God’s Power
5/26/06
I would like to share a short dream and prophecy with you from 5/24/06. It is as follows;
A lady was trying to make something. Another lady gave her a textured rolling pin so that she could make a pattern by rolling it on opaque paper. I heard the first lady thinking “this is not what I mean” as she was not getting the results she wanted using the textured rolling pin.
When I awoke from this dream the Lord said “Helen, what the church needs is My power. Some people spend their time and energy, and even waste their lives trying to duplicate what they heard about or experienced in the past. But My power won’t come that way. I hold the power. I am going to send My power amongst My people who sincerely seek to know Me and My ways. You ask Me what it will take to have My power come. It takes My time. I have already told you about the drying up of the Euphrates and the manifestation of evil and error (3/12/06 Word). My power is yet to come. For I have ordained all things in their time and some are foolishly looking to their own ways to make Me do what they think I should do. Indeed, when I send My power, there will be those who will say that it is because they prayed that My power comes. There is no preventing the boastfulness of men. But it is a manifestation of the beast, speaking boastful words (see Dan 7:8 & Rev 13:5).
Some men try to present themselves and their works in a manner that exalts them for their efforts. This puts Me in submission to their efforts. Therefore, I hide My works, working behind the scenes. I test My prophets to see if they will seek Me for understanding instead of walking in their own light (Is 50:11). I tell things before they happen, and things a prophet will have no knowledge of, I show him. If he will glorify Me in his ignorance by seeking Me for knowledge, wisdom, and understanding, then I will use him in ministry. But all who seek their own glory will become impatient and go out ahead of Me (2 Jn 1:9).”
As for the dream, the textured rolling pin represents what Man uses to form a pattern of what God is trying to do. The rest is explained by the prophecy. Bless you for all your faithfulness in serving Him.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
The Battle of Deception
Battle of Deception
3/12/06
It is important to know the times we are living in so that we will not become disappointed and fall away. We might be looking for the Lord to come a certain way, to do a certain work, and become discouraged; therefore we are admonished to encourage each other (Heb 3:13).
Sin is deceitful (same verse). It pounces on disappointment and discouragement in the form of grumbling and complaining, then if left unchecked, can turn into bitterness and rebellion against God. Though we do not see ourselves as rebellious, little by little our offence causes us to resist His will in our lives. An exhortation, which is encouragement, can help us to gain a heavenly perspective. There will be a great rebellion, or falling away from the faith (2 Thess 2:3), and we do not want to see this happen in our churches or ministries, much less in ourselves.
Today the Lord resumed a lesson He began a while ago which, like many lessons, I asked for more understanding of. The lesson concerns itself with the depiction of a desert-like experience, both for the woman in Rev 12:6 and by the Harlot in Rev 17:3. They are in the desert, or wilderness. This seems to be a dry time, yet the woman in Rev 12 is nourished there. It seems to be a time of war yet her seed overcome satan by the word of their testimony and the blood of the Lamb (Rev 12:11). What I have come to understand this morning is that it is a depiction of a time we are approaching, and is also depicted in Rev 16:12. “The sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up to prepare the way for the kings from the East.” In reality, the Euphrates is the longest river in Asia and separated Israel from it’s enemies, Assyria and Babylon. The entrance of the enemy into God’s people’s territory is seen in the symbolism of the following verses; “Then I saw three evil spirits that looked like frogs; they came out of the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the beast and out of the mouth of the false prophet. They are spirits of demons, performing miraculous sings, and they go out to the kings of the whole world to gather them for the battle on the great day of God Almighty”. We are entering into a time of great testing; the testing of deception.
In times of God’s great works and revival we are very secure in Him and what He is doing. But with the Euphrates, the great movements of His Spirit, dried up, we quiver. Where is the God of Abraham? Or where is the promise of His coming? If Babylon is coming to us, what does it look like? So many fears, and yet such a great and powerful time of the Lord to live in! Let’s look at one of those desert experiences.
In Rev 12 we read how the woman who bore the Man child is nourished in the desert. The brethren overcome satan, even though he is pursuing them in fierce hatred. In Rev 16 we read about the calling out of God’s people from the spiritual pollution that is in Babylon (Rev 18:4), signifying the separation of the wheat from the tares, the goats from the sheep, the good fish from the bad fish. When we have eyes to see the times we now live in, we come to understand that Jesus’ parables are preparing us to stand in the hardest time in which to live, but the most powerful time of overcoming.
How should we live in these times? Simply put, one thing brought to my mind I already wrote about; we should encourage each other as we see the Day approaching. Secondly, we should enter into a time of praise and worship like as has never taken place before. These 2 things (and I’m sure there are more) will keep our hearts pure. These may be dry times for some of us, but they are also times of deepening our love of the Lord and His Word, which are able to keep us in truth. It will not always be dry. God is sending a river into the desert (Is 35:1,6). Let’s put our trust in Him, for He is good and loves His people. Amen.
3/12/06
It is important to know the times we are living in so that we will not become disappointed and fall away. We might be looking for the Lord to come a certain way, to do a certain work, and become discouraged; therefore we are admonished to encourage each other (Heb 3:13).
Sin is deceitful (same verse). It pounces on disappointment and discouragement in the form of grumbling and complaining, then if left unchecked, can turn into bitterness and rebellion against God. Though we do not see ourselves as rebellious, little by little our offence causes us to resist His will in our lives. An exhortation, which is encouragement, can help us to gain a heavenly perspective. There will be a great rebellion, or falling away from the faith (2 Thess 2:3), and we do not want to see this happen in our churches or ministries, much less in ourselves.
Today the Lord resumed a lesson He began a while ago which, like many lessons, I asked for more understanding of. The lesson concerns itself with the depiction of a desert-like experience, both for the woman in Rev 12:6 and by the Harlot in Rev 17:3. They are in the desert, or wilderness. This seems to be a dry time, yet the woman in Rev 12 is nourished there. It seems to be a time of war yet her seed overcome satan by the word of their testimony and the blood of the Lamb (Rev 12:11). What I have come to understand this morning is that it is a depiction of a time we are approaching, and is also depicted in Rev 16:12. “The sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up to prepare the way for the kings from the East.” In reality, the Euphrates is the longest river in Asia and separated Israel from it’s enemies, Assyria and Babylon. The entrance of the enemy into God’s people’s territory is seen in the symbolism of the following verses; “Then I saw three evil spirits that looked like frogs; they came out of the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the beast and out of the mouth of the false prophet. They are spirits of demons, performing miraculous sings, and they go out to the kings of the whole world to gather them for the battle on the great day of God Almighty”. We are entering into a time of great testing; the testing of deception.
In times of God’s great works and revival we are very secure in Him and what He is doing. But with the Euphrates, the great movements of His Spirit, dried up, we quiver. Where is the God of Abraham? Or where is the promise of His coming? If Babylon is coming to us, what does it look like? So many fears, and yet such a great and powerful time of the Lord to live in! Let’s look at one of those desert experiences.
In Rev 12 we read how the woman who bore the Man child is nourished in the desert. The brethren overcome satan, even though he is pursuing them in fierce hatred. In Rev 16 we read about the calling out of God’s people from the spiritual pollution that is in Babylon (Rev 18:4), signifying the separation of the wheat from the tares, the goats from the sheep, the good fish from the bad fish. When we have eyes to see the times we now live in, we come to understand that Jesus’ parables are preparing us to stand in the hardest time in which to live, but the most powerful time of overcoming.
How should we live in these times? Simply put, one thing brought to my mind I already wrote about; we should encourage each other as we see the Day approaching. Secondly, we should enter into a time of praise and worship like as has never taken place before. These 2 things (and I’m sure there are more) will keep our hearts pure. These may be dry times for some of us, but they are also times of deepening our love of the Lord and His Word, which are able to keep us in truth. It will not always be dry. God is sending a river into the desert (Is 35:1,6). Let’s put our trust in Him, for He is good and loves His people. Amen.
Monday, January 28, 2008
justice
Justice
1/17/06
Before God reveals His righteous nature, He turns people’s hearts to justice[1] .Justice is a part of His nature, and His holiness proceeds from His justness. His equity is expressed by love and judgment alike. He is all glorious within, and speaks so that we might partake of His glory.
Justice will flow like a river[2].So the temptation set by the enemy is that man can obtain holiness apart from being just. He counterfeits holiness by teaching man to ignore wrong, saying nothing offends. A fruit of this is that the victim is blamed for feeling victimized. If the blood of righteous men slain cries out from the earth [3], is the blood in sin? Even the martyrs who cry out under the altar are not accused of sin, but only told to wait for God’s time of vengeance.
God’s heart weighs matters and does not ignore either sin, or righteous deeds. His heart is in you if you are His. As His Spirit searches His heart, disclosing His nature line upon line to you, so justice will grow in your hearts. Let no angel of light convince you that God’s nature is reflected in ignoring unjust ways lest the man in linen with the inkhorn pass you by[4]. Defend the defenseless and uphold just ways. This reflects God’s nature. Risk looking like a fool and become rich in wisdom, for the silent are only wise in their own eyes.
The gift of Christianity is forgiveness, which is done away with through the vanity of false religions who say there is no sin. They think themselves above offense and the act of pardon seems as a filthy rag to those who ignore all wrong. Never washed of sin themselves, they teach all men everywhere they are clean, and find fault with any who lift their cries in grief, or their voice against injustice. Their smooth ways bring the snare of death for neither have they entered in through the Door, nor do they lead others to the Shepherd.
A few other scriptures about justice;
Dt 27:19 Cursed is the man who withholds it
Ps 106:3 Blessed is the man who maintains it
Pr 29:7 The righteous care about it
Pr 29:7 Kings bring stability through it
Is 28:17 it is our measuring line
Is 42:4 Jesus will not cease until He has established it in the earth
[1] Is 56:1
[2] Amos 5:4
[3] Rev 6:9-11
[4] Ez 9:2-5
1/17/06
Before God reveals His righteous nature, He turns people’s hearts to justice[1] .Justice is a part of His nature, and His holiness proceeds from His justness. His equity is expressed by love and judgment alike. He is all glorious within, and speaks so that we might partake of His glory.
Justice will flow like a river[2].So the temptation set by the enemy is that man can obtain holiness apart from being just. He counterfeits holiness by teaching man to ignore wrong, saying nothing offends. A fruit of this is that the victim is blamed for feeling victimized. If the blood of righteous men slain cries out from the earth [3], is the blood in sin? Even the martyrs who cry out under the altar are not accused of sin, but only told to wait for God’s time of vengeance.
God’s heart weighs matters and does not ignore either sin, or righteous deeds. His heart is in you if you are His. As His Spirit searches His heart, disclosing His nature line upon line to you, so justice will grow in your hearts. Let no angel of light convince you that God’s nature is reflected in ignoring unjust ways lest the man in linen with the inkhorn pass you by[4]. Defend the defenseless and uphold just ways. This reflects God’s nature. Risk looking like a fool and become rich in wisdom, for the silent are only wise in their own eyes.
The gift of Christianity is forgiveness, which is done away with through the vanity of false religions who say there is no sin. They think themselves above offense and the act of pardon seems as a filthy rag to those who ignore all wrong. Never washed of sin themselves, they teach all men everywhere they are clean, and find fault with any who lift their cries in grief, or their voice against injustice. Their smooth ways bring the snare of death for neither have they entered in through the Door, nor do they lead others to the Shepherd.
A few other scriptures about justice;
Dt 27:19 Cursed is the man who withholds it
Ps 106:3 Blessed is the man who maintains it
Pr 29:7 The righteous care about it
Pr 29:7 Kings bring stability through it
Is 28:17 it is our measuring line
Is 42:4 Jesus will not cease until He has established it in the earth
[1] Is 56:1
[2] Amos 5:4
[3] Rev 6:9-11
[4] Ez 9:2-5
Sunday, January 27, 2008
faith
Faith
4/23/06
Often when I am learning about faith, the scripture about the widow pleading her cause before the judge comes to mind. After telling her story, Jesus asks “Will not God bring about justice for His chosen ones, who cry out to Him day and night? Will He keep putting them off? I tell you, He will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?” (Lk 18:7,8).
I admire the widow’s tenacity, and have often thought that is why Jesus tells this story; so we would not give up praying. But then, I didn’t fully understand the reference to faith. What was it about this widow that I was supposed to emulate?
I noticed a few things today which are very simple, but help me in my prayer life.
She believed in her cause.
She believed the time for her answer was “now”.
She believed that she was the right person to make the request.
She went to the right person to grant her what she requested.
We also believe in our cause when it lines up with God’s Word and His revealed purposes for our lives. What then stops us from praying in faith? One thing I stumble over is God’s Sovereignty. It’s not a bad thing for God to have. But it means He can have a timing I am not aware of. Is it possible to know God’s timing concerning our requests? Not always, but He can give us an answer of “wait”. If we don’t ask, we’ll become passive and stop asking.
Another thing that hinders us from asking God to intervene in a situation is when we think we may not be the right person, or righteous enough. Our enemy loves to accuse us so much that we withdraw from petitioning our requests, when the truth is that our righteousness comes from Jesus. If He accepts us, then the Father will hear our prayers.
And the last thing (though there may be others) that stumbles faith is when we take our request to someone other than the Father. Trying to work out our own solutions to problems just gives us more to pray about later, and a headache.
The widow did not give up, and one thing which fuels determination is believing you are right. Though this may not agree with our concept of humility, it is important to think you are right for many reasons. One is that satan will try to topple us from our stand, and will be successful if we waver. We need to be firm in what we believe. Another reason to be firm is that our flesh is weak and gets weary in waiting. Setting our minds on what is right helps us to endure. If we don’t think we can know when we are right or not, then we will be double-minded. Being single-minded on what is right is a strength we all need for our prayer life.
One more important point from the story about the widow was that she asked. I have repeatedly asked for things also, and sometimes gotten them. One interesting answer I received was from a request I didn’t expect to have answered. But it was the result of a conversation I had with the Lord a few months ago in which He helped me determine why I felt sad about good things happening to other people. I know this shouldn’t be, and had repented of it, but God wanted to get to the bottom of it, for my sake. The problem was that I saw a discrepancy between the Word of God and the actions of God in my life. That doesn’t mean there was a discrepancy, but that is the way I saw it. He kindly let me state how I felt about having a relationship with Him based on faith. I said, according to the Word, that words without actions seemed dead, and that a relationship needed more than words; it needed acts of love. I felt like I was supposed to take by faith His words as love, but hadn’t seen His actions in a long time. This was the discrepancy I saw between the Bible’s depiction of God’s character, and what I was experiencing at that time in my life. I then prayed for Him to show me His favor, and not in the past (as if I had missed it somehow). Here is what followed;
· A loving couple gave me a lovely Swarovski crystal broach
· My husband gave me a CD which re-kindled my love of worship
· A good friend gave me an expensive diamond ring
· An acquaintance brought over a bouquet of flowers
Not only did the Lord show me favor through the gifts I received, He honored me in my floundering talent of song-writing. My father is a conductor and composer and is putting on a concert next month, featuring 3 songs I have written. He invited me to attend and is paying my way to fly there. I have never had so much favor poured on me and am astounded. When I prayed my prayer I expected to hear how selfish and blind I was. But no, God loves to show us that His nature is good, exactly like it is written in those very Words He speaks. And that we can be “right” about.
We can have more than Words, though God’s words have been the love of my life (sorry Dave). Faith is awesome. I’d like to encourage you to pray in faith for a manifestation of God’s nature in your life today. I believe He will do it.
4/23/06
Often when I am learning about faith, the scripture about the widow pleading her cause before the judge comes to mind. After telling her story, Jesus asks “Will not God bring about justice for His chosen ones, who cry out to Him day and night? Will He keep putting them off? I tell you, He will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?” (Lk 18:7,8).
I admire the widow’s tenacity, and have often thought that is why Jesus tells this story; so we would not give up praying. But then, I didn’t fully understand the reference to faith. What was it about this widow that I was supposed to emulate?
I noticed a few things today which are very simple, but help me in my prayer life.
She believed in her cause.
She believed the time for her answer was “now”.
She believed that she was the right person to make the request.
She went to the right person to grant her what she requested.
We also believe in our cause when it lines up with God’s Word and His revealed purposes for our lives. What then stops us from praying in faith? One thing I stumble over is God’s Sovereignty. It’s not a bad thing for God to have. But it means He can have a timing I am not aware of. Is it possible to know God’s timing concerning our requests? Not always, but He can give us an answer of “wait”. If we don’t ask, we’ll become passive and stop asking.
Another thing that hinders us from asking God to intervene in a situation is when we think we may not be the right person, or righteous enough. Our enemy loves to accuse us so much that we withdraw from petitioning our requests, when the truth is that our righteousness comes from Jesus. If He accepts us, then the Father will hear our prayers.
And the last thing (though there may be others) that stumbles faith is when we take our request to someone other than the Father. Trying to work out our own solutions to problems just gives us more to pray about later, and a headache.
The widow did not give up, and one thing which fuels determination is believing you are right. Though this may not agree with our concept of humility, it is important to think you are right for many reasons. One is that satan will try to topple us from our stand, and will be successful if we waver. We need to be firm in what we believe. Another reason to be firm is that our flesh is weak and gets weary in waiting. Setting our minds on what is right helps us to endure. If we don’t think we can know when we are right or not, then we will be double-minded. Being single-minded on what is right is a strength we all need for our prayer life.
One more important point from the story about the widow was that she asked. I have repeatedly asked for things also, and sometimes gotten them. One interesting answer I received was from a request I didn’t expect to have answered. But it was the result of a conversation I had with the Lord a few months ago in which He helped me determine why I felt sad about good things happening to other people. I know this shouldn’t be, and had repented of it, but God wanted to get to the bottom of it, for my sake. The problem was that I saw a discrepancy between the Word of God and the actions of God in my life. That doesn’t mean there was a discrepancy, but that is the way I saw it. He kindly let me state how I felt about having a relationship with Him based on faith. I said, according to the Word, that words without actions seemed dead, and that a relationship needed more than words; it needed acts of love. I felt like I was supposed to take by faith His words as love, but hadn’t seen His actions in a long time. This was the discrepancy I saw between the Bible’s depiction of God’s character, and what I was experiencing at that time in my life. I then prayed for Him to show me His favor, and not in the past (as if I had missed it somehow). Here is what followed;
· A loving couple gave me a lovely Swarovski crystal broach
· My husband gave me a CD which re-kindled my love of worship
· A good friend gave me an expensive diamond ring
· An acquaintance brought over a bouquet of flowers
Not only did the Lord show me favor through the gifts I received, He honored me in my floundering talent of song-writing. My father is a conductor and composer and is putting on a concert next month, featuring 3 songs I have written. He invited me to attend and is paying my way to fly there. I have never had so much favor poured on me and am astounded. When I prayed my prayer I expected to hear how selfish and blind I was. But no, God loves to show us that His nature is good, exactly like it is written in those very Words He speaks. And that we can be “right” about.
We can have more than Words, though God’s words have been the love of my life (sorry Dave). Faith is awesome. I’d like to encourage you to pray in faith for a manifestation of God’s nature in your life today. I believe He will do it.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Destiny
3/13/06
Last night I had a vision which I’d like to share with you. In this vision I saw a small group of demons sneaking up on a group of Christian warriors. As the demons grew near and were ready to attack, the understanding was given to me that the warriors did not have the weapons needed to win. Then I saw one warrior standing in front of a white stone wall and heard “zing, zing, zing”. Three arrows protruded from behind the wall, above the warrior’s head. The warriors were not shot at by the time the vision ended. Then I was asked what the 3 arrows were.
One arrow is the Blood of the Lamb, and by His Blood we overcome our enemy (Rev 12:11)
One arrow is the Day of Visitation (1 Peter 2:12)
One arrow is the knowledge of our Destiny (Rom 8:28-30)
These are 3 weapons which I believe God is bringing to the attention of His people in this current season. He is always working to make sure we are equipped to stand (Eph 6:10-18). When we consider the nature of our current warfare, some find that accusations against themselves are flying like arrows. Slander is one form. But the accusations which bring self-doubt are especially powerful in defeating us. I’d like to share a little about our common destiny and encourage you to stand, having done all. Today I will speak of the third arrow, Destiny. Please take the time to look up the scriptures as you will be fortified in your Spirit in doing so.
Destiny
Family position
Jesus is your brother (Heb 2:11)
God is your father (Heb 12:5-7)
Legal position
You are under Jesus’ blood, forgiven (Heb 9:12-14,& Heb 10:10,14)
Jesus intercedes for you (Rom 8:34 & Heb 7:25)
Jesus is your mediator (1 Tim 2:5) and satan cannot bring judgment
On you.
Calling
You are “foreknown” and your calling is predestined (Rm 8:29,30 &
1 Peter 1:1,2)
Your giftings are part of God’s plan for His body (1 Cor 12;18)
You are a part of His eternal plan (1 Peter 2:4)
You are surrounded by those who have successfully run their
Race of faith to encourage you in your race (Heb 12:1)
Your life is a witness
You are in a war with demons (Eph 6:10-12)
Your word has the power to defeat satan (Rev 12:11)
Thank you for taking the time to read this. I have shared in the past about the Blood (see blogs from 11/30/07 & 12/29/07) and praying for the Day of Visitation (1/6/08). Perhaps there are other weapons we should become aware of. I trust God will show us all we need to stand. He is just wonderful.
3/13/06
Last night I had a vision which I’d like to share with you. In this vision I saw a small group of demons sneaking up on a group of Christian warriors. As the demons grew near and were ready to attack, the understanding was given to me that the warriors did not have the weapons needed to win. Then I saw one warrior standing in front of a white stone wall and heard “zing, zing, zing”. Three arrows protruded from behind the wall, above the warrior’s head. The warriors were not shot at by the time the vision ended. Then I was asked what the 3 arrows were.
One arrow is the Blood of the Lamb, and by His Blood we overcome our enemy (Rev 12:11)
One arrow is the Day of Visitation (1 Peter 2:12)
One arrow is the knowledge of our Destiny (Rom 8:28-30)
These are 3 weapons which I believe God is bringing to the attention of His people in this current season. He is always working to make sure we are equipped to stand (Eph 6:10-18). When we consider the nature of our current warfare, some find that accusations against themselves are flying like arrows. Slander is one form. But the accusations which bring self-doubt are especially powerful in defeating us. I’d like to share a little about our common destiny and encourage you to stand, having done all. Today I will speak of the third arrow, Destiny. Please take the time to look up the scriptures as you will be fortified in your Spirit in doing so.
Destiny
Family position
Jesus is your brother (Heb 2:11)
God is your father (Heb 12:5-7)
Legal position
You are under Jesus’ blood, forgiven (Heb 9:12-14,& Heb 10:10,14)
Jesus intercedes for you (Rom 8:34 & Heb 7:25)
Jesus is your mediator (1 Tim 2:5) and satan cannot bring judgment
On you.
Calling
You are “foreknown” and your calling is predestined (Rm 8:29,30 &
1 Peter 1:1,2)
Your giftings are part of God’s plan for His body (1 Cor 12;18)
You are a part of His eternal plan (1 Peter 2:4)
You are surrounded by those who have successfully run their
Race of faith to encourage you in your race (Heb 12:1)
Your life is a witness
You are in a war with demons (Eph 6:10-12)
Your word has the power to defeat satan (Rev 12:11)
Thank you for taking the time to read this. I have shared in the past about the Blood (see blogs from 11/30/07 & 12/29/07) and praying for the Day of Visitation (1/6/08). Perhaps there are other weapons we should become aware of. I trust God will show us all we need to stand. He is just wonderful.
Friday, January 25, 2008
The Spoils of War
The Spoils of War
3/26/06
In Isaiah 53 we read about the suffering and victory of our Lord Jesus. In verse 10 - 12 it reads that “it was the Lord’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the Lord makes his life a guilt offering, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the Lord will prosper. After the suffering of his soul, he will see the light of Life and be satisfied; by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities. Therefore I will give him a portion among the great, and he will divide the spoils with the strong, because he poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.”
As I read this I think “Wow, what a Savior” and “Wow, what a plan of God!” One thing stands out as puzzling though. Who are the “strong” that Jesus shares his spoils with? Clearly it seems he worked the victory Himself. I am reminded that Col 2:15 tells us that He made an open spectacle of the demons, and authority, and has given us authority over satan’s kingdom (vs 10). So then, in our weaknesses and failings, how do we become the “strong” that the Lord shares His victory with, and what are the “spoils”?
The verse that stands out as an illustration of sharing Jesus’ spoils is Eph 4:8 where we read that He rose from the dead and gave gifts to men. Verse 11 tells us those gifts were that he “gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers.” The purpose of those gifts is that this 5-fold ministry would “prepare God’s people for 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” (vs 12,13).
As we understand that the gifts, or spoils, have an intended purpose, the plan of God for His kingdom on earth matures us. We no longer see the gifts as something we can take or leave, but as God’s plan for our fullness of Christ, in ourselves and in His Church.
How do we move from seeing ourselves as weak to seeing His fullness and strength manifested in our lives? In Eph 6:10 we read “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.” I believe this is the strength the Lord is looking for in us. Also, 1 Peter 5:10 we read that He makes us strong, steadfast, and firm in our faith in our battles.
It honors the Lord to see His image in us. And it dishonors Him to see that we have done nothing with what He has entrusted us with. In Joshua 18:3 the author asks “How long will you wait before you begin to take possession of the land . . . the Lord has given you?” The reluctance of the remaining tribes to subdue their enemy caused the Lord to withdraw His help, as those tribes compromised with the Canaanites. They did not have spoils from war, but snares and thorns. They had been given time to obey the Lord, but it took war on their part to finish that obedience. Though we may not like to wrestle with evil, we can see from their example that our obedience has a purpose that reaches beyond our lives, effecting generations after us.
The children of Israel which did not eliminate their enemies from the land of their inheritance eventually prostituted themselves to the gods of their enemies. This causes me to wonder how we also might prostitute ourselves, or sell out to our enemy’s plans for our lives. I believe the answer comes by looking at what the spoils of war are; in part, they are the 5-fold ministry. If we consent to God’s plan, that it is good, we embrace it and implement it in our lives and churches. We value the ministries He has instituted and the gifts of the Spirit, and this brings honor to His name and maturity to His people, and unity. If we do not value His plan, we dishonor His name. The final disgrace is if we leave His gifts, which He fought for, unused. And this is where some of His churches are today, believing the lie that the 5-fold ministry is not necessary, and that the gifts of the Spirit are for a past time. We find that this also undermines the morale of God’s people, preventing maturity and preparation for the current battles our enemy wages against God’s church.
It is actually the plan of our enemy to render the church and each individual believer powerless against him. Because he was made an open spectacle through Jesus’ victory, he seeks to make Jesus an open spectacle through the powerlessness of His Body, the Church.
When we read the book of Revelation we see that our enemy meets a sure and total defeat. We also see that the “faithful” stand with Jesus in this war (Rev 17:14). I believe the gifts to the overcomers (Rev 2 & 3) are the spoils which enable them to stand for that battle. As His Body grows in His stature and the Maturity His gifts bring us, His purpose for our lives will become clearer.
Thank you for pressing in to Jesus in your lives and service, and God bless you this week in whatever is coming into your lives. Amen
3/26/06
In Isaiah 53 we read about the suffering and victory of our Lord Jesus. In verse 10 - 12 it reads that “it was the Lord’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the Lord makes his life a guilt offering, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the Lord will prosper. After the suffering of his soul, he will see the light of Life and be satisfied; by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities. Therefore I will give him a portion among the great, and he will divide the spoils with the strong, because he poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.”
As I read this I think “Wow, what a Savior” and “Wow, what a plan of God!” One thing stands out as puzzling though. Who are the “strong” that Jesus shares his spoils with? Clearly it seems he worked the victory Himself. I am reminded that Col 2:15 tells us that He made an open spectacle of the demons, and authority, and has given us authority over satan’s kingdom (vs 10). So then, in our weaknesses and failings, how do we become the “strong” that the Lord shares His victory with, and what are the “spoils”?
The verse that stands out as an illustration of sharing Jesus’ spoils is Eph 4:8 where we read that He rose from the dead and gave gifts to men. Verse 11 tells us those gifts were that he “gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers.” The purpose of those gifts is that this 5-fold ministry would “prepare God’s people for 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” (vs 12,13).
As we understand that the gifts, or spoils, have an intended purpose, the plan of God for His kingdom on earth matures us. We no longer see the gifts as something we can take or leave, but as God’s plan for our fullness of Christ, in ourselves and in His Church.
How do we move from seeing ourselves as weak to seeing His fullness and strength manifested in our lives? In Eph 6:10 we read “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.” I believe this is the strength the Lord is looking for in us. Also, 1 Peter 5:10 we read that He makes us strong, steadfast, and firm in our faith in our battles.
It honors the Lord to see His image in us. And it dishonors Him to see that we have done nothing with what He has entrusted us with. In Joshua 18:3 the author asks “How long will you wait before you begin to take possession of the land . . . the Lord has given you?” The reluctance of the remaining tribes to subdue their enemy caused the Lord to withdraw His help, as those tribes compromised with the Canaanites. They did not have spoils from war, but snares and thorns. They had been given time to obey the Lord, but it took war on their part to finish that obedience. Though we may not like to wrestle with evil, we can see from their example that our obedience has a purpose that reaches beyond our lives, effecting generations after us.
The children of Israel which did not eliminate their enemies from the land of their inheritance eventually prostituted themselves to the gods of their enemies. This causes me to wonder how we also might prostitute ourselves, or sell out to our enemy’s plans for our lives. I believe the answer comes by looking at what the spoils of war are; in part, they are the 5-fold ministry. If we consent to God’s plan, that it is good, we embrace it and implement it in our lives and churches. We value the ministries He has instituted and the gifts of the Spirit, and this brings honor to His name and maturity to His people, and unity. If we do not value His plan, we dishonor His name. The final disgrace is if we leave His gifts, which He fought for, unused. And this is where some of His churches are today, believing the lie that the 5-fold ministry is not necessary, and that the gifts of the Spirit are for a past time. We find that this also undermines the morale of God’s people, preventing maturity and preparation for the current battles our enemy wages against God’s church.
It is actually the plan of our enemy to render the church and each individual believer powerless against him. Because he was made an open spectacle through Jesus’ victory, he seeks to make Jesus an open spectacle through the powerlessness of His Body, the Church.
When we read the book of Revelation we see that our enemy meets a sure and total defeat. We also see that the “faithful” stand with Jesus in this war (Rev 17:14). I believe the gifts to the overcomers (Rev 2 & 3) are the spoils which enable them to stand for that battle. As His Body grows in His stature and the Maturity His gifts bring us, His purpose for our lives will become clearer.
Thank you for pressing in to Jesus in your lives and service, and God bless you this week in whatever is coming into your lives. Amen
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Weight of Glory
The Weight of Glory
7-6-05
The hardships in your life are not to test you, to prove that you are not honestly in love with Me. They are not part of My proof against your humanity, some final statement of your unworthiness to remain in My presence. They are My hand pressing against the metal which has been hardened in the fire. I am testing for the weight of glory.
All that has been in your life has produced the metal. And each fire has hardened it, like steel. I know your past, and all that you have given Me. So I know all that has gone into the making of the metal. I consider how much weight the steel will take, for I know the forces of hell will come against it. I consider whether or not your heart even desires to bear this weight; for, with all I have taken you through, it is still a free-will offering on your part to accept the calling to greater glory. Some never want it. Some want it for their own personal reasons, and so the fire only burns out the dross, and they are not yet hardened into the strength needed to bear the force of being wielded as a sword.
I look at your heart and see strength. I see love. I see holiness. I see the living Christ standing inside of you. You are able to bear the weight. Are you willing?
7-6-05
The hardships in your life are not to test you, to prove that you are not honestly in love with Me. They are not part of My proof against your humanity, some final statement of your unworthiness to remain in My presence. They are My hand pressing against the metal which has been hardened in the fire. I am testing for the weight of glory.
All that has been in your life has produced the metal. And each fire has hardened it, like steel. I know your past, and all that you have given Me. So I know all that has gone into the making of the metal. I consider how much weight the steel will take, for I know the forces of hell will come against it. I consider whether or not your heart even desires to bear this weight; for, with all I have taken you through, it is still a free-will offering on your part to accept the calling to greater glory. Some never want it. Some want it for their own personal reasons, and so the fire only burns out the dross, and they are not yet hardened into the strength needed to bear the force of being wielded as a sword.
I look at your heart and see strength. I see love. I see holiness. I see the living Christ standing inside of you. You are able to bear the weight. Are you willing?
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Mind & Heart
Mind and Heart
2/10/06
Activity is born of thought and in turn begets more thought. A man with a busy life learns how to navigate his thoughts like a ship on the sea. He becomes skilled at making decisions and setting priorities. His skills bring him joy, and it becomes grievous to him to be still. In inactivity his skill of thought lies untended and he watches it become dull. It is hard to warrant the sacrifice of a skilled mind, and harder to justify unfulfilled labors. What good does inactivity do?
One period of inactivity in a man’s life is sleep. It brings refreshing of the mind and body. But what does inactivity in day-time accomplish? It restores the soul (Ps 23:2,3).
We hear our soul speaking to us in the mind through thought. But the soul speaks in more subtle ways from the heart and spirit. Stress, is one way, and indicates that the heart and mind do not agree. Fear is another way, and indicates the heart and spirit do not agree. And weariness indicates that the spirit of a man, which brings him conversations from the Holy Spirit and angels, both good and bad, is not being served by the mind. All 3 of these situations warrant restoration by the Lord. So God brings peace . . . “at-one-ness” as one definition reads. It is a peace which passes, or by-passes the understanding of the mind. When the mind catches up to what the Lord has done, it becomes renewed (Rom 12:2).
The mind was not created as our leader; it was created to be our servant. The mind will drive the body into the ground. The mind will lock the heart in a cage. We were designed to have the influence of the heart, to temper the mind. The mind will not take risks that cannot come to a logical conclusion. The heart has courage, and therefore can take risks for an unseen benefit. This is how we are able to marry, and other such ventures of the heart. The logical man finds comfort in his mind. He knows that fools do not develop the skills of knowledge, and common sense. Yet good judgment, discernment, and wisdom are a gift imparted to the spirit of a man, teaching him to apply spiritual principles to life-situations. One way the heart enters into this process by loving justice and hating evil. Without the heart and spirit involved, the mind would cause us to be legalistic, cold, and living within such narrow parameters that those things we once loved would become excluded.
In quietness and stillness a man’s love becomes deepened, endurance is lengthened, and patience grown. Though the mind in itself would not set a high value on these things, the heart that loves excellence values them. And the issues of life come from the heart (Prov 4:23 & Lk 6:45).
Sometimes we are afraid to listen to our heart, often expressed through emotions. We value the controls set on us by a skillfully trained mind. We assess our worth by the end-products of our mind; actions successfully carried out. The worth of the heart tried in fire may be over-looked in our busyness. But the heart has a special place with God. He works graciously with our issues, even pardoning us when our conscience is over-active (1Jn 3:19,20). He has plans for us, plans to prosper us, to give us a hope and a future (Jer 29:11). His plans for us are good because God has a heart and loves us. We can trust in His heart. His redemptive work in our hearts causes us to love also. Since we are created in His image, I believe our hearts will one day be as His, just as we gain the mind of Christ little-by-little. I’d like to encourage you to not put your trust in your mind, but in the redemptive work of Christ in our entire mind, heart, and spirit; our soul. As we enter into the rest which trust brings, our labors will come from a restored soul. Amen.
2/10/06
Activity is born of thought and in turn begets more thought. A man with a busy life learns how to navigate his thoughts like a ship on the sea. He becomes skilled at making decisions and setting priorities. His skills bring him joy, and it becomes grievous to him to be still. In inactivity his skill of thought lies untended and he watches it become dull. It is hard to warrant the sacrifice of a skilled mind, and harder to justify unfulfilled labors. What good does inactivity do?
One period of inactivity in a man’s life is sleep. It brings refreshing of the mind and body. But what does inactivity in day-time accomplish? It restores the soul (Ps 23:2,3).
We hear our soul speaking to us in the mind through thought. But the soul speaks in more subtle ways from the heart and spirit. Stress, is one way, and indicates that the heart and mind do not agree. Fear is another way, and indicates the heart and spirit do not agree. And weariness indicates that the spirit of a man, which brings him conversations from the Holy Spirit and angels, both good and bad, is not being served by the mind. All 3 of these situations warrant restoration by the Lord. So God brings peace . . . “at-one-ness” as one definition reads. It is a peace which passes, or by-passes the understanding of the mind. When the mind catches up to what the Lord has done, it becomes renewed (Rom 12:2).
The mind was not created as our leader; it was created to be our servant. The mind will drive the body into the ground. The mind will lock the heart in a cage. We were designed to have the influence of the heart, to temper the mind. The mind will not take risks that cannot come to a logical conclusion. The heart has courage, and therefore can take risks for an unseen benefit. This is how we are able to marry, and other such ventures of the heart. The logical man finds comfort in his mind. He knows that fools do not develop the skills of knowledge, and common sense. Yet good judgment, discernment, and wisdom are a gift imparted to the spirit of a man, teaching him to apply spiritual principles to life-situations. One way the heart enters into this process by loving justice and hating evil. Without the heart and spirit involved, the mind would cause us to be legalistic, cold, and living within such narrow parameters that those things we once loved would become excluded.
In quietness and stillness a man’s love becomes deepened, endurance is lengthened, and patience grown. Though the mind in itself would not set a high value on these things, the heart that loves excellence values them. And the issues of life come from the heart (Prov 4:23 & Lk 6:45).
Sometimes we are afraid to listen to our heart, often expressed through emotions. We value the controls set on us by a skillfully trained mind. We assess our worth by the end-products of our mind; actions successfully carried out. The worth of the heart tried in fire may be over-looked in our busyness. But the heart has a special place with God. He works graciously with our issues, even pardoning us when our conscience is over-active (1Jn 3:19,20). He has plans for us, plans to prosper us, to give us a hope and a future (Jer 29:11). His plans for us are good because God has a heart and loves us. We can trust in His heart. His redemptive work in our hearts causes us to love also. Since we are created in His image, I believe our hearts will one day be as His, just as we gain the mind of Christ little-by-little. I’d like to encourage you to not put your trust in your mind, but in the redemptive work of Christ in our entire mind, heart, and spirit; our soul. As we enter into the rest which trust brings, our labors will come from a restored soul. Amen.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
The Body of Christ, Warfare, and the Blood
The Body of Christ, Warfare, and the Blood
3/10/06
Have you ever had one of those days where you knew you would have more faith, and more success in your battles against satan and your own flesh, if you just knew who you were in the Lord? I have had many of those days, more lately than ever. I have been waiting for an angelic visitation, dream, anything that would clue me in, for I have felt inundated by doubt. Today I got my answer, and I’m sharing it with you because it’s our answer.
The Lord said “There is a verse about the Blood you don’t know about”. I knew He was setting a lesson up, so turned as directed to Revelation 19:13. I was taken aback. Why? Because the verses from 11 – 16 describe the body of Christ, or, Jesus as come in our flesh. I have read this many times, yet this morning I found the scriptural evidence for what the Lord has been telling me; the Bride are those Christians who have Jesus manifested in their human lives. The anti-Christ says this is not possible (2 John :7). But the Christian says it is possible (1 John 4:2,3). Though many translations state “has come”, as if Jesus came in the past in His flesh, the Greek (Strong’s Concordance) says that the root word is “come”, present tense, or imperfect tense.
Looking at verses 11-16 in Rev. 19, I am reminded that Jesus wears many crowns (vs 12) which we lay at His feet (Rev. 4:10). We are His victory, and He works victory through us on this earth. Seeing His robe dipped in blood links us with our robes washed in blood (Rev. 7:14). It is this same blood that we overcome satan with (Rev. 12:11). His name is “Word of God”, and He is the Word incarnate in the flesh (Jn 1;14). We are becoming the Word in the flesh, and that is why satan assails us with doubts and fears; he doesn’t want us to have the victory of standing on God’s Word. The sword of Jesus’ mouth (vs 13) is our sword (Eph 6:17), the Spirit with the Word of God. The rod of iron (vs 15) is the authority over the nations given to the Church at Thyatira (Rev 2:27).
And of course, it’s a time of justice and war (vs 11). God is setting His plumbline in the Church to put us into true righteousness so that we won’t be caught naked with the righteousness of our own. He is setting us in the earth as saviors (Ob :21), because we are in His likeness. So our enemy opposes us, for we are called redeemers.
There are many parts of the Man depicted in Rev 19:11-16 that I don’t identify with; I don’t have eyes that blaze like fire, for one. But these inconsistencies are there for a reason; Jesus is the Head of His body. He is above us, though He resides in us. He chose to live in earthen vessels so that He could be the first among the many brethren He is redeeming from the earth. And we are part of His plan. We are a part of His body. Our life is hidden with Christ in God (Col 3:3), yet daily we get a glimpse of that life and our new identity. I want to encourage you to take hold of that for which you were called to, and don’t let go! Amen.
3/10/06
Have you ever had one of those days where you knew you would have more faith, and more success in your battles against satan and your own flesh, if you just knew who you were in the Lord? I have had many of those days, more lately than ever. I have been waiting for an angelic visitation, dream, anything that would clue me in, for I have felt inundated by doubt. Today I got my answer, and I’m sharing it with you because it’s our answer.
The Lord said “There is a verse about the Blood you don’t know about”. I knew He was setting a lesson up, so turned as directed to Revelation 19:13. I was taken aback. Why? Because the verses from 11 – 16 describe the body of Christ, or, Jesus as come in our flesh. I have read this many times, yet this morning I found the scriptural evidence for what the Lord has been telling me; the Bride are those Christians who have Jesus manifested in their human lives. The anti-Christ says this is not possible (2 John :7). But the Christian says it is possible (1 John 4:2,3). Though many translations state “has come”, as if Jesus came in the past in His flesh, the Greek (Strong’s Concordance) says that the root word is “come”, present tense, or imperfect tense.
Looking at verses 11-16 in Rev. 19, I am reminded that Jesus wears many crowns (vs 12) which we lay at His feet (Rev. 4:10). We are His victory, and He works victory through us on this earth. Seeing His robe dipped in blood links us with our robes washed in blood (Rev. 7:14). It is this same blood that we overcome satan with (Rev. 12:11). His name is “Word of God”, and He is the Word incarnate in the flesh (Jn 1;14). We are becoming the Word in the flesh, and that is why satan assails us with doubts and fears; he doesn’t want us to have the victory of standing on God’s Word. The sword of Jesus’ mouth (vs 13) is our sword (Eph 6:17), the Spirit with the Word of God. The rod of iron (vs 15) is the authority over the nations given to the Church at Thyatira (Rev 2:27).
And of course, it’s a time of justice and war (vs 11). God is setting His plumbline in the Church to put us into true righteousness so that we won’t be caught naked with the righteousness of our own. He is setting us in the earth as saviors (Ob :21), because we are in His likeness. So our enemy opposes us, for we are called redeemers.
There are many parts of the Man depicted in Rev 19:11-16 that I don’t identify with; I don’t have eyes that blaze like fire, for one. But these inconsistencies are there for a reason; Jesus is the Head of His body. He is above us, though He resides in us. He chose to live in earthen vessels so that He could be the first among the many brethren He is redeeming from the earth. And we are part of His plan. We are a part of His body. Our life is hidden with Christ in God (Col 3:3), yet daily we get a glimpse of that life and our new identity. I want to encourage you to take hold of that for which you were called to, and don’t let go! Amen.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
return to your shield of faith
Return to you shield of faith
5-22-05
This prophecy came as an ecouragement to a pastor in one of the gatherings I attended. It so affected his countenance that I went home and wrote it down. The benefit of God's spoken word is like food to a starving soul. Amen.
Return to your shield of faith. Many have a shield of unbelief because of the pain of persecution; they don’t want God to use them and cause more suffering. They surrender their crowns to brethren who oppress them and have been “re-educated” to doubt God’s purposes for their lives. God wants to heal our woundedness. Put all bitterness aside, and forgive Him, for it is His Word you stood on and spoke, which brought you persecution and oppression from those you admired, respected, and loved. It is not going to get easier. Return to your shield of faith; you are appointed to victory. Strengthen each other’s hands for God is going to teach our hands to war. God wants those who have been beaten by the enemy to rise up in victory and be more than conquerors. A great love of the Word will clothe our groins and from zeal of His truth we will birth many children in the faith. There is a great call from the Lord to reclaim the ancient foundations, ones which He laid for His glory to be established in this earth. Those crumbled foundations will become cities of glory in God’s hands. And He is using crumbled, defeated men and women to rebuild them. They will raise their shields of faith and be more than conquerors. They will maintain their victories and convert their brethren. These pillars in the kingdom will uphold the temple of the Lord and His covering will be spread like a tent over His people. The body will find its nourishment, building itself up by those gifts which each member supplies.
5-22-05
This prophecy came as an ecouragement to a pastor in one of the gatherings I attended. It so affected his countenance that I went home and wrote it down. The benefit of God's spoken word is like food to a starving soul. Amen.
Return to your shield of faith. Many have a shield of unbelief because of the pain of persecution; they don’t want God to use them and cause more suffering. They surrender their crowns to brethren who oppress them and have been “re-educated” to doubt God’s purposes for their lives. God wants to heal our woundedness. Put all bitterness aside, and forgive Him, for it is His Word you stood on and spoke, which brought you persecution and oppression from those you admired, respected, and loved. It is not going to get easier. Return to your shield of faith; you are appointed to victory. Strengthen each other’s hands for God is going to teach our hands to war. God wants those who have been beaten by the enemy to rise up in victory and be more than conquerors. A great love of the Word will clothe our groins and from zeal of His truth we will birth many children in the faith. There is a great call from the Lord to reclaim the ancient foundations, ones which He laid for His glory to be established in this earth. Those crumbled foundations will become cities of glory in God’s hands. And He is using crumbled, defeated men and women to rebuild them. They will raise their shields of faith and be more than conquerors. They will maintain their victories and convert their brethren. These pillars in the kingdom will uphold the temple of the Lord and His covering will be spread like a tent over His people. The body will find its nourishment, building itself up by those gifts which each member supplies.
Friday, January 18, 2008
God's promises
God’s Promises
3/26/06
Satan accuses God of lying, and doing things from a wrong motive. He does the same with us. God’s promises are to remind us of His true nature, holiness, and that His actions proceed from His nature. We can trust Him. His promises cause us to hope for an ultimate good outcome despite the apparent circumstances. Like Joseph when he was shown his future, the dream was the promised reality that God would one day bring into being. Heaven held it on a highway of holiness, conceived in the mind of God. Joseph’s life intersected God’s highway and heaven was brought to earth. Joseph never stopped believing. Neither should we.
3/26/06
Satan accuses God of lying, and doing things from a wrong motive. He does the same with us. God’s promises are to remind us of His true nature, holiness, and that His actions proceed from His nature. We can trust Him. His promises cause us to hope for an ultimate good outcome despite the apparent circumstances. Like Joseph when he was shown his future, the dream was the promised reality that God would one day bring into being. Heaven held it on a highway of holiness, conceived in the mind of God. Joseph’s life intersected God’s highway and heaven was brought to earth. Joseph never stopped believing. Neither should we.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
our faithfulness
This morning's prophecy is from 8-16-05. Yet the Lord is pointing out a message today which is the same; faithfulness on our part. God bless you as you read.
Marrying Strange Wives
8/16/05
What is the purpose of keeping yourself pure, unspotted from the world?[1] Why should you hate the garment spotted by the flesh?[2] If you are one-flesh with the one you marry, then spiritually, you are one with those things you hold as true.
In Ezra’s time, men took foreign wives. These defiled their faith. It was a rebellion against my Word to keep themselves separate from foreigners. To be restored to Me, they put away their foreign wives, repenting of their unfaithfulness to Me[3]. This is a type or representation of what I require spiritually. There is a spiritual faithfulness which is compromised when a believer marries themselves to the world[4]. The defilement is evident, for their tree bears bad fruit.
A ministry that marries the world will eventually find itself without the protection of God. Before the work on the wall, the mixed marriages were dissolved. So, before the spiritual protection around a ministry can be restored, the people themselves have to cleanse themselves from their marriage with the world. In clearing yourselves comes a deep desire to have the Word of the Lord guide you, be your lamp, and the strong tower you run to.
You have been severely tested in finances. There is a market-mentality which is popular with many churches, which defiles the Word and robs the cross of it’s power. This temptation has set it’s foot on this campus in the form of light, and wisdom. But it is a breach in your wall. For those who market wares from My churches will also traffic in souls[5]. The fruit they seek will be gone, the voice of the Bride and the Bridegroom, and all the splendor of what man has built in My name will sink to the depths of the sea in one day. Why? Because those who follow the practices of the world mistreat the servants of God[6]. Because they wed themselves to carnal thinking, they become offended at the spiritual[7] and leave their ministries unprotected from the enemy’s attacks.
The weapons of your warfare are mighty to the pulling down of strongholds, abolishing every argument which exalts itself against the knowledge of God[8]. The Word of God is a powerful weapon, able to rescue, deliver, and defend.
The Word of God bears witness even in the hearts of those who have strayed, saying “you are right!”[9] It is a powerful two-edged sword. It is by the words of My mouth that I war against those in error so that I might restore them[10]. Separate yourselves unto Me. Write papers of divorcement, undoing those things which the world does to support and promote itself. Let me take you from the confusion of towers of Babel[11] to the sound thinking of My fortress within you. For you are strong. You are rich. You are appointed to a rulership which all Christiandom is seeking; the kingdom of God. Be a leader. Set an example for those who are watching to see. The Bride must prepare herself[12], and then I will come.
[1] Jms 1:27
[2] Jd :23
[3] Ezra 10:16,17
[4] 1 Jn 2:15
[5] Rev 18:13
[6] Rev 18:20
[7] 1 Cor 2:14; 1 Jn 4:5,6
[8] 2 Cor 10:4,5
[9] Ezra 10:12
[10] Rev 2:16
[11] Gen 11:3,4
[12] Rev 19:7
Marrying Strange Wives
8/16/05
What is the purpose of keeping yourself pure, unspotted from the world?[1] Why should you hate the garment spotted by the flesh?[2] If you are one-flesh with the one you marry, then spiritually, you are one with those things you hold as true.
In Ezra’s time, men took foreign wives. These defiled their faith. It was a rebellion against my Word to keep themselves separate from foreigners. To be restored to Me, they put away their foreign wives, repenting of their unfaithfulness to Me[3]. This is a type or representation of what I require spiritually. There is a spiritual faithfulness which is compromised when a believer marries themselves to the world[4]. The defilement is evident, for their tree bears bad fruit.
A ministry that marries the world will eventually find itself without the protection of God. Before the work on the wall, the mixed marriages were dissolved. So, before the spiritual protection around a ministry can be restored, the people themselves have to cleanse themselves from their marriage with the world. In clearing yourselves comes a deep desire to have the Word of the Lord guide you, be your lamp, and the strong tower you run to.
You have been severely tested in finances. There is a market-mentality which is popular with many churches, which defiles the Word and robs the cross of it’s power. This temptation has set it’s foot on this campus in the form of light, and wisdom. But it is a breach in your wall. For those who market wares from My churches will also traffic in souls[5]. The fruit they seek will be gone, the voice of the Bride and the Bridegroom, and all the splendor of what man has built in My name will sink to the depths of the sea in one day. Why? Because those who follow the practices of the world mistreat the servants of God[6]. Because they wed themselves to carnal thinking, they become offended at the spiritual[7] and leave their ministries unprotected from the enemy’s attacks.
The weapons of your warfare are mighty to the pulling down of strongholds, abolishing every argument which exalts itself against the knowledge of God[8]. The Word of God is a powerful weapon, able to rescue, deliver, and defend.
The Word of God bears witness even in the hearts of those who have strayed, saying “you are right!”[9] It is a powerful two-edged sword. It is by the words of My mouth that I war against those in error so that I might restore them[10]. Separate yourselves unto Me. Write papers of divorcement, undoing those things which the world does to support and promote itself. Let me take you from the confusion of towers of Babel[11] to the sound thinking of My fortress within you. For you are strong. You are rich. You are appointed to a rulership which all Christiandom is seeking; the kingdom of God. Be a leader. Set an example for those who are watching to see. The Bride must prepare herself[12], and then I will come.
[1] Jms 1:27
[2] Jd :23
[3] Ezra 10:16,17
[4] 1 Jn 2:15
[5] Rev 18:13
[6] Rev 18:20
[7] 1 Cor 2:14; 1 Jn 4:5,6
[8] 2 Cor 10:4,5
[9] Ezra 10:12
[10] Rev 2:16
[11] Gen 11:3,4
[12] Rev 19:7
Friday, January 11, 2008
Battles 1-6-08
Battles
1-6-08
In 1st Samuel 17:3 we read about a stand-off between good and evil. There are two champions mentioned in this chapter; Goliath and David. Today the Lord was speaking to me about the components of the battle and methods of the enemy.
1 Sam 17:8-10; the Challenge. Goliath uses intimidation and sets terms for the victor. The one who slays the opposing army’s champion will take the opposition as his slaves.
Vs 21; Drawing lines. This is a face-off between both armies. There is no gray area, but there is a clear difference between each side, culminating in confrontation.
Vs 24; Darkest Hour. Inner foes, such as fear, surface, and the price of going against Goliath is weighed.
Vs 26. Hour of Truth. The Champion for truth speaks. David
Vs 32; Addresses fear (the 1st battle is internal)
Vs. 38,39; Addresses putting his trust in man (Saul’s armor) or God (2nd battle)
Vs 43,44. Weapons. Goliath’s; the curse
Vs 45-47; David’s; prophetic declaration.
There is much more going on than meets the eye in this battle. One of the 1st principles is that satan and God always have a mouth-piece. The champions were each mouth-pieces for their nations. One was a heathen nation, and one was God’s nation. Satan uses intimidation, knowing that it will cause the fearful to look to himself, and find himself inadequate for the battle. God uses past victories we have had in Him, knowing it will cause us to remember His strength displayed in our weakness, and put our trust in Him. That is why David told about his past victories with the lion and the bear, and his trust in God.
God sets time for confrontation between evil and good. At this time, the lines are drawn and we know which side we are on. We must face our enemy in the 1st battle. A man’s fear will seem too great and the intimidation will drive him into surrender and enslavement, or he will decide to trust in God. Then he must win the second battle; trusting in the strength of another man’s victories. Saul had won battles in his armor and it may have seemed like a good thing for David to wear it, but he wasn’t used to fighting with it on. He was more familiar with his own, personal, victories, with God on his side. We can seek the covering of those more versed in war than ourselves, or we can rely on God to be with us. God works in our lives for personal victories so that we will overcome lesser and greater demons.
Out of our review of our personal victories arises faith, and declaration of prophecy. God was with us in the past, and will be with us now in our present circumstances. The courage to take our stand, defy satan’s lies, and slay him brings a victory which exposes satan’s lies and rids us of his attacks. This victory is permanent as long as we do not compromise with him.
Indignation is an emotion that works in our favor when we are confronted with satan’s challenges. The confrontation between Goliath and David was one of lies met with holy anger. Indignation will cause us to step outside the bounds of rational, logical thought and into God’s plan. The battle then becomes the Lord’s.
God causes us to answer satan’s challenge with truth. He also exposes lies. Besides David exposing the lie about the Goliath’s ability to slay the Israelites, another lie was exposed. The Philistines did not meet the terms of the challenge to become the Israelites slaves after Goliath was beheaded. Instead, they ran. They had put their trust in Goliath (vs 51).
If we want our enemy to leave us alone, we must be clear that we are on God’s side. After that, we must confront satan’s challenges with God’s truth. To be firm in our faith, we should review our past victories in Christ, and trust in Him. When men would cause us to find shelter under their covering, whether it be a class they offer, or a book to read, or even someone greater than ourselves to speak on our behalf, we must not rely on them. Though it may seem that all we face is too much to face alone, we are not alone with God on our side. In our greatest weaknesses (and satan will be sure to point them out), God remains strong in us. He will give us the weapon of prophetic declaration in our mouth. This declaration is the Word of God, and we will overcome our enemy by living according to it. Amen.
1-6-08
In 1st Samuel 17:3 we read about a stand-off between good and evil. There are two champions mentioned in this chapter; Goliath and David. Today the Lord was speaking to me about the components of the battle and methods of the enemy.
1 Sam 17:8-10; the Challenge. Goliath uses intimidation and sets terms for the victor. The one who slays the opposing army’s champion will take the opposition as his slaves.
Vs 21; Drawing lines. This is a face-off between both armies. There is no gray area, but there is a clear difference between each side, culminating in confrontation.
Vs 24; Darkest Hour. Inner foes, such as fear, surface, and the price of going against Goliath is weighed.
Vs 26. Hour of Truth. The Champion for truth speaks. David
Vs 32; Addresses fear (the 1st battle is internal)
Vs. 38,39; Addresses putting his trust in man (Saul’s armor) or God (2nd battle)
Vs 43,44. Weapons. Goliath’s; the curse
Vs 45-47; David’s; prophetic declaration.
There is much more going on than meets the eye in this battle. One of the 1st principles is that satan and God always have a mouth-piece. The champions were each mouth-pieces for their nations. One was a heathen nation, and one was God’s nation. Satan uses intimidation, knowing that it will cause the fearful to look to himself, and find himself inadequate for the battle. God uses past victories we have had in Him, knowing it will cause us to remember His strength displayed in our weakness, and put our trust in Him. That is why David told about his past victories with the lion and the bear, and his trust in God.
God sets time for confrontation between evil and good. At this time, the lines are drawn and we know which side we are on. We must face our enemy in the 1st battle. A man’s fear will seem too great and the intimidation will drive him into surrender and enslavement, or he will decide to trust in God. Then he must win the second battle; trusting in the strength of another man’s victories. Saul had won battles in his armor and it may have seemed like a good thing for David to wear it, but he wasn’t used to fighting with it on. He was more familiar with his own, personal, victories, with God on his side. We can seek the covering of those more versed in war than ourselves, or we can rely on God to be with us. God works in our lives for personal victories so that we will overcome lesser and greater demons.
Out of our review of our personal victories arises faith, and declaration of prophecy. God was with us in the past, and will be with us now in our present circumstances. The courage to take our stand, defy satan’s lies, and slay him brings a victory which exposes satan’s lies and rids us of his attacks. This victory is permanent as long as we do not compromise with him.
Indignation is an emotion that works in our favor when we are confronted with satan’s challenges. The confrontation between Goliath and David was one of lies met with holy anger. Indignation will cause us to step outside the bounds of rational, logical thought and into God’s plan. The battle then becomes the Lord’s.
God causes us to answer satan’s challenge with truth. He also exposes lies. Besides David exposing the lie about the Goliath’s ability to slay the Israelites, another lie was exposed. The Philistines did not meet the terms of the challenge to become the Israelites slaves after Goliath was beheaded. Instead, they ran. They had put their trust in Goliath (vs 51).
If we want our enemy to leave us alone, we must be clear that we are on God’s side. After that, we must confront satan’s challenges with God’s truth. To be firm in our faith, we should review our past victories in Christ, and trust in Him. When men would cause us to find shelter under their covering, whether it be a class they offer, or a book to read, or even someone greater than ourselves to speak on our behalf, we must not rely on them. Though it may seem that all we face is too much to face alone, we are not alone with God on our side. In our greatest weaknesses (and satan will be sure to point them out), God remains strong in us. He will give us the weapon of prophetic declaration in our mouth. This declaration is the Word of God, and we will overcome our enemy by living according to it. Amen.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
our works are like concrete
9/18/05 Prophecy Our works are like concrete
The works of Man, done in the will of God, overcome satan. Our works declare our righteousness. It is like concrete; our works of faith are the cement, the pebbles are the words of God, and the water is God’s Spirit. Without our righteousness being added to the pebbles through works, the water does not cause them to set up.
Man has not wanted his works to be set in stone. If a man even writes his name in wet cement, it is visible all to see. But My (God’s) works are carved in stone. My righteousness and My words are set to form stone.
Without the righteousness of Man, Man has only words. The tests of their faith will prove them reluctant, shrinking back[1] from commitment and sacrifice. Some have concrete without the rocks, doing their own works without the Word of God. Their works will crumble like improperly made concrete. Just like My works declare My righteousness, so the works of Man declare his righteousness.
[1] Heb 10:39
The works of Man, done in the will of God, overcome satan. Our works declare our righteousness. It is like concrete; our works of faith are the cement, the pebbles are the words of God, and the water is God’s Spirit. Without our righteousness being added to the pebbles through works, the water does not cause them to set up.
Man has not wanted his works to be set in stone. If a man even writes his name in wet cement, it is visible all to see. But My (God’s) works are carved in stone. My righteousness and My words are set to form stone.
Without the righteousness of Man, Man has only words. The tests of their faith will prove them reluctant, shrinking back[1] from commitment and sacrifice. Some have concrete without the rocks, doing their own works without the Word of God. Their works will crumble like improperly made concrete. Just like My works declare My righteousness, so the works of Man declare his righteousness.
[1] Heb 10:39
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Our crowns
Crowns
3/4/06
Those who lay their crowns at other people’s feet hinder the work of God (see Rev 3:11).
This is the vision the Lord showed me;
An enemy sent its army to the army of God. Some soldiers in the army of God took the crowns off their heads and laid them at the enemy’s feet. They then became the captives of the enemy. These people could gain nothing for the army of God. The enemy was able to do this by accusing each member in the army of not being righteous.
Not every member of the army laid their crowns down at the feet of the enemy. Some kept their crowns, laying them at Jesus’ feet, for it was He who was righteous. They spoke and worked according to His Word, so they told their enemy that their authority came from Jesus, and that they would only lay their crowns at Jesus’ feet. These soldiers in the army of the Lord saw their crowns as valuable and entrusted them to the One who is able to watch over and keep them until that Day. Jesus invited these warriors to sit in His throne, even as He had sat in His Father’s throne. When the day came for victory over their enemies, they were entrusted with their crowns and wore them in authority. They fought and became more than conquerors. They stood alongside Jesus, each one with a sword in his hand. They came with Jesus, and even though surrounded by their enemy, they stood and did not waver. They stood their ground with their swords stuck into the earth in front of them, indicating that they would not budge or give up ground to their enemy.
Those who stood with Jesus were given royal robes as a sign of their victory, and sandals were placed on their feet. God honored them for valuing what He had given them; the kingdom of God which they brought to the earth through their words and deeds. . . .and for not giving their crowns to men.
After seeing how the victorious army was honored, those who did not give their crowns to men, the next part of the vision showed me those people who had given their crowns to the enemy and were taken captive. They were taken back to a city where other people like themselves lived. These were people who had not valued what God had given to them. They were people who always thought it best to give everything away, even though God had had a plan for these people to build a city so that He could bring people to it for shelter, and they could nourish them. These people were never able to build or supply the city because they did not value what God gave them and always gave everything away. It was the enemy’s accusations of being selfish, and of not laying everything at the feet of Jesus which caused the people to give up their crowns and all God had given them to build with. He accused them of not laying those things entrusted to them down, when in reality, God had given them things to build the kingdom on earth with.
The difference between the 2 sets of people in the army of the Lord was that one set had a vision of what the Lord wanted to do on the earth and they saw their destiny, their part in that vision. The other people knew God had a plan for what would happen but did not know their destiny to be part of that plan. Their vision was dim and often changed with their circumstances. They thought the humble thing to do was to let someone else do the works of God and they gave up their crowns to other people. These people who gave up their crowns to other men were sincere in wanting the kingdom to come to the earth. What they didn’t know was that the men they gave their crowns to didn’t have a vision for what God wanted to do in the earth. If they did, they would never have taken another man’s crown, but would have encouraged each man to walk in his destiny.
The destiny of every man is held in the hands of God and not in the hands of other men. The destiny for which a man was created is part of the reason why he is given a crown. If he gives his authority to another man, or the enemy, then he will not obtain his destiny.
3/4/06
Those who lay their crowns at other people’s feet hinder the work of God (see Rev 3:11).
This is the vision the Lord showed me;
An enemy sent its army to the army of God. Some soldiers in the army of God took the crowns off their heads and laid them at the enemy’s feet. They then became the captives of the enemy. These people could gain nothing for the army of God. The enemy was able to do this by accusing each member in the army of not being righteous.
Not every member of the army laid their crowns down at the feet of the enemy. Some kept their crowns, laying them at Jesus’ feet, for it was He who was righteous. They spoke and worked according to His Word, so they told their enemy that their authority came from Jesus, and that they would only lay their crowns at Jesus’ feet. These soldiers in the army of the Lord saw their crowns as valuable and entrusted them to the One who is able to watch over and keep them until that Day. Jesus invited these warriors to sit in His throne, even as He had sat in His Father’s throne. When the day came for victory over their enemies, they were entrusted with their crowns and wore them in authority. They fought and became more than conquerors. They stood alongside Jesus, each one with a sword in his hand. They came with Jesus, and even though surrounded by their enemy, they stood and did not waver. They stood their ground with their swords stuck into the earth in front of them, indicating that they would not budge or give up ground to their enemy.
Those who stood with Jesus were given royal robes as a sign of their victory, and sandals were placed on their feet. God honored them for valuing what He had given them; the kingdom of God which they brought to the earth through their words and deeds. . . .and for not giving their crowns to men.
After seeing how the victorious army was honored, those who did not give their crowns to men, the next part of the vision showed me those people who had given their crowns to the enemy and were taken captive. They were taken back to a city where other people like themselves lived. These were people who had not valued what God had given to them. They were people who always thought it best to give everything away, even though God had had a plan for these people to build a city so that He could bring people to it for shelter, and they could nourish them. These people were never able to build or supply the city because they did not value what God gave them and always gave everything away. It was the enemy’s accusations of being selfish, and of not laying everything at the feet of Jesus which caused the people to give up their crowns and all God had given them to build with. He accused them of not laying those things entrusted to them down, when in reality, God had given them things to build the kingdom on earth with.
The difference between the 2 sets of people in the army of the Lord was that one set had a vision of what the Lord wanted to do on the earth and they saw their destiny, their part in that vision. The other people knew God had a plan for what would happen but did not know their destiny to be part of that plan. Their vision was dim and often changed with their circumstances. They thought the humble thing to do was to let someone else do the works of God and they gave up their crowns to other people. These people who gave up their crowns to other men were sincere in wanting the kingdom to come to the earth. What they didn’t know was that the men they gave their crowns to didn’t have a vision for what God wanted to do in the earth. If they did, they would never have taken another man’s crown, but would have encouraged each man to walk in his destiny.
The destiny of every man is held in the hands of God and not in the hands of other men. The destiny for which a man was created is part of the reason why he is given a crown. If he gives his authority to another man, or the enemy, then he will not obtain his destiny.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Going higher, and applying the blood of the Lamb
August 14, 2005
Yesterday both Dave & I awoke having had dreams with the same message; move to higher ground. We prayed with friends last night to know what this meant. That night I had a dream where we were going to higher ground, and in the dream the Holy Spirit instructed us to pray that the blood of Jesus would flow over us and all we prayed for.
In praying this morning about how to apply the blood, the Lord gave me the following Word. As its message seems to be of benefit to us all, I want to share it with you. It is as follows;
“Jesus said that if we confess His name before man, He will confess our names before His Father’s angels[1]. But if we are ashamed of Him, He will be ashamed of us. We are to confess His name, walking in the Spirit of His Testimony, the Testimony of Jesus. Those who have this Testimony in them overcome satan by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony [2].
Some will lose their lives, and some will lose their ministries because what they say is not pleasing. They will lose their popularity because they loved not their own lives unto death.
Those who are too ashamed to speak My words, to prophesy, will come to Me and say “Lord, you know me. I cast out demons in your name” and many such things. But they will not have overcome by the blood, neither will My blood protect them from the judgment of the Lamb. Pray to have His blood covering you, protecting you. He will tell His angels your name, and you will be spared. His angels are ready and waiting for the seal of God, the Passover blood, to be applied to the foreheads of the servants of God (Rev 7:2,3; 9:4). Be not ashamed of the blood which speaks[3], for he who seeks to save his life, who loves his life and this world, will lose it[4].
See as an example Jacob, who did not settle for the inheritance of the world. He left Laban and wrestled with God[5]. He overcame man and God to obtain the spiritual inheritance he was promised. Can you, who have the Holy Spirit indwelling, do less? Will you settle for an inheritance in this world and the fellowship of men, at the expense of serving the one true God, or will you lay your life down and serve Him? “. This is what the Lord said to me this morning.
[1] Lk 12:8,9
[2] Rev 12:11
[3] Heb 12:24
[4] Lk 9:24; 1 Jn 2:15-17
[5] Gen 32:28
Yesterday both Dave & I awoke having had dreams with the same message; move to higher ground. We prayed with friends last night to know what this meant. That night I had a dream where we were going to higher ground, and in the dream the Holy Spirit instructed us to pray that the blood of Jesus would flow over us and all we prayed for.
In praying this morning about how to apply the blood, the Lord gave me the following Word. As its message seems to be of benefit to us all, I want to share it with you. It is as follows;
“Jesus said that if we confess His name before man, He will confess our names before His Father’s angels[1]. But if we are ashamed of Him, He will be ashamed of us. We are to confess His name, walking in the Spirit of His Testimony, the Testimony of Jesus. Those who have this Testimony in them overcome satan by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony [2].
Some will lose their lives, and some will lose their ministries because what they say is not pleasing. They will lose their popularity because they loved not their own lives unto death.
Those who are too ashamed to speak My words, to prophesy, will come to Me and say “Lord, you know me. I cast out demons in your name” and many such things. But they will not have overcome by the blood, neither will My blood protect them from the judgment of the Lamb. Pray to have His blood covering you, protecting you. He will tell His angels your name, and you will be spared. His angels are ready and waiting for the seal of God, the Passover blood, to be applied to the foreheads of the servants of God (Rev 7:2,3; 9:4). Be not ashamed of the blood which speaks[3], for he who seeks to save his life, who loves his life and this world, will lose it[4].
See as an example Jacob, who did not settle for the inheritance of the world. He left Laban and wrestled with God[5]. He overcame man and God to obtain the spiritual inheritance he was promised. Can you, who have the Holy Spirit indwelling, do less? Will you settle for an inheritance in this world and the fellowship of men, at the expense of serving the one true God, or will you lay your life down and serve Him? “. This is what the Lord said to me this morning.
[1] Lk 12:8,9
[2] Rev 12:11
[3] Heb 12:24
[4] Lk 9:24; 1 Jn 2:15-17
[5] Gen 32:28
Monday, January 7, 2008
God's kingdom and the call to war
God’s Kingdom and the Call to War
2/5/06
“If this is God’s kingdom, I want out!” Is that what we would say to Jesus if He stood with us today? He has been giving us kingdom authority and partnering with us from on high (and within) since His resurrection . . . but sometimes we don’t like what we see in our lives. “It’s too hard” we complain. “I thought God would take care of everything” we moan. Will we neglect to conquer, just because it takes works of faith, works involving sacrifices we didn’t think He would require of us? Does the Church want to sleep until the day she possesses the New City with her Lord?
What can be known about our role in God’s kingdom can often be seen in how He treats us, and what He has given us to use on the earth. We can look at the gifts God has given us to see Him preparing us to rule. Wisdom, prophecy, interpretation . . . these are not meant for paupers, but for princes. Because we can wage the good fight of faith, we are given protective armor instead of protection. Rather than leading us as babies, He lets us mature through real-life experiences, experiences that teach us the good judgment needed to rule in a kingdom.
One other important thing God gave us was His Word. We live in a time so hard, so full of war physically and spiritually that God wrote a letter specifically to us so that we would overcome. If we will heed it, we will wake up. We will stir the flame of our hearts into fervency and desire His kingdom to come fully onto the earth, looking just like it does in heaven. We have been praying as a Church for God’s plan to happen here where we live. We should not be disappointed that we have a part to play in its coming.
The part we have to play in God’s kingdom coming onto the earth can be seen in the stories of the other players. The Apostles built a foundation which we now build on. They labored in works which will live on forever, becoming gates in the City of God. Many saints have lived and died to preserve the faith so that it would be delivered to us whole and entire. They are a cloud of witnesses who testify of a God who is glorified through the works of men’s faith. But we have a unique part. We at the end are the final “Amen” to God’s works. It is written that the Lord will come with saviors (Ob :21). We are even more to be in His image, suffering to partake of His resurrection Power, laying down our lives in sacrifice so that His nature would be a living fragrance on our prayers. We will join them one day, saying “Amen” to all they speak about our God. Let us shake of the dust of our sleep and arise, for it is a glorious occasion every day to walk in the kingdom of God.
2/5/06
“If this is God’s kingdom, I want out!” Is that what we would say to Jesus if He stood with us today? He has been giving us kingdom authority and partnering with us from on high (and within) since His resurrection . . . but sometimes we don’t like what we see in our lives. “It’s too hard” we complain. “I thought God would take care of everything” we moan. Will we neglect to conquer, just because it takes works of faith, works involving sacrifices we didn’t think He would require of us? Does the Church want to sleep until the day she possesses the New City with her Lord?
What can be known about our role in God’s kingdom can often be seen in how He treats us, and what He has given us to use on the earth. We can look at the gifts God has given us to see Him preparing us to rule. Wisdom, prophecy, interpretation . . . these are not meant for paupers, but for princes. Because we can wage the good fight of faith, we are given protective armor instead of protection. Rather than leading us as babies, He lets us mature through real-life experiences, experiences that teach us the good judgment needed to rule in a kingdom.
One other important thing God gave us was His Word. We live in a time so hard, so full of war physically and spiritually that God wrote a letter specifically to us so that we would overcome. If we will heed it, we will wake up. We will stir the flame of our hearts into fervency and desire His kingdom to come fully onto the earth, looking just like it does in heaven. We have been praying as a Church for God’s plan to happen here where we live. We should not be disappointed that we have a part to play in its coming.
The part we have to play in God’s kingdom coming onto the earth can be seen in the stories of the other players. The Apostles built a foundation which we now build on. They labored in works which will live on forever, becoming gates in the City of God. Many saints have lived and died to preserve the faith so that it would be delivered to us whole and entire. They are a cloud of witnesses who testify of a God who is glorified through the works of men’s faith. But we have a unique part. We at the end are the final “Amen” to God’s works. It is written that the Lord will come with saviors (Ob :21). We are even more to be in His image, suffering to partake of His resurrection Power, laying down our lives in sacrifice so that His nature would be a living fragrance on our prayers. We will join them one day, saying “Amen” to all they speak about our God. Let us shake of the dust of our sleep and arise, for it is a glorious occasion every day to walk in the kingdom of God.
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Slander, and the day of visitation
Slander and the Day of Visitation
3/3/06
This morning I woke up, having had a dream from the Lord. I’d like to share it with you. In this dream the spirit of slander was released to wreak havoc. In fact, everyone this spirit spoke to misunderstood anything I said to them, for the spirit had twisted it. I woke up alarmed. I prayed a lot, and was concerned as to how to stop this thing, not only from touching my life, but all our lives.
The quiet counsel of the Lord is full of wisdom. He pointed out that slander has been in the earth to a certain degree since the beginning. Satan is called the father of lies, and never ceases to lie to us about ourselves and others. But, God does not send a warning without a reason. So in my prayer time I asked Him for the weapons of our warfare, which are mighty to the pulling down of strongholds.
The scripture the Lord brought to mind was 1 Peter 2:12 “Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of wrongdoing, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation”. This may seem to point to a time when Jesus returns, however in 1 Tim 5:25 we read that “ . . . good deeds are obvious, and even those that are not (obvious) cannot be hidden”. Our good works glorify God and tell others that we are His. In fact, it is written in Rev 3 to the Church at Philadelphia that those who said they were believers, but were not, were going to acknowledge that God loved these Christians which had good deeds. How does God make believers and unbelievers alike change their hearts about God’s people? I believe that God is saying to pray for a day of visitation.
We have an example of this in Esther 6:1,2 where king Xerxes could not sleep so he had the chronicles, the record of his reign, to be read. In this book was an account that Mordecai thwarted the assassination of the king. King Xerxes then had Mordecai honored. Not only was Mordecai’s life spared, but God’s plan for the salvation of the Jews ultimately was accomplished. Though the Jews had been slandered by Haman as being a people who did not obey the King’s laws, the king found out Haman’s plan was to destroy Mordecai and his people.
This story parallels the day of visitation concept;
good works – Mordecai saved the king
slander – Haman spoke evil of the Jews
day of visitation - discovering the good deed
honor - the person originally slandered is restored and the slanderer
acknowledges their sin (God’s perfect plan is to bring to repentance
the one slandering, and though Haman did not repent, the false
believers in the Church of Philadelphia did)
We welcome the conviction of the Holy Spirit into our hearts when we have sinned, having access to the throne for cleansing of our hearts. But our unsaved enemies do not have this privilege. I believe it is God’s plan to visit those who have wronged us when we pray for them, bringing to light His works through His people and turning the unbelieving to Himself. We are His witnesses to the Life of Christ living through us. If a believer slanders, the day of visitation will restore that one to the Lord and cause unity in the body of Christ. So the day when God visits the hearts and minds of Man to acknowledge His works and His people is meant to restore Man through repentance to God. It is a good weapon to use.
3/3/06
This morning I woke up, having had a dream from the Lord. I’d like to share it with you. In this dream the spirit of slander was released to wreak havoc. In fact, everyone this spirit spoke to misunderstood anything I said to them, for the spirit had twisted it. I woke up alarmed. I prayed a lot, and was concerned as to how to stop this thing, not only from touching my life, but all our lives.
The quiet counsel of the Lord is full of wisdom. He pointed out that slander has been in the earth to a certain degree since the beginning. Satan is called the father of lies, and never ceases to lie to us about ourselves and others. But, God does not send a warning without a reason. So in my prayer time I asked Him for the weapons of our warfare, which are mighty to the pulling down of strongholds.
The scripture the Lord brought to mind was 1 Peter 2:12 “Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of wrongdoing, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation”. This may seem to point to a time when Jesus returns, however in 1 Tim 5:25 we read that “ . . . good deeds are obvious, and even those that are not (obvious) cannot be hidden”. Our good works glorify God and tell others that we are His. In fact, it is written in Rev 3 to the Church at Philadelphia that those who said they were believers, but were not, were going to acknowledge that God loved these Christians which had good deeds. How does God make believers and unbelievers alike change their hearts about God’s people? I believe that God is saying to pray for a day of visitation.
We have an example of this in Esther 6:1,2 where king Xerxes could not sleep so he had the chronicles, the record of his reign, to be read. In this book was an account that Mordecai thwarted the assassination of the king. King Xerxes then had Mordecai honored. Not only was Mordecai’s life spared, but God’s plan for the salvation of the Jews ultimately was accomplished. Though the Jews had been slandered by Haman as being a people who did not obey the King’s laws, the king found out Haman’s plan was to destroy Mordecai and his people.
This story parallels the day of visitation concept;
good works – Mordecai saved the king
slander – Haman spoke evil of the Jews
day of visitation - discovering the good deed
honor - the person originally slandered is restored and the slanderer
acknowledges their sin (God’s perfect plan is to bring to repentance
the one slandering, and though Haman did not repent, the false
believers in the Church of Philadelphia did)
We welcome the conviction of the Holy Spirit into our hearts when we have sinned, having access to the throne for cleansing of our hearts. But our unsaved enemies do not have this privilege. I believe it is God’s plan to visit those who have wronged us when we pray for them, bringing to light His works through His people and turning the unbelieving to Himself. We are His witnesses to the Life of Christ living through us. If a believer slanders, the day of visitation will restore that one to the Lord and cause unity in the body of Christ. So the day when God visits the hearts and minds of Man to acknowledge His works and His people is meant to restore Man through repentance to God. It is a good weapon to use.
Saturday, January 5, 2008
God's good plan
God’s Good Plan
1/18/06
Sometimes I’m a little shy to put things on the internet when they have to do with our enemy, satan. Perhaps I am guilty of “fear of man”. This lesson I received prophetically this morning has such in its content, but instead of paring it down to make it acceptable, I left it intact. I believe you are mature Christians, so please pray about what I send. I appreciate you, and God bless you, Helen
“My Holy Spirit searches the deep things within Me, making them known to My servants (1 Cor 2:10-16); those who are holy, separated from evil. My Spirit communicates with your spirit, freely giving instruction and revelation. The Holy Spirit is a fountain of Life, springing up in My people. It is a river from the throne of God where there is no defilement.
The angels do not have this communication. The angels know what they hear (Lk 12:8). So, the fallen angel is angry at what he cannot hear, being cast out of heaven. Satan does not know the deep secrets of God, nor men. But he is an expert at reading behavior and listening to conversations. He knows that the words and actions of men will be judged, and seeks to persuade people towards evil. His comments seem full of insight because he is cunning. If a man does not listen to My Spirit bringing the two-edged sword of My Word to divide soul and spirit, disclosing the intentions of the heart, he will fall prey to satan’s lies. They are lies because satan lacks disclosure from the Holy Spirit. His heart is evil and so his motives are corrupt.
Do not give your enemy an audience. Bind him always from your presence, says the Lord. When you speak the Word of God, it carries great authority.
Until the sons of God are glorified, this world lies under the authority of the former principalities. Yet I am putting those powers under My feet little-by-little. Do all you can to walk in the authority given to you. Watch your enemy, for he is crafty. Satan has convinced man that he needs to be perfect to walk in his God-given authority. He accuses man night and day of his imperfections and weaknesses to keep him from his high calling in Me. Yet I have had men and women of vision and faith who served Me, though they had not arrived at perfection. They spoke My Words, words of authority, and changed the world. They spoke as My representatives, ambassadors from the City of God. They trusted the perfection of their souls into My keeping, and in the end received the reward of their labors. For those who take the riches freely given and disclose them to others build My kingdom, and all the powers of hell cannot prevail against them.
My plan for My people is good. But instead of praise for bringing the sons of God into glory, satan accuses man of how far he falls short. Who is he finding fault with? Me. If satan can get man to accuse Me of a making a plan that can never work, then he can rule over my people, for they will shrink back at My appearing.” This is the end of what the Lord said to me.
1/18/06
Sometimes I’m a little shy to put things on the internet when they have to do with our enemy, satan. Perhaps I am guilty of “fear of man”. This lesson I received prophetically this morning has such in its content, but instead of paring it down to make it acceptable, I left it intact. I believe you are mature Christians, so please pray about what I send. I appreciate you, and God bless you, Helen
“My Holy Spirit searches the deep things within Me, making them known to My servants (1 Cor 2:10-16); those who are holy, separated from evil. My Spirit communicates with your spirit, freely giving instruction and revelation. The Holy Spirit is a fountain of Life, springing up in My people. It is a river from the throne of God where there is no defilement.
The angels do not have this communication. The angels know what they hear (Lk 12:8). So, the fallen angel is angry at what he cannot hear, being cast out of heaven. Satan does not know the deep secrets of God, nor men. But he is an expert at reading behavior and listening to conversations. He knows that the words and actions of men will be judged, and seeks to persuade people towards evil. His comments seem full of insight because he is cunning. If a man does not listen to My Spirit bringing the two-edged sword of My Word to divide soul and spirit, disclosing the intentions of the heart, he will fall prey to satan’s lies. They are lies because satan lacks disclosure from the Holy Spirit. His heart is evil and so his motives are corrupt.
Do not give your enemy an audience. Bind him always from your presence, says the Lord. When you speak the Word of God, it carries great authority.
Until the sons of God are glorified, this world lies under the authority of the former principalities. Yet I am putting those powers under My feet little-by-little. Do all you can to walk in the authority given to you. Watch your enemy, for he is crafty. Satan has convinced man that he needs to be perfect to walk in his God-given authority. He accuses man night and day of his imperfections and weaknesses to keep him from his high calling in Me. Yet I have had men and women of vision and faith who served Me, though they had not arrived at perfection. They spoke My Words, words of authority, and changed the world. They spoke as My representatives, ambassadors from the City of God. They trusted the perfection of their souls into My keeping, and in the end received the reward of their labors. For those who take the riches freely given and disclose them to others build My kingdom, and all the powers of hell cannot prevail against them.
My plan for My people is good. But instead of praise for bringing the sons of God into glory, satan accuses man of how far he falls short. Who is he finding fault with? Me. If satan can get man to accuse Me of a making a plan that can never work, then he can rule over my people, for they will shrink back at My appearing.” This is the end of what the Lord said to me.
Thursday, January 3, 2008
God's Purposes
God’s Purposes
6/22/05
My purposes are in the earth, and all creation bows to the Word of God in the sons of Man. The redeemed of the Lord are mounting up as saviors on the hills, swooping down to those in need of Me. The gifts of the Lord are in their mouths and on their hands, those who dared believe that I am greater than the circumstances encountered on earth.
I am ready to show Myself mighty, to strengthen weary hearts and heal, save and deliver. You have endured a trial of patience, waiting on your visitation. I have been working all things together for the most good of this ministry, and each member of it. For some this has meant leaving, for they would not remove the obstacles from the highway of the Lord. For others this has meant being set down lower, for they would not repent of their sin, yet were willing to serve alongside their brethren. For some this has been a birthing, and coming forth with the Word of the Lord and His ministries through them, for they were faithful during the hour of trial. Know this, that I am Faithful, and this is My name. I will uphold those who uphold My Word. I will not fail to perform My Word.
I travel throughout the earth looking for a way to bring to pass My excellence through the clay pots of Man. I endure generations who fail and procrastinate, to find those precious jewels whom I will decorate the walls with. They will keep My city safe, for they watch. All those who watch are clothed.
It is a perfect work, and nearing an end. Do not neglect the equipping of the saints. For each failure sets back the rewards of Mankind. Those who look for My promises are worthy of their reward and I will not keep them waiting. I will not lose their fervent hearts to the sickness of hope delayed. It takes passion to endure the onslaught of the enemy and persevere unto the end. I want to come to hearts that are full of passion and willing to walk in the faith once delivered to all men who would receive.
It is about what I determined before the creation of the world. I am nearing the end of My work. I am yearning for My Bride, to complete all that has come before this time. I look for those giving gifts, for I gave gifts to Man. I am looking for the Church to be clothed in the righteousness of Christ, for He died to make you righteous. I am yearning for those who listen, waiting for My voice and obeying Me. Is it all about obedience? No, it is about agreement. I seek a people who agree with Me, and live their lives accordingly. This is a life of faith. Believing you can be like Jesus; this is faith. It is not always striving to move My hand towards what you want. It is about loving the image of Christ and putting it on, forsaking the old man and walking like Jesus walked. Yes, ask. Yes, knock. Yes, believe. Do the works you see Me do. And wait. For your visitation is upon you, and My rewards are with Me.
6/22/05
My purposes are in the earth, and all creation bows to the Word of God in the sons of Man. The redeemed of the Lord are mounting up as saviors on the hills, swooping down to those in need of Me. The gifts of the Lord are in their mouths and on their hands, those who dared believe that I am greater than the circumstances encountered on earth.
I am ready to show Myself mighty, to strengthen weary hearts and heal, save and deliver. You have endured a trial of patience, waiting on your visitation. I have been working all things together for the most good of this ministry, and each member of it. For some this has meant leaving, for they would not remove the obstacles from the highway of the Lord. For others this has meant being set down lower, for they would not repent of their sin, yet were willing to serve alongside their brethren. For some this has been a birthing, and coming forth with the Word of the Lord and His ministries through them, for they were faithful during the hour of trial. Know this, that I am Faithful, and this is My name. I will uphold those who uphold My Word. I will not fail to perform My Word.
I travel throughout the earth looking for a way to bring to pass My excellence through the clay pots of Man. I endure generations who fail and procrastinate, to find those precious jewels whom I will decorate the walls with. They will keep My city safe, for they watch. All those who watch are clothed.
It is a perfect work, and nearing an end. Do not neglect the equipping of the saints. For each failure sets back the rewards of Mankind. Those who look for My promises are worthy of their reward and I will not keep them waiting. I will not lose their fervent hearts to the sickness of hope delayed. It takes passion to endure the onslaught of the enemy and persevere unto the end. I want to come to hearts that are full of passion and willing to walk in the faith once delivered to all men who would receive.
It is about what I determined before the creation of the world. I am nearing the end of My work. I am yearning for My Bride, to complete all that has come before this time. I look for those giving gifts, for I gave gifts to Man. I am looking for the Church to be clothed in the righteousness of Christ, for He died to make you righteous. I am yearning for those who listen, waiting for My voice and obeying Me. Is it all about obedience? No, it is about agreement. I seek a people who agree with Me, and live their lives accordingly. This is a life of faith. Believing you can be like Jesus; this is faith. It is not always striving to move My hand towards what you want. It is about loving the image of Christ and putting it on, forsaking the old man and walking like Jesus walked. Yes, ask. Yes, knock. Yes, believe. Do the works you see Me do. And wait. For your visitation is upon you, and My rewards are with Me.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
preparation to stand
At times we seem to flounder spiritually, and even if we can order our temporal life well, we feel like things aren't in order spiritually. At just such a time in my life the Lord gave me the following Word of Prophecy;
Preparation to Stand
8/28/06
“It will be good for those servants whose master finds them ready, even if he comes in the second or third watch of the night. But understand this; if the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him[1]. Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; obey it, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you[2]. Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you; so that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ; who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ[3].”
There is a Day of our Lord in which we need to be blameless. It is only through His working in our souls that we will be found that way. Those who have the Testimony of Jesus, the Spirit of Prophecy[4], will be prepared, if they obey what they hear. But some will experience loss. The unprepared will have their house broken into. Why? Because they are not praying, they are not watching and listening attentively or they would have known what is coming. They have not woken up from their slumber or they would have seen the thief coming. What preparation could be lacking in those who suffer loss on that Day? Gifts. Obedience to use the gifts which strengthen the body of Christ also strengthen the giver and cause an increased sensitivity of the spirit to My voice. To those who are faithful, more will be given[5]. Each one should serve others with his gifts[6].
What good will it do you to know when the thief is coming? Your walk with the Lord can determine the outcome. When tempted, you will be provided an escape[7]. You will be able to stand up under the weight of what’s coming down on you. You will not find the escape of your trial if you are not watching. You will miss His warnings if you are not listening. And if you feel secure, as if you could not fall[8], you will miss the preparation of the Spirit.
The Testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of Prophecy, sent into the hearts of men and women to guide and warn, teach and prepare them, by revelation of the Word of God Himself. The preparation of each individual member of the Bride, and the Bride herself, is of the Lord. The Day of Jesus, the Son of Man, is coming and has begun. Today when He speaks to you, do not harden your hearts[9]. For sin will cause the heart to grow deceitful, and slumber will cause the ears to grow dull of hearing. On the Day, when that Day comes into your life, you will give account of what the Lord entrusted to you. Do not fall behind and be unprepared.
[1] Lk 12:38,39
[2] Rev 3:3
[3] 1 Cor 1:6-8
[4] Rev 19:10
[5] Lk 19:26
[6] 1 Peter 4:10,11
[7] 1 Cor 10:13
[8] vs 12
[9] Heb 3:6,12,13
Preparation to Stand
8/28/06
“It will be good for those servants whose master finds them ready, even if he comes in the second or third watch of the night. But understand this; if the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him[1]. Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; obey it, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you[2]. Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you; so that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ; who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ[3].”
There is a Day of our Lord in which we need to be blameless. It is only through His working in our souls that we will be found that way. Those who have the Testimony of Jesus, the Spirit of Prophecy[4], will be prepared, if they obey what they hear. But some will experience loss. The unprepared will have their house broken into. Why? Because they are not praying, they are not watching and listening attentively or they would have known what is coming. They have not woken up from their slumber or they would have seen the thief coming. What preparation could be lacking in those who suffer loss on that Day? Gifts. Obedience to use the gifts which strengthen the body of Christ also strengthen the giver and cause an increased sensitivity of the spirit to My voice. To those who are faithful, more will be given[5]. Each one should serve others with his gifts[6].
What good will it do you to know when the thief is coming? Your walk with the Lord can determine the outcome. When tempted, you will be provided an escape[7]. You will be able to stand up under the weight of what’s coming down on you. You will not find the escape of your trial if you are not watching. You will miss His warnings if you are not listening. And if you feel secure, as if you could not fall[8], you will miss the preparation of the Spirit.
The Testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of Prophecy, sent into the hearts of men and women to guide and warn, teach and prepare them, by revelation of the Word of God Himself. The preparation of each individual member of the Bride, and the Bride herself, is of the Lord. The Day of Jesus, the Son of Man, is coming and has begun. Today when He speaks to you, do not harden your hearts[9]. For sin will cause the heart to grow deceitful, and slumber will cause the ears to grow dull of hearing. On the Day, when that Day comes into your life, you will give account of what the Lord entrusted to you. Do not fall behind and be unprepared.
[1] Lk 12:38,39
[2] Rev 3:3
[3] 1 Cor 1:6-8
[4] Rev 19:10
[5] Lk 19:26
[6] 1 Peter 4:10,11
[7] 1 Cor 10:13
[8] vs 12
[9] Heb 3:6,12,13
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
God's redemptive nature, in Man
*The Redemptive Nature of God in Man
2-23-07
The Jewish nation was called a nation of priests. We also, as Christians, are called a nation of priests. The Jews were to be a light to the Gentiles, and we are to be a light to the unsaved. I wondered why God selected one group of people to be a nation of priests. He could have selected a father of faith from many people, eventually having many nations of priests. On the 21st of Feb. I asked the Lord about this, and he answered me today. He said;
It is My redemptive nature in Man which I develop through your witness and your testimony. As a father develops the good qualities in his son, so I develop My qualities which I have placed in Mankind. I develop love and redemptive qualities in Man by putting him in an imperfect soul, and by having him live amongst imperfect fellow humans.
The flesh-nature of Man tends to get offended when his brother errs. This nature wants Man to develop systems to handle the offence rather than getting personally involved and redeeming his brother from error and sin. If a man follows the flesh-nature he will be all about giving his crown to other men to handle those who offend him and to solve the problems in his life.
Not so the overcomer. He has let the redemptive nature of God work a nurturing spirit in him towards his brother. He pulls the one in sin out of the fire, hating the stained garment. Why does he do this? He loves his brother. He exhorts and rebukes that those in error might learn sound doctrine, for the same reason.
Now there are other brethren who do not nurture the redemptive nature in them, for they would rather not get their hands dirty. They do not correct, instruct, or rebuke. And in their silence they think themselves humble, and yet superior. If they speak at all it is only to exalt themselves by putting their brother down.
Now I, God, gave Man the authority to forgive sins. If then a man would rather be offended and construct mechanisms to pass the offending brother through for cleansing, he will think he has done his job. For he has judged, and he has passed his brother along towards his embetterment. But how is the brother that is offended like Me, his God? Did I not become acquainted with Man’s grief and sorrow? I am a priest able to petition on your behalf, a priest who got his hands dirty helping others learn about the kingdom of God. And so are those who are formed into my image.
2-23-07
The Jewish nation was called a nation of priests. We also, as Christians, are called a nation of priests. The Jews were to be a light to the Gentiles, and we are to be a light to the unsaved. I wondered why God selected one group of people to be a nation of priests. He could have selected a father of faith from many people, eventually having many nations of priests. On the 21st of Feb. I asked the Lord about this, and he answered me today. He said;
It is My redemptive nature in Man which I develop through your witness and your testimony. As a father develops the good qualities in his son, so I develop My qualities which I have placed in Mankind. I develop love and redemptive qualities in Man by putting him in an imperfect soul, and by having him live amongst imperfect fellow humans.
The flesh-nature of Man tends to get offended when his brother errs. This nature wants Man to develop systems to handle the offence rather than getting personally involved and redeeming his brother from error and sin. If a man follows the flesh-nature he will be all about giving his crown to other men to handle those who offend him and to solve the problems in his life.
Not so the overcomer. He has let the redemptive nature of God work a nurturing spirit in him towards his brother. He pulls the one in sin out of the fire, hating the stained garment. Why does he do this? He loves his brother. He exhorts and rebukes that those in error might learn sound doctrine, for the same reason.
Now there are other brethren who do not nurture the redemptive nature in them, for they would rather not get their hands dirty. They do not correct, instruct, or rebuke. And in their silence they think themselves humble, and yet superior. If they speak at all it is only to exalt themselves by putting their brother down.
Now I, God, gave Man the authority to forgive sins. If then a man would rather be offended and construct mechanisms to pass the offending brother through for cleansing, he will think he has done his job. For he has judged, and he has passed his brother along towards his embetterment. But how is the brother that is offended like Me, his God? Did I not become acquainted with Man’s grief and sorrow? I am a priest able to petition on your behalf, a priest who got his hands dirty helping others learn about the kingdom of God. And so are those who are formed into my image.
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