How Much CHRIST is in Your Christmas?

How Much CHRIST is in Your Christmas?

This time of year, it's inevitable to read the newspapers without hearing the ongoing debate about Christmas. Is it wrong, is it right? Should we say "Happy Holidays" or "Merry Christmas"? To gift or not to gift? It's a never-ending saga, even in the house of God.

Without getting into tons of history and research, only to come to an endless debate, I want to share one thought with everyone during this holiday season...

So then, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you may do, do all for the honor and glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31).

Saints, during this time, we must remember Christ. We must consider the heart of God. So many of us struggle and argue with traditions and their origins. We want to please our children, but are conflicted about which parts of Christmas should be kept, and which should be dismissed. Truthfully, it's really not that difficult to figure it out - DOES IT EXALT CHRIST? DOES IT DRAW MEN TO THE FATHER?

Even more, what did God tell YOU to do? Have you asked the Father what pleases HIM? Hmmmm...

Now, I leave you with one other thought. Consider this scenario...

A man and woman are celebrating their 20th anniversary. They have enjoyed a wonderful relationship, held together by the grace of God. At the anniversary dinner, the man leans over the table and looks into his wife's eyes. He tells her how he has enjoyed the wonderful time they've spent together, and presents her with a gift. To her surprise, it's a 4-karat diamond ring! Excited and anxious, the woman removes the ring from the box, and notices some engraving on the inside. When she reads the inscription, she realizes the ring actually belonged to her husband's ex-wife. He purchased this very gift as an engagement ring for his first wife rather than the one he was celebrating.

Now, his wife is disappointed, and somewhat upset. Confused about her reaction, the husband asks her why she is so upset. Pulling herself together, she explains... "I feel like I am receiving left overs. Though I know you love me and that you want me to feel appreciated with this lovely, expensive ring, the fact still remains that when you purchased it, your heart was set on someone else. The original purpose for this gift was to express your love to another woman, not me. I'd rather you give me a new penny, from your heart, than a recycled gift that happens to fit the occasion."

Isn't it funny how we do the same thing to God around this time of year. Many times, we get so caught up in tradition, and we SAY it's being done for God's glory. When we KNOW a particular act or practice came from idolatry and acts that did not please God, yet we try to justify them at this time of year by making it seem like a Christian agenda. We are simply trying to please God with an idol's offering - trying to give Him a used engagement ring. This year, let's give Him something new and genuine from our hearts. Seek His face and give Him praise. Before we celebrate, let's ask God what REALLY pleases Him. Whatever He says to do, let's do it. Whatever He says to leave out, let's just leave it out!

Then, and only then, will God get this glory in this season. Saints, we cannot continue to allow the world to dictate how we celebrate, when we shop, what we tell our children, and how we decorate our homes. So many believers, THIS YEAR, have even allowed the world's thinking to convince them that Sunday service should be cancelled on Christmas morning! We are the salt of the earth. WE ARE SUPPOSED TO BE DIFFERENT! I encourage you, let your lights shine this year, through intimacy and obedience to the Father!

God bless you!

Be Still and Know...

What is ministry?

This is the very thing God has been dealing with me about lately. I am in a place where the Lord has me quiet and still. So many times, we mistake "business" for ministry. Even when our business is good and well-intended, our many works do not move God. We can preach, prophesy...even give to the poor. Yet, we must FIRST minister to the Father.

I have really been repentent over the last few days. Through my pastors and spiritual leaders, the Lord brought forth a word two weeks ago, and is still dealing with me about the same. It's this entire idea of giving God the worship HE desires.

Thinking things over, I realize that like myself, there are so many others in ministry whose schedules are completely packed with "good things" they are doing. Yet, I must admit, I have often wondered when many of them have time to HEAR from God. When is there time to study His Word? Where is the time to fast and pray? Do they ever have an opportunity to just WAIT on God? Now, I find myself asking those questions of ME.

Father, I never want to be so busy that I miss you!

In fact, it is my prerogative to seek the Lord's face before doing anything...even if it seems to be good. Obedience is what God is looking for. Even if I fulfill a wonderful assignment - giving to the poor, preaching the Gospel to prisoners, clothing orphans...whatever it may be...if I don't complete the specific assignment God has called ME to do, I am disobedient and have missed the mark! It all boils down, then, to being too busy to HEAR and OBEY God.

Watch What You Say

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they who indulge in it shall eat the fruit of it [for death or life].Proverbs 18:21 (AMP)

Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks...

This was the Scripture emailed to me today, and as I began to meditate on it, the Lord brought to my remembrance an article I wrote for publication many years ago. I am reposting here, and believe someone will be touched by it...


Watch What You Say

Recognizing the Power of the Tongue


As a child, my father always hated to hear two particular words more than any others – “I can’t.” He always taught me that anyone was capable of doing anything as long as that person had the self-determination and a driving will to complete the task. In his mind, the only person who could hinder anyone from fulfilling a goal or dream was that individual himself. Throughout my childhood and later in life, I always remembered Daddy’s theory on self-confidence, but I find that as children of God live from day to day, we often forget our God-given potential and supernatural ability. In essence, we carry an “I can’t” mentality, though we may not verbally express those exact words. It often baffles my mind to think how the lost souls of this world live from day to day as if everything is fine and the world is a wonderful place. Drug dealers stand on corners and sit behind the desks of large corporations as CEOs believing that they will never be caught or punished. Heart and lung doctors treat cancer patients everyday, but continue to smoke cigarettes as if their own bodies are indestructible and exempt from the development of disease. Why is it that people who don’t know our Father believe themselves to be indestructible while the children of the Most High, the royal priesthood, sit around accomplishing nothing, earning nothing, changing nothing, speaking nothing, and living nothing?

A familiar scripture to all Christians, the 10th chapter of Romans, verses 9 and 10, teaches us that the things we say have a profound effect on the lives we live. Notice exactly what these verses are actually stating:

That if thou confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness: and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Whenever I meditate on this passage of scripture, the first thing that jumps to my attention is the fact that confession is actually the breaking point to life. “Just believe!”, we’re told. “If you only believe...” As a babe in Christ, I always thought that belief was the strongest component of my new life in Christ, but according to James 2:19, belief may not be the most important factor in living a sanctified life.

Thou believest that there is one God: thou does well: the devils also believe, and tremble.

Well, if the same devils and demons which are to be cast into hell believe the same things as the redeemed children of God, there must be another factor to consider. I propose that the distinguishing factor is “SAY POWER!”

Proverbs 18:21 proclaims that “death and life are in the power of the tongue.” Therefore, if the Word of God is true, we should be able to apply some deductive reasoning to this whole subject and draw a sensible conclusion as to why so many of us are living in an oppressed state, whether it be physical, mental, emotional or financial. When we consider this reality, one may conclude that confession brings salvation, while it may also welcome death. What we speak, whether positive or negative, actually shapes and determines the lives we lead. If our lives are not prosperous, fully sufficient and full of perfect health, someone is speaking death and causing it to assume a position in our lives, or we are failing to change our current state by speaking a word of life and revitalization.

Before jumping into a deep explanation of why we do what we do, let’s consider a simple analogy that each of us have experienced. Imagine your favorite meal sitting on an elaborately decorated dining table. The sweet aroma of the main course fills the room as you take a seat with a dinner companion. Upon sitting down, and blessing the food of course, you consume the appetizers, then the main dish, and complete the dinner with a creamy, tantalizing desert. When you have completed your meal, you gently wipe the corners of your mouth and reach into a purse or pocket for a breath mint. Whether your dinner consists of sautéed shrimp, chicken cordon-bleu, fillet mignon, Italian baked spaghetti, or chitterlings and fried chicken, it is almost second nature to partake of a breath mint or a piece of gum at the close of every meal. This scenario reminds me of Mark 7:15, which states:

There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him: but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man.

What is the point, you ask? Well, despite the genre of any meal including the taste, aroma or texture of the food you consume, the end result of any meal is always bad breath and a possible case of gas! Just like a couple sitting down to an expensive meal, Christians sit in church services, revivals, tent meetings and prayer vigils consistently taking in the “sincere milk” of the Word and the divine bread of life, but we still come out with spiritual bad breath!

The scientists of the world tell us that the curse of halitosis is a condition caused by the breeding of bacteria in the mouth. Bacteria are known to reproduce and grow in dark, humid places. What better camping ground is there than the human mouth? Science would also have us to know that this tiny organism feeds on dead particles in order to survive. Let’s take this issue to another level and consider it at a greater depth. Bad breath is not actually caused by the food we eat, but by the bacteria that live off the dead food particles left behind in the mouth. One may now conclude that stench is present only in the midst of death. Stench is a by-product of death. Stench is caused by death. We are reminded of this principle at the death of Lazarus when Jesus commands that the tomb stone be rolled away. Being aware of the by-product of death, Martha states, “Lord, by this time he stinketh; for he hath been dead four days.”

The point of this analysis is that when we, the people of God, speak dead things, those curses take the form of a foul stench, originating from the mouth. The stench of death then permeates throughout our lives and begins to stain our experiences and situations through the form of poverty, sickness and disease. But praise God! We reserve the right and possess the power and authority to change such situations.

It’s amazing how the people of God are always able to bicker and complain about the trials and tribulations we suffer unnecessarily while we continue to speak these things into our very own lives. How can we expect to be rich, walking in wealth and having more than we can ask or think when we continue to proclaim that we’re “broke, busted and disgusted, hoodwinked, bamboozled and led astray?” How can you walk in divine health when the strongest testimony in your life is one of a doctor who announces the presence of throat cancer in your body right before he leaves to take his own cigarette break? We are children of God, so “why seek ye the living among the dead?” How can we expect life to come forth if the aroma of death consistently surrounds us and is bred within us?

Saints, we must always remember that God has given us authority. The death, burial and resurrection of Christ has delivered us from death, hell and the grave. We do have a choice about the lives we lead.

I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore, choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live” (Deuteronomy 30:19).

Always remember that we have eternal and abundant life through Christ Jesus, our Lord. This life should be evident in us not only in the life to come, but also in our present lives on this earth. We are alive in Christ and heirs to the Son of God on this day. “The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof.” We have therefore inherited all rights and privileges both now and forevermore. The Bible is a covenant between God and the Body of Christ. He cannot lie. The Word is truth and life to all who believe. “The dead praise not God” (Psalm 115:17), but we have life through the Son of God. Our prosperous living should cause the lost to “see [our] good works and glorify our Father in heaven.” Lifestyle is the greatest form of witness and the most sincere method of praise. God cares about what we say.

Every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by they words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned (Matthew 12: 36, 37).

Though we face limitations in our daily lives, we must be reminded that NOTHING is impossible with God. We can do “all things through Christ which strengthens us.” We need only to read, pray, study, ask, receive, declare and proclaim! So, the next time you pray and study the Word of God, pick up your Bible and tell the devil, “This Bible represents God’s intent, and I shall always use it as my spiritual breath mint!”

Will You Make the Cut?

People of God,

The Lord has such an awesome task and assignment for many of us. I admit that I'm often overwhelmed at the things He shows me, the tasks that must be accomplished. Oftentimes, I have made excuses, somehow convincing myself that it's not mere disobedience. "Lord, who will listen? I'm not educated enough. My ministry isn't large enough. I don't have the funds and the money to complete the work." God is saying that He's not looking for those who are mighty in their own power. He is looking for those who can make the cut by His standards of holiness and obedience.

The Lord then took me to Judges 7, which describes one of Gideon's battle assignments. While I've read the story many times, this occasion was different. The Lord showed me this scenario in a prophetic light, describing the same shifting that is taking place today in the body of Christ.

Saints, I am sharing this to encourage you, as it encouraged me. The Lord is saying that many of us have been called to the front line of battle BECAUSE we don't have all the world and the organized religion of church says we must have. Many of us are being called due to the state of humility we are in...because we can't do it on our own...because GOD MUST GET THE GLORY!!!

1THEN JERUBBAAL, that is, Gideon, and all the people who were with him rose early and encamped beside the spring of Harod; and the camp of Midian was north of them by the hill of Moreh in the valley.

The very first detail I notice in this scripture is the readiness of Gideon's army. Even before God called them into battle, they were in position, ready to attack the enemy. In the same manner, this is a day and time when we must always be prepared for battle - that is, spiritual warfare! We must be able to tap into God in an instance. The days of warming up are over. Our relationships with the Father must be sharp and strong enough that when we call Him, He answers. In the same manner, when He calls, we must be ready and willing to answer that call.

2The Lord said to Gideon, The people who are with you are too many for Me to give the Midianites into their hands, lest Israel boast about themselves against Me, saying, My own hand has delivered me.

What the Lord showed me here really blessed me. I see so many churches and ministries where people are leaving and separating themselves. I'm speaking specifically about those who have despised small beginnings. They become frustrated with being small. They wanted more publicity and more notoriety. They felt the leaders couldn't catapult them into success, so they sought those who could. If you are experiencing this, God says these people had to leave, because He couldn't allow you to prosper and be victorious with them there. If we have too many influential, too many rich, too many educated...the battle will be attributed to those men rather than God. When we are victorious through Christ, God must get the glory. So, don't be dismayed if the popular ones leave and fail to offer support. Count it all joy. God is just preparing you for victory!

3So now proclaim in the ears of the men, saying, Whoever is fearful and trembling, let him turn back and depart from Mount Gilead. And 22,000 of the men returned, but 10,000 remained.

So now we see the "first cut." God is literally moving those ministries out of the way who are afraid of true warfare. This is a time when 10,000 seat stadiums, nice cars and a prestigious name cannot offer deliverance. Instead, the Lord is looking for a remnant that will look a demon in the face and not flinch. This is a season where POWER is needed on the battlefield. I truly believe we are coming to a day when many of the mega-ministries who have been in the forefront will begin to retract into quietness. Why? Some of them have popularity, but no power. This is a day when we must be willing to lose our own lives (and names) all to the glory of God! Focus is required. And frankly, when the rubber hits the road, many of those whom we thought had power, will be exposed. We must, therefore, be sure of our foundations. We must be confident in the deliverance of our God.

4And the Lord said to Gideon, The men are still too many; bring them down to the water, and I will test them for you there. And he of whom I say to you, This man shall go with you, shall go with you; and he of whom I say to you, This man shall not go with you, shall not go.

5So he brought the men down to the water, and the Lord said to Gideon, Everyone who laps up the water with his tongue as a dog laps it, you shall set by himself, likewise everyone who bows down on his knees to drink.

6And the number of those who lapped, putting their hand to their mouth, was 300 men, but all the rest of the people bowed down upon their knees to drink water.

Now, God has the "second cut." The interesting thing here is that all the men accomplished the goal - they all drank water. The difference is that only a handful obtained the prize in the manner God desired. They were not necessarily disobedient, because God never gave a distinct order. Yet, only a few did things in the manner He preferred. In the same manner, only a remnant are seeking to do things God's way in this season. So many are following the demands of the world in order to obtain success. Because the Word may not specifically address many issues, so many don't see there error. God showed me that many, while they may not yet be exposed, are trying to be fed by a way that is outside of His will. Those are being cut from the battlefield. Funding the church with bake sales and raffles...Sacrificing holiness for popularity...Defying God's people in order to drive a big car and buy a huge home...Writing books to bring in more income, without giving regard to the direction of God. So many things are going on that "look right" from the outside. It "looks like" some ministries just want to get large so more attention will be drawn to the Father, yet all the notoriety comes to the man who leads the BUSINESS. There is a way that seems right unto man, but the end thereof is death! We must stay in communication with God and be led by the Holy Spirit in order to know HIS HEART. The Word, alone, without RELATIONSHIP with the Father, is not sufficient for the battle ahead. Yes, in this season of true battle, those who take shortcuts around God's way will not be able to stand. We must do things according to the Spirit of God - NOT MAN's WAY, BUT GOD's WAY!

7And the Lord said to Gideon, With the 300 men who lapped I will deliver you, and give the Midianites into your hand. Let all the others return every man to his home.

I love the way the Lord promises to deliver by the hands of just a few. Even more, a few who have no name, no popularity.

8So the people took provisions and their trumpets in their hands, and he sent all the rest of Israel every man to his home and retained those 300 men. And the host of Midian was below him in the valley.

My God! The people took enough to supply their needs AND THEIR TRUMPETS. They were preparing to fight with praise! Where are those who can praise God in a battle, even when the numbers are small and the enemy appears to be strong???!!! Where are those who will go to war with the enemy without extra financial backing, without a political arena, and without a best-selling book?

9That same night the Lord said to Gideon, Arise, go down against their camp, for I have given it into your hand.

10But if you fear to go down, go with Purah your servant down to the camp

11And you shall hear what they say, and afterward your hands shall be strengthened to go down against the camp. Then he went down with Purah his servant to the outposts of the camp of the armed men.

12And the Midianites and the Amalekites and all the sons of the east lay along the valley like locusts for multitude; and their camels were without number, as the sand on the seashore for multitude.

This blesses me. The Lord allowed Gidoen and his servant to see the multitude of men in the enemy's army. They saw all the armor, the animals and all the resources at their disposal. In the same manner, the Lord has allowed us to see the face of the enemy. O, how it seems that the evil men of this world have all the riches. They're lives seem to be in perfect order. Yet, the Word still says the wealth of the wicked is laid up for the righteous. Of course, our battle is not against the sinner, but satan uses these things to distract us from the battle at hand. Gideon has to look past the distraction and realize the prophesied outcome - God already gave the Midianites into His hand. So their appearance didn't matter. Their wealth didn't matter. Saints, we must get past the appearance of demons. We must get over our fears of standing up for God. When a demon stares us in the face, his car doesn't matter. His education doesn't matter. His position doesn't matter. God has given us power over every spirit and demonic force that is not like Him!

13When Gideon arrived, behold, a man was telling a dream to his comrade. And he said, Behold, I dreamed a dream, and behold, a cake of barley bread tumbled into the camp of Midian and came to the tent and struck it so that it fell, and turned it upside down so that the tent lay flat.

14And his comrade replied, This is nothing else but the sword of Gideon son of Joash, a man of Israel. Into his hand God has given Midian and all the host.

I just love the way God will use anybody and anything to confirm victory in your life and ministry! Imagine a piece of break flattening a tent! Imagine a Prophetess Brown, a Prophetess Patterson, an Evangelist Smith prophesying to the nations, casting out demons in the White House, healing the sick in major hospitals, causing revivals in night clubs. What seems so little to the world can cause so much damage to the enemy's camp under the power of God!

15When Gideon heard the telling of the dream and its interpretation, he worshiped and returned to the camp of Israel and said, Arise, for the Lord has given into your hand the host of Midian.

16And he divided the 300 men into three companies, and he put into the hands of all of them trumpets and empty pitchers, with torches inside the pitchers.

Even after the Lord pruned Gideon's army twice, he continued to divide the army into teams. Just as the body of Christ must be "specialized" today, Gideon's army had groups that worked together in order to get the job done. Saints, we must realize that while we may all be part of different teams, or systems of the body, we are all still part of the Body. We must work together. We can't get upset and jealous when God calls one to be a prophet and another to be a pastor. Walk in the calling wherein you were called, and watch the work of the Lord be done! We must support one another for a common cause - to bring glory to the Father!

17And he said to them, Look at me, then do likewise. When I come to the edge of their camp, do as I do.

18When I blow the trumpet, I and all who are with me, then you blow the trumpets also on every side of all the camp and shout, For the Lord and for Gideon!

My God! If we could all just get on one accord! If you preach what I preach and I preach what you preach... If we all fought in the Spirit...if we all prayed...if we all fasted! Then, the enemy would know we are in this for the Lord and His glory!

19So Gideon and the 100 men who were with him came to the outskirts of the camp at the beginning of the middle watch, when the guards had just been changed, and they blew the trumpets and smashed the pitchers that were in their hands.

20And the three companies blew the trumpets and shattered the pitchers, holding the torches in their left hands, and in their right hands the trumpets to blow [leaving no chance to use swords], and they cried, The sword for the Lord and Gideon!

The cried aloud, and EVERYONE DID THEIR PART! No sword was needed - only the obedience to the plan of God! Hmmm...I wonder how many battles we've lost simply because we didn't make any noise. How many times has the enemy defeated us just because we allowed him to?

21They stood every man in his place round about the camp, and all the [Midianite] army ran--they cried out and fled.

22When [Gideon's men] blew the 300 trumpets, the Lord set every [Midianite's] sword against his comrade and against all the army, and the army fled as far as Beth-shittah toward Zererah, as far as the border of Abel-meholah by Tabbath.

My God! The praise literally confused the enemy and caused the Midianite army to turn against itself. What a difference unified praise can make! If we could all just come together and give God glory, imagine the loss the enemy would suffer. Imagine the souls that would come running for an experience with the Father!

23And the men of Israel were called together out of Naphtali and Asher and all Manasseh, and they pursued Midian.

24And Gideon sent messengers throughout all the hill country of Ephraim, saying, Come down against the Midianites and take all the intervening fords as far as Beth-barah and also the Jordan. So all the men of Ephraim were gathered together and took all the fords as far as Beth-barah and also the Jordan.

25And [the men of Ephraim] took the two princes of Midian, Oreb and Zeeb, and they slew Oreb at the rock of Oreb, and Zeeb they slew at the winepress of Zeeb, and pursued Midian; and they brought the heads of Oreb and Zeeb to Gideon beyond the Jordan.

A sweet victory was given into the hands of Israel. It is my desire to be used of God, regardless of whether I ever have any popularity with men. I pray the Lord keeps us humble and malleable in His hands. I pray that we'll be found without fear and in perfect obedience to the will of the Father, working together unto victory, and bringing glory to the Lord! This is the question God asked of me, so I strive to make the cut. I pray that God will be able to use me victoriously in warfare. I pray that He'll be able to trust me with His glory, knowing that He will always be exalted. AMEN.

My Worship is for Real

On last week, I attended the Homegoing Celebration of an awesome woman of God. In fact, she was the mother of a very close friend of my husband and I. This Pastor and friend has certainly been there for my family, and we truly appreciate His friendship. Of course, the fruit never falls far from the tree. We love you, Pastor Jeffrey Mandell Broadnax!

As with all similar events, this Homegoing celebration really caused me to sit and reflect on my own life. As I sat and watched everyone celebrating this woman's life, a sudden peace came over me. . . A peace in knowing that when I do leave this world, I can leave knowing that my family will be able to celebrate, knowing that I am resting with the Father. Even more, despite my many mistakes and errors, I have changed somebody's life with the Gospel. Of course, I strive everyday to be obedient to ALL God has called me to be and do. Yet, just that one thing alone is so impactful. I have yet so much to learn and so much to do for the Kingdom. Still, few things touch me as much as knowing that someone, even if only one person, can literally be turned away from hell just from my witness and testimony. To God be the glory!

During this celebration we attended, the choir also sang one of my favorite songs. So many times, especially in ministry, I have been misunderstood. If you are in ministry and haven't been misunderstood yet, just keep serving Him! It gets difficult sometimes, trying to please God, yet knowing that men will be disappointed and angered - even the saved ones (smile). Yet, this thing is all about me and God - it's all about pleasing the Father. YOU must do what the Lord has called you to do. Sometimes, people will not understand...but let God be true and every man a liar.

I must share these words from a song titled MY WORSHIP IS FOR REAL by Bishop Larry Trotter and the Sweet Holy Spirit Combined Choirs (Tell the Devil I'm Back, 2001), and from MORE THAN ANYTHING, by Lamar Campbell and the Spirit of Praise (When I Think About You, 2000).

MY WORSHIP IS FOR REAL

You don't know my story,
All the things that I've been through.
You can't feel my pain,
What I had to go through to get here,
You'll never understand my praise,
Don't try to figure it out,
Because my worship, my worship
Is fore real.

I've been through too much
Not to worship Him!

Hallelujah, Hallelujah
My Worship is for real!

Thank you, Jesus.
Thank you, Jesus.
My Worship is for real!

Lord, I love you.
Lord, I love you.
My Worship is for real!

~~~~~

MORE THAN ANYTHING

I lift my hands in total adoration unto You
You reign on the throne for You are God and God alone
Because of You my cloudy days are gone
I can sing to You this song
I just want to say that I love You more than anything

Love me in Your Arms
You were my shelter from the storm
When all my friends were gone
You were right there all along
I never knew a love like this before, Oh
I just want to say that I love You more than anything

I Love You Jesus
I worship and adore You
Just want to tell
Lord, I Love You more than anything

A Thanksgiving Message from Prophetess Allen...

God bless you and your family during this Thanksgiving and holiday season! We have some many wonderful blessings to be thankful for. While we all have some lack, it is always important to remember that "godliness with contentment is great gain" (1 Tim 6:6). With that said, let's be thankful for SALVATION and remember to spread the salvation message of Jesus Christ to those whose level of contentment may be challenged at this time.

TO GOD BE THE GLORY!!!

Apostolic Revival

This article was published on the ELIJAH LIST...

"Apostolic Revival"
By Matt Sorger
Igniting Revival Fire
www.mattsorger.com

The Lord is restoring true apostolic anointing and empowerment. This revival is apostolic in nature. It's a restoration of the fullness of the five-fold ministry and with that, a restoration of the fullness of God's presence and power in the earth.


THESE ARE SEVERAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THIS APOSTOLIC REVIVAL:

RELEASE OF GREAT POWER
There's a place where mass miracles break out. It's that mass breaker anointing that releases miracles on a mass scale, where all throughout the city, miracles will be happening. In all the churches seeking God, miracles will be happening -- out on the streets, in the homes, in the church services -- miracles will be happening. People will just get healed walking into the presence of the glory. People won't even necessarily have to pray for the sick. They will be healed just walking in. Homes will be so filled with the glory that people will be healed just walking into them. There will be such a weight of God's glory upon all of you. There is a reason God releases this level of power. In Acts 3, Peter and John were walking to the temple, and God's power healed the lame man. As a result of this one miracle, many heard the word and believed -- this number of men came to 5,000. Instantly overnight, there was a supernatural multiplication because of the miracle power. The whole city was in an uproar because of this one miracle. Its mass miracles for mass harvest. That's the revival I'm talking about for mass harvest. In Acts 8:4, they preached the word with miracles. Multitudes were saved, and there was great joy in the city. When miracles happen, the city will be a happy place.

EVEN THE GOVERNMENT WILL TAKE NOTICE
Even the government and those in leadership will have to take notice. They will say, "What is happening in our city? What is happening with these Christians? We've never seen anything like this. There's no crime, no sickness in the city; there's just joy in the city." Even the government will have to take notice, whether they want to or not. In Acts 9:32-35, there's a connection between apostolic power and mass salvation. Ananeas was bedridden 8 years because he was paralyzed. Peter prayed, and he was healed. And all who dwelt in Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord. Two cities were saved -- great power, great miracles, mass salvation, and great joy in the city. It's all connected together.

YOU ARE IN A SPIRITUAL INCUBATOR
The waiting is part of the birthing. This place is an incubator in the Spirit. God is incubating you in the Spirit. Out of the incubator, new life comes forth. There is a place of waiting that will birth this thing into the earth. God has been speaking to me about waiting and tarrying in His presence because there is something released out of that place. It's connected to the latter-rain glory. There is a place of birthing that rains into the earth. In I Kings 18:1, God spoke to Elijah. He said, "I am going to send rain on the earth, just like Joel prophesied the latter-rain is coming, and all of your sons and daughters will prophecy." God has been saying that the rain is coming. God spoke to Elijah, and he went up to the top of Mount Carmel. In verse 42, he bows down to ground and puts his face between his knees. In verses 43-46, Elijah is in this place of birthing and waiting on the promise of God. God said that the rain was coming.

There was no doubt in Elijah's heart that it was coming. Six times he sends his servant to see. On the seventh time, he sees a small cloud the size of a man's hand. I see the cloud. It's here. IT'S HERE! We are sitting in the cloud right now.

THE SIMPLE GOSPEL MESSAGE BEING RESTORED
There is simplicity of the gospel coming forth. It's the pure simplicity of the gospel message. The pure simple word of God that causes men to bow down before Jesus is, "Repent, for the Kingdom of God is at hand." The sinners repent because it's a simple, pure gospel message. Don't over complicate it.

"Nor is there salvation in any other for there is no other name under heaven by which men must be saved." -- Acts 4:12

There is no other name that can save us. In Acts 8:4-5, Philip preached Christ to them. He preached the simple message of who Jesus was. He preached the word with power. There is a restoration coming of the pure gospel message. There is a new breed being raised up that will carry the pure gospel message like Billy Graham. They will proclaim, "There is no other name by which you can be saved." A pure gospel message will go forth.

SIMPLE CHILDLIKE FAITH
A new believer's faith is so simple and childlike. They just believe God's word. That's the key: just believe. They haven't been over-indoctrinated. They take the word for exactly what it says. It's simple, childlike faith -- only believe. Jesus knew we needed it to be easy. We get lost if it gets too complicated.

APOSTOLIC POWER TO GET WEALTH
In Acts 4:32, we see the apostolic power to get wealth. No one lacked. They sold lands and houses and laid the proceeds of what was sold at the apostles' feet. The apostles distributed wherever there was need. It's the power to get supernatural wealth, not to just get rich.

I'm not saying that God doesn't want us to be blessed, but when the Lord brought the finances to the apostles, they distributed as anyone had need. The power to get wealth was to meet the need of the people.

There is a power to get wealth. There is an anointing to get wealth. The wealth of the gentiles is being stored up for us. The apostolic anointing actually draws supernatural finances to itself. It's part of the apostolic authority, so they can then give and distribute to meet the need of the people and see that the work of the kingdom goes forth.

I believe that in the process, God does want to bless us. Jesus never condemned anyone for being rich. If you're rich make sure that you're not worshipping money. Make sure that you are giving to the poor. Jesus never condemned the rich person for having money. He condemned the love of money and holding it more precious than your relationship with God.

We need some good Holy Ghost millionaires. The money was laid at the apostles' feet, and they gave it away. There has been an abuse of finances in the church. You can take anything to an extreme, but that doesn't negate the truth of God's word. God wants us to have lots of money so that we can feed the poor, evangelize to the lost, and see the gospel spread throughout the whole earth. Believe God for abundant blessing in your life!

By Matt Sorger
Igniting Revival Fire
www.mattsorger.com

Qualification for the "Unqualified"

In this season, God is raising up those who have sat in the background thus far - those who have not sought the fame and reputation. He is raising up a people that will give Him praise - a people that will not think more highly of themselves than they ought. This is a season of Spiritual Warfare like never before. Those who were unlikely to be heard shall now speak forth the oracles of God. Be encouraged! If you seemed unqualified to men, God has qualified you in this day and hour!

1 Corinthians 1:26-28 (King James Version)

²⁶For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:

²⁷But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;

²⁸And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:

He is looking for the saints who still read His Word rather than studying every new book with a catchy title. He is raising those in ministry who still spend time in prayer rather than those who seek a revival experience from the Christian television station. This is not a time to judge the book by it's cover. God is releasing power. Those who carry it in the Spirit may be those who seem most unlikely in the natural.

You may not be educated, but you're just crazy enough to believe what God says! This is your season. You may not have a mega church, but you and your three members can cast out demons and pray forth deliverance. This is your season! You may not have an expensive wardrobe with matching scarves, shoes, purses and hats, but you can touch God in a tee-shirt and pair of jeans. This is your season!

If God has given you a Word, a ministry, a gift - USE IT! Be obedient to the Father, and do not allow the judgments of men to sway you. GOD MUST GET THE GLORY in the season - NOT MEN! Now is the time for Christ to be lifted up, so that all men may be drawn unto Him!

Trick or Treat? Is Halloween Really Harmful?

Halloween marks the beginning of the fall season and is proudly celebrated by American children each year. Costume parties, newly released horror movies, and tons of candy are circulated in and around October 31 in celebration of a mysterious night of magic and adventure.

What could be so wrong about Halloween? After all, most people who celebrate the occasion are not witches. The majority of homes decorated with Jack-o-lanterns, ghosts and bats are owned by upstanding citizens and church-going families. If they are not doing anything “evil,” what’s so wrong with having a little fun?

The concept is actually quite simple. God’s Word condemns the partaking of anything once offered to idols. Since this holiday began as a pagan ritual to honor a false God and is currently the “holiest” day for modern-day witches and Satanists, our Father is not pleased with our involvement (Acts 15:29; 21:25; 1 Cor 8; 1 Cor 10). The Bible commands us to stay away from any appearance of evil, which includes murderous films and images of witches and ghosts (1 Thess 5:22). We are commanded to be holy (1 Pet 1:16). Is there anything holy about a celebration of death and fear?

Let’s take a closer look…

SEPARATE FROM THE WORLD

“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Romans 12:2)

“Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you” (2 Corinthians 6:17)

EVIL INFLUENCE PRODUCES EVIL WAYS

“Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners” (1 Corinthians 15:33).

DIVINATION, WITCHCRAFT, SORCERY AND MAGIC ARE EVIL IN THE SIGHT OF GOD

“Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the LORD, and because of these detestable practices the LORD your God will drive out those nations [people] before you” (Deuteronomy 18: 10-12, NIV).

ABSTAIN FROM THE APPEARANCE OF EVIL

“And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them” (Ephesians 5:11).

“Abstain from all appearance of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:22).

FEAR IS NOT OF GOD

“For God hath not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7).

DO NOT IMITATE PAGAN PRACTICES

“Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the ways of the heathen…” (Jeremiah 10:2).

GOD WILL REWARD THOSE WHO FORSAKE WICKED PRACTICES

“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14).

Halloween Traditions

Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

(Colossians 2:8)

HALLOWEEN CELEBRATION. Halloween began hundreds of years before Christ as a Celtic celebration called Samhain. Samhain, the Celtic god of the dead, was honored during this celebratory feast marking the beginning of the new year. In the 700’s AD, the church decided to integrate the feast with a celebration of departed saints, and transformed the celebration into All Saints’ Day or All Hallows’ Day, to be observed on November 1. Witchcraft movements of the Middle Ages also contributed other symbols such as witches, black cats and skulls. America was introduced to the concept of Halloween by Irish immigrants during the mid-1800’s. As more time passed, our modern day observance of Halloween was developed.

TRICK or TREAT. During the ancient celebration of Samhain, celebrated on November 1, it was believed that the barrier between the dead and the living was at its thinnest. On the eve of the feast, October 31, many expected to be reunited with their dead relatives, and believed that visitation was possible throughout the night. Celtic priests, call Druids, were given the task to protect the people from ghosts or spirits of the dead during this time. Bonfires were lit throughout the village to guide the dead, and food was left out as a “treat” for the returning spirits. It was believed that pleasing the dead in this manner would prevent them from performing “tricks” on the citizens.

COSTUMES. As time elapsed, descendants of the Celts continued this tradition by dressing up as spirits and going from home to home demanding treats. If refused, they often placed a curse upon the crops or the household. Generally, the groups were led by one person dressed in a while robe and a cow’s skull. This person also blew a horn to warn citizens of their arrival.

JACK-O-LANTERN. The pumpkin in America is simply a symbol of the autumn season. Jack-o-Lanterns were carved during the Samhain celebration and lit with a candle to help guide the spirits of the dead to the homes of their families.

YOU DECIDE

Accept the TRICK of the enemy
OR
Accept the TREAT God has prepared for you…Eternal Life!

BELIEVE on the name of Jesus Christ. Know that He is the Son of God, and that He has died for your sins (Romans 10:9; Acts 16:31).

CONFESS your sins to God and settle your faults with men. (Romans 10:10).

REPENT from your sins by changing your ways and beginning a new life in Christ (Matthew 4:17; Acts 2:38).

FELLOWSHIP with other believers and attend a Bible-believing church (Romans 10:14-17; Hebrews 10:25).

STUDY the Word of God daily (2 Timothy 2:15).

PRAY daily for yourself and others (Matthew 21:22; 1 Thessalonians 5:17).

PROCLAIM that Jesus Christ is Lord and forsake the teachings of false doctrines and religions (Psalm 81:9; Matthew 22:37-78; Acts 4:12).

WITNESS to others about God’s love (Matthew 28: 19-20).

Copywright 1998 for Joy of the LORD Ministries.

Prophet of God, BECOME the Word!

Glory to God!

Last Wednesday, I was blessed to see my 30th birthday. For many, that may not have much significance, but it marked a large victory - one of faith - in my life. Since childhood, the enemy had convinced me that I would never see 30 years old. Even throughout my lifelong plans, I could not picture myself past 28 or 29. It was simply a concept I couldn't fathom. When my birthday rolled around, I suddenly came down with the flu, and was baffled by it.

"Father, what is it about this birthday that is so important?" I just had to ask God. I was immediately reminded of the the ministries of Jesus, John the Baptise and even Ezekiel. Each of these great men of God began their "active" ministries at the age of 30. Well, I'm one that doesn't believe in coincidence. By no means am I claiming to be as great as these, but what I am saying is this - God is doing a new thing in me, and I am humbled by it. Whatever He has assigned me to do, only I can do in His perfect will. Such is the case with each of us who are called to ministry - a specific assignment awaits and must be fulfilled. The Lord let me know that He would open my eyes to see His heart in a way I never have before, so that I can become effective in the prophetic office.

So, thus began this "newness" of revelation for ministry. First, the Lord instructed me to redesign the website for Joy of the LORD Ministries. Personally, I liked the old design, but God led me to create something more user friendly - something focused more on ministry and relationship with Him, rather than Joy. He needed a clear salvation message and a clear opportunity to present the Word via the internet. Then, the LORD led me to read Prophetic Ministry, a book by T. Austin Sparks. In the book, Sparks' main point is that the nature of the Prophet is to actually become the emodiment of the Word of God. I found the concept quite interesting, but was also challenged by it. Finally, the Lord led me to begin an in-depth study of Ezekiel. He is preparing me for a new level in the prophetic. The Father has given me a Word for the prophets in this day - Prophet of God, BECOME the Word!

By the understanding of most, a prophet of God is His mouthpiece. The prophet speaks forth the Word and will of God. According to God's Word it is out of the abundance of the heart that the mouth speaks. So, why is it that God's mouthpieces, the prophets, often speak things that are contradictory to God's heart, or His eternal purpose? God is dealing with His prophets about prayer. If you truly walk in the office, I'm sure you have felt the tug of God in this area. We have been taught so long to pray what we feel is right, but God is not pleased. We should not attempt to comfort those with whom God is angry. The Lord is just. So, he grants blessings and curses, awards and punishment. We must seek God to the point that we know His heart, even when it is not favorable toward His people. If the mouthpieces of God speak forth that which is contradictory to His heart, we have disobeyed and nullified the Word of God. Woe unto us!

Prophets of God, the Father is calling us into a ministry of correction. As in the days of old, the day has come when God's prophets will not be liked and favored. The Word of the prophet will be feared by some, but we must speak for the Word of God as He gives it to us. This is not the time to expect riches or favor. The fact that the prophetic has become a fad is a slap in the face to our Father. God is not pleased, so the Word of correction MUST COME FORTH. As with Ezekiel, if we do not warn in this season, the blood of the lost will be on our hands.

Speaking of Ezekiel, I must share the revelation God gave me concerning him. As the Lord prepared Ezekiel to deliver His word, Ezekiel was instructed to literally BECOME the Word he was to prophesy. The Lord had him to ration his food, baked with dung. He rationed his water and lay on his side to represent the lamentation that would come forth over Israel and Judah. Yes, God had Ezekiel live out the very Word he was to speak. In this manner, Ezekiel would understand the heart of God, and be able to speak it from a personal point of view. Even with Hosea, God had him marry an harlot. Why? So Hosea's own life would portray the very disappointment and betrayal God felt from His people. Such was the case with many of the Old Testament prophets of God. Even in their flesh, they carried with them the very words God gave them to deliver.

Prophets of God, are we willing to sacrifice our own comfort to actually BECOME the Word of the Lord? It is time for intercession like never before. Fasting and lamentation are truly before us. There is a birthing process that must take place, but the travail comes before the victory! This is not a time to celebrate, but a time to seek God and mourn for the sin in our land - even in the very churches. God's rath is upon us, and we must speak forth! We cannot tolerate sin. HOLINESS! HOLINESS is the desire of our Father.

People of God, this is so urgent. Everything IS NOT ALRIGHT! Sin is rampant, so why are we comforting the people and acting as if the lives they are living are acceptable? We are still prophesying cars, businesses, houses and husbands. For some, this may be God's desire, but He is much more concerned about holiness, sanctification and ministry. God does not bless disobedience, so we must examine ourselves before speaking forth in God's name. Shall a man gain the whole world and lose his soul? Not so. So, we must stop prophesying differently!

AMEN

Warning to the Prophet: Do Not Compromise

I know it's been a while since Prophetess Tonita shared this Word, but God has just been repeating it and rehearsing it in my Spirit ever since...

God has been dealing with me about people and their cunning deception. So many people are seeking a "Word", but they're really only running after the prophets of God, hoping they will speak cars and houses over them. Saints of God, that's just not God's focus right now. Yes, He wants His people to prosper, but what profits a man if he gains the world, but loses his soul? The Father is looking for holiness. Right now, in this season, God is concerned with the salvation of His people. He is looking for souls - He that winneth souls is wise.

The Father is tired, just as the Prophetess has spoken. God will do, as He has in the past. These are the days when even the very elect will be deceived. And God, himself, will send deception to the very prophets. Why don't we believe it. Would God really send a deceiving word to a prophet? Yes, just as he said in the Scripture shared by Prophetess Tonita.

Ezek 14:9 [The prophet has not been granted permission to give an answer to the hypocritical inquirer] but if the prophet does give the man the answer he desires [thus allowing himself to be a party to the inquirer's sin], I the Lord will see to it that the prophet is deceived in his answer, and I will stretch out My hand against him and will destroy him from the midst of My people Israel.

Now, I admit that I struggled with this. Then, the Lord took me to 2 Chronicles 18...

¹NOW JEHOSHAPHAT had great riches and honor, but was allied [by marriage] with Ahab.

²After some years he went down to Ahab in Samaria. And Ahab killed sheep and oxen for him in abundance and for the people with him and persuaded him to go up with him against Ramoth-gilead.

³Ahab king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat king of Judah, Will you go with me to Ramoth-gilead? He answered, I am as you are, and my people as your people; we will be with you in the war.

⁴And Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel, Inquire first, I pray you, for the word of the Lord today.

⁵So King [Ahab] of Israel gathered together the prophets, 400 men, and said to them, Shall we go to Ramoth-gilead to battle, or shall I forbear? And they said, Go up, for God will deliver it into the king's hand.

⁶But Jehoshaphat said, Is there not another prophet of the Lord here by whom we may inquire?

⁷King [Ahab] of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, There is another man, Micaiah son of Imla, by whom we may inquire of the Lord, but I hate him, for he never has prophesied good for me, but always evil. And Jehoshaphat said, Let not the king say so.

⁸And King [Ahab] of Israel called for one of his officers and said, Bring quickly Micaiah son of Imla.

⁹The king of Israel and Jehoshaphat king of Judah sat each on his throne, arrayed in their robes; they were sitting in an open place [at the threshing floor] at the entrance of the gate of Samaria; all the prophets were prophesying before them.

¹⁰And Zedekiah son of Chenaanah had made himself horns of iron, and said, Thus says the Lord: With these you shall push the Syrians until they are destroyed.

¹¹All the prophets prophesied so, saying, Go up to Ramoth-gilead and prosper; the Lord will deliver it into the king's hand.

¹²The messenger who went to call Micaiah said to him, Behold, the words of the prophets foretell good to the king with one accord. So let your word be like one of them, and speak favorably.

¹³But Micaiah said, As the Lord lives, what my God says, that will I speak.

¹⁴And when he had come to the king, King [Ahab] said to him, Micaiah, shall we go to Ramoth-gilead to battle, or shall I forbear? And he said, Go up and prosper, and they shall be delivered into your hand.

¹⁵And the king said to him, How many times shall I warn you to tell nothing but the truth to me in the name of the Lord?

¹⁶Then Micaiah said, I did see all Israel scattered upon the mountains as sheep that have no shepherd, and the Lord said, These have no master. Let each return to his house in peace.

¹⁷And King [Ahab] of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, Did I not tell you that he would not prophesy good to me, but evil?

¹⁸[Micaiah] said, Therefore hear the word of the Lord: I saw the Lord sitting on His throne, and all the host of heaven standing at His right hand and His left.

¹⁹And the Lord said, Who shall entice Ahab king of Israel, that he may go up and fall at Ramoth-gilead? And one said this thing, and another that.

²⁰Then there came a spirit and stood before the Lord and said, I will entice him. The Lord said to him, By what means?

²¹And he said, I will go out and be a lying spirit in the mouths of all his prophets. And the Lord said, You shall entice him and also succeed. Go forth and do so.

²²Now, you see, the Lord put a lying spirit in the mouths of your prophets; and the Lord has spoken evil concerning you.

²³Then Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah came near and smote Micaiah upon the cheek and said, Which way went the Spirit of the Lord from me to speak to you?

²⁴And Micaiah said, Behold, you shall see on that day when you shall go into an inner chamber to hide yourself.

²⁵Then King [Ahab] of Israel said, Take Micaiah back to Amon the governor of the city and to Joash the king's son,

²⁶And say, Thus says the king: Put this fellow in prison and feed him with bread and water of affliction until I return in peace.

²⁷Micaiah said, If you return at all in peace, the Lord has not spoken by me. And he [added], Hear it, you people, all of you!

²⁸So Ahab king of Israel and Jehoshaphat king of Judah went up to Ramoth-gilead.

²⁹And [Ahab] king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, I will disguise myself and will go to the battle, but you put on your royal robes. So King Ahab of Israel disguised himself, and they went into the battle.

³⁰Now Syria's king had commanded his chariot captains, Fight not with small or great, but only with the king of Israel.

³¹And when the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat [of Judah], they said, It is the king of Israel. So they turned to fight against him, but Jehoshaphat cried out, and the Lord helped him; and God moved them to depart from him.

³²For when the captains of the chariots saw that it was not the king of Israel, they turned back from pursuing him.

³³A certain man drew his bow at a venture and smote King [Ahab] of Israel between the lower armor and the breastplate. So Ahab said to his chariot driver, Turn, carry me out of the battle, for I am wounded.

³⁴And the battle increased that day; however, King [Ahab] of Israel propped himself up in his chariot opposite the Syrians until evening, and about sunset he died.

Ahhh! Look at God! The Word says He sent a lying spirit into the mouth of the prophets. Why? Because an ungodly man inquired about God's will with the wrong intentions! Bless God. Saints, we must get this!!! We are not to throw our pearls to swine. We are not to waste our ministry gifts on EVERYBODY. As Prophetess Patterson stated once before, it's not our duty to pray for everybody, prophesy to everybody or preach to everybody. If the person's desire is not to draw closer to the Father, why do we entertain them? Why are we concerned with telling them what they want to hear? They need to hear the truth. The truth is that destruction is coming. Holiness is right. Repentance is required. God is tired of their mess!

I bless God! This is so liberating for me. Ministry must be done according to God's agenda. Mechaiah knew God, and did not entertain sin nor sucumb to the pressures of the "crowd." He knew not only the voice, but the heart of God. My God! Now, this speaks to real RELATIONSHIP. I know the voice of many people, but when I know how they feel and think, that's indicative of relationship. God is asking, "Do you know my heart, or are you only able to recognized my voice?" Hallelujah! See, this is the key. If the prophets knew the heart of God, they wouldn't have been deceived by the spirit sent by God, even if it "sounded" just like Him. Glory to God! See, I know my Daddy's voice in the natural, but I also know his personality because I have a RELATIONSHIP with him. If he called and said something crazy and told me to do something outside of character, I would automatically know something was wrong, even though I recognize the voice. Relationship, Relationship, Relationship!!!!

The gifts are without repentance, but deception is in the camp. God's very elect are being deceived. Saints, we must get to know Him like never before. Even in ministry, we must be led by the Father rather than the thing that seems, looks or feels right. To God be the glory!

-------------------------------------------------------------

Original Message - by Prophetess Tonita Patterson

A Word of Warning About Compromising This is not a time that we agree with SIN...Purification the Wind is BLOWING to clean the House...Do not try to please man... Kosomos (the world) do not want the TRUTH...It is offensive to them...Some of you are being tested WHO are you going to hold onto..MAN, their opinions their ways, their love...or to God His Word, His Move, His authority.... Ezek 14:7 For anyone of the house of Israel or of the strangers who sojourn in Israel who separates himself from Me, taking his idols into his heart and putting the stumbling block of his iniquity {and} guilt before his face, and [yet] comes to the prophet to inquire for himself of Me, I the Lord will answer him Myself! Oh I have a WARNING to the PROPHETIC Ministries...Many have turned they back on God and they are seeking you to pacifier....there sins....Many do not want their stuff exposed...The Church is holding on to their gods and do not want to let go of them...When the WINDS (the blowing of the shofars) blow You have two choices to get anchored or blow away...Do not let them come with their woo is me stories and conjure up a WORD to make them feel good!!! Ezek 14:8 And I will set My face against that [false worshiper] and will make him a sign and a byword, and I will cut him off from the midst of My people; and you shall know (understand and realize) that I am the Lord. God is not doing this thing in the dark...Exposure is coming to the light...Cutting off from His presence will be VISIBLE and OPEN...He does this because He have to show that He is LORD!!! There is a way that seems right to a man the end of there is death...Be silent and kill people...Speak only that what God is saying do not tickle the flesh.... Ezek 14:9 [The prophet has not been granted permission to give an answer to the hypocritical inquirer] but if the prophet does give the man the answer he desires [thus allowing himself to be a party to the inquirer's sin], I the Lord will see to it that the prophet is deceived in his answer, and I will stretch out My hand against him and will destroy him from the midst of My people Israel. There are some that are trying to get as many people as possible to agree to their sins....If they get some one to say that was not God that rebuke them then their ego and pride grows the more...They want someone to say God is graceful and He will bless you with in your mess...Do not agree to sin...You can not pray some one out of sin..The Word must be given.... Ezek 14:10 And they both shall bear the punishment of their iniquity: the iniquity of the [presumptuous] prophet shall be the same as the iniquity of the [hypocritical] inquirer, Ezek 14:11 That the house of Israel may go no more astray from Me, neither defile themselves any more with all their transgressions, but that they may be My people, and I may be their God, says the Lord God. All of this happens Because God wants HIS house to not stray any more..OH GLORY!!!! What ever it takes to keep me in YOUR PRESENCE in Your House Lord...Do not take your presence away from me....

Yes, Lord!!!

Praise the Lord!

This is not a post like most. Instead, God has me in a place of reflection today. A place where He is dealing with me on such a massive scale, as never before. I praise God for His goodness and His mercy. I am so thankful for the blood that Jesus shed, and I feel so privileged to even be called a child a God.

As I sat reflecting and praying, I felt such a peace. This is a peace like none other that I've felt before. I feel as if nothing can separate me from the love of God, and what a wonderful feeling that is! I've often stressed about bills, worried about my children and struggled within my marriage. While all those things are important, I am confident that the God I serve can make everything all right! Hallelujah! What a blessing it is just to rest in the bosom of our Father!

On Saturday, August 27 of this year, my life began a new transition in the Spirit. Amongst a company of prophets, I was ordained into the prophetic office, and God began to speak to me on an entirely different level. I thank God for Apostle and Prophetess Patterson. They have truly been a support to me during this shift in my life and ministry. I had no idea of all the changes that would take place in my, and so quickly. Yet, this man of woman of God have stood by, prayed for me, and mentored me from day one.

Much to my surprise, everything in my life began to shift. Even the people around me began to change. Some distance themselves while others were drawn closer. Despite my personal feelings, I could see God moving in every bit of the transition. Now, the Father has me in a quiet and alone place. I'm far from lonely, yet alone where I can hear His voice clearly. I am so humbled at all that I'm learning. I'm even amazed at all that God is brining to my remembrance...all I've gone through and experienced in preparation to walk in the new anointing upon my life. To God be the glory!

The Father is requiring more of me, and I want nothing more than to please Him. I desire to be used in ministry. I am ready to fight and operate in heavy spiritual warfare. People of God, time is winding down. God needs His soldiers in place, ready to work and fight - tools in one hand and weapons in the other! Yes!

I thank God for this ministry opportunity and for all He is doing in my life. Please pray for me, saints of God, as the transition continues. Each day brings a new revelation. I am excited - excited about ministry and excited about the move of God in my life. At the same time, I'm sober and conscious, knowing the enemy is working like never before. Yet, I have said "yes" and have no intention on changing my mind!