hope & strength

Hope and Strength

12-30-08

A man’s strength is found in his relationship with Me. Though a man will defend truth, his ability to endure comes from love. If a man will endure to the obtaining of My kingdom, he must know Me, for the enemy will hold nothing back in his attempt to turn My people against Me (see Dan 7:21,22).

A man may measure his faith by words of Mine which have come to pass. I look at a man’s hope. Hope makes not ashamed (RM 5:5). Hope is bound together with goodness on the part of the one who hopes and sees goodness in the giver. A man may hope in something apart from his own sense of self-worth for hope comes from the heart. A man’s estimation of himself comes from the mind. The mind of a man can recall his victories and defeats and obtain a standard whereby he measures his faith, but I look on hope. What a man hopes for he will struggle in his heart to maintain faith for. And when hope and faith are united in a heart, then desire comes alive.

A passionless Christian is an easy target for the arrows of disappointment. He will suffer pain and bitterness, growing in his offense of Me with each new trial. When mocking, scorn, and scoffing come upon him he will know his heart has been overrun by the enemy. But if love, hope, and faith reside, though a man wait a long time for My word to come to pass, yet his desire will grow, and his love will keep him from the enemy of his soul.

There is no shame in hope. Though the enemy would caution you to “not get your hopes up because you might get disappointed,” yet he only serves his own purposes with this lie. He paints a picture of shame and sorrow in the minds of man, as one offering sweet counsel on how to avoid damage. But hope in Me and My words will make a man strong and give him endurance. How simple are satan’s lies, yet how thoroughly they weaken the saints. Keep hope alive. Fan the flames of desire in your hearts. Let your relationship with Me make you strong, for the kingdom is coming, and what you see in your hearts will begin to be manifest around you.

I am returning men and women to a heart of faith. If I said, “when I return will I find faith on the earth” (Lk 18:8), then know that what Man calls faith is not what I call faith. I have recorded the faith of the faithful (see Heb 11) who laid a foundation for others to build on, not having seen yet the bringing to pass of my spoken word to them. Yet they held faith in their hearts, hoping for that which was to come, and did not waver. They were willing to wait for you to come, and accepted that they would not be complete without you (Heb 11:39,40). You also will build a foundation according to your faith, which others will stand on. This is faith; that you hope in that which is unseen (Rm 8:24,25) and that your works will set the stage for My words to come to pass. For each generation is appointed a part of the entire work of God, and none are complete within themselves. Faith is the assurance that what I spoke is surely going to come to pass, and apart from that faith no man will stand in this hour. Do you have faith to build a foundation for others to complete? That is what the fathers of faith did. Their suffering was for that which they believed in, but didn’t see in their life-time. If a man will not hope in the unseen, his discouragement will stop him in his labors and I will hand his portion to another. Amen.

The Sensitive Heart

The Sensitive Heart

12-29-08

Yesterday I was talking to a friend after church. We were discussing prophecy, which I had given during the service. I shared that I just “told” the words to the congregation, which seemed different to when the Lord prophesies through me. Yet they were none-the-less the Lord’s words. This morning I asked the Lord what gift or spirit (there is a spirit of prophecy and wisdom and revelation) is being used when I “tell” His words, and this was His answer;

“You ask what spirit is in operation when you ‘tell’ a prophecy rather than prophesy. It is the same spirit of prophecy that you hear when I ‘tell ‘you a thing. Add to that the spirit of wisdom as I share how a person should behave towards that which I said, and you have an accurate description of what transpired yesterday in church.

A person must be sensitive to the movement of My Holy Spirit first in order to prophesy. In the beginning a person who prophesies is dependent on a ‘feeling’ given by My Holy Spirit as I move on him. As this man or woman gains sensitivity to Me, the ‘feeling’ diminishes and disappears. So the heart that is truly united with Mine will grow in sensitivity to Me, My soft whispers, My purposes and My joys. This heart will come to know what I dislike, and why I sometimes choose chastisement and judgment, and at other times, mercy and grace. The sensitive heart is of great treasure to Me because it desires Me, to know Me.

The enemy comes against the spirit of prophecy to defeat the power of the word, but more importantly to his purposes, to cause the Christian to doubt his relationship with Me and My relationship with him. Upon doubt the deceiver builds lies about My intentions, defiling My character to the believer until he blames Me for his confusion. If this scene were played out between a man and his wife it would be plain to see that a troublemaker was trying to defile one partner’s love for the other. But this scene is daily played out in the unseen realm of the spirit.
Those victorious in faith will encourage the person who is floundering in their attempts to hear Me. But the defeated will discourage them, causing the defeat of many. How powerful a word is which causes men to stand in faith, believing in Me. And yet, words are also the weapons in satan’s hands. Let a man not doubt in his heart that I am good and love him, or he will lose many battles. Necessary, very necessary is the shield of faith. For if a man is pierced through his heart by his enemy, with what strength can he wield the sword of the word and spirit? If his faith dies can he stand on his preparation of the gospel of peace? Will not his head hit the ground, though it be covered with the helmet of salvation? And though his loins be covered around with truth, how will that strengthen him on the day he completely doubts, having cast off faith in Me? Is it the breastplate of righteousness which will quench the fiery darts of the enemy? No, it is the shield of faith. For even the righteousness a man does will eventually be laid aside by the one who questions My intentions to the point of blaming Me. Then he will lose his battle. But the man who repels satan’s accusations by his faith in Me will have full use of the word and the Spirit; his sword. He will stand in the day of evil and not be defeated. This man will be more than a conqueror. How did the victorious man begin? He had a heart that grew in sensitivity to My Spirit, a heart that desired to know Me and believed I was good. It is a heart that caused all doubt and confusion to submit to his love of Me and My love of him. And this sensitive heart is the heart that I treasure. It is the heart of My bride.” Amen.

silence

Silence

12-28-08

The Lord often speaks a word and then appears to be distant. It is a great trial to our faith, not hearing further from the Lord, and thinking He is gone. This time of silence can allow a sifting by our enemy, or it can become a time of fruit-bearing for our Lord.

In some of Jesus’ parables He tells us of a master who goes away, and then returns. What do we do with the time of absence, and what do we expect of the master? In the parable of the talents (Lk 19:12-27) the faithful servants “multiplied” their talents while the master was gone. This was the expectation of their master. It was the development of their gifts, or talents, that the master wanted, and this could not take place with Him there. As a father with a small child knows that his child will do what he says only if he is present to help and remind the child, so the master also knew that he could stay and make sure things would go right. But the right-going of things would then be to the master’s credit, and the servants wouldn’t have developed, or matured. So he went away, leaving the servants to be tested by the words he spoke and the talents he gave them. He then rewarded their development when he returned, showing that it was to their credit, and not his, that they increased their talents.

The evil servant saw that he would be making his efforts for the Lord and not for himself. This servant did not see that multiplying his talents would have been credited to him. He thought it was unfair for the Lord to ask him for what he (the master) did not labor, and so the servant refused to do anything. The evil servant judged his master, and stunted his own development as well. So when the Lord returned, he took away what he had given the evil servant.

Jesus gave another parable in which He showed the master’s expectations. It is the parable of the barren fig tree (Lk 13:6-9). In this story the master’s servant, representing the Holy Spirit, promises to dig around the barren tree and fertilize it so that every opportunity is given to bear fruit. This is similar to “multiplying” talents. Fruit is an outward sign of faith. However, the master only gave his servant one year, and if the tree did not bear fruit by that time, the master would have it cut down.

In yet another parable Jesus talks about leaving a servant in charge of his fellow servants (Mt 24:45-51). When the master goes away, the expectation is that the servant in charge will “give them (his fellow servants) their food at the proper time.” We should consider that this also illustrates a time in the believer’s life when the Lord is not actively speaking, but in which he is entrusted with nourishment for his fellow-servants. Perhaps it was a word, rich in meaning at the time he received it, that his master intended for the servant to pass along to those who were without it (the word).

There are six references in the New Testament made by Jesus, telling us that, for some, He would come as a “thief”. He was making a reference to His “returning”, as the master did in Jesus’ parables. He comes back to see what we have done with what He has said and what He has given us. He comes for our “fruit” (Mt 21:34), or the multiplying of our talents. God, our Master, knows what season we are in. We must “be faithful in the little things” (Lk 19:17). Our attitude can become too casual and it may seem reasonable for us to just wait, filling our time up with things of this life. But a heart of faith towards God’s word will pray, and praise God as if He stood right next to him. And God will inspire the heart of faith with deeds that express that faith, until the man bears fruit. The man who is too casual will think that God will bless him anyway, because of His love. This man will be surprised when he is thrown out of God’s blessings for not wearing the right formal attire (our attitude, as seen in Mt 22:11-14). God does have expectations of us.
Back to the question of what we expect of God; is it that we expect God to hold our hand and prompt us every step of the way to our fulfilled obedience? Do we expect Him to shower love and blessings on us regardless of meeting His expectations of us? Then we are children, in danger of letting our hearts grow evil towards God, eventually judging Him for His requirements. Though God does not want us to go ahead of Him, doing our own thing and using His name, it is His great wisdom to train us in periods of silence. His expectations are for our growth, and reward. Amen.

the 7th Trumpet

The 7th Trumpet

12-27-08

Three and a half years ago the Lord gave me a dream wherein I saw the ending of the 7th seal, the ½ hour of silence, and the beginning of the sounding of the 1st trumpet. I have copied that dream at the end of this prophecy. There was also a second dream on the ½ hour of silence given, which I did not include. As time has passed, the Lord has spoken a few words about the times we now live in. This morning the Lord brought a word about the 7th trumpet, which follows. May God add His blessings to our lives as we seek His face today, and truth which will keep us in His love. Amen

“I hate the cruelty of those who are mean or indifferent to My people. They blame each one who has a trial as if he were in sin, yet see the body as a corporate body when they seek blessing for their own good. These are men in authority who say “Speak not mean words over my church, for God is love” but they themselves do not perform My love individually to the members of the body because it is a burden to them. So I will not answer their prayers. As in times of old (Micah 3) I will be silent.

Indeed, many have sought Me for their own gain, that they may have a reputation amongst men with their words. But in My silence, they have spoken anyway, not seeking My face for approval. They have gone before Me and not waited on My presence. Presumptuous are they, and in their dark hearts they have not considered that I know My body. I know each individual need. I hear the sigh of the widow and see the tears of orphans. Because they do not hear from Me, these leaders make their own ways, and deep are the grooves of their footsteps so that many may find them and follow in them. These leaders have cast off care and heaped to themselves the harvest of the praises of men. “Simplify” they say, and so they cut the labor of love from their lives so that they may be care-free.

To the prophets who prophesy in My name; In the Day of the 7th trumpet there will be a release of revelatory prophecy. And this Day is upon you. Do you think to prophesy sweet things when the words in My servant’s stomach were bitter? Do you think to set hearts at ease when the time for the accomplishment of My Word is upon the earth? What work is it you seek to do with your words? Fir it is a time of great hardship and calamity for which many of you are not prepared. How will you lead My people, you who seek peace and safety for yourselves first? How will you prophesy My vision to the people, you who have been busy building your own kingdoms? A great Day of prophecy is on the earth, a day of unsealing. Who will endure to the end with My words in their mouth? Only6 those trained by obedience to My Spirit. There is scant little time left to run after eye salve and faith tried like gold. Every inconvenience and unpleasantry sent to you by My hand was sent to train you. For those who reject what I send, shall they stand with the righteous? Where will the disobedient buy time to pass through the fires of trial and affliction that their hearts will become pure and their robes unspotted? I, God, would be unjust to delay the bringing to pass of My Word.

To those who love ease and the praises of men I say, you will have seasons of grief. You will begin to notice the silence, and see others put before you in the kingdom. I will not deliver you from temptation, to the end that the sins of your own heart would chasten you into true repentance. Only then will you be washed and remain clean.”

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 its 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.

Resting on the Sabbath; a good word for Christmas!

Resting on the Sabbath
12-25-08

God is great and does marvelous works (Ps 86:10 & Rev 15:3). It is not just who God is, but also what He does that makes Him God. If what God does is important then what we do is also important. Though God continues to labor, we have a rest appointed to us weekly. God has a Sabbath rest He will enter into with us (Heb 4:9,10).

The Sabbath is meant for enjoyment. God enjoys the fruits of His labors and the creation of His hands. He rested once, after the creation of the world and man and all that was in the world, above and below it. He enjoyed what He had done afterward, and saw that “it was good”. We were meant to enjoy the fruits of our labors also. Otherwise the meaning of our lives is found in work, and this creates a void in us. Relationships suffer and our mind becomes a slave-driver.

We should enjoy the fruits of our talents, the good works we do, and the words that come from our heart towards God and people. God wants us to look on the faces of the people in our lives and see the good we have caused to come to them. This makes our lives richer. God meant for us to find satisfaction in the fruits of our lips and the fruits of our labors. It is false humility to not enjoy those fruits, and it is punishment to continually evaluate our words and deeds. Let us begin today, learning to enjoy the good things that come out of our hearts, whether in word or deed. This is pleasing to God and will bring health to our soul. Amen

Morning Star

Morning Star
12-20-08
“And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.” (2 Peter 1:19)

Peter referred to the “word of the prophets” as a “light, shining in a dark place”. God’s word is meant to be just that; a light. When we read the entire passage we see that the intensity of the light grows, until it becomes the dawning of Day. It is prophesied of Jesus that He is the sun (Lk 1:78) who will guide our feet. He is the One who brings the full light of the word of God. We understand this further when we see that the Pharisees, who had the word, did not necessarily have understanding of it or of eternal life. It was God’s purpose to put the understanding of the word of God in Man by the indwelling of the Spirit of His Son, Jesus. This Spirit, the Holy Spirit, teaches us the meaning of the word of God (Jn 14:26). The Holy Spirit trains us in steps, or stages, and if we persevere we will have the full understanding of God’s word to us, His purposes, and what we should do because of the word given us.

First, a man must receive the word by faith, believing it is from God. This is true of both the logos and rhema word. Then the man must defend the word from theft and corruption, as illustrated by the parable of the Sower and the Seed (Lk 8:11-15). Next, he must learn to apply the word, for it is a man’s obedience to the word which will bring fruit from the word (Jn 15:7-8). It is during the stage of obedience in which the man is then given wisdom, and his understanding of the word increases. If the man will persevere against his flesh, the world, and satan, then the understanding of the word will grow inside of him and bear fruit.

It is also during the stage of obedience that satan will come with his “secrets”: wisdom and knowledge given without the need for obedience (a “no-strings-attached” gift from the enemy). This is how he came to Eve in the garden, speaking of knowledge purportedly kept as a secret from her by God (Gen 3:4). Satan does not require obedience to his word as God does, therefore his ways seem easier. But if a man gives up his obedience and takes satan’s secrets, he will circumvent his own training as a son of God.

When a man does overcome satan, his flesh and the world, and does obey the word given to him, then the Morning Star arises in his heart (Rev 2:28). God can trust this man with the purposes for which He sent the word, and teach the man how to behave towards those purposes; this is called the Mind of Christ. The overcomers in the church at Thyatira did not want to learn satan’s secrets (Rev 2:24), so they were rewarded the Morning Star. God knew He could trust them with His purposes for nations, so God also bestowed on them “authority over the nations”. They had the Mind of Christ.

Christ’s mind held more than the word of God. He not only obeyed it perfectly, but understood His Father’s purposes for speaking. He spoke what He heard the Father speak, and did what He saw the Father do (Jn 12:49-50). His obedience to God the Father is His testimony and a legacy He leaves to us (Jn 17:4). It has been God’s purpose to speak His word to Man so that Man could be trained by his obedience to the word. If Man will overcome he will understand fully and know the purposes for which God speaks to him. And when the Morning Star arises in his heart he will know how to behave towards that spoken word. This will bear the fruit of men and women living Christ-like lives on the earth. And God’s word will become our testimony(Rev 12:11), which we speak and do.

confirming God's good intentions towards Man

Every now and then the Lord brings a special word, a lesson in “due season” that opens up the eyes of our hearts. This morning after awaking from a prophetic dream, Dave and I shared the truths that were contained in it. The prophetic flow became the substance of the following word of prophecy. God bless you as you read the following lesson.
“We are coming to the end of the hour of trial (Rev 3:10). It is the most important test, and is a test of patience, to try men to see if they will uphold the truth that God’s intentions towards them are good. Many will give up their crowns to men during this time, seeking acceptance because their enemy has caused them to feel rejected by God during their time of testing. But you have the witness of Job, and the witness of David, which said “Though He slay me, yet will I hope in Him (Job 13:15 & Ps 23:4).

The song of Moses and of the Lamb confirms God is holy! (Rev 15:3,4) Just as the angels confess His holiness from the heavens (Rev 15:3,4), so we must confess on earth that God is good. Because satan accused God to Eve and made His intentions look evil towards her, we must crush our enemy beneath our heels (Gen 3:15) by saying “God is good.” But the rebellious are from a seed that the enemy planted in the earth. They will not praise God during their trials. As in Malachi (3:14-18) they will look on the things they do not have and regret ever having known My name. They will dishonor Me to this world and deny Me, going after the wealth and the ways of the world. But My own who honor My name when they speak of Me, shall be given discernment. They shall be set free.

This is a time of great trial . . . a time many Christians did not think they would face. It is a time of captivity, death, and destruction, and no one takes it to heart that it is that same time of war I showed to Daniel (Dan 7:21,22). Satan will overcome the saints, and yet Man says of him that he has no power. This one lie has stripped my Church of its preparation. If satan, the great dragon, had no power than why did it take an army in heaven to cast him to the earth? And if he had no power why did the woman bearing the child flee from him? (see Rev 12) Your power over satan lies in standing on the word of God, which satan opposes day and night. Satan uses all his time twisting and accusing My words so that the Church will not defeat him with it. And satan accuses Me to the brethren so that their hope will drift to security in this life. Satan will cause Man to trust in a man rather than his God, and so, one-by-one, defeat them.

To this generation it has come to praise God for His righteousness, His holiness, His mighty works. The hour of trial is the stage for satan’s defeat. Let “I will hope in Him” stay on your lips, with praise in your heart for God’s good intentions towards Mankind. For God is first, and always, holy." Amen

the bride

The Bride of the Lamb
11-30-08
The Holy Spirit seemed to highlight “consolation” to me, and He began speaking to my heart . . . He (God) is hurt when we treat His choices as the “consolation prize” instead of being thrilled to know Him better by what He reveals to us. Sometimes His children think that it is a big deal when they move through their trials and come to the point of accepting God’s ultimate outcome. But the acceptance, when not mixed with the joy of walking with God, brings a dampening to the relationship between the people walking through trials and their God. It is as if the people are accepting much less than they wanted for themselves, yet are receiving the “prize” to console themselves for their hard efforts. This does not honor God. It does not honor the heart of One who loves us and walks through trials with us.

The Husband, Jesus, seeks a Bride that thrills to know Him. A selfish bride that only wants to be known and have her way will be discourage when she finds out that her husband wants another way; his own. But a bride that loves her husband also loves to learn her husband’s ways so that she might please him better. The outcome of trials reveals his heart to her, as does the walk through everyday’s joys and hardships. Paul wrote “I want to know Christ.” (Phil 3:10,11). Do we want to know our husband? Of course we do. The rest of this verse is “and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death, and so, somehow to attain to the resurrection from the dead.” Knowing Jesus as our husband is uniting with Him in suffering as well as good times, sorrow as well as in joy. But it is more; it is accepting His will with the thrill of a new bride who is learning the ways of the One she loves and desires to make happy.

turning the hearts of men to their children

There have been Christian leaders who have been guilty of immorality, and their fall brings a disgrace to the name of the God they serve. We as Christians know the nature of sin and how it is the grace of God that cleanses us daily, and not through our own efforts that we are clean. We pray for our leaders, and for ourselves also lest we fall in our own weakness. But above all, we trust in a God Whose plan for us is that we become as He is, and we know that His love will keep us from the wrongful desires of our yet unpurged heart, if we will listen and obey Him. Today’s word came as a reply to one leader’s fall, who wants to stay with his Christian mistress and divorce his wife.

"Is this man an apostle of the god who gives men new wives, or of the God who turns the hearts of the fathers to the children, whom this man has not seen since his fall? He is not in his God’s movement because he became drunk on power. My movement breaks power; the power of curses. The other god brings a curse (see Malachi 4:6).

The true God is a God of His Word. If a man will not know Me this way and be formed by My Word, he will be formed by the eventual emergence of his sin.
I am about building history between men and their wives and children. But Man gets bored and wants new and exciting relationships. He wants to 'think big', and calls that 'faith'. My Spirit gets down to the minutia of the lives of men and calls this 'holiness'.

Man thinks he will take My kingdom by works of power, but I say Man will reign with Me in power when he overcomes the world, sin, and the deceit of loving his own ways. Always, as before, a tree is known by its fruit, not by its works.

The biggest battlegrounds are often found in one’s own family. Didn’t I say that betrayal and persecution would happen there, and a man’s enemies would be those of his own household? If a man or woman would do exploits for My kingdom, let them begin there, in the home. Surely I will redeem families and build back up the heritages that were lost. But if a man has his eye on his own gain he will not see that My work needs to be done in him, and in his family. And that man will bring a curse instead of a blessing to the earth.

I have a plan for families. I have a use for their talents. I have a work for them to do, and an example for them to set in the earth. My hand has raised each and every son of God in a family by the hands of those who would shape and mold him. If there were none to love that child, I Myself became his God that he might know a Father. Therefore if a man would be My minister on this earth and represent Me to thousands, he must be a father to his own first. He must set this example in the earth to show My nature. He must love his own wife as I love the Church and bathe her with the washing of the Word, as this sets My example in the world before unholy and ungodly men. If a man would be a light to those in the darkness, let him do as I do. Let him be even as I am. Then I am come in the flesh of men and the kingdom will settle down around his ankles, for satan will be under his feet. Amen.

God's heroes

Your generation has heroes portrayed in comic books. They are men and women you admire for they do great exploits against evil. And now there are movies about these heroes who are the inventions of authors who yearn to see courage and justice reign on the earth. The movies pass these hero's lives down to the next generation and preserve them for even their children so that none would forget their noble battles or great deeds.

But there is a record in heaven of your lives and the works you would do (Ps 139:16; Eph 2:10). It is prayed into by One who has walked this earth just like you do (Heb 7:25). You are known by your Maker, Who put courage, justice and all virtues into you. He has made no mistake in portraying your destiny as glorious, treasured by all in heaven who wait. For all creation waits for the Sons of God to be glorified (Rom 8:19).

The purpose of the power

Last night a saint asked about healing for his affliction, wondering why he had been sick for so long without God answering his prayers. There was much talk in the purposes of God, and some agreed that the Lord would not want a person to be afflicted. But the Lord brought a word of prophecy last night that told this man that the questions stirring inside of him were from the Lord, and that the answers were for the whole Church.

This morning the Lord began bringing a word in answer of this man's afflictions. It came in spurts and I apologize if it is not easy to understand, but I have written down what I know to be from the Lord, addressing the afflicted man's questions. It also addresses the false teachings that God does not want us to suffer, though He does love us intensely. God is willing to entrust us with His kingdom if we will just listen, and obey. Here is the prophecy from this morning;

"God has sent satan down to us (Rev 12:9). It doesn’t say that when satan was kicked out of heaven and could no longer accuse us we were lucky, and had it easy. It says “Woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has gone down to you! He is filled with fury, because he knows that his time is short” (Rev 12:12). Now, you might ask why would God be so mean as to send an angry satan down to us? Perhaps we do not realize that it is because He has equipped us to defeat him, and that it is the Church who is appointed to defeat him. What are we missing here when we spawn lessons about God’s love which depict Him as a god who allows no evil into our lives? What would be unkind is if God didn’t prepare us for war.

But God does prepare us for war. He allows trials, hardships, afflictions (yes, this includes sickness) into our lives, and betrayals, defeats, and more . . . all to teach our hands to war. How futile to walk this life as a Christian and think that God will defeat our enemy without us even lifting a finger. If we will pray, if we will stand in the gap, will we not also seek the victory over our enemy’s plans? This the very reason God has given us armor; to withstand the evil schemes of our enemy.

How simple and kind it seems to let the intentions of God roll off our lips, when we do not understand that the preparation of the Bride is a boot camp. All scriptures warn of a time where God’s people are warned that they may be caught naked. We must get ourselves dressed. If God had never given us the power to overcome then perhaps we should be upset about the battle. But the supreme sacrifice of the Son of God on the Cross gave us the power. The invitation is “To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne” (Rev 3:21). What are we doing with the power?
What do we overcome our enemy with? “They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony” (Rev 12:11). These are those who have the spirit of Prophecy, which is the testimony of Jesus (Rev. 12:17). The equipping that prepares the Bride for victory is listening to and acting upon the Voice of God. We resist satan with our faith in what God has said every time he challenges God’s word. Satan will question “Has God said”, and we will say a loud and resounding “Yes, God has said.” Standing on what God said will cause all saints everywhere to inherit the promises of God. The warning is three times in the book of Hebrews “Today if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion.” (Heb 3:7,8 . . . ). It is God’s voice that will prepare us for victory, if we do not harden your heart against it.

There is something wrong with the way Man wants to use this power. It’s as if we want to do all the favors we believe God would do if He is really how we think He is . . . without knowing Him as He really is. God has not changed, and yet we want to portray Him by our teachings as One whose benevolence blinds Him to our great need for survival-training. Should we not press into Him and find out what to do with all this power He gave us? Do we deny there is an overcoming to obtain, or do we, like Paul prayed, “Open the eyes of (our) hearts” so that we can look upon the inheritance Jesus died to give us? This inheritance of the promises of God comes to those who listen and obey. They do not need eye salve to wash their eyes. They see.

God has set gifts in the Body of Christ. They are powerful gifts which cause healing and ministry to occur. The Body of Christ is complete if she will use what God has given her. But there is no gift of “Signs and Wonders”. This is God’s domain. It is the mark of His sovereignty. It is the signature He signs for the purposes that are His alone. We cannot neglect ministering to the body and think we can pull the kingdom down to the earth. Is it because Man thinks God’s will cannot be done on earth until he sees God’s kingdom reigning over evil? Rather, God’s will performed through men and women manifests that the kingdom reigns in their hearts. The kingdom reigning in the hearts of men and women establishes the outward manifestation of God’s kingdom on the earth. This is why Jesus emphasized caring for one another in His parables. He began with “The kingdom of God is like . . .“ Let us be found ministering to the needs of the saints and giving each one his or her portion in due season (Mt 24:45,46). God will always make Himself known." Amen

Removing the veil

Tonight the Lord was speaking to me about His purposes in the trials of a young woman's life. The prophecy that came through gave me a glimpse of God's desire for us that I have not seen, so I am sharing it with you here. God bless, Helen

God is taking you to a place of deeper intimacy. It’s a place one goes to when there is no other way to express the inner pain but a scream, protest, tears, or yelling. It’s a place of unveiled honesty and vulnerability where you remove the veil of presenting yourself to Him according to what you think is righteousness. He values your honest self and finds you beautiful without the veil.

God is taking you to a place of deeper trust. It’s a place of honesty of emotions before Him, knowing that they are from the dust He made you of, but trusting in the Hands that made you as you are now. It’s a place of vulnerability and softness, that you take no further care in your design pleasing Him but that you yourself ask to be heard for the beauty that resides in you both.

God is taking you to a deeper place of love. It’s a place of perceiving in your heart that your words and desires have meaning to God. It’s a place of not borrowing the power of other’s words, even if they are holy scripture, but of sharing unashamedly what is you. It’s a deep, deep place of life-shattering vulnerability, for you will put your eternity in the same hands that can condemn you for what you condemn yourself for as being unworthy. But it’s a place with a different standard than you now know, a deeper place of love. And it will take you deeper in righteousness, deeper in knowledge of His holy ways, deeper in all things.

God is taking you to a place of fear; the fear of being rejected by Him for your weakness. The very thing that seems would seal you into eternal separation from One so Holy is that same thing He is taking you into, and it is vulnerability to Him. This is the wedding ring He sets upon your finger today, and with it a promise. He promises to be Himself, and always Himself, and never somebody other than Himself. Amen

healing the brokenhearted

Isaiah 61:1-3 “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion – to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor.”
The Lord had given a Word of Prophecy in church last Sunday about doing heart surgery on people to heal them. He had given additional Words, to the sum of 3 on this subject. Then He led me to read the above verse from Isaiah, verifying that, indeed, heart surgery is scriptural: God heals the brokenhearted. Later this week the Holy Spirit brought these verses back to me and I could see Jesus preaching the good news, praying over the sick and casting out demons. His words brought people out of darkness. But there came a deep pause into my spirit and I realized that I didn’t see Jesus healing the brokenhearted. The Lord then said I had assumed that the things He had done healed the brokenhearted. Yet the ministry of the Holy Spirit is what heals the brokenhearted.
The Lord has designed the Church to be comprised of individuals, each with different functions, gifts and needs. We are to nurture and build each other up with that which He has given each one of us individually (Eph 4:16). The Holy Spirit supplies the ability to build each other up, and works through our gifts to mend each part of the body. So we see by this example that what Jesus did in Isaiah 61 during His physical life here on the earth, He continues to do, and more, through His Spirit working through us in His Body, the Church. This, Isaiah 61, is Jesus’ one seamless ministry. What He did for us He now does through us.
In 1 Cor 3:10,11 we read that it is the Spirit Who searches the “deep things of God” and also the inner workings of men. And it is His ministry through the gifts of the Body to minister His inner healing to wounded body members. God designed the Body to be dependent on each member working together so that it would be knit together as one. This ministry in the Body between members is guided by the Holy Spirit and is shown in the old Testament in Esther’s preparation by the Eunuch Hegai (Esther 2:8,9). This Eunuch not only prepared Esther’s beauty, but instructed her in how to please the king (vs15). This same ministry of the preparing Bride of Christ is the ministry of the Holy Spirit. He works in us and through us to become beautiful by binding up the brokenhearted and the many other things described in Isaiah 61. Without this preparation we cannot become His Bride. Working together, ministering to each other by the Holy Spirit, we will become beautiful as each member is healed and the whole body is knit together. Amen

God is setting the stage for His mighty works

God is setting the stage for His mighty works
11-7-8
This morning I awoke in the middle of a conversation with the Lord. Though I don’t remember what had been said, I awoke saying “You must be setting the stage for something.” The Lord then spoke to me, and the prophecy is recorded below. This Word shows the Goodness, and the Severity of the Lord (see Rm 11:22). Severity in that the Church will lose her place with the Lord. Goodness in that God will have a pure and spotless Bride. The Corporate Church is made up of many churches. In this Word the Lord addresses the sins of the corporate Church. He also gives us a glimpse of the work of His Holy Spirit Who is forming the Bride. God is listening and finds our words noteworthy (Mal 3:16). Let us seek Him with all our hearts. Amen.
“You must be setting the stage for something” I said to the Lord, for there are so many disasters taking place. “What would that be, Helen?” He replied. “Repentance?” I asked, for our country is deep in sin. “Much more, more than repentance. I’m setting the stage for My mighty works. I am the true ‘Rescuer’. The Church has been languishing in her adulterous affair with the world. And her love (the world) has given her his jewels of gold and silver, but they are not tried in fire. ‘Show me your love’ sail her lover. ‘Prove yourself to me’, he continued, for their union would not be complete without her giving what he asked of her. Because of his promises she gave her purity away, and because of his requirements she gave her heritage. Surely the second offence is greater, for the Church no longer wants to be identified with her Husband but drinks the cup of abominations, consenting to the murder of innocent children and marrying those who burn with lust after their own kind. He wooed her with promises in her time of waiting. Foolish, foolish Church. How great will be your destruction who lust after the world. For My Bride is holy, pure, without spot or wrinkle. She will be accepted of Me,” said the Lord
“A man’s heart becomes fat and calloused when he has all he wants and is no longer seeking after Me. A man’s heart becomes bitter when he is offended at Me, and then his heart becomes cold and hard. I know those who seek Me. They speak often to one another about Me and honor My name. It is these who are the object of My affections and they are of great value, bringing Me joy. I will spare them as a Father spares his child from judgment. They will witness My mighty words, and behold My face. They will know Me,” says the Lord (see Mal 3:16-18).
I am working with the hearts of Man so that some will stand in the days of evil. I am speaking words of destiny over them, correction, and encouragement. My Spirit broods over the churches to bring their members into unity. She, the churches, needs healing. I, the Lord, am the healer. I want to heal the broken hearts. I begin with hearts, one-by-one. Then I can unite a church, then a town, and then a country.” This is the end of what the Lord said to me.

The Sovereignty of God

The Sovereignty of God
11-6-08

This morning during my quiet time the Lord brought to my ears a teaching we have been hearing through various ministries. It is a teaching of having the right thinking so that the believer would have faith for miracles. Subtle though this is, it is a departure from God’s sovereignty, and He spoke of this to me in the following prophecy. Please read it through to the end. Thank you.
“One of the Church’s greatest offenses is that they have not regarded My sovereignty. I will do mighty and great works in this time, but not because Man thinks it or trains for it. My great works do not come by the mind of Man, neither do I consult with him for his timing. I am not on a leash, held by the hand of the Church. They who lord it over their Lord will not be in My Bride. When I reward men for the works they do, these who usurp Me will be astounded. When they account of their works I will say “I knew you not.” For just as a husband knows his bride’s heart, so does My Spirit know the heart of My Bride. Those who tire of waiting, who run off ahead of Me have become big in their own eyes and mistake their confidence for faith. As a small child who thinks he can do anything, so are these men. And as a small child needs instruction and correction, so I send My voice into the churches. Make yourselves ready. Submit to the sovereignty of your God. I will not disappoint you. But if you harden your hearts in this time of waiting know that your great swelling words will not be accounted to you as faith.
It is a time of waiting, of drying up, and of trial. The Church will find herself in the wilderness, by My choosing. But I will not neglect her. I will nourish My own. Comfort one another with the Word of My presence and strengthen each other with My Words of Truth. Subtle, subtle are the lies of the deceiver. But love of the truth will keep My Bride. She will have the fitting answer to the liar when he challenges her with “Has God said?” She will answer him “Yes, God has said.” As My Son replied to satan in the wilderness, so My Bride will reply to deceiving spirits in the wilderness. For all must learn to stand on the truth of My Word before they can be kept by the power of My name. It will not just be the angels who cry “Just and Holy are You, O God,” but those who live on the earth. It is the testimony of people that will defeat the evil one, and this testimony lived in Jesus as He walked the earth. Does My Church have His Testimony in them? Do they love and stand on My Word?” Do they uphold the Character of My Name? Then they are made ready and are kept by My power. As My Son entered His ministry in power after leaving the wilderness, so will the Church.” Even so, come Lord Jesus!

Caring for the body

Caring for the Body
Today I spoke with a good friend. She had invited me to a writing group in Kona and has since published two books. She is working on her third and it is a book about chronic pain, a reality she lives with every day. I thought about her while cooking dinner tonight and the Lord brought up a conversation I heard this week on illness. “It’s not God’s will” was the answer a man gave the ailing woman he was about to pray for. I could still see the woman standing there, having often been prayed for over the last 20 years of her life. And then many scriptures came into my mind. “Remember those in chains . . . weep with those who weep . . . care for the less honorable parts . . . be kind to the sojourners and remember that you also were once a sojourner . . .look after orphans and widows “ came the thoughts. Finally the Lord spoke to my heart, “Why does the body judge its members for being weak, ill, poverty-stricken, or homeless?” I thought again about my friend with chronic pain and how many times she had been prayed for. And yet she was not yet healed. There may have been some who said she did not have the faith for healing, and at times she was thought to be a burden. I could feel sadness creeping in with the next words to the Church.
“I gave you the body to love, honor and nurture. If you had compassion you would care for the un-lovely ones. You would weep with those who weep and rejoice with those who rejoice. No one would say “Go, be warmed and filled” without first having given those things needed by their brother. None would despise the misfortune that some fall into, but all would help the disabled and misfortunate. Certainly no one would judge those who are ill as having little faith; you would serve them instead.
How can Man speak on My behalf and say “God doesn’t want it to be so; illness, misfortune, all calamity is not of God” and yet ignore My Son’s deep pervasive compassion while on the earth. He is coming to reward men for what they have done in the Body.
If Man wants to serve Me only in the big things he will miss Me altogether. Didn’t I say “In so much as you have done this to the least of these, you have done it to Me”? I appear as the least, and as needy. I am sending sick, weak, needy people to you to make you whole as a body. My desire is to reward you. That is always My desire. Care for each member of the body as if you are that member of the body. Then you will have cared for Me. Be offended at the needy in your life and you will not recognize Me. Compassion sees the need.” Amen

answered prayer

Have you ever wondered about prayer? Sometimes we don’t see the answer to our petitions, and discouragement steps in. At other times we clearly see God’s hand in our lives, fulfilling the very thing we asked Him to do. I want to tell you about a spider, and an answered prayer.
When my husband Dave and I moved into our new home we had a bit of house cleaning to do. The first week I had awoken one morning with a large itching red mark on my leg; a spider bite. The next morning I awoke with another. So I prayed to be rid of the spider. Several weeks later I was working in my office and noticed a large ugly wolf spider on my window. Not being able to locate a fly swatter, I hit it with a dust cloth. Somewhere in my office I heard a small “thud”, but couldn’t find the spider. I looked for a while, but finally prayed a final prayer that the Lord would get rid of the spider.
It has been a few months since I saw the spider on my window and my lame attempt to get rid of it. This week I was looking through my book of lessons in my office. Turning to one in the back of the heavy book I found a completely flattened wolf spider between the pages. The Lord said “Just like that. Sometimes I answer prayers just like that.” Though I hadn’t seen His answer, I must have had a small part in the demise of the spider, closing the book at just the right time. I was amazed.
I have been praying lately to see God’s hand at work, and He chose to show me that He had answered my prayer about the spider. We don’t always see results when we pray, but He is working none the less. We can depend on God’s faithfulness, and His great love of us. He always listens when we pray. Amen

dogs

Yesterday morning I awoke with the following dream, which greatly disturbed me. Dave and I have prayed to verify its meaning, and I am convinced this is a sound of the trumpet for a coming battle. Our prayer is for all the believers to be in love with our Lord, and equipped for what is coming. Most important; that we hear and follow Him whom we love. Amen.

Dream 10-15-08
I was with Dave and others. We were driving up a road, and the person talking to me (in the car) mentioned the weather. She said it was nice that I had a view of what was coming. I said “Yes, we can always see down below us when the clouds and storms are forming. It was the same way in Kona, where our house was situated.” As we drove I looked at area below us which we had passed. Down below was a river with 2 large trees washing down it. I thought that the stream must have been pretty strong to uproot the trees and carry them down stream. They were going in the same direction as we were.
Then we were outside on the side of hills that looked like Rural Santa Rosa. A man was talking to some very domestic dogs, and they were curled up on the ground around him. As he talked, wild vicious dogs raced up to them and began chewing on the tame dogs. Yet the man talked as if nothing were happening, and it seemed like the wild dogs belonged to him.
While I watched the dog attack the person talking to me again remarked about where I lived and the view I had of the upcoming weather. I agreed and said “Yes, I live high enough to see what’s coming.”
Interpretation
2 trees – Christian men of great influence (see examples of Nebuchadnezzar and the parable of the mustard seed). They have fallen
River – force of life and the world.
Traveling in a car – passage of time. Since we passed the trees down below us this shows that these men’s ministries were in the past
View – seeing spiritually. Being up high gives a better spiritual view (prophetic) and being on high ground is strategically better during battle
Weather – climate of the spiritual, or of the unseen
Hills – this area, around Santa Rosa/Sonoma County
Man talking to dogs – current day minister. He seemed to be preaching/teaching
Domestic dogs – can learn to serve and obey. Need an earthly master. Do not have intimacy/know Jesus personally, as sheep do.
Vicious dogs – destroy, like wolves
Word – This is the age of the knowledge of the glory of the Lord. But there is a spirit in Man that wants to subjugate My flock and make them into obedient servants. They will never become a body under My head. Worse, they will never be equipped to withstand the evil that comes upon them. For these men keep their obedient servants close to themselves by promising them peace and safety in a time of great fear and insecurity, when there is no peace and safety. It is a time when those of the same flock will bite and devour each other. These men speak empty words and will see only the devourers remain.
The two trees were faithful men who served Me well but fell in the course of their ministries here. The consequences of their fall were that later the Church of Santa Rosa was left without true pastors who had a heart for what I was doing. Many came to put the pieces together but did not have the full vision of what I was about, what My work here was. A pastor has to lead the sheep, not teach them obedience to himself. A pastor has to find food for the sheep, not leave them to find their own food. So time has passed with sheep wandering, some being fed and some becoming obedient dogs. Those who seek to obey men are no longer hungry for good food. They do not recognize clear fresh water. But they are ever tied to the words of men, serving famous ministers and trying to emulate them.
Without the Church becoming a body there are no ears to warn of coming danger and no eyes to discern the difference between he who serves Me and he who does not; between he who is holy and he who is not. But I said that this would be given to the Church, to those who honored My name (see Malachi 3:18). I am coming in the Spirit of Prophecy to restore the Church back to being a body. Those who are still hungry will cling to Me, but I will lose those who prefer to follow men. They are the foolish ones who come late, having not had oil in their lamps. It takes time to get oil. I have given the Church several years with the teaching of “The Father-Heart of God” and of “Bridal Intimacy”. Those whose hearts have grown warm will enter into the feast, and those who were offended at Me will not. I am coming to celebrate with those who love Me, who feed my sheep and warn of danger, who care about those I care about. Amen.

Noticing the Little Things

Noticing the Little Things
10-14-08
Today at work I thought of my husband, as many times I do. “I love him” I said in my heart, and a smile came across my face. “It’s been 16 years and I’m not tired of him,” I realized. I found myself wondering then, what keeps love alive. I went back to working and forgot about my thoughts.
When I went home that afternoon I remembered something totally unrelated. A blue can of paint. My niece had given it to us just when I needed to paint the room my husband Dave had put a new window in. The room was blue, and the room she had painted in her house was also blue. The remarkable thing was that this can had the same color of blue as our room. It was a perfect match. I had seen this can of paint as a blessing from the Lord and treasured the memory.
“You notice the little things” the Lord broke in my thoughts. “That’s what keeps love alive.” Love between men and women, and love between us and our God becomes more exciting when we notice the little things done for us. They are thoughts in action.
The Lord then reminded me of times when Dave and I were excited at what the Lord was doing in our lives, and our expectations for Him to do greater things grew. In fact, we thought the little things were meant to be stepping stones for our faith, and that bigger things were a natural progression for us. But as time went on, we began to lose appreciation for the things God did, because they were not enough. Trials and great afflictions came into our lives and we wondered where the big things were. Yet God came through always and never let us fail in all that He asked us to do.
The Lord then brought to my mind the account of Jerusalem portrayed as a child He had found in an open field (see Ez 16). He had washed and cherished her, then entered into a covenant with her, giving her fine linen and jewels. And she became beautiful. Yet it wasn’t enough for her, and she prostituted herself with the other nations. This prophecy was an allegory of how God was not enough for His own people, in their eyes. They wanted more. They wanted a bigger prize and were not thankful for all He had done for them, nor the great destiny He had called them into. They had forgotten . . . forgotten the wonderful God who had loved them.
Many marriages fail because people “fall out of love” with each other. What used to be appreciated and treasured becomes “not enough.” This happens in our relationship with God also. If we want God to do bigger things than He has done before we lose our appreciation of Him in the face of our demands for His performance. This would take the zip out of any relationship! Thankfulness, appreciation, noticing the little things . . . that’s what keeps love alive. Our marriages, and our walk with God will always be exciting when we notice the little things and do not count them as such. A little thing from the hand of God is a great thing in the heart of a man who loves him. Amen.

Slaves and Rulers

Slaves & Rulers
10-11-08
This morning I was washing dishes after just having put together a Sunday School lesson. There were a lot of things I was trying to accomplish and it was all running through my head. I wished I had a servant to wash my dishes so I could be free to accomplish what I felt was more important. Then I thought “Why does it seem like I’m a slave in the kingdom I’m supposed to rule in?” and wondered if I was trying to do too much. I felt the Lord draw near, and it was too late to swallow down my thoughts about being like a slave. But God is kind, and He knows the thoughts we think. I heard a very still, small voice inside saying, “Pray for laborers for the harvest.” (Lk 10:2). My thoughts left the dishes and I wondered if the Lord was shifting my focus to preaching the gospel. But the He broadened my understanding, as He does sometimes without even a word, and let me know that all the labor we do is part of His kingdom’s work.
He began again with “You are not meant to do it alone. Remember the parable about the laborers in the vineyard? There were some who were not hired by those working in the field (Mt 20:6-7). But I needed those who were waiting to do the work, so I sent them to My field. There is much work to do yet those working did not see they need others to help. When a laborer thinks he can do everything himself he is displaying an independent spirit.
A man with an independent spirit will not be knit together with others. If men would be knit together into a body they would serve one another. Not only would they each have time to rule but they would cause others to rule also. Remember that those who labored in the Word separated themselves from those who waited on tables. Pray for table-waiters when you are laboring in the word . . . and wait on tables yourself when you are not laboring in the Word.”
Do we pray for people to come and wash our dishes for us? I think it is better to pray for laborers to come. I look forward to serving them, and being served also, so that we are knit together in God’s purposes. Then all the work will be done. Amen.

The body of Christ

Today the Lord reminded me of a lesson which I have thought too long to post here. It is about the body of Christ, and I feel it is timely that I post it. There is a movement in the churches to put everyone on "the same page" and it undermines the work of the Holy Spirit to develop us each into our own part of the "body". This lesson is almost 13 pages in length, but it illustrates God's design for His Church. If it is too long for you to read in one sitting, please print it out and read it as you have time. Thank you.

We think of the Church of Christ as a Bride. He called us His Bride in Rev. 21:2 & 9. Another name He calls us is His body (see 1 Corinthians 12). The body of Christ congregates in Churches, and is His Church. In Eph 1:23 it is made clear that the church is Jesus’ body. The term “bride” indicates intimacy, and oneness. The term “body” indicates function and action. In studying the ministry of the church, intimacy would be ministry to the Lord, and function or service would be ministry to men.

How does the body of Christ function in a ministry, or perform body ministry? In Ephesians 4:15-16 it is said that the Lord, Jesus, joins us together, providing growth and support for us as we each do our part to build the body up. It is a joint effort (no pun intended). The result will be that we will grow up into Jesus, Who is the head of the body. Another passage on the body of Christ is 1 Corinthians 12:12-30. In verse 18 it is said that God “has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as He wanted them to be.” In these verses Paul writes about the various gifts of the Spirit, and offices of the 5-fold ministry which God puts into the body. So it seems that the body of Christ should be complete, and each individual church or ministry has by design those members which are needed to build itself up into the fullness of the stature of Christ. When the body is healthy, its members are all functioning to build it up.

Over the last several months I have been praying about the body of Christ. What is God’s design for His Church? The Lord directed me to look at the human body and see the parallels there. Therefore, I’d like to record some insights I’ve gained during this time of study.

The basic component of the human body is the cell. The cell contains the DNA for it’s function, much like we each contain our calling and God-given personality. Though there are many needs in the human body, they can only be met by those cells which have become the right organ or body part which will meet the need. Therefore it is vital that we do not reject any part of our body.

Before birth when cells are forming in the womb to make the baby, the earliest cells are stem cells. These cells begin to differentiate, or specialize, as they move into position in the baby’s body to their appointed place. After birth, the cells become highly specialized and are restricted to what type of part they can create. For example, blood stem cells can only create the components of blood such as red and white cells, among others. Neuronal stem cells give rise to cells of the brain and nervous system. In a healthy body, each cell goes by design to it’s appointed position and performs it’s designed function. A failure of the stem cells to differentiate, or specialize, is called cancer.

Just as cells leave the bone marrow where stem cells originate from, so we as believers take on a new life after believing on Jesus as our Savior. Our growth includes training by the Holy Spirit, and being set into the body of Christ where God chooses. We are encouraged by His Word to grow in grace and knowledge of God, and in the gifts of the Spirit. If the community (body of Christ) we belong to does not allow each individual to grow, it will not be healthy, and in time will develop spiritual cancer.

As cells come together in the human body, they form tissues, a collection of similar cells that group together to perform a specialized function. Organs are structures that contain at least two different types of tissue functioning together for a common purpose. Examples of organs are the liver, kidneys, heart, and skin. Organ systems are composed of two or more different organs that work together to provide a common function. Here we begin to see that the body has a harmony which is necessary to accomplish it’s purposes.

In the body of Christ the gifts, vocations, and callings of people are placed to enhance the body’s overall functions. There are groupings of gifts, for example, in an evangelist which allow his evangelism to be expressed effectively. The evangelist must also network with others in his ministry to serve in his greatest capacity. And those in his ministry will send him out to do his work amongst others, for this is his intended purpose. You could say it is his DNA. The groupings of gifts in people (their calling and ministry formation) are necessary for God’s work to be done. This is why God can set us into works which He predestined for us to do; it’s in our original design (Eph 2:10).

There are 10 organ systems: skeletal, muscular, circulatory, nervous, respiratory, digestive, excretory, endocrine, reproductive, and immune. If we were to vote on which system to be in, probably none of us would want to be a bladder or intestines. We think of the heart as being a more noble part of the body. Indeed, when the heart stops, so does life. But what is the heart doing? It is pumping blood to all the other parts of the body, for the life is in the blood (Lev 17:11). The blood, by design, carries contributions from each organ to distribute appropriately. Waste from the stomach ends up in the colon. Waste from other systems may end up in the bladder. Nourishment from the sun also enters the blood, arriving to an area in the small intestines to make vitamin B12. The interchanges are almost infinite in number!

Let’s start with the skeletal system. It’s role is to provide support for the body, to provide attachment sites for the organs, and to protect internal organs. We read in Ezekiel 37 that the Lord showed Ezekiel a vision of dry bones, nothing else. The Lord asked him “Can these bones live?” (vs 3). There was structure, but no life. Wisely, Ezekiel said “O Sovereign Lord, you alone know.” So the Lord told him about His plan to make the bones live by supplying the parts that were lacking. He mentions tendons, flesh, skin and breath. The bones came together, held in place by the tendons. The tissues were applied, and covered over with skin. And the Lord breathed breath into these bodies to give them life. This is an example of how structure alone is not able to sustain life. The whole body is needed.

Muscles provide movement. They work together to move our limbs, and also are responsible for moving materials through other parts of the body, such as moving blood through our veins. By controlling the gross movement of our body, muscles allow us to go in a direction. The work of the muscles is initiated by the brain, sending signals through the nerves to the muscles. In Habukkuk 2:2 we read that the prophet was to “write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it”. The herald was to catch the vision and run with it. This person would be gifted with wisdom on not only the interpretation of the vision, but how to implement it, or put it into motion. A herald is a forerunner, being the first to run with the vision. As muscles perform throughout the physical body, so we also need persons in the church body with the ability to “catch” the revelation of the Lord and “be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power” (Eph 6:10). Discipline trains a person to be a forerunner (Heb 12:11). The muscles give us a glimpse not only of the gift of the herald, or forerunner, but of the life style of discipline laid out in Heb 12:1-13. The conditioning of the athletic runner parallels that of the Christian and is foundational to being able to carry out the Word of the Lord.

The circulatory system is a transportation system for every member of the body. Nutrients, air, wastes, and hormones travel through our veins. An interesting parallel is that our veins are called blood vessels, and a boat is also called a vessel. As Christians we are asked to edify and build up the body by what each one of us supplies to the body as a whole. This happens through the circulatory system in the human body, and through our gifts in the spiritual body. In 1 Peter 4:10,11 we read that “each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms” . . . The circulatory system facilitates body ministry, in effect.

The Nervous system relays signals through the body. This directs behavior and movement of other organs. These messages come from the brain, located in the head, and in return, messages are sent from destination points back to the brain. In some cases, such as when one’s finger gets burned, the end-point which is experiencing the pain sends the signal back to the brain, which sends a signal to the muscles to move the finger away from the fire. Priests, prophets, pastors, evangelists, apostles, teachers . . . the list of those who receive messages from the Lord is endless. Each one of us has the ability to hear from God because we have the Holy Spirit. Yet there are some who are specialized into roles in which they hear and impart messages from the Lord. Others, like the nerves in the ends of our fingers, are specialized into roles where they communicate the needs of the body to the Head.

The Respiratory system provides air to the tissues of the body. This system also provides for carbon dioxide to leave the body. In the earlier example, the Lord told Ezekiel that the bones would come to life after He breathed into them. He had Ezekiel prophesy to the breath to come from the four winds so that the men could live. The Lord told him that the breath was His Spirit (vs 14). The Spirit is called the Comforter, and the Spirit of Truth. The inbreathing of the Spirit in the body of Christ should reflect growth in the knowledge of the Lord. It also should facilitate the exhaling of error. The Spirit knows our thoughts and the intentions of our hearts. If these are not good, He exchanges our sin for His truth and peace. Those who minister in the Spirit restore the members to truth and build up the body in it’s growth in the Lord.

The digestive system breaks down our food, allowing nutrients to be absorbed into the body. Paul talked about feeding people spiritual food, milk for the young in faith and meat for those more mature. Jesus also used food as an example of nutrients needed for spiritual growth, Himself being the bread of life. Those who instruct in the Word break large concepts down into smaller bites so that they can be digested. In the human body, the pancreas helps with the utilization of our sugar, even though it is from the endocrine organ system. So in the body of Christ, it may take pastors, teachers, and others gifted in teaching to enrich the body of Christ according to all its needs.

The Excretory system filters out wastes, toxins and helps balance water and other nutrients. We need these organs functioning in our body to prevent a feeling of being toxic and bloated. We also need brothers and sister in Christ who have the gift of discernment, knowing which things need to be passed out of the body. The foundation of discernment comes from knowing right from wrong and good from bad. When a body feels toxic, it’s people of discernment are calling good evil and evil good . . . putting bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter (Is 5:20). Those who are trained by “solid food” train themselves to discern between good and evil (Heb 5:14). So the lessons learned from the teachers, put into practice over a period of time, bring discernment. Those with discernment keep the body from becoming toxic. See also Malachi 3:18.

The Endocrine system makes hormones which relay messages throughout the body. These messages are aided by the nervous system and help control physiological processes such as growth. Many of these operate on a feedback loop. If the body is cold, the hypothalamus will send a message to regulate the temperature by shivering to produce heat. The thyroid gland helps regulate the metabolism, as well as body temperature. There are too many functions to write about. It is interesting how different organs in this system address needs and problems in different ways. There is diversity in the endocrine system, just like there is diversity in the body of Christ. People who listen to the needs and problems of others and adjust the body to compensate for their weaknesses actually facilitate growth of the whole body. The harmony in the body of Christ is dependant on listening to those who give us feedback (1 Cor 12:25). We have disharmony when we think we can do without some parts! (1 Cor 12:21-23). Indifference and sin cause us to grow cold inside (Mt 24:12) whereas love is what gives motivation for our faith to function (Gal 5:6).

The Reproductive system makes cells that allow reproduction. Paul said that he was in birth pains until Christ would be formed in the Galatians (4:19). Those who father the faith of others are the reproductive system in the body of Christ. The care and nurturing over souls in their infancy of faith takes time, as does the formation of a baby in the womb. Bringing a baby forth into the light of Life takes labor, as does the work of discipling young converts into men and women of faith who can stand on their own 2 feet (with the help of the Lord, of course).
The Immune system removes and destroys invading microbes and viruses from the body. The lymph system also removes fat and extra fluids. When a person’s immune system shuts down, they are vulnerable to attacks from things which eventually will kill them. God designed the human body to ward off enemy attacks. He says that “I have plans for you . . . plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jer 29:11). Just as our immune system helps keep our body healthy so that we can prosper and live out the plans the Lord has for us, so there is a spiritual immune system which battles evil so that the Lord’s purposes can be carried out on the earth. This spiritual warfare is spread throughout the physical body in the blood vessels, and lymph nodes. In our churches, we should all pray for peace, and against evil. However, a closer look at the immune system will show us that there are specialized gifts which should be employed in spiritual warfare. Since Paul writes that the weapons of our warfare are “powerful” (2 Cor 10:4,5), I will write about the specialized gifts of those who war in the Spirit.

The Immune System; warfare within and spiritual warfare

Our immune system sets a parallel with spiritual warfare by it’s very design. I will briefly explain the design of this intricate system, and then discuss the parallels in our faith, and our ability to overcome the schemes of our enemy (Eph 6:11).

Our physical body has two levels of protection against disease. The first level is called natural immunity and is made up of the following;
• the physical barriers of the skin and mucous membranes,
• the physiological factors such as temperature, normal flora, etc.
• protein secretions which help external fluids resist invasion and provide internal protection as well
• cells which recognize bacteria and yeast and defeat them upon entrance into the body. These cells mount a local response at the point of entry and clear up small infections. This response is called inflammation.

Our natural immune system differs from the second level of immunity in that it carries no memory of the offending intruder. Each offense is dealt with individually. Offending agents, such as yeast or bacteria can be kept at bay by keeping the skin in good shape so that there is no point of entry. But a wound, no matter how small, can allow the offending agent inside where it causes harm. We can see an example of this physical oppression in the story of Job. Job’s skin (among other things) was afflicted in an attempt to cause him to turn against God. He scraped his skin with broken potsherds because his affliction was so great (Job 2:4-8). Some bacteria had gotten under his skin and many theologians think poor Job had boils.

Spiritually, Job’s enemy was trying to get under his skin also. What happens when “things” get under our skin? Things get past our protection. What could our protection be in the adverse circumstances of our life? Our protection is our faith. Job had faith in God. Our faith is describes as a protective barrier against our enemies fiery darts in Ephesians 6:16. So we can see that our skin is an example of the shield of faith, keeping satan’s accusations at bay. When we maintain faith in God’s good nature and character we prevent the infectious bitterness that grows in our soul. But if we let our shield down and doubt His goodness, our wounds lead to infection personally, and affect the body of Christ (Heb 12:15). We can have grace for our trials, which prevents infectious bitterness. This is the admonition referred to in Hebrews 12:15; “See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.” We have the natural protection of our faith if we raise it up. However, if we are angry and let bitterness take root, we find we have disobeyed the Word of God (Eph 4;31) and are out from under His protection. The grace God gives us for our trial is an example of those cells which fight against the offending agent at the point of entry. We were designed to win!

The most commonplace physiological factor that lowers the immune system is temperature. If a person is too cold for too long, their immunity goes down and colds, viruses and pneumonia can settle in, along with local infections on the skin. People in foreign prisons often succumb to immune-suppressed diseases they would more easily have overcome in a warmer environment. Spiritual coldness affects us also. Though Jesus said that the world would know that we are Christians by our love for each other (warmth), He also foretold of a time when the hearts of men would grow cold (Mt 24:12). Therefore we need to “heat” each other up through encouragement (Heb 10:25) since the times have grown increasingly more evil. And again, it is the weakest member in the body which needs the most care (1 Cor 12:22-25).

The second level of our immune system is called the adaptive immunity. This immunity increases in strength and effectiveness with each encounter. The offending agent is recognized in a specific manner ant the immune system acquires memory towards it. Because the adaptive immunity remembers the agent, re-encounter with this agent causes a secondary response that is more rapid and powerful. The adaptive immunity uses the following to combat offending agents (called antigens);
• lymphocytes – these white blood cells come from the bone marrow and have their beginnings, like all cells, as stem cells. Their life is one of patrol and response. There are 3 types of lymphocytes; A-lymph come from the bone marrow, as mentioned. B-lymph leave the bone marrow and go to lymph nodes. T-lymph leave the bone marrow and undergo further maturation in the thymus. The bone marrow and thymus also make the immature lymph cells.
• The A-lymphocyte cell surface has receptors which recognize antigens and secrets antibodies to kill antigens in the following ways;
o blocking the activity of their enemy
o telling other white blood cells about the antigen and helping them to recognize their enemy
o activating the cells in the natural immune system which destroy the antigen.
o Multiplying themselves in number
• B-lymphocytes produce antibodies and cytokines, which are used against antigens
• T-lymphocytes see antigens and display fragments of it on the cells surface, thus providing memory for other cells to refer to. One type of T-lymph kills infected or tumor cells. These cells undergo a process of maturation and education prior to release into the circulation by spending time in the thymus.
• Natural Killer (NK) lymphocytes represent a first line of defense to infections, tumor growth and other abnormalities in cell growth. NK cells can detect antigens by receptors on their skin.
• Phagocytes – take up, or eat, foreign substances in the body, such as antigens. Their properties are;
o Recognition of bacteria after contact
o Presenting the T cells with antigens, resulting in activation of T cell. T cell secretions increase the phagocyte presenting role, and so it becomes a “feed back” loop until the antigen is eliminated.
o Garbage pick-up; further dissolution of dying antigens
• Dendritic cells – one type lives on the surface of the skin, detecting antigens. They cannot present to the T cells, but can carry it through the lymph node system where mature dendritic cells there can present the antigen to T cells, if they encounter the right one (one who can effectively mount a response to the antigen). If so, these dendritic cells are the best at presenting antigens and far fewer of them are required to start an immune response then any other cell which may present antigens for recognition. A third type of dendritic cell traps antigens for long periods of time. They cannot present antigen to T cells but are important in developing responses by other lymphocytes.
• Granulocytes – There are three types, described below;
o Neutrophils – have receptors for antibodies and are involved in the inflammatory response
o Eosinophils – destroy parasites and contribute to the response to allergens
o Basophils – are responsible for hypersensitivity responses.

The Lymph System
The lymphatic system receives fluids from the veins and is moved through its system by the action of pressure applied by contractions of nearby muscles. So those who are “muscles”, or forerunners in the body of Christ, aid in advancing members of the body who war evil. In fact, if there are no forerunners, no men or women with vision, the body perishes (Prov 29:18).

Special protection for infants and children

Though infants and children are at a disadvantage to war against the offences that enter their lives due to their size, weakness, and lack of experience, there are some factors which work in their favor. A well known way to protect children from early illness is breast feeding, as the mother’s milk passes on her antibodies to the infant. Immunizations are also given to help ward off many childhood diseases. And, in the thymus gland, which helps mature T-cells for the immune system, we see that the gland itself enlarges gradually during childhood, and then begins reducing in size after puberty. These are a few example of how immunity is enhanced for the very young. We see that the Lord also leads the young, and those with young, gently (Is 40:11). He nurtures the new babes in Christ with the pure milk of His Word. One of the protections mentioned for the recent convert is to not be promoted to oversee the flock (1 Tim 3:6). In the physical body, a test showed that when immature immune cells were exposed to antigens, they peacefully accepted them. In other words, they tolerated evil and were unaware of their role to fight them. These antigens were like “certain men whose condemnation was written about long ago. (They) have slipped in among you. They are godless men, who change the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord” (Jude 4). What a good description of an antigen! The possibility for infection is greater if the new convert is exposed simply because of his naivety. Much of the compromise in our own country is due to religious tolerance. Yet God has designed the body of Christ to have discernment, if we will just give the time to mature in the place He appoints us to.

Disorders of the immune system

Leukemia – Leukemia is a white blood cell cancer. The causes noted to this date are 1) genetic disorders, such as Down’s Syndrome, 2) exposure to toxic chemicals, and 3) viruses. This cancer has the following characteristics;
• Limited differentiation (specialization), instability, clumping together of white blood cells due to prolonged life span.
• Suppression of normal blood cell formation for other blood cells in the bone marrow.
• Infiltration of organs, even reaching to the brain
• Displacement of stem cell space in the bone marrow, thereby inhibiting production

Leukemia can be acute, leading to early death, or chronic, leading to a longer diseased state. The parallels of leukemia with disorders in the body of Christ begin with the causes.

The genetic disorders would be an example of having a DNA which is not “normal” or conducive to one’s calling. Some churches will not allow people to operate in their gifts, such as prophecy or the casting out of demons. This would be a body which had a DNA different than the body of Christ, Who gave these gifts “to prepare God’s people for the works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ” (Eph 4:8-13). If a church is of other genetic material, it tries to build itself up through other means, such as programs and projects. These people are those who serve but not because they have a relationship with Jesus (Mt 7:21-23 & Lk 13:24-27). They are helpless to protect themselves against the evil schemes of the enemy and do not become formed into the image of Christ. A body of Christ in which members serve one another in love fulfill God’s Word (Gal 5:13).

Exposure to toxic chemicals would be exposure to bitterness, which defiles many (Heb 12:15). Those who bite others end up destroying themselves also (Gal 5:15). A body of Christ which has these things in it’s members is open to wounding and destruction.

A virus is a type of teaching which forms the Christian into an image other than Christ. The example in Jude 4 shows that the false teachers changed the truth of God’s grace into a license for immorality. If the body of Christ tolerates evil, it will be defenseless against sin. When tolerance of false teachings infiltrates the body of Christ, resentment of God’s holy ways takes root. In Rev 16: 12-16 we read about deceiving spirits whose objective is to gather people against each other. False teachings cause disunity and hinder the service of members of the body of Christ. When false teachings encourage men to rely on their own understanding and wisdom, they exchange a spiritual walk with the Lord for earthly gain, marked by selfish ambition, envy, disorder and every evil practice (Jms 3:15,16).

A special kind of virus, known as HIV, specifically targets the T-cells of the immune system, rendering them useless. This virus enters into the T-cells through their receptors, combining it’s genes with the cell’s genetic material. Then the HIV genes direct the cell to produce the various proteins needed to reproduce HIV. The result is a body which slowly dies from the many infections and cancers it becomes exposed to.

The body of Christ which takes in false teachings aimed at it’s immune system runs the risk of leaving the body unprotected against deceiving spirits. Teachings that cause rejection of the 5-fold ministry and the gifts of the spirit come through many teachers who promise “safe” ways where men can know and follow God. These lessons take on the form of “peace and safety” (1 Thess 5:3) yet lack the true elements of the Word of God. Those who see no need for God’s gifts eventually replace them with their own words and understanding. Yet God teaches the cells of the immune system to recognize the enemy. So, God teaches the members of the 5-fold ministry to recognize false teachers and false brethren. He also gives discernment of evil spirits as a gift to many members of the body. The brother or sister who warns others of sin entering the body, or reveals the hidden deceit in a false teaching is like a cell of the immune system which presents the antigen to other cells so that they can fight it. The body which allows it’s members to operate in this gift will remain healthy.

Communication is an integral part of mounting a defense against the enemy’s plans. A body of Christ which discourages communication of the insights received by it’s members concerning the needs of and threats to it’s members will become a sick body.

Maturity is essential for the specialization needed to keep intruders out. A body of Christ which places a novice in leadership will cause him to suffer harm, and cause the body as well to be dysfunctional. Also, a body which determines the area of service for it’s members without regard to the DNA of each member will fall into dysfunction. God imprints each member of the body with the works they are called into and sets them in places to prepare them for service. He is the head of the body. False brethren deny God His Sovereignty (Jude 4).

What is the usefulness in examining the physical body? If we understand the functions of the body we will understand that God has a use for each member of the body of Christ. In examining the organ systems, their interactions, and specifically the role of the immune system we can see the role of God’s groupings of believers into specialized functions, and the need for a defense system which will keep the body healthy. And, in studying ways in which our physical body becomes unhealthy or dysfunctional we also learn a valuable lesson about guarding ourselves against the schemes of the devil who seeks to rob, kill and destroy each member individually, and defeat the body as a whole. The greatest lesson though is that God has made provision for us to be healthy, and to overcome the devil and all his schemes. Let us follow His Word and good example, as seen in our bodies and in other examples of His Creation. For God has surely revealed Himself in all His hands have created. Amen.

Fine Linen

Fine Linen
11-25-06

God is setting us up. He is preparing us to be prepared, and ready. He has called us to the wedding feast and is working in our lives to get us there. He is faithful, and not only invites us, He sends His messengers to tell us so that we won’t miss it. He also knows that some of us will become distracted so He gave us an account of things to watch for so that we will lay those things aside when He calls for us.

There were two things which kept the invitees from attending the feast; busyness, and wrong attire. In Luke 14 we read about some of their excuses; buying a field, checking on their new oxen, and getting married. These people weren’t doing wrong things, but they were doing busy things. They made excuses. When the master heard these excuses he had his servants invite people off the street; the poor, crippled, blind and maim. In the account of this parable from Matthew 22 we read about one of those poor street people, attending, but without wedding clothes . Though the original invitees and the poor street person seem to have different reasons for being disqualified, I’d like to suggest that they have the same reason; they missed the preparation time which the Lord brings into all our lives for the reward He wishes to give us.

Today the Lord gave me a Word of prophecy, in which I heard “I’m giving people opportunity for works in this hour, but many are saying they are too busy. They think I have filled their time so much that they will not let one interruption in. But the good Samaritan let his life be interrupted.

In the parable of the King who sent His servants to invite the guests to His feast, the guests were too busy. Has no one noticed this trend today? Every new thing comes into My people’s lives as an intrusion. But it is Me, selling them fine linen to wear to the feast. Those who made time to come but had no wedding garments on were put outside as well.

Who will recognize the brother that needs a cup of cool water? Yet there is reward in receiving the thirsty brother and ministering to him . If a man will receive My servants, whether they be a prophet or a righteous man, he will receive his reward. The reward comes in receiving the one I send to you, and ministering to him, even giving a cup of cold water. This is how the Bride gets her fine clean linen; she does the works of righteousness. And when I return, I will reward My people for those things they did while yet in their bodies . Is it insignificant that I said My reward is with Me? I want to reward My people for what they have physically done in the body .

I do not wish to find any naked . I am sending opportunities in this hour for my people to clothe themselves with the righteous deeds of the saints. This is why I warn My people not to soil their clothes, lest I come upon them like a thief . This is why I warn My people to keep their garments so that they will not be exposed shamefully when I come upon them as a thief . Be awake, for I have sent those in need amongst you. Be awake and see them.”

Let us continue to watch and pray, and take every opportunity to minister to the saints, His body. Amen.

measuring

Measuring

My husband and I led an Adult Sunday School class last week in which we studied the mind of Man and its functions. In describing one function the Bible uses the words “compare”, or “measure” (2 Cor 10:12), depending on the translation. It is how we judge or discern things, and upon this function we decide whether to continue with what we are doing, or to change. Today the Lord picked up on the topic of measuring again, only this time it was in the context of the Church. The scripture was Rev 11:1, “Go and measure the temple of God and the altar and count the worshipers there.” In this scripture the Lord is measuring the temple, which we are. In bringing this scripture the Lord also related the word “measure” to Eph 4:13; there is a measure to which we are to grow up into, and that is the measure of the full stature of Christ. Though we individually are measured by God, the Body of Christ, His Church, is also measured by God.

After this the Lord quoted from Rev 3:1 & 2. “I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of my God.” What the Lord began bringing across my spirit is that there is a trend in which the Church is beginning to focus on the reputation that works bring. A reputation is the result of a measurement of Man. The Church is being tempted to want something visible to measure their success against; something that can be measured or counted by themselves and by others. When this happens, the true content of our walk of faith begins to die. If we want a reputation more than a walk with our Lord, we will not measure up to His full stature.

Why would we be tempted to measure ourselves and fall into such error? One reason is that satan, our adversary sows seeds of distrust towards God, causing us to feel left out of His blessings and full intentions for everyone else. Another reason is that our spirits lust to envy (Jms 4:5), and this is a hard habit to break. We see it in the world as the “competitive spirit”, which causes men to get ahead. We see it in the Church as boasting about numbers and projects accomplished. In the world men measure themselves against each other and determine their success by such things as growth, numbers, and reproduction. People become impersonal commodities to them. But we are not to have this kind of pride. It is called “pride of life” (1 Jn 2:16).

God wants to measure us by His Son, Jesus. That is the standard we are to have, and the growth we should want to attain to. We are measured with a rod, which is mentioned again in Rev 21:15 as is golden. It has been tried in the fire and proven pure and valuable. He is called “Worthy”, the standard by which all men will be measured. I believe the Lord’s intention in bringing this word today is to call us all to lay down all that we want to accomplish in Him, except what He has called us to. He has His eye on His own and is building the Church up into the stature of His Son, Jesus Christ. Together with Him we will accomplish the works appointed to us. And He will not disappoint us. Amen.