Silence exerts the sovereignty of God. While God works behind the scenes, we must be patient. When His work does not involve us, we must trust Him. And when He is silent, we must not promote our own agenda.
God tests the hearts of men during times of silence. Will we wait on Him, though our lives seem without purpose? Or will we go ahead of Him, promoting ourselves?
In January of 2004 the Lord gave me a dream wherein I walked with Him above the circle of the earth. The clouds below me created a white out. There was no way to identify the land masses. I knew that I would only find my way by walking with Him. White out is a term used to indicate when there is a blockage in the flow of information.
This morning the Lord also gave my husband, Dave, a dream about a “white out”. In his dream there was a terrible storm (like a hurricane), so large that it “blotted out” the “48th” parallel (states of the United States we call the main land). However, the pilot of the plane Dave was flying on was able to successfully complete his flight to Alaska (his destination). Because of the terrible storm, the only “state” that was clear was our northernmost state (a destination not part of the mainland). The interpretation of his dream was such that it indicated that the mainland churches were in the midst of a “white out” storm and only outside of this region was God’s word clearly seen and known.
In 2008 the Lord shared with me that we as Christians in the United States were embroiled in a terrible spiritual battle. Yet pastors were not interested in uniting over prayer. In fact, many famous and less famous ministers began proclaiming that they “heard” we needed faith to bring God’s kingdom into reality, and that faith was manifest through signs, wonders, and miracles. No one united their people in prayer . . . no one equipped the saints for the terrible battle . . . but many men were going ahead with their own agenda.
It is hard to equip the saints at home when you want the glory road. Those ministers and ministry heads, being tested by the “white out” of silence, were found to have the desire of men’s approval. They formed the “club” of approving one another for ministry. Those wanted their efforts validated by God have fabricated miracles, as scripture warned us, so that they might feel worthy and boast in their ministry (2 Pet 2:3). These men and women were bored and felt condemned the inactivity and loss of productiveness that comes with waiting. Therefore, they listened to their own spirits and to each other’s words. If they had truly stood in God’s presence they would have equipped God’s people for the battle. Instead, they have created a Christian culture of prophesying and teaching on pre-approved topics, using special catch-phrases, and ignoring the crisis at hand.
But the saints who have waited on the Lord will go forward with Him when He moves, for they have no agenda of their own. He is their Sovereign, their Lord, and He can trust His work to them. These men and women have not hardened the hearts of believers by their false prophecy, nor have they taught the saints to prophesy out of their own spirits. They do not speak of people being healed who, indeed, were not healed. They, who are satisfied with the portion the Lord has given them, feed their fellow believers in due season. Praise to the Sovereign Lord who tests our hearts that we may be ready to join Him in His work (Only the false teachers deny the sovereignty of the Lord - 2 Pet 2:1). Amen.
Sunday, February 19, 2012
The Head
Who has stood in the presence of the Lord to know His seasons? God’s nature is not a season, but has always existed. His plans have always been, from the beginning. And yet men call parts of God’s nature a season as if they are just discovering it, and as if that very nature was finite.
Those who stand in God’s presence will speak from His nature, for His Words are Living and impart the Great I Am. The speaker will impart what is ancient. To do this, those who prophesy must stop seeking what is new. Until we become comfortable with the eternal nature of God, we cannot represent Him in speech.
God builds on foundations He has laid. What seems to be a different season to Man is merely the next layer the Lord is building with. He does not discard what He is doing and start something unrelated; the Lord has a plan He is working with. If we would be observant, we could see through the lens of the Holy Spirit . . . observing the materials and layers the Lord is bringing on the earth to accomplish His plan. Each aspect the Holy Spirit focuses on is permanent and does not leave the work God is doing.
The Bible tells us that we must grow up into the Head, Jesus Christ (Eph 4:15). God is building us through a maturing process, to grow up into His nature. There is no season to our growth, but a permanent incorporating of His nature into ours. We will not know His prosperity or favor, his victories or open doors because of seasons God has set in the earth. These things come not because of a proclamation, but because of our relationship with God, and His will in our own personal lives. Some may find great trials during another’s time of prosperity. God is a personal God who has an individual plan for each one of His saints, woven into the overall plan for His Bride.
Before we make lists of what God will do in a year, or proclamations of a season during which God will do a certain thing on the earth, let us consider whether or not our words represent the nature of God. Are they our own conclusions, or is He revealing Himself through us? Then we will be building the saints up into the nature of God, into the Head, Jesus. Amen.
Those who stand in God’s presence will speak from His nature, for His Words are Living and impart the Great I Am. The speaker will impart what is ancient. To do this, those who prophesy must stop seeking what is new. Until we become comfortable with the eternal nature of God, we cannot represent Him in speech.
God builds on foundations He has laid. What seems to be a different season to Man is merely the next layer the Lord is building with. He does not discard what He is doing and start something unrelated; the Lord has a plan He is working with. If we would be observant, we could see through the lens of the Holy Spirit . . . observing the materials and layers the Lord is bringing on the earth to accomplish His plan. Each aspect the Holy Spirit focuses on is permanent and does not leave the work God is doing.
The Bible tells us that we must grow up into the Head, Jesus Christ (Eph 4:15). God is building us through a maturing process, to grow up into His nature. There is no season to our growth, but a permanent incorporating of His nature into ours. We will not know His prosperity or favor, his victories or open doors because of seasons God has set in the earth. These things come not because of a proclamation, but because of our relationship with God, and His will in our own personal lives. Some may find great trials during another’s time of prosperity. God is a personal God who has an individual plan for each one of His saints, woven into the overall plan for His Bride.
Before we make lists of what God will do in a year, or proclamations of a season during which God will do a certain thing on the earth, let us consider whether or not our words represent the nature of God. Are they our own conclusions, or is He revealing Himself through us? Then we will be building the saints up into the nature of God, into the Head, Jesus. Amen.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
neglect vs caring
Have you ever noticed that there are some systems you just cannot beat? As silly as these may seem, here are some examples; 1) if you do not wash your sheets often enough they get stained by grime and you can’t wash it out, 2) if you put damp towels in the clothes hamper and you live in a humid climate, mold and mildew grow, 3) if you do not keep up with the weeds in your yard they take over . . . and the list goes on and on. If we neglect our daily maintenance of the things of this life, we make our work harder.
The term that came to mind while thinking on these things is “neglect.” Neglect is a term used in the New Testament in admonitions not to neglect the gift that is within us (1 Tim 4:14) and not to neglect our salvation (Heb 2:3). God does not neglect us, and He asks us to not neglect, or make light of, what He has given us.
In the Old Testament there are other words that accurately describe neglect; the sluggard and the slothful (used interchangeably). The slothful seem to make up excuses that enable them to do nothing, take it easy, or fear to take action. In Proverbs 26:13 we read “The sluggard says, ’There is a lion in the road, a fierce lion roaming the streets!’” This man has talked himself out of going anywhere, and actually shrinks back from following what is right. The sluggard cannot beat the system of fear binding him to his own thoughts, therefore defeating his faith; so he goes nowhere.
The sluggard also neglects to do what is needed in the right season, such as plowing his land in order to plant seed (Prov 20:4). Instead of getting food from good efforts at the end of the harvest, one would note that the sluggard’s field is full of weeds and thorns, and the walls that were meant to protect his field are falling down. This sluggard cannot beat the system of sowing and reaping, and therefore ends up in want.
We see the example of both care and neglect set into nature, and therefore know this about God’s nature; He maintains and cares for things and people, and is teaching us to be like Him. To care is to be like God.
God’s caring goes beyond observing maintenance guidelines. He tests that which He uses to make sure He is using good material. We can be sure that what God builds with will last an eternity. Not only does the Lord want us not to neglect our gifts and our salvation, but He wants us to be careful about what we build with. If we have the same sluggish, dull heart in us as the slothful man, though we believe in God, we will not gain the victory over fear and love of our own thoughts. Even worse, we may not feel the importance of all that God has committed to us.
Ezekiel was sent to spiritual leaders who did not spiritually maintain those walls protecting God’s people. They “daubed” the walls with “untempered mortar” or untested material (Ez 13:15). These leaders led God’s people to have a false sense of peace when they needed to take action and repent of their sins. Their walls did not protect God’s people in times of testing because they were not built with good materials. So also the Apostle Paul tells us that we need to build with good materials (1 Cor 3:10-15). The materials that have no value are found in thinking we are wise according to the world’s standard (1 Cor 3:18-20). Both the spiritual leaders of the Old Testament and the Christians of the New Testament have and will be found neglectful of spiritual maintenance if they value their own thoughts above the Lord’s thoughts. In Ezekiel’s example we see that God’s people were open to ruin. In Paul’s letter to the Corinthians we see that those who built poorly lost all they built and had nothing to show for their labors.
To maintain, or not neglect, our yard and our clothing we can easily put physical disciplines into our lives so as to avoid mold and mildew, grime, and a yard full of weeds and thorns. What advice do we have about correcting spiritual neglect? In Hebrews we read “We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.” (Heb 2:1) Careful attention . . . caring about and paying attention to God’s words. “Be diligent . . . watch your life and doctrine closely . . . persevere . . . “(1 Tim 4:15-16). Let spiritual discipline cause you to monitor yourself for progress, and weed out all error. “ . . . be careful how (you) build.” (1 Cor 3:10). Do not take short cuts, using untested thoughts or actions, but use the sure material God gives you. Set aside your own thoughts and wisdom for the Lord’s.
The opposite of neglect is caring, and we find ourselves in His nature when we are caring. Let us encourage one another today to care, and if anyone is found to have stumbled into neglectful thoughts and behavior, restore them in the Lord. Amen
The term that came to mind while thinking on these things is “neglect.” Neglect is a term used in the New Testament in admonitions not to neglect the gift that is within us (1 Tim 4:14) and not to neglect our salvation (Heb 2:3). God does not neglect us, and He asks us to not neglect, or make light of, what He has given us.
In the Old Testament there are other words that accurately describe neglect; the sluggard and the slothful (used interchangeably). The slothful seem to make up excuses that enable them to do nothing, take it easy, or fear to take action. In Proverbs 26:13 we read “The sluggard says, ’There is a lion in the road, a fierce lion roaming the streets!’” This man has talked himself out of going anywhere, and actually shrinks back from following what is right. The sluggard cannot beat the system of fear binding him to his own thoughts, therefore defeating his faith; so he goes nowhere.
The sluggard also neglects to do what is needed in the right season, such as plowing his land in order to plant seed (Prov 20:4). Instead of getting food from good efforts at the end of the harvest, one would note that the sluggard’s field is full of weeds and thorns, and the walls that were meant to protect his field are falling down. This sluggard cannot beat the system of sowing and reaping, and therefore ends up in want.
We see the example of both care and neglect set into nature, and therefore know this about God’s nature; He maintains and cares for things and people, and is teaching us to be like Him. To care is to be like God.
God’s caring goes beyond observing maintenance guidelines. He tests that which He uses to make sure He is using good material. We can be sure that what God builds with will last an eternity. Not only does the Lord want us not to neglect our gifts and our salvation, but He wants us to be careful about what we build with. If we have the same sluggish, dull heart in us as the slothful man, though we believe in God, we will not gain the victory over fear and love of our own thoughts. Even worse, we may not feel the importance of all that God has committed to us.
Ezekiel was sent to spiritual leaders who did not spiritually maintain those walls protecting God’s people. They “daubed” the walls with “untempered mortar” or untested material (Ez 13:15). These leaders led God’s people to have a false sense of peace when they needed to take action and repent of their sins. Their walls did not protect God’s people in times of testing because they were not built with good materials. So also the Apostle Paul tells us that we need to build with good materials (1 Cor 3:10-15). The materials that have no value are found in thinking we are wise according to the world’s standard (1 Cor 3:18-20). Both the spiritual leaders of the Old Testament and the Christians of the New Testament have and will be found neglectful of spiritual maintenance if they value their own thoughts above the Lord’s thoughts. In Ezekiel’s example we see that God’s people were open to ruin. In Paul’s letter to the Corinthians we see that those who built poorly lost all they built and had nothing to show for their labors.
To maintain, or not neglect, our yard and our clothing we can easily put physical disciplines into our lives so as to avoid mold and mildew, grime, and a yard full of weeds and thorns. What advice do we have about correcting spiritual neglect? In Hebrews we read “We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.” (Heb 2:1) Careful attention . . . caring about and paying attention to God’s words. “Be diligent . . . watch your life and doctrine closely . . . persevere . . . “(1 Tim 4:15-16). Let spiritual discipline cause you to monitor yourself for progress, and weed out all error. “ . . . be careful how (you) build.” (1 Cor 3:10). Do not take short cuts, using untested thoughts or actions, but use the sure material God gives you. Set aside your own thoughts and wisdom for the Lord’s.
The opposite of neglect is caring, and we find ourselves in His nature when we are caring. Let us encourage one another today to care, and if anyone is found to have stumbled into neglectful thoughts and behavior, restore them in the Lord. Amen
Thursday, February 9, 2012
The Sweet and the Bitter
“So I went to the angel and asked him to give me the little scroll. He said to ‘Take it and eat it. It will turn your stomach sour, but in your mouth it will be as sweet as honey.’ I took the scroll from the angel’s hand and ate it. It tasted sweet as honey in my mouth, but when I had eaten it, my stomach turned sour. Then I was told ‘You must prophesy again about many peoples, nations, languages and kings.’” (Rev 10:9-11)
John was given a divine vision of the time when God would declare that “There is no more delay” (Rev 10:6). In some translations it is stated as “Time is no more.” God’s Words and actions will have accomplished what they were sent to do, and judgment would begin. The little scroll held the words that were sweet, for hearing from the Father is sweet. Yet they were bitter because the very Church John had laid his life down for was coming under judgment for her sins.
You will scarcely hear a preacher, let alone a prophet, speak about
God’s judgment. Yet God did not give us an endless amount of time to prepare ourselves for the end of all things. If we are the last generation to live before judgment begins, then it is not sweet things that we will be hearing from our Lord.
All throughout time God has warned His people about their sins in order to bring them to a place to receive inheritance and blessing from Him. If John were to warm the Church today, the very people he laid his life down for would reject him.
Will we only hear the sweet, or will we open our hearts to the full counsel of God? If Peter had not said to wake up . . . if Jesus had not said to beware of men’s honor . . . if all the writers of our New Testament had only said sweet things for us to read, then we might think that God’s standard has relaxed and He no longer will judge men. But this is not the example we have in the scriptures, and it is that which makes our stomachs bitter that is true; the brethren will cast us out of their churches because of the warnings from God to this generation.
All who are born of God love the brethren, just as John did. It is a bitter thing to be rejected for the word of truth. Yet God will give His word through those who will be faithful. Today, as you see the day drawing near, encourage one another to be faithful. Amen.
John was given a divine vision of the time when God would declare that “There is no more delay” (Rev 10:6). In some translations it is stated as “Time is no more.” God’s Words and actions will have accomplished what they were sent to do, and judgment would begin. The little scroll held the words that were sweet, for hearing from the Father is sweet. Yet they were bitter because the very Church John had laid his life down for was coming under judgment for her sins.
You will scarcely hear a preacher, let alone a prophet, speak about
God’s judgment. Yet God did not give us an endless amount of time to prepare ourselves for the end of all things. If we are the last generation to live before judgment begins, then it is not sweet things that we will be hearing from our Lord.
All throughout time God has warned His people about their sins in order to bring them to a place to receive inheritance and blessing from Him. If John were to warm the Church today, the very people he laid his life down for would reject him.
Will we only hear the sweet, or will we open our hearts to the full counsel of God? If Peter had not said to wake up . . . if Jesus had not said to beware of men’s honor . . . if all the writers of our New Testament had only said sweet things for us to read, then we might think that God’s standard has relaxed and He no longer will judge men. But this is not the example we have in the scriptures, and it is that which makes our stomachs bitter that is true; the brethren will cast us out of their churches because of the warnings from God to this generation.
All who are born of God love the brethren, just as John did. It is a bitter thing to be rejected for the word of truth. Yet God will give His word through those who will be faithful. Today, as you see the day drawing near, encourage one another to be faithful. Amen.
God is not going to fix the Church
God is not going to fix the Church. Many prophetic voices are speaking of the magic cure for the church; repentance, love, faith . . . and with each year they speak of the many blessings God is going to bring upon the Church. We are led to believe their words will come true If we pray hard enough, love long enough, and believe with all our heart .
What will come true is God’s Words. I just read today a prophecy about God wanting to raise His people up in Wisdom. This is true. 2 years ago I prophesied to a very prominent Christian leader that the Lord was asking him to close his schools of prophecy, for they were misleading people. The schools also were being marketed for the spectacular, and God would not honor that. What the Lord asked this leader to do was to open schools of wisdom. But scarcely a man, much less a prominent man, will close that which brings him renown just to open a new thing that no one is seeking.
God is not going to fix the Church. The many prophetic voices are the reason the Church needs to be fixed. They want the system to stay the same because it honors them. They keep out the prophets that are not part of their select few, and raise up new ones who will parrot them. Those in the prophetic schools say “I am of _____” and “I am of ______”, naming famous ministry heads that they have studied under.
But few stand in the presence of God to hear what He has to say, those things which would not be positive or bring blessing. Few see that the Church is the Harlot of Revelation 17 & 18. If God told them, would they jeopardize their standing with other men in order to declare it? Would they upset their social clubs of receiving each other, and only each other, to declare the truth?
Yes, some will say the truth. Some will take the risk of being ostracized by the Church in order to declare God’s words. They will feed that remnant that is becoming God’s Bride. They will minister to her and make her ready. They will be glorified as sons of God, for so are their hearts like His who regarded not the honor of men, but stayed true to His Father. Amen.
What will come true is God’s Words. I just read today a prophecy about God wanting to raise His people up in Wisdom. This is true. 2 years ago I prophesied to a very prominent Christian leader that the Lord was asking him to close his schools of prophecy, for they were misleading people. The schools also were being marketed for the spectacular, and God would not honor that. What the Lord asked this leader to do was to open schools of wisdom. But scarcely a man, much less a prominent man, will close that which brings him renown just to open a new thing that no one is seeking.
God is not going to fix the Church. The many prophetic voices are the reason the Church needs to be fixed. They want the system to stay the same because it honors them. They keep out the prophets that are not part of their select few, and raise up new ones who will parrot them. Those in the prophetic schools say “I am of _____” and “I am of ______”, naming famous ministry heads that they have studied under.
But few stand in the presence of God to hear what He has to say, those things which would not be positive or bring blessing. Few see that the Church is the Harlot of Revelation 17 & 18. If God told them, would they jeopardize their standing with other men in order to declare it? Would they upset their social clubs of receiving each other, and only each other, to declare the truth?
Yes, some will say the truth. Some will take the risk of being ostracized by the Church in order to declare God’s words. They will feed that remnant that is becoming God’s Bride. They will minister to her and make her ready. They will be glorified as sons of God, for so are their hearts like His who regarded not the honor of men, but stayed true to His Father. Amen.
Monday, February 6, 2012
The Kingdom of God
When can we expect God’s kingdom to come down? It is a question men have been trying to answer. Many think we can seize God’s kingdom, or win a war to bring it on to the earth. And some think it is here already; it’s just invisible, so we don’t see it. Those who think it is here advocate for faith to see the unseen. In fact, without faith it is not worth fighting for the unseen either.
The Lord once gave a prophet named Daniel a dream about the saints of God receiving the kingdom (Dan 7). In the account of this dream we see that there was a beast who had a horn which waged war against the saints, “defeating them.” (Dan 7:21). During this time the “Ancient of Days came and pronounce judgment in favor of the saints of the Most High, and the time came when they possessed the kingdom” (vs 22). We see, then, that the word “time” in this verse refers to the coming of the great kingdom of God on the earth.
There is also mention of this same event in the book of Revelation, chapter 13. “He was given power to make war against the saints and to conquer them.”(vs 7). The saints were admonished to have “patient endurance and faithfulness” (vs 10).
I believe that people would rather have faith to seize God’s kingdom than to have patient endurance and faithfulness when things do not go well for them. In fact, Jesus said that the kingdom of God had been suffering forceful attacks since John the Baptist, and than violent me were take a hold of it (Mt 11:12). Is Jesus saying that it is up to us to forcefully take the kingdom of God?
There is a frustration that comes with trying to force the will and the timing of men on the coming of God’s kingdom, which is His own. I do not believe we will see God’s kingdom come through our efforts, but that through patience and faithfulness we will endure to see this victory established by the Lord. Then we will see God’s kingdom come.
There is a kingdom of God “in the midst” of us; a growing power to overcome and to be seated with Jesus in authority. These things we should have faith for. Our prayers should carry the faith in our hearts to our Lord, for He is listening. But we cannot change the times nor the seasons. It is the antichrist who tries to do that (Dan 7:25). Today, as we seek God’s kingdom and the reign of our King, let us encourage one another in the present trials. He will come, and is faithful to do all that He promised. Amen.
The Lord once gave a prophet named Daniel a dream about the saints of God receiving the kingdom (Dan 7). In the account of this dream we see that there was a beast who had a horn which waged war against the saints, “defeating them.” (Dan 7:21). During this time the “Ancient of Days came and pronounce judgment in favor of the saints of the Most High, and the time came when they possessed the kingdom” (vs 22). We see, then, that the word “time” in this verse refers to the coming of the great kingdom of God on the earth.
There is also mention of this same event in the book of Revelation, chapter 13. “He was given power to make war against the saints and to conquer them.”(vs 7). The saints were admonished to have “patient endurance and faithfulness” (vs 10).
I believe that people would rather have faith to seize God’s kingdom than to have patient endurance and faithfulness when things do not go well for them. In fact, Jesus said that the kingdom of God had been suffering forceful attacks since John the Baptist, and than violent me were take a hold of it (Mt 11:12). Is Jesus saying that it is up to us to forcefully take the kingdom of God?
There is a frustration that comes with trying to force the will and the timing of men on the coming of God’s kingdom, which is His own. I do not believe we will see God’s kingdom come through our efforts, but that through patience and faithfulness we will endure to see this victory established by the Lord. Then we will see God’s kingdom come.
There is a kingdom of God “in the midst” of us; a growing power to overcome and to be seated with Jesus in authority. These things we should have faith for. Our prayers should carry the faith in our hearts to our Lord, for He is listening. But we cannot change the times nor the seasons. It is the antichrist who tries to do that (Dan 7:25). Today, as we seek God’s kingdom and the reign of our King, let us encourage one another in the present trials. He will come, and is faithful to do all that He promised. Amen.
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