at first. But when Joshua was preparing to die, he asked the remaining tribes who had not pursued their enemies “How long will you wait before you begin to take possession of the land . . . the Lord has given you?”(Josh 18:3). He encouraged them, saying that their strength was such that “One of you routs a thousand because the Lord your God fights for you” (Josh 23;10). However, he also warned them that the Lord would not rout their enemies, but would leave them in the land, if the Israelites did not obey Him and fight. This eventually happened, and God stopped driving their enemies out. They had made covenants with their enemies (Jud 2:1-3), which resulted in thorns in their sides, and snares.

This story from the book of Joshua parallels the Church taking the kingdoms of the world, which include darkness, infirmity, and calamity. We are to make them the kingdoms of our Lord. God put the works of His hands under Man’s feet (Ps 8:6). Jesus gave us authority over sickness, demons, and more. The issue that He seems to be addressing is compromise; How long will we wait until we take possession of the land?

Jesus is about the business of putting every kingdom in heaven and on earth under His feet (1 Cor 15:27). Lest some think He does this off by Himself somewhere, let us consider the authorities and the gifts He has given us, and that they are for much more than forming us into His image. We are His body, His hands and feet on the earth. He still works through His people.

In Rev 11:15-17 we read about that triumphant moment when the kingdoms of this earth become the kingdoms of the Lord. He has put everything in subjection to Himself so that He may present it all to the Father. This is when the temple in heaven is opened and we see the arc of the covenant (vs 19). The original covenant of subduing the enemies of God and Man (Ex 34:10) is met in the final victory of Jesus and His Church.

Perhaps we have compromised in accepting things which satan has handed us, promising us that they will make us a better Christian. God left the enemies of Israel in the promised land to test them and see if they would obey Him. We have had a long season of testing, even seeing some of our dear saints die. I believe that the Lord will fight with us for our inheritance if we will stand against our enemies, not only in our lives, but for the lives of our brethren. I want to encourage you to develop your spiritual gifts in service to Him, and to stand, having done all. My hope is that His hand will move with healings, deliverances and miracles in our meetings. It is becoming more than hope . . . it is my expectation. Amen.


How Long Will You wait
3/24/06
This morning there was a lightning, thunder, and heavy rain storm where we live. I went back to sleep and dreamt that I was reading the Elijah List, and a prophet spoke during the thunder, “How long will you wait?” There was thunder and lightning in between each word. This text is from Joshua’s message to the children of Israel who had not yet taken their inheritances in the promised land. It is also from a prophetic message I sent out yesterday, and therefore I have included this message today. It is a message from the Seven Thunders, urging us to obtain our inheritances and not tarry.

The Valley of Baca

Walking through the Valley of Bacca (Ps 84), and growing in strength
12-7-05
Not every battle is won by those who refuse to give up, and not every battle is lost by those who do give up. The journey through the Valley of Bacca is an accepting of the trials from the hand of the Lord and a confidence in His ability to bring us through to victory. Every victory is the Lord’s. It is a commitment to the process of walking through these trials with Him, until we stand in His presence for our final acceptance. Each trial, each trial, persecution and affliction brings the lessons which are in the pools of our tears. That person which will drink from the pools is drinking from the cup of sorrows, only to become transformed into God’s image.

The widow was commended for never giving up with her perseverance before the unjust judge (Lk 18:2-8). She kept crying out, asking . . . and this is what God’s people are not to give up on; their prayers. He always hears our prayers. The entire walk through the Valley of Bacca God hears our prayers. He sees our tears, and understands our heart’s cry. Never give up asking for justice. Believe in God’s fairness towards His people.

Even though we don’t know what to believe about our own selves, at least we should not believe the evil accusations about God and ourselves, and give up. Believe the Word of God. Then He is able to counsel, teach, here a little, there a little, building our faith up. When we have more faith to stand on, we can walk in more authority towards our enemy.


In Isaiah 61 we read about God’s mercy and grace towards His people. Isaiah foretold of them being restored to God through the ministry of Jesus. He bound up the brokenhearted, proclaimed freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners. He proclaimed the year of favor and the day of vengeance of our God. Jesus comforts all who mourn and gives them a crown of beauty of instead of ashes, and the oil of gladness instead of mourning. Our circumstances can make us afraid and sorrowful, but God sends His Spirit in this Age to rescue us. He leads us into praise when we are in despair, even calling us “oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor”. Oaks are strong. In Isaiah 53:12 it is written that Jesus divides the spoils with the strong.

In making us strong, it not only affects our personal walk with the Lord, but our community, or Church walk with the Lord. He rebuilds things that have failed in the past, and restores lost promises. He brings help from unknown sources. And He sets us into our identity in Him; priests and ministers. There is no shame after struggling through our trials. There is glory.

maturity and discipline

Maturity of the Body of Christ; Discipline
8/4/06
In order to reach maturity, we need to partake of training, nourishment, and discipline. This works inwardly to the point that the mature person seeks to be trained and follows the rigors of accomplishing goals to meet a standard. He or she maintains a steady flow of input which nourishes those goals. And the discipline of those more knowledgeable eventually becomes self-discipline. For example, in 2 Cor 10:6 we read that the person who has been successful in causing his thoughts to submit to the Holy Spirit will “punish every act of disobedience once (his) obedience is complete”.

What does it take for the body of Christ to reach maturity? We read that the 5-fold ministry is to bring the church into maturity (Eph 4;11-13). But it takes more than men and women walking in the offices mentioned here to bring the body of believers into maturity. It takes them faithfully nurturing, training, and disciplining the members of the body. In Matt 24:45,46 we read that the faithful servant gives his fellow servants their portion at the proper time. Good food, in a timely manner. We are trained and exercised by obeying the Word of God, which in turn helps us to distinguish between good and evil (Heb 5:14). And then there is discipline. We read that God disciplines us for our good so that we might partake of His holiness; His separateness (Heb 12:10). By the time we are fed, trained, and disciplined, we should be prepared for any work God has for us to do.

One of the problems which causes lack of preparedness personally for the Christian and for the Church as a whole is the hesitancy to discipline known sins. Though we know that we sin, and others have sinned against us, we are far more likely to repent of our own offense than talk to our brother about his, though Jesus admonishes us to be reconciled to one another (Mt 5:23). It may be our concept of the scriptures themselves which hinder the process of settling our issues of right and wrong between members of the body of Christ. Three scriptures come to mind as most quoted on this subject; “Judge not lest ye be judged” (Mt 7:1,2), “you who are not guilty cast the first stone” (Jn 8:7), and “first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye” (Mt 7:3-5) . These scriptures tie our hands for a) we do not want to be judged, b) we are not guiltless, and c) we are not confident that our own personal sin hasn’t blinded us, there being a whole plank in our eye. But God determined to glorify Himself by wisdom through His church (Gal 3:10), so there is surely a provision for solving problems and confronting sin amongst the brethren.

First, there is reason to speak to our brother who is in sin. In Jude 22,23 we read that we should “Be merciful to those who doubt; snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear – hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh”. The reason to speak is to save him from hell.

Second, our enemy would like us to be quiet. He twists scripture to show us our sins and make us feel disqualified to minister or entreat. The difference between the devil and the Holy Spirit is that the Lord does not expose our own personal sin just so that we will live with sin in others. It is the Lord’s plan that we would receive grace and forgiveness for our sins so that we become more like Jesus through the change which His Spirit works in us. But accusation, which is from the devil, will not change us. Satan’s accusations about our inadequacies and weaknesses will frustrate our efforts to work out issues which may be damning our brother, our self, and our church. The enemy has set his standard of accusation so that there would be no one who could be considered “spiritual”, who could bring restoration to the brother who sins (Gal 6:1).

God’s provision for our forgiveness is the first step we take to be reconciled to God and man. The next step is a step of faith in which we overcome satan by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony. When we daily come before the throne of grace to ask for forgiveness for our sins, we believe that they are put them under Jesus’ blood. Satan wants us to take them out and handle them again, as if Jesus’ blood was not strong enough, and His sacrifice not good enough to purchase our daily pardon. The word of our testimony is the word we have stood on though trials and testings. We have believed God to be faithful and persevered. These two applications of our faith, putting sin under Jesus’ blood, and confessing God’s word as our own, enable us to stand in righteousness. We can come stand before God’s throne unafraid.

If we can come boldly before His throne, we can also come to our brethren with a petition for repentance. We also can come before the church with a petition for wisdom instead of folly, and truth instead of error. God is light, and that light is in us. We have shed darkness through the act of repentance, and through obedience to the truth. Anything that causes us to hide our light is against the purpose of that light; to expose evil (Eph 5:11).

Some let the light shine on their own sin, but feel uncomfortable when they notice the sins of others. We do not presume to judge our brethren for every sin and weakness for the Holy Spirit was sent to expose the contents of our hearts to us Himself. But there is a need for the body to discern itself. In Mal 3:18 we read about those who will be able to “see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not”. Some say we are given discernment so that we know how to pray for our brethren in their darkness. I do not find any scripture to support this. Rather, if we are to walk in the Holy Spirit, we will eventually find ourselves disciplined by both the Lord and by our own efforts, pressing forward to meet the goal of righteousness. The body itself, when it begins to mature, will also press forward to meet this goal, growing up into the Head, Jesus Christ (Eph 4;15). When confronted with the sins of others, the question to ask is, “Have I sinned?” If yes, then “Have I repented?” If yes, then we are in right-standing with the Father, to offer priestly prayers for those who sin and to speak His Words of Life to restore those He brings to us. It is what Jesus would do.

The maturity of the fruit

God Collects our Fruit; Maturity
1/2/06
It is clear to me from the prophetic dreams the Lord has given me and the studies of His Word that we are living in a time of great significance. God is pressing through time to collect His fruit. He is gathering His precious jewels together (Mal 3:17), not as a decoration for His Son’s crown, but as building materials (Rev 21:11) for the City which is yet unseen (Heb 11:10).

In the parable of the Owner of the vineyard (Mt 21:33-39) we see that God’s work was given to others. The tenants thought to steal the inheritance, using God’s resources for their own benefit. The following is a Word of Prophecy from 12-24-05;

“As the Master Builder, I build with precious materials; My people who have prepared themselves. Now, in the fullness of time, I have come to gather those together who are not appointed to judgment. They will serve Me. That is the fruit I ask of the Church. But some want My people and their talents for themselves and their own selfish purposes. They are building their own kingdom and not Mine. So I will judge their ministries and take their jewels for Myself.”

A person who grows in his faith bears fruit. A ministry which grows in its faith also bears fruit (see Mt 7:15-23). Now, God desired fruit from His nation of Israel, and it brought forth briars and thistles. He then transferred the Kingdom to the Gentiles. But He still desires His fruit. We have a stern warning that we will not retain our place if we are unfaithful and should not presume on the riches of His grace (Rom 11:20).

Why does God want the fruit of our labors? It is for our good, and for the furtherance of His kingdom that He desires our fruit. It is more than just the proof that we are abiding in the Vine. It is the essence of the Vine, living and flowing through us which causes fruit to form on our branches.

If a ministry doesn’t grow, its elders aren’t prepared for the hard times. There is immaturity of faith, and a desire to receive blessing, yet no endurance for the proving grounds of the battles appointed to each ministry. When the hard times come, the immature do not see any reason to stay. When they are abused, persecuted, and cut off, they look for another place to plant themselves, never realizing they were appointed to the hard place to help the failing ministry. They have the gifts, they have the calling; they just lack the preparation. They never knew the power would come through them if they had only stayed, spoken, and ministered to those who said they didn’t need them. It is the maturing of the faith of men and woman who make up a ministry which matures, and endures its battles. For God has appointed us to be more than conquerors. He has called us to be overcomers. The following is a Word from today:

“There is a great victory of overcomers around the throne of God. These are not individuals who obtained a crown at their death. These are men and women filled with faith, living on the earth now. They have not let any man steal their crown, for they know it belongs at My feet. What does laying your crown at My feet mean? It means that you have walked in authority, and then you come and worship at Jesus’ feet, honoring Him for all that has been possible through Him in you, every day. You are My witness to the world that Jesus still lives. This evidence resides in His body, the Church, and is seen when the Church continues the work of putting every authority and dominion under His feet (Heb 2:8), to the end that He will turn them over to His Father”.

Because Jesus has authority, He gives it to His body. Because He overcame, we overcome also. God the Father waits for authority on the earth to be given back to Him. This is an active work of faith, not only of each man and woman laying our crowns at the feet of His Son, Jesus, but of every ministry advancing against the powers of darkness, causing them to submit to the Name above all Names; Jesus. As it was by man’s consent that the kingdom of God transferred out of his hands and into satan’s, so it is by man’s consent that it is won back. Our agreement culminates in the very last written word of scripture; “Amen”. We agree that the kingdoms of this earth belong to the Lord, and are glad to have Him reign. We agree that His purposes for His Church, His Bride, His body, is to glorify the Son as we yield to His Life in us, bearing fruit unto an Eternal City, made without hands. Amen, come Lord Jesus.

God's Day of Preparation

Day of Preparation
9-11-06

We see God through the things He says and does. As people created in His image, we want to relate to Him through the ways we know Him about Him. His Word tells us that knowledge of His glory will one day cover the earth like the waters cover the seas (Hab 2:14). It’s God intention that He give us this knowledge. He daily gives us messages, or manna, to teach us His ways. This Word is revealed to our spirits by the Holy Spirit and causes the listener to know a little more about God each day.

Besides being instructed in God’s character, we are instructed in God’s ways. He involves us in works, which He has predestined for us to walk in (Eph 2:10). To find these works, we need to know where He wants us to go. We need signposts along the road to mark the validity of our way and tell us when to turn. God provides both instruction and direction in the messages He gives us daily. These prepare us to be more like His character, and to find the works we are to do in our lives. In order for us to know how to relate to God we study His Word. In order to know how to relate to the events in our lives, we study His Word also; His daily revealed Word.

God’s daily revealed Word prepares us. You might say that it is like the day of Preparation which the Hebrews observed before the Sabbath. It’s our Friday. In Hebrews 3 and 4 we read about the Sabbath rest which God appointed to His children. The admonition is, “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion.” (Heb 3:15). His voice, and obedience to what He tells us, is the preparation for entering His rest.

As I said, God’s intention is to teach us His ways and His Character. He wants to bring us understanding, wisdom, and discernment from the everyday events in our lives. To gain understanding from an event, we need to know how to relate it to what God has already taught us. What we know is a frame of reference for what we are learning. In order for God, as our Father, to teach us discernment and understanding, He first must give us a framework, constructed of pieces of knowledge. All abstract concepts need a framework, a setting by which we gain understanding. And anything unknown remains abstract until we can know and utilize it.

Jesus pointed out to the Hebrew leaders of His day that they knew how to interpret the appearance of the sky in order to have understanding of the weather (Mt 16:2-4). But they did not know how to interpret the signs of the times; Jesus, their Messiah was in their midst. Why didn’t they know what His appearing meant? They had missed the messages, the Voice of God, which were the components of the framework God had been sending them.

The Jewish leaders had not been prepared during their day of preparation. This was evidenced when Jesus said that they were a “wicked and adulterous generation”. They did not have the preparation that their Father sent them; repentance. John went to this generation as a fore-runner to prepare the way of the Lord by bringing the message of repentance, and they had not heard him. So they had no understanding by which to interpret Jesus’ appearing.

Frameworks are built a component at a time. It is line upon line, and precept upon precept (Is 28:10). Each message, or lesson, builds with the others and they relate to each other. The result allows one to see how things in our lives correlate to His Word, and we gain understanding of the overall lesson God is trying to teach us.

Let us look at Isaiah 28 again. The prophet is telling the Israelites that they did not learn line upon line, precept upon precept. Therefore, God was going to speak to them “with foreign lips”, or in a way they did not understand. This happens to us as children in school. If we have not done our math homework, we find that we have little understanding of the next day’s lesson. We might say “It’s Greek to me”, or that it’s as if the teacher were speaking in another language.

In verse 12 of Isaiah 28 the Lord gives the Israelites the framework by which to understand their lesson. He tells them that they are in His resting place. The problem was that they did not listen. And the result was that God’s messages did not become a framework by which they could gain understanding; the messages therefore became a snare which captured them for judgment (vs 13). The Israelites had taken the message of being God’s chosen people as one of security, bringing a permanent position before God and man, and eternal life. Somehow, though, they had not understood justice and righteousness to be a part of this framework for the One God was bringing would institute these missing components. Jesus would put the pieces of the framework back together again.

If we look back at the passage in Matthew 16 we read Jesus’ warning that the Jewish leaders sought a sign. People who don’t do their homework are lost in a math class, and people who follow God can become lost if they do not obey the former lesson He has sent them by His Voice. Sometimes the lost ones even doubt that the Teacher knows what He is doing. Lost people need signs because they have no sense of direction. When Christians lose their sense of direction they’ve often missed what God has been saying “little-by-little” (see Is. 28). All those messages that would have formed a framework for their life were not listened to. Therefore they are not formed by the Word of God into His image, neither do they know how to relate to the circumstances of their lives.

These lost people tend to wait on people to tell them what to do. Coincidences become signs, and they are tossed on the ocean of their lives behind every vessel that passes by. It doesn’t have to be this way. If a man would hold as valuable each Word God speaks to him and obey it, he would be prepared by the framework they form. He would gain understanding of the times and appearance of things. He would “see” the works of the Father and know what to do. And He would understand that it is God’s nature to give him knowledge, therefore he can trust God to provide the knowledge he needs to walk through this life, doing the works he was predestined to do. It is God’s nature to prepare His people. This is our day of preparation, our Friday. If we listen and obey, we will walk in all His ways, and cease from our own labors. Amen.

pragmatism

Pragmatism
1/30/06
Many times God’s people look at the result of a hurtful event and think it is justified by the eventual good outcome. These people see God as a pragmatic God, justifying the means by the end. If the tragic death of a loved one brings a family member to salvation, is God the agent of that death? Though His Word says that He works all things to the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose (Rm 8:28), is God the agent of the “all things”?

If a man kills, is it God’s will? If a man’s house burns and a loved one dies in the fire, did God cause the fire? What if good comes eventually as a result of the fire?

Though it seems God would not, in His goodness, start a fire or take a life, what does God’s word have to say about such things? It says that satan is the one who comes to steal, kill, and destroy (Jn 10:10). Though this should make it plain that our enemy is active on the planet Earth today, many still believe that all things are from God. If the belief that all things are from God, whether good or bad, is true, what fruit does it bear in the believer who has suffered theft, loss of loved ones, and destruction?

One fruit is bitterness at God for being so harsh. An example of this is in the parable of the Talents (Mt 25:14-30). The man who received one talent hid it because he thought God was hard, “harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed”. In other words, he saw God as a taker, and an unjust taker at that. When he observed the losses he and others suffered, he correlated it wrongly with God.

The word “hard” is also used in Jude:15 and refers to ungodly men speaking hard things against God. They are grumblers, finding fault with God. But then, if you felt powerless, and that all things came from God, how would you feel when “hard” things happened?

It’s time we faced the fact that we have an enemy who wants to remain invisible. But he is the one who sends evil in a scheme so continual that we are warned to be on the alert (1 Pet 5:8), and to put on our whole armor so that we can stand against him (Eph 6:11). His intent is to trick us into laying down our armor because he knows the authority and power we walk in when we walk in God’s will.

False teachers will entice many to take life as it’s dished out to them, believing good will come in the end. If the suffering do not bear the fruit of bitterness, there is another fruit they may bear. It is self-righteousness, and pollutes every sacrifice it touches. If we sacrifice in order to gain, we are practicing a pragmatic faith, and playing God. In human terms, we suffer for secondary gain. However, God is sovereign and we cannot determine our outcome through our sacrifice. Allowing our enemy to have victories so that good will come isn’t God’s plan. His plan is for us to overcome.

We will often question the power behind those hurtful things that come into our lives and the lives of others. Let us not assume that the power is always God. He is at work towards a good end for us, and to move us in works that accomplish His good on the earth. Let us be on the watch, and pray, for it is our enemy who walks like a roaring lion, seeking whom he might devour.

Objectivity and Discernment

Objectivity
11/13/05
When praying for your conversation with a difficult person, it is best to be
“objective”. In my mind, objectivity is “not owning what is not your stuff”. So, how do we know the truth about what is our stuff, and what is the other person’s stuff, when confronted with accusations?

We know that we should “own” the contents of our hearts. Though our hearts can be deceitful, God brings its contents to our knowledge and helps us to deal with it. Satan just lies to us. The verse that came to me about this is 1 John 3:19,20; “This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in His presence whenever our hearts condemn us. For God is greater than our hearts, and He knows everything.” My study Bible says that if our conscience is oversensitive, we can quiet this condemnation by the knowledge that God Himself has declared active love to be an evidence of salvation (verse 18).

The book of 1 John is the “how to know and see” book. It is a great guide on how to be objective about what is in our hearts, and the hearts of others, by what we see. In this book John tells us such things as
why the world does not receive us (3:1)
Who is righteous (3:7)
Who is of the devil(3:8)
How the children of the devil act (3:10)
How the children of God act, and why they cannot continue in sin (3:9)
How we know we have passed from death to life (3:14)
How to know what true love is (3:16)
How we know when we fail at love (3:17)
How love behaves (3:18)
How we know we belong to truth (3:19)
How we know He lives in us (3:24)

So this is a principle I wanted to write to you about, in order to be objective with anyone who condemns you; once you establish what you “know” and what you ”see”, you can separate yourself from the lies of the enemy. Owning the truth about yourself is important. It becomes that belt which is fastened around your waist, holding up the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God. When the enemy assaults you, you need the belt of truth to keep the Word of God at hand. Then you can speak the Word of God to your accuser. If your enemy can confuse you about the truth, then there’s nothing to hold the sword on with.

Here is a Word the Lord gave me last August which fits well here; “Discernment is the weapon against condemnation. Truth is the weapon against confusion. The strength of the strong-in-faith is in maintaining their victories. Without discernment, the battles of the mind cannot be won, and faith in what is true will be cast aside for belief in what is a lie. Discernment will lead to wisdom if a man fears God and loves the truth.”

my brother's keeper

Sometimes our brother enters sin, and we are faced with the heart-wrenching knowledge of his or her slipping from salvation. Yet our Lord holds them in His grasp, and though their circumstances become harsh, He has a plan for their restoration. Here is a word of prophecy that the Lord gave me a few years ago about this situation.

WISDOM STANDS, PART II
12-1-05
Love travails with people to bring them out of sin and into salvation. It is a working out of problems, issues, relationships, to put the other person in a better standing, to put them in the place to receive salvation, or to put them in a place of reconciliation and repentance. If a man or woman hardens his heart and God takes over the case (the hardened individual being laid at the feet of Jesus in prayer), to vindicate His cause and uphold His justice, and His nature, and there is an impending judgment to come, then the minister of God must not place the sinner in an even worse position. When our conversation causes the sinner to enter more sin, we are laying a stumbling block before them[1]. At times the Lord has us hold our peace, not confront our brother or sister when they are lying, hating, cheating or stealing. During these times we should intercede and pray for the one in sin, and give them love. It is a close walk with the Lord, learning how to minister to those who are not walking with Him.

Confrontation has causes some sinners to harden their hearts beyond repentance, and they have had to suffer a great separation and judgment. This is why it is written to live in peace with all men in as far as it is up to you. Try to put all men and women in a position of blessing by the Lord, favor and goodness, even causing them to do good things that they may not have thought of[2]. Put them in a good light, and so you will be like Jesus. It may seem like an enabling of the wrong-doer, and a standing on the side of wrong, but it actually is a coaxing and an enticing over onto the side of kindness. This is the opposite of entrapment; the snares and evil schemes of the devil which catch men in a bad light to rob them of all reward. The nurturing role is not the role of the judge.

If I tell you not to contact a person who has slandered you until they repent, then realize that your conversation with them would cause more sin on their part, and that I am working to bring them to a place of repentance. Pray for them. Likewise, show grace, honor and favor. In no way let there be evil spoken of you, and do not speak evil of the wrong-doer. Then when I visit this one, he will know that you are of God[3].

In all your works and conversation show that you care about all things. In this way you are looking out for your brother or sister[4]. You are your brother’s keeper[5].





[1] Rom 14:13
[2] See Luke 19:2-10; Jesus invites Himself into Zacchaeus’ house
[3] 1 Peter 2:12
[4] Phil 2:4
[5] Gen 4:9

Suffering

Suffering.
2/12/06
Sometimes when we suffer, we feel that God’s promises are just a consolation prize. In Isaiah 61 we read about how the Lord binds up the brokenhearted, proclaiming freedom and releasing them from darkness. These are good promises, but a suffering person wants more. He or she wants restoration, answers, justice . . . in other words, actions on the part of God which balance out the pain and grief being experienced.

Our enemy does all he can to turn us away from loving and serving God, especially identity theft. Satan hands us the fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil so that we would walk in our own authority, even in the church. This seems empowering in the face of being victimized by loss. But eating of this fruit enables us to do God’s will our way (or our will in God’s house) and this is what the enemy wants us to do. We are much too dangerous to satan’s kingdom when we are submitted under God’s authority. Therefore, satan robs, destroys, kills and cripples to turn our hearts toward the temptations which come through pain and grief. In our suffering, we can get confused, and lose sense of God’s purpose for our lives. We are then tempted to return to our own identity, the old man Adam.

This is not God’s plan for the brokenhearted. Let’s look at one of the things God brings us when wounded. In verse 6 of Isaiah 61, He tells us that we will be called priests and named ministers. If you were broken hearted, you might consider this a burden you could not carry. Having Jesus be a priest for all of us may seem enough. When we are under the weight of suffering, we do not necessarily want to feel the weight of anyone else’s needs, including our own. But this is an area in which our enemy takes further advantage of us by blinding us to who we are in Christ. He engages us in the “blame game”.

A look at his game should expose the temptations we encounter during suffering. They are blame, grumbling, and false accusations, to name a few. If we realize our heart is not right in these attitudes, we are led into an endless cycle of blaming ourselves, and asking for forgiveness because we still feel the sting of our loss. We become trapped in dead works because loss is something we may feel long after we have forgiven.
The repeated ritual of giving forgiveness and repenting of unforgiveness causes confusion when we look into the promises of God’s word; oil of gladness and comfort for those who mourn, a garland for ashes, and a mantle of praise for a spirit of fainting. Grief blinds us to seeing God’s provision for us when we are standing on our own. This is not God’s plan for the brokenhearted. God’s intention is to restore us. He calls us priests, not to comfort us, or as a prize we won through suffering; He is restoring us to our identity.

Jesus learned how He could be a priest for us by being tempted as we are, including suffering pain and grief, yet not sinning (Heb 4:15). God holds out to us healing leaves from this Tree of Life. He restores us in Christ, calling us priests so that we can minister to others through our grief. God’s calling isn’t a consolation prize; it’s His plan. And yes, one day we will see the enemy who has caused us so much pain placed under our feet (Rm 16:20).

God's Reputation

God’s Reputation
1-25-07

We seldom think about God’s reputation. He has integrity, so we might take for granted that He maintains His own reputation. But there are two situations in the scriptures where we see God’s servants protecting His reputation. The first occurred when the Lord wanted to kill all the Israelites and start over with Moses[1]. Moses pleaded for the Lord not to do this, for He would be seen as a God who led His own people out into the dessert just to kill them. Moses knew that God was righteous and he did not want the rest of the world to think of Him as evil. We think of Moses as bold, confronting the Lord. And yet, the Lord was honored, and honored Moses by His agreement to his request.

Another prophet brought the question of God’s reputation up to Him; Elijah. Elijah was housed by a widow during a time of severe drought. God brought His provision to her when she did this kind act and she and her son did not lack for food. But there came a tragedy into the widow’s life; her son became sick and died[2]. Elijah said to God “have you brought tragedy also upon this widow I am staying with, by causing her son to die?” Then Elijah prayed “O Lord, my God, let this boy’s life return to him!” three times. The Lord honored Elijah’s request and brought the boy’s life back into him. God was not offended that Elijah thought it would make Him look bad to take the life of a widow’s son. His agreement with Elijah’s request is shown in the answer; life from death.

After reading these two accounts of a seeming affront to God’s character the Lord said to me the following;

“You have told Me that I am good and fair, and at the same time have tried to adjust your attitude to one of acceptance when you have adverse circumstances. But, this creates a lie in your heart, for you are judging the circumstances to be unfair and bad, and that you can’t live with them. I would be honored more to have you tell Me it is wrong and unjust, and then ask Me to intervene.

It doesn’t just take sin on the part of My people to bring a reproach against My name, Helen. It is also the acceptance of defeat, and calling evil good which causes My name to be blasphemed amongst the nations. You can agree with My word, and yet remain passive. But a concern about My reputation is a concern about My kingdom which is being built on this earth.

Helen, I want My people to ask Me to show Myself mighty and right the wrong circumstances they have, not just for their sake, but for the Church and the unbelievers as well. If a man wants Me to take My power and reign[3], he will be concerned with the visible acts of God on this earth, and not with how his own works look and what sort of reputation he has.

My people are so caught up in their quest to look like Me that they do not pray for Me to look like Me. Man is consumed with making himself acceptable to himself and to his fellow Man. Man is not going to save the nations . . . I am. If Man really knew Me, he would stand in agreement with Me about My reputation instead of calling evil circumstances good. Why is Man afraid to pray in this manner, in honesty, honoring My integrity? False humility. Helen, My prophets must be strong in My nature. They will never be just like Me, but they can pray for Me to be like Me.

If a man will not use his God-given gifts, shall I honor him? If he will not retain the knowledge he has about My character, shall I give him more? Man is continually praying backwards, with the end being “if it is your will” and “if it’s your time”. He does not acknowledge the fervency with which My heart beats, or the passion which resides there. Man has come to despise passion, and the fruit of his lukewarmness is unanswered prayer”


[1] Ex 32:9-14
[2] see 1 Kings 17
[3] Rev 11:17