God’s plan
7-31-08
Man wants Me to send My power and work My magnificent gifts, the ones that show My glory. I hear this prayer more often than any other, and that it is said by Man that this will turn the heads of the whole world to Me, and therefore to salvation. Yes, I do show My great works to Man. I give evidence physically of what I am, and what I do shows that I exist. But this is not what brings men to salvation, and those who witness My power do not always follow My Son.
I have always had a plan. It was to show Myself through My Son, Jesus. As part of that plan, He shows Himself through His brethren, the Church. It is One Body, Jesus being the head of the Body. And it is the actions of the Body that show the world the Father. For it was the Father’s works that the Son saw, and did on the earth.
My Son told His disciples that the world would know they were His by their love for one another. This is what knits the body together. Faith works through love and where there is no love faith dies also. It becomes like a robot, this church without love, doing works for the sake of doing works. Their preparation is all about what they do, and they have lost the identity of who they are. For some, they prefer not to find that identity in My Son, for much would be required of them.
In My plan the members of the Church would love and nurture each other. This would make them strong, and prepare them for the wondrous glory that I want to place as a crown on Her, the Bride’s head. When I send this glory, some will think that I have answered their prayers, because they have been praying for the power to do the works they think they should do to show the rest of the world I exist. But it is not so. A church whose members love and serve each other show the world that I exist. The power is a display from heaven of the authority the overcomers walk in, who have been in agreement with Me, their God. And this authority is given for the subduing of their enemy who has trompled underfoot the saints of God. It is a time of justice, that which is coming. It is not a time for little boys and girls to get excited in what magnificent things they will see. It is a time for prepared men and women, prepared by their commitment to obedience at what I speak to them, to fight and win those victories appointed to them. By My faithful ones I will place every last enemy under My feet: and the last enemy is death. Therefore these saints will raise the dead, as My Son raised the dead.
You are His body, if you obey Him. As He puts satan under His feet, so then He turns and hands all dominion to Me, His Father, placing every enemy and all power under Me that all would be One. This is the purpose of the power that is to come upon this age.
You have My Words with you, spoken holy scriptures, and written holy scriptures. Many good and wonderful things will be done. And much will also be required. Therefore it is written to watch, to be ready, to keep your garments ready and your lamp trimmed. Much is required of the generation to whom much has been given. But winning this battle is worth it. Pray to be found worthy. Blessed is he who is invited to the marriage of the Bride and the Lamb.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
healing, and the coldness of Man's hearts
There are times in every prophet’s walk with the Lord when He overwhelms him or her with a matter which is difficult to speak on. This happened today, to me. I was praying for a woman who had been infirmed for quite a while, and then another lady who had been ill for even longer. The Lord chose to share His heart with me, bringing emotions that were overwhelming. Mixed with His grief were also the griefs of women who had passed away in the last few years, and audible groans came out of my mouth. This grief held me in its power as I cried, His words softly coming into my mind. I knew He was asking me to write His message, but it’s a hard one.
This is a message about the coldness of men’s hearts. Jesus told us that the hearts of men would grow cold (Mt 24:12), but we didn’t think it would happen to us. We are warned not to let ourselves get lukewarm (Rev 3:15,16) and the Lord even goes so far as to say it were better if the lukewarm were cold or hot. Hot yes, for then they would be fervent. Cold . . . so that the Lord could bring them to repentance and restore them. And this is the point that I am coming to: the Lord is bringing up a poignant matter that some need to repent of.
This is a hard word because it passes across the hearts of us all, wounded, whole, and mending hearts that do not want to be uncovered or harmed. The issue is praying for the sick, and the failure of our faith because of coldness. Those hearts who have been wounded the most, having lost a loved one, may already think they are somehow to blame. Are these the women they lost, whom the Lord speaks of and grieved over in the beginning of the prophecy? Only the Holy Spirit can say these things. At the end of this word I could not stop crying for a long time, repenting and feeling the heaviness, yes the foolishness, of my own presumptuous beliefs about praying for the sick. With that, I would like to apologize to those who feel the pain of loss afresh after reading this word. It is not my intention to lay blame or wound.
One more thing. I fell asleep after writing this word of prophecy and, in a dream, the Lord let me see someone coming to steal the word away. God’s voice audibly spoke, saying “Now, Helen, you’re not going to let him take it, are you?” I answered “No Lord.” So I will post the word, as He asked. He has shared His heart for a purpose, and may we each be blessed to grow in Him. Amen.
Healing, and the coldness of heart
7-30-08
You ask me what will it take to overcome satan and obtain healing for those who languish in cancer and other diseases. “Wouldn’t it be easy” you ask, “for you to touch them and bring healing?” Yes, it would be easy, and I work this way, at times. Let me share my heart with you for a moment.
(My heart broke within me and the tears flowed as He proceeded.) I have watched the hearts of men grow cold, in My church. When their wives grow old, and even while still young, they grow more and more beautiful to Me. But sometimes the husbands grow weary, and their love does not go deeper. What used to make them smile now makes them offended, and little by little, their love becomes dry. More and more they depend on other fellowship to meet their needs, even intimate needs. Many of My ministers are in various stages of this disease called coldness of heart.
When a wife, or even a single woman, becomes ill for a long time, it is a severe test to the husband, and to the body of Christ. Even those whose love is hot are tested, and if they will scarcely endure the trial of their faith for healing, how will those whose hearts grow cold? Without the support of fellow believers who endure this trial, walking along side them and their sick one, resignation often sets in and they let go of their petition for healing.
You are beginning to see that there is a connection between having a hot heart and faith. These both come together in one thing; a fervent prayer. A man or woman cannot be half-hearted when praying for healing anymore than a soldier can march to battle half covered with armor.
You ask me how a man or woman should pray, and “what about those prayers that are fervent.” You know already what to ask in prayer; it is “what will it take, Lord, for this one to be healed?” If a husband can ask this of Me, and with an honest heart receive what I have to tell him, and then obey Me, he will hear from heaven. But it will take encouragement from the fellow believers. It is as if he were Moses and needed to have his arms supported by men and women of faith during the battle. You see, this is bigger than the man or woman petitioning Me for healing. It is a huge war, using the coldness of the church as its greatest weapon. It is a wearing down of those saints who pray, not receiving immediate answers. It is a lack of recognition that this war is not quickly won, and that the casualties will occur because of lack of faith. You see, men and women have forgotten what faith is. And they have built fences around their hearts to keep the burdens of caring for the hopelessly sick out. These fences are their defenses. They think the fences go unseen, and their defenses are unheard. But because I am listening for “What would it take?” I am also hearing all the defenses against carrying the sick, fervently. A man or woman cannot bring their prayers into the Court of Petition and have them heard if they are not sincere.
Does not the body of Christ realize that the illnesses of their loved ones and acquaintances would hone them into sharp spears used against their very enemy, if they would love hotly? The body of Christ would be as Christ, with faith like Jesus to do the works of Jesus and greater, if they did not grow weary of those people whose problems seem hopeless. You see, faith is not only knowing I can heal the hopeless . . . it’s agreeing with Me that I should. It is wanting that healing so much that you will ask Me “What does it take?” The ensuing obedience is evidence of an agreement borne of the authority from above, that neglected authority of the believer that he is appointed to, once he overcomes. He will sit down in My Son’s throne, for he has agreed to obey, and to endure in his obedience.
Man gives up too easily, looking for the good I will work in his life, and in his ministry, after the loved one dies. How it breaks My heart to see this coldness in My own. Also, the accuser of the brethren is wearing down men’s faith, accusing the sick one of bringing his or her judgment upon themselves. He makes it look as if no one deserves to be healed. Or he causes a despising of the suffering and whispers “heaven is better”. Satan knows how to make My faithful ones feel guilty or useless for praying. A man must have all his armor on to pray and endure. He must be single-minded and not waver. It is a battle, though, worth winning.
And what of those appointed to death? Trust Me to bring a sincere and untroubled peace upon you in the Court of Petition if that is My answer. A sincere heart will know My peace and that it is not the silence brought by deceit. My peace brings fruit, and there will be wisdom of how to proceed, a mending of relationships, and restoration of the inner man before the loved one dies. I marvelously prepare the bed-clothes for My saints who die in Me. There is no shame on the part of those who have petitioned Me for their healing, but a reward will be given to all who pray hotly, sincerely, ready to obey what answer is given. I always remember the hot ones. When the embers and coals are stirred beneath the altar, My answer goes forth to accomplish their prayers. Amen.
This is a message about the coldness of men’s hearts. Jesus told us that the hearts of men would grow cold (Mt 24:12), but we didn’t think it would happen to us. We are warned not to let ourselves get lukewarm (Rev 3:15,16) and the Lord even goes so far as to say it were better if the lukewarm were cold or hot. Hot yes, for then they would be fervent. Cold . . . so that the Lord could bring them to repentance and restore them. And this is the point that I am coming to: the Lord is bringing up a poignant matter that some need to repent of.
This is a hard word because it passes across the hearts of us all, wounded, whole, and mending hearts that do not want to be uncovered or harmed. The issue is praying for the sick, and the failure of our faith because of coldness. Those hearts who have been wounded the most, having lost a loved one, may already think they are somehow to blame. Are these the women they lost, whom the Lord speaks of and grieved over in the beginning of the prophecy? Only the Holy Spirit can say these things. At the end of this word I could not stop crying for a long time, repenting and feeling the heaviness, yes the foolishness, of my own presumptuous beliefs about praying for the sick. With that, I would like to apologize to those who feel the pain of loss afresh after reading this word. It is not my intention to lay blame or wound.
One more thing. I fell asleep after writing this word of prophecy and, in a dream, the Lord let me see someone coming to steal the word away. God’s voice audibly spoke, saying “Now, Helen, you’re not going to let him take it, are you?” I answered “No Lord.” So I will post the word, as He asked. He has shared His heart for a purpose, and may we each be blessed to grow in Him. Amen.
Healing, and the coldness of heart
7-30-08
You ask me what will it take to overcome satan and obtain healing for those who languish in cancer and other diseases. “Wouldn’t it be easy” you ask, “for you to touch them and bring healing?” Yes, it would be easy, and I work this way, at times. Let me share my heart with you for a moment.
(My heart broke within me and the tears flowed as He proceeded.) I have watched the hearts of men grow cold, in My church. When their wives grow old, and even while still young, they grow more and more beautiful to Me. But sometimes the husbands grow weary, and their love does not go deeper. What used to make them smile now makes them offended, and little by little, their love becomes dry. More and more they depend on other fellowship to meet their needs, even intimate needs. Many of My ministers are in various stages of this disease called coldness of heart.
When a wife, or even a single woman, becomes ill for a long time, it is a severe test to the husband, and to the body of Christ. Even those whose love is hot are tested, and if they will scarcely endure the trial of their faith for healing, how will those whose hearts grow cold? Without the support of fellow believers who endure this trial, walking along side them and their sick one, resignation often sets in and they let go of their petition for healing.
You are beginning to see that there is a connection between having a hot heart and faith. These both come together in one thing; a fervent prayer. A man or woman cannot be half-hearted when praying for healing anymore than a soldier can march to battle half covered with armor.
You ask me how a man or woman should pray, and “what about those prayers that are fervent.” You know already what to ask in prayer; it is “what will it take, Lord, for this one to be healed?” If a husband can ask this of Me, and with an honest heart receive what I have to tell him, and then obey Me, he will hear from heaven. But it will take encouragement from the fellow believers. It is as if he were Moses and needed to have his arms supported by men and women of faith during the battle. You see, this is bigger than the man or woman petitioning Me for healing. It is a huge war, using the coldness of the church as its greatest weapon. It is a wearing down of those saints who pray, not receiving immediate answers. It is a lack of recognition that this war is not quickly won, and that the casualties will occur because of lack of faith. You see, men and women have forgotten what faith is. And they have built fences around their hearts to keep the burdens of caring for the hopelessly sick out. These fences are their defenses. They think the fences go unseen, and their defenses are unheard. But because I am listening for “What would it take?” I am also hearing all the defenses against carrying the sick, fervently. A man or woman cannot bring their prayers into the Court of Petition and have them heard if they are not sincere.
Does not the body of Christ realize that the illnesses of their loved ones and acquaintances would hone them into sharp spears used against their very enemy, if they would love hotly? The body of Christ would be as Christ, with faith like Jesus to do the works of Jesus and greater, if they did not grow weary of those people whose problems seem hopeless. You see, faith is not only knowing I can heal the hopeless . . . it’s agreeing with Me that I should. It is wanting that healing so much that you will ask Me “What does it take?” The ensuing obedience is evidence of an agreement borne of the authority from above, that neglected authority of the believer that he is appointed to, once he overcomes. He will sit down in My Son’s throne, for he has agreed to obey, and to endure in his obedience.
Man gives up too easily, looking for the good I will work in his life, and in his ministry, after the loved one dies. How it breaks My heart to see this coldness in My own. Also, the accuser of the brethren is wearing down men’s faith, accusing the sick one of bringing his or her judgment upon themselves. He makes it look as if no one deserves to be healed. Or he causes a despising of the suffering and whispers “heaven is better”. Satan knows how to make My faithful ones feel guilty or useless for praying. A man must have all his armor on to pray and endure. He must be single-minded and not waver. It is a battle, though, worth winning.
And what of those appointed to death? Trust Me to bring a sincere and untroubled peace upon you in the Court of Petition if that is My answer. A sincere heart will know My peace and that it is not the silence brought by deceit. My peace brings fruit, and there will be wisdom of how to proceed, a mending of relationships, and restoration of the inner man before the loved one dies. I marvelously prepare the bed-clothes for My saints who die in Me. There is no shame on the part of those who have petitioned Me for their healing, but a reward will be given to all who pray hotly, sincerely, ready to obey what answer is given. I always remember the hot ones. When the embers and coals are stirred beneath the altar, My answer goes forth to accomplish their prayers. Amen.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
worship
Worship
7-27-08
In Colossians 3:16 we read a passage that admonishes us to “let the Word dwell richly in us.” The instructions are to teach and admonish this living Word, for it is meant to benefit those around us. Then we read that we are to sing “psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs.” These scriptures should flow together, bringing the instruction to incorporate the richly dwelling Word of God into our singing. In fact, our songs should be so rich that others would be blessed and their faith increased having just heard us.
An example of this type of singing is found in the Psalms where we often read how David thanked God for His actions. Thanking God for what He has done in our lives is part of our praise. Can we remember what God has done in our lives, or are we unaware of His actions, His presence among us? Mature Christians should not only see when God answers their prayers, but should know His ways. If a man or woman does not see and know how God is moving, then they should follow those who do. They are immature and should not lead worship, for the Word that dwells in them doesn’t have the expression of being applied to their lives yet.
The fact is, God wants to be seen, and He shows Himself in His people. He chooses circumstances that seem dire to us and brings His strength through. When we are getting trompled, He lifts us up as a sign of His goodness and love (Ps 86:16-17). His “great and marvelous deeds” (vs 10) can be seen in our troublesome lives. His ways are to the end that His goodness will be displayed.
Our songs can be our witness to His greatness. They can hold the richness of His Words, applied to our lives. Our response to Him for all He has done can flow out of a heart of love and gratitude. Let us purpose to worship God in truth and in the Spirit, blessing those around us with the richness of His Word, alive in us. This is true worship. Amen.
7-27-08
In Colossians 3:16 we read a passage that admonishes us to “let the Word dwell richly in us.” The instructions are to teach and admonish this living Word, for it is meant to benefit those around us. Then we read that we are to sing “psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs.” These scriptures should flow together, bringing the instruction to incorporate the richly dwelling Word of God into our singing. In fact, our songs should be so rich that others would be blessed and their faith increased having just heard us.
An example of this type of singing is found in the Psalms where we often read how David thanked God for His actions. Thanking God for what He has done in our lives is part of our praise. Can we remember what God has done in our lives, or are we unaware of His actions, His presence among us? Mature Christians should not only see when God answers their prayers, but should know His ways. If a man or woman does not see and know how God is moving, then they should follow those who do. They are immature and should not lead worship, for the Word that dwells in them doesn’t have the expression of being applied to their lives yet.
The fact is, God wants to be seen, and He shows Himself in His people. He chooses circumstances that seem dire to us and brings His strength through. When we are getting trompled, He lifts us up as a sign of His goodness and love (Ps 86:16-17). His “great and marvelous deeds” (vs 10) can be seen in our troublesome lives. His ways are to the end that His goodness will be displayed.
Our songs can be our witness to His greatness. They can hold the richness of His Words, applied to our lives. Our response to Him for all He has done can flow out of a heart of love and gratitude. Let us purpose to worship God in truth and in the Spirit, blessing those around us with the richness of His Word, alive in us. This is true worship. Amen.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
talents
Talents
7-23-08
Last night I sat in a concert hosted by a church, listing to music and singing that ranged from Baroque to modern, to Celtic, to “other”. There was poetry reading, and during intermission, photography to view. All around me in this little church I was surrounded with talent, everywhere I turned. The participants were brought in from all around the county, and not all were Christians. Yet there was a sort of “glory” hanging in the air.
While the music played and I was admiring the display of each person’s individual talent, the Lord interrupted my thoughts. The He reminded me that He commanded the light to shine out of darkness . . . scripture calls us “darkness”. (But now we are translated into the kingdom of light). Another verse came to mind, in which we are called pots of clay. Yet He speaks of putting a treasure inside each one of us, in our human nature, so that the transcending power of His nature might be see. And that is what the Lord was getting to: He wants to be seen in His people. He has given each one of us gifts to show His nature to those who still remain in darkness. His glorious nature isn’t in us just for our sake, but for the sake of all creation.
Then the Lord shifted my attention to the parable of the 3 men who were given talents. The 3rd had buried his talent, and the Master called Him evil, taking his talent away and giving it to the first, who had been faithful. The Lord gently spoke to my heart, “Is declining to use the gift (talent) humility?” He was referring to the many people who feel like they are being “proud” when they use their gift in front of others. Then He said, “Jesus was humble and took on your form, yet He used all His gifts. He didn’t look at His form and decide to shut His mouth, for that would have shut my glory away from those who dwell in darkness.” I thought a moment about my struggles to continue writing worship songs, and spoke a silent apology for my own silence. I also had found it hard to use my gift in front of others, eventually believing that I was just a proud person wanting to “be up front.” Finally, the Lord said, “Are you wiser than, more humble than the Son of God? Or is it an insult to a benevolent Creator for His sons and daughters to bury their talents?”
Seeing how backwards my own thinking has been concerning using talents, I am glad to have a better understanding about the Lord’s purpose in giving them. Yes, we are clay pots, and were in darkness. But it has been God’s design all along to glorify Himself through His people, fragile and prone to sin as we are. We don’t serve God because we are perfect, made of infallible materials: we serve Him because that is His nature in us. Amen.
7-23-08
Last night I sat in a concert hosted by a church, listing to music and singing that ranged from Baroque to modern, to Celtic, to “other”. There was poetry reading, and during intermission, photography to view. All around me in this little church I was surrounded with talent, everywhere I turned. The participants were brought in from all around the county, and not all were Christians. Yet there was a sort of “glory” hanging in the air.
While the music played and I was admiring the display of each person’s individual talent, the Lord interrupted my thoughts. The He reminded me that He commanded the light to shine out of darkness . . . scripture calls us “darkness”. (But now we are translated into the kingdom of light). Another verse came to mind, in which we are called pots of clay. Yet He speaks of putting a treasure inside each one of us, in our human nature, so that the transcending power of His nature might be see. And that is what the Lord was getting to: He wants to be seen in His people. He has given each one of us gifts to show His nature to those who still remain in darkness. His glorious nature isn’t in us just for our sake, but for the sake of all creation.
Then the Lord shifted my attention to the parable of the 3 men who were given talents. The 3rd had buried his talent, and the Master called Him evil, taking his talent away and giving it to the first, who had been faithful. The Lord gently spoke to my heart, “Is declining to use the gift (talent) humility?” He was referring to the many people who feel like they are being “proud” when they use their gift in front of others. Then He said, “Jesus was humble and took on your form, yet He used all His gifts. He didn’t look at His form and decide to shut His mouth, for that would have shut my glory away from those who dwell in darkness.” I thought a moment about my struggles to continue writing worship songs, and spoke a silent apology for my own silence. I also had found it hard to use my gift in front of others, eventually believing that I was just a proud person wanting to “be up front.” Finally, the Lord said, “Are you wiser than, more humble than the Son of God? Or is it an insult to a benevolent Creator for His sons and daughters to bury their talents?”
Seeing how backwards my own thinking has been concerning using talents, I am glad to have a better understanding about the Lord’s purpose in giving them. Yes, we are clay pots, and were in darkness. But it has been God’s design all along to glorify Himself through His people, fragile and prone to sin as we are. We don’t serve God because we are perfect, made of infallible materials: we serve Him because that is His nature in us. Amen.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Age of Wisdom
Age of Wisdom
7-20-08
This is the Age of Wisdom, a time when I seek to be glorified in my Church . It is a time when the world is full of folly and needs wisdom. It is a time when man has lost his integrity and needs to find Mine.
Moses defended My integrity, advising Me not to kill My people for their disobedience because he was concerned that I would look like a liar to the world, and a God who mistreated His people . He represented My true nature to Me, and to My people, becoming angry at what angered Me, and judging with truth and equity. Yet there came a time when I told him that he would not enter into My promised land, for he failed to represent Me as holy to the people; Moses and Aaron his brother failed to honor Me .
Why is the Church Age an Age of Wisdom? I am calling Man to step up, to draw near to Me and learn how I think. I am no longer treating Man as a child. It is written of Jesus that He appeared smitten and afflicted of God . No man told Me not to crucify My Son. Many stumbled over the fact that He who claimed He was the Son of God was not rescued. Yet it was the wisdom of God to crucify He who was holy. And this wisdom itself defends the integrity of He who allowed His Son to be crucified.
It is a time to move now, to move on in My will. Just as Moses had to move the children of Israel on, My Spirit is moving My people on. And just like there were many who did not move into the promised land, so now there will be some who do not enter into My promises. It is a time where every man’s destiny is within his reach, and every man should know what he is reaching for. Let the youth lay aside folly and the young women their foolishness. For it is a time when great glory is descending on the earth from the Father of Lights, and why should any man or woman fall short of entering in? Every provision has been made and I continually speak Wisdom to My own. Listen, for I am speaking. Obey, so that you all will be equipped for the promises I am moving you into.
It is not Man who will defend My integrity by his counsel. But My people will display My nature, honoring Me, when they have overcome. This is My pride and glory, My Bride who stands in an evil time, being made Holy by My Spirit in Her. Thus saith the Lord.
7-20-08
This is the Age of Wisdom, a time when I seek to be glorified in my Church . It is a time when the world is full of folly and needs wisdom. It is a time when man has lost his integrity and needs to find Mine.
Moses defended My integrity, advising Me not to kill My people for their disobedience because he was concerned that I would look like a liar to the world, and a God who mistreated His people . He represented My true nature to Me, and to My people, becoming angry at what angered Me, and judging with truth and equity. Yet there came a time when I told him that he would not enter into My promised land, for he failed to represent Me as holy to the people; Moses and Aaron his brother failed to honor Me .
Why is the Church Age an Age of Wisdom? I am calling Man to step up, to draw near to Me and learn how I think. I am no longer treating Man as a child. It is written of Jesus that He appeared smitten and afflicted of God . No man told Me not to crucify My Son. Many stumbled over the fact that He who claimed He was the Son of God was not rescued. Yet it was the wisdom of God to crucify He who was holy. And this wisdom itself defends the integrity of He who allowed His Son to be crucified.
It is a time to move now, to move on in My will. Just as Moses had to move the children of Israel on, My Spirit is moving My people on. And just like there were many who did not move into the promised land, so now there will be some who do not enter into My promises. It is a time where every man’s destiny is within his reach, and every man should know what he is reaching for. Let the youth lay aside folly and the young women their foolishness. For it is a time when great glory is descending on the earth from the Father of Lights, and why should any man or woman fall short of entering in? Every provision has been made and I continually speak Wisdom to My own. Listen, for I am speaking. Obey, so that you all will be equipped for the promises I am moving you into.
It is not Man who will defend My integrity by his counsel. But My people will display My nature, honoring Me, when they have overcome. This is My pride and glory, My Bride who stands in an evil time, being made Holy by My Spirit in Her. Thus saith the Lord.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
sacrifice of praise
The Sacrifice of Praise
7-10-08
This morning I awoke after just having a dream. In this dream the Lord showed me a man who had a very mechanical way of worship. He was clean during his worship time. When he stopped all his dirt came back on him. Two scriptures then came to me as I prayed over this dream: Heb 13:15 -> continually offer a sacrifice of praise; and 1 Pet 2:5 -> offer up spiritual sacrifices. It became plain to me then that the Lord is seeking those who worship Him as a life-style, not going through a worship service mechanically. Also, all the dirt we seem to be free of during worship would actually be gone if we offered up spiritual sacrifices; sacrifices of praise.
In looking at 1 Peter 2-12 I found instructions for holiness. First, we are acceptable through Christ (not of our own works). Then we are admonished to abstain from the sinful desires that war against our soul. This is our effort, exerted through our own choices of what thoughts to entertain, and which desires to approve of. This battle is spoken about in 2 Cor 10:3-5 where we are told to pull down the strong hold, capturing every thought we have and making them submit to the word of God.
Next, we see (in 1 Peter) that we are to live good lives, and do good deeds. The nature of Christ works its way inward, and as we do our part to submit our heart and our mind to the word of God, goodness works its way outward from us. This is the result of offering the sacrifice of praise.
The Lord led me into the book of Revelation for an example of how to have a life-style of praise towards Him. There are many praises recorded which affirm God’s good and just nature. These are what should come out of our mouths and live in our hearts and minds when circumstances seem to point to an evil or unjust intent on God’s part. We must remember that we also have an enemy which wants to portray God as being evil and unjust, forgetful and dishonest. Satan’s weapons are accusations. Our weapons are mightier; they are the sacrifice of praise.
As we learn to trust God in the circumstances of our lives our heart will become protected with the breast plate of righteousness. This is His righteousness, which we affirm through our praises, working its way into our hearts and converting us away from evil desires. Our righteousness then becomes manifested in a good life, full of good deeds.
The next time we worship God in a Sunday morning service and bask in the glow of His Spirit let us remember that this is a life-style. Amen.
7-10-08
This morning I awoke after just having a dream. In this dream the Lord showed me a man who had a very mechanical way of worship. He was clean during his worship time. When he stopped all his dirt came back on him. Two scriptures then came to me as I prayed over this dream: Heb 13:15 -> continually offer a sacrifice of praise; and 1 Pet 2:5 -> offer up spiritual sacrifices. It became plain to me then that the Lord is seeking those who worship Him as a life-style, not going through a worship service mechanically. Also, all the dirt we seem to be free of during worship would actually be gone if we offered up spiritual sacrifices; sacrifices of praise.
In looking at 1 Peter 2-12 I found instructions for holiness. First, we are acceptable through Christ (not of our own works). Then we are admonished to abstain from the sinful desires that war against our soul. This is our effort, exerted through our own choices of what thoughts to entertain, and which desires to approve of. This battle is spoken about in 2 Cor 10:3-5 where we are told to pull down the strong hold, capturing every thought we have and making them submit to the word of God.
Next, we see (in 1 Peter) that we are to live good lives, and do good deeds. The nature of Christ works its way inward, and as we do our part to submit our heart and our mind to the word of God, goodness works its way outward from us. This is the result of offering the sacrifice of praise.
The Lord led me into the book of Revelation for an example of how to have a life-style of praise towards Him. There are many praises recorded which affirm God’s good and just nature. These are what should come out of our mouths and live in our hearts and minds when circumstances seem to point to an evil or unjust intent on God’s part. We must remember that we also have an enemy which wants to portray God as being evil and unjust, forgetful and dishonest. Satan’s weapons are accusations. Our weapons are mightier; they are the sacrifice of praise.
As we learn to trust God in the circumstances of our lives our heart will become protected with the breast plate of righteousness. This is His righteousness, which we affirm through our praises, working its way into our hearts and converting us away from evil desires. Our righteousness then becomes manifested in a good life, full of good deeds.
The next time we worship God in a Sunday morning service and bask in the glow of His Spirit let us remember that this is a life-style. Amen.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
the Maturity of our relationship with the Lord
Today the events in our news were on my mind; devastating fires, crime . . . I felt my heart reach up to God in prayer. Though I thought that God’s heart would be filled with what my eyes saw, His answer focused on our relationship. He said “What kind of relationship do you want with Me?” He proceeded to teach me a valuable lesson about how a relationship matures. Does this seem to have anything at all to do with the news I was reading? Yes. Our heart is able to share with the Lord only as far as our relationship takes us. Though our Father carries grief over the many calamities that occur on the earth, He cannot partner with us in prayer if we are at the “small child” stage of our relationship. We must grow up into Him.
We are called in Jesus to be His Bride, an intimate partner, mature, and prepared. Sometimes we want to be a child, totally dependent on His provision for us. Yet, a mature person takes responsibility for others and their own needs also. He or she does not just seek God for him or herself, interested only in what can be gotten, or what God can do for him or her. We can see from Jesus’ parables that it is necessary to care for our brothers and sisters, for they are His body (see Mt 24:45-51 & 25:31-45). As a bride, maturity causes us to learn how to please our Groom, and how to do Him good (Prov 31:12). In a mature relationship conversation is valued because thereby is the heart of the Groom disclosed.
In contrast, immature Christians do not see that, like Abraham, God blesses them so that they can bless others. They keep their pockets empty and have little to provide for the needs of others. Someone has to take responsibility for them. Like a little child, they want to be carried even though they have two strong legs to walk on.
This is a season of maturity and those who avoid wisdom will not be trained by Her. They will not become exercised by eating meat, and so will miss the training that teaches them to discern between right and wrong. Though you try to teach them, they will not learn, because they want to be simple-minded and led by others, not using their God-given gifts to bring some into righteousness. The hallmark of an immature person is that he or she wants someone else to take responsibility for them and their faith.
Immaturity also is seen in a poor concept of time. To a child, time is his own, and he doesn’t hold himself accountable for what he does with it. To the mature Christian, we see that we must be doing the works we are ordained to do because He is coming to reward us for what we have done (Matt 16:27). Those who have used their time faithfully will go on to serve Christ in His power and glory. Those who do their own thing and squander the time given to them will not go on to serve the Lord, and will grieve in bitterness. Their promises will become like snares that catch other men unaware, who did not know that these immature Christians speak empty words which trap others in a timeless maze of slothfulness, not handling the kingdom’s business but squandering the precious time allotted for its accomplishment.
An example of the relationship of the Father with His children, and how that relationship grew in its requirements, can be seen in the wandering of the children of Israel through the wilderness. When the tribes of Israel wandered through the wilderness, they had many years of not knowing where to go and when to move. God taught them to trust Him in the wilderness. He was a pillar of fire at night so that they would know His presence was with them and to not be afraid. He was a cloud by day so that they would be sheltered from the hot sun, and know that He was with them. He led them as a father leads his child, showing them that they could trust His love for them when He closed the Red Sea on their enemies. He showed them His provision when He brought them water from the rock, and manna from heaven. He showed them His justice when He brought judgment on Korah during the rebellion, and when He struck down the grumblers who demanded meat. Never did He keep His nature a secret from them. He showed His children His forbearance when He kept their shoes from wearing out, even though He knew they would not enter the Promise Land. This was a time in which God led His people by holding their hand; the Father-relationship with the children of Israel.
This type of relationship in which time and responsibility had little meaning could not endure in the Promise Land. Once they got to the Promise Land, there was no pillar of fire, nor a cloud to shelter them there. The children needed to put on the maturity of faith. They had an inheritance to obtain and a time appointed in which to fight their enemies. In the Promise Land time, and what they were responsible to do in that time, became more important. After the time which was allotted to rid the land of their enemies was finished, there was no more time in which God fought for them (Josh 23:12-13).
The children of Israel had learned to trust God during their walk in the wilderness. He had held their hand and been patient with them while they were learning to walk. In the Promise Land the children needed to become adults. They needed to stand on those lessons already learned. So now, we must not think that every trial that comes our way is meant to teach them to trust God and be patient. We will find that being passive or waiting too long will bring bondage and we will be hindered by their enemies. This occurs whenever we do not take responsibility for the works God gives us to do. We then become like those tribes of Isreal who did not put on maturity in order to do the works necessary to obtain the promises of God. Amen.
We are called in Jesus to be His Bride, an intimate partner, mature, and prepared. Sometimes we want to be a child, totally dependent on His provision for us. Yet, a mature person takes responsibility for others and their own needs also. He or she does not just seek God for him or herself, interested only in what can be gotten, or what God can do for him or her. We can see from Jesus’ parables that it is necessary to care for our brothers and sisters, for they are His body (see Mt 24:45-51 & 25:31-45). As a bride, maturity causes us to learn how to please our Groom, and how to do Him good (Prov 31:12). In a mature relationship conversation is valued because thereby is the heart of the Groom disclosed.
In contrast, immature Christians do not see that, like Abraham, God blesses them so that they can bless others. They keep their pockets empty and have little to provide for the needs of others. Someone has to take responsibility for them. Like a little child, they want to be carried even though they have two strong legs to walk on.
This is a season of maturity and those who avoid wisdom will not be trained by Her. They will not become exercised by eating meat, and so will miss the training that teaches them to discern between right and wrong. Though you try to teach them, they will not learn, because they want to be simple-minded and led by others, not using their God-given gifts to bring some into righteousness. The hallmark of an immature person is that he or she wants someone else to take responsibility for them and their faith.
Immaturity also is seen in a poor concept of time. To a child, time is his own, and he doesn’t hold himself accountable for what he does with it. To the mature Christian, we see that we must be doing the works we are ordained to do because He is coming to reward us for what we have done (Matt 16:27). Those who have used their time faithfully will go on to serve Christ in His power and glory. Those who do their own thing and squander the time given to them will not go on to serve the Lord, and will grieve in bitterness. Their promises will become like snares that catch other men unaware, who did not know that these immature Christians speak empty words which trap others in a timeless maze of slothfulness, not handling the kingdom’s business but squandering the precious time allotted for its accomplishment.
An example of the relationship of the Father with His children, and how that relationship grew in its requirements, can be seen in the wandering of the children of Israel through the wilderness. When the tribes of Israel wandered through the wilderness, they had many years of not knowing where to go and when to move. God taught them to trust Him in the wilderness. He was a pillar of fire at night so that they would know His presence was with them and to not be afraid. He was a cloud by day so that they would be sheltered from the hot sun, and know that He was with them. He led them as a father leads his child, showing them that they could trust His love for them when He closed the Red Sea on their enemies. He showed them His provision when He brought them water from the rock, and manna from heaven. He showed them His justice when He brought judgment on Korah during the rebellion, and when He struck down the grumblers who demanded meat. Never did He keep His nature a secret from them. He showed His children His forbearance when He kept their shoes from wearing out, even though He knew they would not enter the Promise Land. This was a time in which God led His people by holding their hand; the Father-relationship with the children of Israel.
This type of relationship in which time and responsibility had little meaning could not endure in the Promise Land. Once they got to the Promise Land, there was no pillar of fire, nor a cloud to shelter them there. The children needed to put on the maturity of faith. They had an inheritance to obtain and a time appointed in which to fight their enemies. In the Promise Land time, and what they were responsible to do in that time, became more important. After the time which was allotted to rid the land of their enemies was finished, there was no more time in which God fought for them (Josh 23:12-13).
The children of Israel had learned to trust God during their walk in the wilderness. He had held their hand and been patient with them while they were learning to walk. In the Promise Land the children needed to become adults. They needed to stand on those lessons already learned. So now, we must not think that every trial that comes our way is meant to teach them to trust God and be patient. We will find that being passive or waiting too long will bring bondage and we will be hindered by their enemies. This occurs whenever we do not take responsibility for the works God gives us to do. We then become like those tribes of Isreal who did not put on maturity in order to do the works necessary to obtain the promises of God. Amen.
Monday, July 7, 2008
prophecy
One day I heard a young man say “Don’t think that just because I prophesied something to you, it will come to pass.” He had laughter in his voice, and I knew he meant to be humble, but the Holy Spirit stirred in me in a way that I knew something just wasn’t right. Though I have been taught to speak as if presenting the oracles of God (1 Peter 4:10,11), it wasn’t scripture that came to my mind to correct this young man’s words . . . it was prophecy itself. Loud and clear I heard “I don’t ‘dumb down’ prophecy for people. I elevate the person by their faith to the position of the gift and the calling.”
If you are one who has been taught to show humility by lessening the gift I’d like to ask you to consider Jesus, the One who in humble obedience suffered shame on the cross. Yet He did not lessen or dilute one single word of God, but spoke each word just as He heard it from His Father. Can we be more humble than Him? Then let's speak in faith so that those who hear prophecy might mix it with faith in their own hearts (Heb 4:2).
God bless, Helen
If you are one who has been taught to show humility by lessening the gift I’d like to ask you to consider Jesus, the One who in humble obedience suffered shame on the cross. Yet He did not lessen or dilute one single word of God, but spoke each word just as He heard it from His Father. Can we be more humble than Him? Then let's speak in faith so that those who hear prophecy might mix it with faith in their own hearts (Heb 4:2).
God bless, Helen
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