Stop Worrying About the Year - Just Walk in Your Season

Like many of you, I have read literally 30+ prophecies concerning 2007, and I've probably heard even more. My Father and I had a long talk about this, and I asked God, what is it that I need to know about for 2007? I'd felt "left out," because though God has been showing me things, I haven't had any huge revelation for 2007.

God spoke and said He has been speaking all year. "I am not ruled by your sense of time. Too many are seeking a word and a vision for the year. I am not concerned with years, but with seasons. Too many are looking for a change on January 1, but have not yet completed the assignments required to move into a new season."

My Father quickly reminded me that His ways are not our ways, and His thoughts are not our thoughts. He showed me that the church is operating in spirit of divination for fortune-telling. Too many are concerned with giving a word for 2007, while people are dying in THIS season. A season, God reminded me, is not dependent on dates but on progression, growth and completion of purpose.

I know this is blunt, but I must be obedient in sharing this. We must stop trying to conjur up a word for the year. What is God saying TODAY? God said, "Where were the seekers all year long?" How dare anyone give a word for the coming year when they have failed to communicate God's messages for the last 12 months! There is so much more I can add, but for now, this is all I feel led to share. Selah.

To Those Who Are Annoyed and Worn Out...

Acts 16:14 One of those who listened to us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a dealer in fabrics dyed in purple. She was [already] a worshiper of God, and the Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul.
Acts 16:15 And when she was baptized along with her household, she earnestly entreated us, saying, If in your opinion I am one really convinced [that Jesus is the Messiah and the Author of salvation] {and} that I will be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay. And she induced us [to do it].
Acts 16:16 As we were on our way to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who was possessed by a spirit of divination [claiming to foretell future events and to discover hidden knowledge], and she brought her owners much gain by her fortunetelling.
Acts 16:17 She kept following Paul and [the rest of] us, shouting loudly, These men are the servants of the Most High God! They announce to you the way of salvation!
Acts 16:18 And she did this for many days. Then Paul, being sorely annoyed {and} worn out, turned and said to the spirit within her, I charge you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her! And it came out that very moment.


I had to ask God this morning, Lord what is going on that is allowing so many of the leaders to be frustrated by those that follow them. Of course, the world has its distractions, but what is the problem in the Body of Christ.

I am hearing so many say they feel they are walking alone and that those who walk with them or who are submitted to them seem to be MIA. While I am not a pastor, I must admit that I am feeling many of the same feelings. "What is it, Lord?"

My Father led me to this scripture and opened my eyes to something. This is a word of encouragement for those in leadership. Paul was approached by a woman of God, a true worshipper, who invited him to REST. She called forth Paul's faith in believing that she was a true woman of God rather than dictating to him who she was. In other words, instead of proclaiming to Paul what her ministry assignment was, she asked him to allow God to show him her true heart. She didn't boast of herself, but allowed God to reveal her intentions and purpose to the leader under which she was to submit. When God confirmed, Paul was able to REST.

The scripture then says that the new follower was with the leader ON THE WAY TO PRAYER. As they were seeking the Father in unity, a slave approached them. The fact that the girl was a slave is significant because it shows that she BELONGED TO SOMEONE ELSE. Oftentimes in ministry, we say with our mouths that we are submitted to a leader, but we are really slaves to someone else - another person, another church, our own agenda, etc.

The Word goes on to explain how this slave was possessed with a spirit of divination, which proved profitable to her owners. In ministry, we often see that those who are out of place are the very ones who thought they were more valued elsewhere. They are often the ones who have been placed in the spotlight, but never realized they were only being used. They are often the ones who feel mistreated when they are asked to remain obscure and are not able to be seen.

Though the slave never became FREE from her owners, she followed Paul and had the APPEARANCE of a faithful follower. She went everywhere he went. She shouted their praises in public and event pronounced that they knew the way of salvation. Yet, she annoyed and tired the Apostle Paul! To those who were in the streets - the onlookers and the public audience - she probably appeared to be an excited follower and a faithful steward. Yet, Paul recognized a spirit and cast it out from her.

God said that if the leaders are tired, there are still some slaves carrying spirits that must be cast out. These spirits are being revealed to the leaders, though others may not even recognize. Some of those who carry the most admiration on their lips for one leader are still slaves to another. Yet, a threshingfloor experience must take place. God is warning, though, that the leaders should be prepared. Those who were benefiting from the spirit of divination and control will be upset when it is called out.

Notice one other thing - the one that called the leader to be tired was the loud one - the one always singing the praises. The one causing rest was the one who was in obscurity. Silence is not always an indication of laziness, and loud personal praises are not always an indication of work or loyalty.

I am searching my heart on today and truly laying out before God, and He is even showing me some things about me. My desire is to be like Lydia - to be a servant that allows my leaders to rest, knowing that GOD has spoken highly of me, and that they have heard. God has given me a ministry and plenty of direction to go along with it, but it's very easy to lose focus of the fact that what He has given me is only a part of what He has given the leaders to which I am submitted.

I want to encourage the leaders and the followers who have ministries as well. It is possible to achieve balance and God's perfect will. We must understand that God's assignments are oftentimes dimentional. Submission is key. Is your leader tired? If so, where is your level of accountability? Has God spoken to your leader about your ministry, or are you singing your own praises and plans to those who have rule over you?

I believe in many facets of ministry, but I also believe in accountability. I am crazy enough to believe that when a person is submitted to the right leaders, and in their rightful places, God will reveal to those leaders some glimpse of the individual's assignment, that they may all work the vision in unity. In that case, no one should feel alone - not the leader nor the follower. Fatique may come, but it should not be due to those on the battlefield together. These things ought not be so!

Blow the Trumpet this Holiday Season!

Ezek 33:1 AND THE word of the Lord came to me, saying,
Ezek 33:2 Son of man, speak to your people [the Israelite captives in Babylon] and say to them, When I bring the sword upon a land and the people of the land take a man from among them and make him their watchman,
Ezek 33:3 If when he sees the sword coming upon the land, he blows the trumpet and warns the people,
Ezek 33:4 Then whoever hears the sound of the trumpet and does not take warning, and the sword comes and takes him away, his blood shall be upon his own head.
Ezek 33:5 He heard the sound of the trumpet and did not take warning; his blood shall be upon himself. But he who takes warning shall save his life.
Ezek 33:6 But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet and the people are not warned, and the sword comes and takes any one of them, he is taken away in and for his perversity and iniquity, but his blood will I require at the watchman's hand.


Many of us have been made watchmen over our homes and families. In other words, there are many who are the sole voice, or one of very few, in their extended families. During this holiday season, I encourage each of you to sound the trumpet as you attend holiday gatherings, dinners and other family functions.

Oftentimes, our most difficult and stubborn audience is the very family with which we dwell. It is not an easy thing to correct the elders we have loved for years or the parents who have raised us. Yet, God has spoken many times over that this is a season of elevation, but only for the elect – only for the remnant that are walking in true holiness. There comes a time when we must put away emotional ties and exercise godly love, which includes spiritual correction and guidance.

As we visit extended family and friends this season, let’s think about how many of them are truly on a path to hell. All of us have a responsibility to share with them the truth. Let’s remember that God sends us on assignments. If you are seeing people in the next two weeks that you haven’t seen in a while, could it be that God is sending you as a messenger? Could it be that your assignment is to simply share the truth with those you love? Could it be that you are called to blow the trumpet in your own family? Be encouraged and obedient in this season!


Ezek 33:32 Behold, you are to them as a very lovely [love] song of one who has a pleasant voice and can play well on an instrument, for they hear your words but do not do them.
Ezek 33:33 When this comes to pass--for behold, it will come!--then shall they know, understand, and realize that a prophet has been among them.

How Must 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!

God bless you!

Negotiating Your Own Demise

In this season of shopping and holidays, I hear God saying that His people must be careful not to become so involved with the “season” that we sacrifice and risk our very integrity. God kept telling me to warn the people – “Do not negotiate your own demise.” I prayed and meditated on the word, and the Lord took me to the account in Genesis, chapter 34.

The story is about Dinah, the daughter of Leah and Jacob. In the story, Shechem (a Hivite and prince) sees Dinah, kidnaps her and rapes her. He then held her captive and seems to fall in love with her. Hamor decides to seek out Jacob and have a talk with him. He tells Jacob his son is in love with Dinah and begs that he give her in marriage. While this talk is going on, Jacob’s sons hear what has happened to their sister, and naturally they are very angry. They begin to seek revenge on her behalf. Shechem basically tells David that he will give anything in order to marry Dinah, but there is a problem in the plan, because God’s people were instructed not to intermarry with those He had not chosen. Deceitfully, Dinah’s brothers bring up this point and tell Shechem that in order for the two people to dwell amongst one another, all males must be circumcised.

Hamor and Shechem proceeded to instruct all the people of the land to follow this decision, an all men were circumcised. On the third day, while everyone was sore, Simeon and Levi took their swords and killed all the men in the land. They also took back Dinah, their sister. The other brothers then came into the city to kill anyone left behind and seize the belongings of the people.

We see in the passage an example of a person who wants something so much, that he goes against his own beliefs and decides to do ANYTHING for that he desires. Never are the results considered. Shechem makes an emotional decision and begs the graces of the party with power for two reasons: he has a lustful desire, and he needs to cover the wrong he’s done.

Especially in this season, many of us are affected by the same driving forces. We claim to celebrate the birth of our Savior, though we are well aware that many of us have allowed commercialism, tradition and paganism to drive and define the season, even in our own homes. Atop of that, we often try so hard to appease our desires and the desires of others, that we beg the very world that established those practices for the desires we need to fulfill.

What do I mean? Little Johnny, though he has Christian parents who “celebrate Christ’s birth” at Christmas time, still tell him stories of Santa Claus. In order to cover their lies, they feel compelled to buy Johnny lots of gifts to place under the tree. However, Little Johnny’s parents are already behind on the bills. So, they go to the world, known as a national bank, and beg for a line of credit they really don’t need. Yet, they will do anything, even sign a contract for a 12.9% interest rate. In the end, what glory was brought to the Father? What lesson has Johnny really learned? What gift did Christ receive.

In this season, people of God, don’t contribute to nor negotiate your own demise. In whatever manner you choose to celebrate, and in whatever you chose to do, simply be honest with yourself and with God. Then be obedient to His instruction concerning the matter. Think about it…

Would You Die for that Word?

1 John 4:1 Beloved, do not put faith in every spirit, but prove (test) the spirits to discover whether they proceed from God; for many false prophets have gone forth into the world.

God is speaking this morning about false prophecies going forth and those who are receiving them. Many people are receiving words that seem contradictory in this season. It seems as if one prophetic word pronounces death, then another comes and pronounces life.

In our Bible study, we have been studying the deception of Eve. It’s ironic that Apostle Tonita also shared a post about talking to the serpent. This is so dangerous because deception comes when a small portion of the truth is changed. We must be very careful and aware of receiving what seems to be the same word, but with a twist. That small twist can cause a mountain of confusion and error.

Jer 23:30 Therefore behold, I am against the [false] prophets, says the Lord, [I am even now descending upon them with punishment, these prophets] who steal My words from one another [imitating the phrases of the true prophets].

I have dealt with many similar situations, and find myself going to God to ask, which Word did you really send? 99% of the time, when a personal prophecy is brought forth, God has already dealt with me about the situation. If He hasn’t, the word will still bear witness in my spirit. So, when neither of these take place, I immediately pray about the word that has been spoken.

Unfortunately, so many are still preaching false messages, and people are receiving them in error. This morning, God said to ask the people – both those prophesying and those receiving the word, “Would you die for that word?” In other words, if your life depended on it (though it does – we simply don’t realize it), would you still stand behind that word? The truth is that there is always some uncertainty with deception. Deception comes about when a little truth is mixed with lustful desire. What have we received due to lustful desire rather than God’s word?

It is very important for us to be careful of what we receive in our spirits. The very elect are being deceived. The Word of God speaks of this very thing, and it is true. DISCERNMENT is needed. This is a dangerous season for walking in deception. Before speaking and before receiving that which is spoken into your spirit, make sure the Father bears witness. Make sure you are willing to die for that word!

No Longer Will I Vindicate My Anointing

I’ve heard and read so much about the trials of leaders in this season, and I’d like to add some personal commentary. Leaders are under attack! When I say “leaders”, I’m referring to Apostles, Prophets, Pastors, Teachers, Evangelists and anyone else operating in a leadership, ministry role. For weeks, I have heard from so many who are being “challenged” by the very ones that should be walking with them. My own Pastor has dealt with the situation, and I’ve found myself challenged as well. So, I’ve been in prayer. Not only about the situation as a whole, but about my personal experience in the matter.

Now, I have to be very honest and transparent in this post. If I can be real, let me just say this is not a word of prophecy, necessarily, but more or less a venting session and testimony wrapped into one! J

For quite some time, I’ve fought the opinions and comments of others about what I was or was not capable of in God. Unfortunately, I allowed it to stop me. I found myself walking as a fireball in God when the “doubters” weren’t around, yet shutting up and becoming exactly what they said I was in their presence – weak, insecure and spineless. Yet, something snapped in me this weekend, and I found myself just wanting to be used more and more of God, not caring about what is said or perceived by others, but feeling completely comfortable in the assignment God has given me.

My Father and I had some conversations this past week, and I feel brand new. He’s showing me how to be confident in Him, yet humble at same time. Godly confidence does not have to be compromised in order for meekness to remain. Hallelujah! During the weekend, God showed me that some tests would come. My very integrity, my calling and my assignment have been questioned, but I am finally convinced in my mind that though I may make mistakes, I am fully persuaded of who I am in God. I am 100% sure that my Father speaks to me and directs me in ministry. I know how I can please Him, and I understand what He speaks to me by way of instruction. No longer do I feel like I have something to prove. No longer do I feel intimidated. No longer am I discouraged by lying tongues that claim they’ve heard from God. Yes, I am fully persuaded, and know that my Daddy has my back.

Just like Paul, so many of us are being pushed in a corner, feeling that we always have to “prove” where God has called us to be. Paul felt threatened by the people’s knowledge of his past. Some of us feel threatened by our demeanor, our emotions, or lifestyles, or anything else that opposition can use to make it seem that we’re in error. Too many people are attacking personalities and saying the person is not of God. May I just say that God doesn’t need every Pastor’s personality to be the same or every Evangelist’s personality to be the same? Can we stop attacking personal attributes, making it sound as if God has spoken against the diversity He gave us? I’m not even talking about sin here. I have literally heard people say that a person is too nice to be a Pastor, too stubborn to be a Prophet, too talkative to be an Evangelist, etc. It’s not biblical. God chooses whom He will use. Sometimes personality adjustments are made, but God doesn’t call whom He doesn’t equip. If God called YOU to be a Pastor, then be a Pastor as only YOU can!

The Lord spoke something that I must share – He said that now is the season to cleave or leave! Yes, if anyone is not able to serve the leadership they have been called to serve under or walk with, it is important to leave. Leaving is better than being found in disobedience. Even if we cannot trust the God in those we walk with and work beside in ministry, there is a problem. The enemy is lying back laughing as we slaughter and discourage one another. We’re fighting the wrong battle. If you don’t feel you’re on a winning team, don’t cause the team to be defeated by sowing seeds of discord and division. Just leave and join one you believe in – it’s just that simple!

Now, back to Paul…

1 Cor 9:1 AM I not an apostle (a special messenger)? Am I not free (unrestrained and exempt from any obligation)? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are you [yourselves] not [the product and proof of] my workmanship in the Lord?
1 Cor 9:2 Even if I am not considered an apostle (a special messenger) by others, at least I am one to you; for you are the seal (the certificate, the living evidence) of my apostleship in the Lord [confirming and authenticating it].
1 Cor 9:3 This is my [real ground of] defense (my vindication of myself) to those who would put me on trial {and} cross-examine me.

Gal 6:17 From now on let no person trouble me [by making it necessary for me to vindicate my apostolic authority and the divine truth of my Gospel], for I bear on my body the [brand] marks of the Lord Jesus [the wounds, scars, and other outward evidence of persecutions--these testify to His ownership of me]!

Paul became confident, after some time, in His ministry assignment and directly confronted those who doubted his calling and ministry. Not only that, but he provided the “proof” of what God called him to do. I am always amazed at how the very ones you feed are the ones who turn on you. The people’s lives and conversions alone were proof of the apostolic authority Paul had, yet he had to remind them of this. Finally, Paul said he would no longer be challenged or forced to vindicate who he is in God. His very testimony did that for him. Even in another passage, Paul admitted to his errors, but stressed that his current focus is on target. He said:

Phil 3:12 Not that I have now attained [this ideal], or have already been made perfect, but I press on to lay hold of (grasp) {and} make my own, that for which Christ Jesus (the Messiah) has laid hold of me {and} made me His own.
Phil 3:13 I do not consider, brethren, that I have captured {and} made it my own [yet]; but one thing I do [it is my one aspiration]: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead,
Phil 3:14 I press on toward the goal to win the [supreme and heavenly] prize to which God in Christ Jesus is calling us upward.

No, he had not done everything right, but he had a goal to accomplish – a calling to fulfill. He pressed, as God called him, to complete the assignment on his life.

Last week, I learned that one of my mistakes is that I hide my testimony. I don’t allow people to see the deposit that God has made in me. I keep my mouth shut and my thoughts to myself. Don’t get me wrong. The focus is not on getting the approval of man. However, they need to know that I am a prophet of God, that His word will not be missed. It has nothing to do with Joy, but because of the assignment that’s on my life, people need to know that I am sent, especially those who walk with me.

My Pastor has expressed some pains over the last few months, and I want to publicly say that I understand. I understand, because I’m going through the EXACT SAME THING, though it may be on a slightly different level. Not only do I understand, but God has shown me many ways in which I’ve contributed (in my Pastors’ case). One of those ways is by not walking in the boldness He has called me to. My Pastors, in their support of what God has said, seem ignorant when I don’t walk as I have been called. My disobedience causes their integrity to be challenged. Hmmm…

I know I'm not the only one being challenged. Nor am I the only one causing a leader to be challenged. If you can relate, be encouraged. We’ve all heard about false humility. It is still lurking. I’m excited to be breaking free!

God Is Calling for the SCOUTS

Last night during prayer, the Father spoke a Word of encouragement to me for His people, particularly those who have been frustrated as watchmen in the Body of Christ. God said He is calling forth the scouts, as He did in the day of Moses.

He said there are many who are becoming frustrated by sitting on the wall, and He is calling some to become mobile. The Church, as a Body, is going to experience a new level of momentum in the Spirit. God said that all He has promised will come to pass, but He is calling forth the scouts to move first into the new season, that they will be prepared to lead and direct those to follow.

God spoke so clearly and said those who are called out must be encouraged. Sometimes, the scout feels lonely, because everyone cannot follow into the new land. Some have been challenged by the Church – the ministries and the gifts, as our Apostle pointed out during prayer, are literally being challenged and doubted by some. God said this is not the time to be phased by those who doubt. He is going to move in such a way that His people will be reassured. God said He is going to show Himself strong to those individuals who have begun to doubt themselves. He is opening up the heavens to those who are being attacked – not to prove to others, but to prove to the very ones who are being challenged that indeed, they do hear from the Almighty God.

Scouts, suit up! Prepare yourselves. Dwell in the secret place of the Father, and do not be afraid to move. Do not be afraid to step into new territory. Hear and obey the voice of God. In due season, you will be instructed to declare what you have observed, but for now, prepare for a season of spiritual awakening as you’ve never experienced before. Be prepared to preview what God is preparing for the Church.

It is very easy for scouts to get discouraged. Scouts are called to sneak into the enemy’s camp. They are called to enter new places and seasons before the crowd. They are trained as mobile watchmen. SCOUTS, this is the season to gird up in boldness. Launch out and tell the people what you see!

Num 13:1 AND THE Lord said to Moses,
Num 13:2 Send men to explore {and} scout out [for yourselves] the land of Canaan, which I give to the Israelites. From each tribe of their fathers you shall send a man, every one a leader {or} head among them.
Num 13:3 So Moses by the command of the Lord sent scouts from the Wilderness of Paran, all of them men who were heads of the Israelites.

Num 13:27 They told Moses, We came to the land to which you sent us; surely it flows with milk and honey. This is its fruit.
Num 13:28 But the people who dwell there are strong, and the cities are fortified {and} very large; moreover, there we saw the sons of Anak [of great stature and courage].
Num 13:29 Amalek dwells in the land of the South (the Negeb); the Hittite, the Jebusite, and the Amorite dwell in the hill country; and the Canaanite dwells by the sea and along by the side of the Jordan [River].
Num 13:30 Caleb quieted the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once and possess it; we are well able to conquer it.

Num 14:7 And they said to all the company of Israelites, The land through which we passed as scouts is an exceedingly good land.
Num 14:8 If the Lord delights in us, then He will bring us into this land and give it to us, a land flowing with milk and honey.
Num 14:9 Only do not rebel against the Lord, neither fear the people of the land, for they are bread for us. Their defense {and} the shadow [of protection] is removed from over them, but the Lord is with us. Fear them not.

God Is Going to Open the Heavens

Luke 3:21 Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized, and [while He was still] praying, the [visible] heaven was opened
Luke 3:22 And the Holy Spirit descended upon Him in bodily form like a dove, and a voice came from heaven, {saying,} You are My Son, My Beloved! In You I am well pleased {and} find delight!
Luke 4:1 THEN JESUS, full of {and} controlled by the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led in [by] the [Holy] Spirit.


The Father is speaking to the Church. He is saying that death is coming to the land. The death is one of the flesh and worldly, human thinking. Many are straddling the fence between the Spirit and the flesh – a decision must be made. The Father desires to open heaven for His people. The waters have been troubled, and the Lord is waiting to literally touch His children. In this season, those who are obedient and those who seek Him will experience a quick elevation in the Spirit. This is a clarion call to those with a true desire to KNOW GOD personally.

There have been times, though few, when I entered prayer and was literally separated from the flesh. The Lord showed me things and spoke so clearly. Time was lost, and even those who were in the room with me knew that God’s presence was there. NO FLESH was able to operate. Truly, a peace that surpasses all understanding took over. When one is in God’s presence, and completely yielded to him, even physical changes can be seen. My appearance was changed, and my speech was transformed. I desire more of those times of intimacy with the Father, and He has promised even greater to those to SEEK HIM. The word of the Lord is that the waters are troubled. Some need only to enter in. Seek the Father like never before. Forget about ministry as we know it. Forget about bills. Forget about all the problems and concerns. Forget about the appointments and worldly obligations. Forget about your health, and just seek God. Set aside time NOW to completely sacrifice and engulf yourself in intimacy with our God. Seek first the Kingdom – the others things will be added.

I see the Father opening the heavens. I see His saints in prayer, looking up and seeing glimpses of Him. I hear His voice speaking loud and clear. I see people literally being transformed by the weight of the Holy Spirit. He has shown me the visions, and I know it shall come to pass – to those who have desire.

My instruction today was to share this message. Our job in this season is to soak in Him. The Church is in a world of trouble, but it can only be changed as God’s people are changed. Individual parts must be healed before the entire Body can function correctly.

Be encouraged, and bask in His presence!

Where is MY worship? Where is MY praise?

Where is My praise? Where is the worship and honor due to Me? My people have lost focus. Ministry has been abandoned for vain glory and personal exaltation. How dare My people esteem themselves to be equal with the Lord, Your God!

Lam 2:6 And He has violently broken down His temple like a booth {or} hedge of a garden; He has destroyed the place of His appointed assembly. The Lord has caused the solemn appointed feasts and Sabbaths to be forgotten in Zion and has spurned {and} rejected in the indignation of His anger the king and the priest.

Lam 2:7 The Lord has scorned, rejected, {and} cast off His altar; He has abhorred {and} disowned His sanctuary. He has given into the hand of the enemy the walls of her palaces [and high buildings]; they have raised a clamor in the house of the Lord as on a day of a solemn appointed feast.

This morning, the Lord spoke to me so strongly that I was literally frightened. God said He is rejected the activity of His house – the things we call church and congregation. The Father said that He is a jealous God. He is asking, “Where is my worship? Where is my praise?” The Father is rejecting our concept of ministry.

The church has too many distractions that we are attempting to define as the will of God. Yes, correction is of the Father, but too many have a ministry of correction without genuine worship. Yes, preaching the Word is in the Father’s plan. However, too many spend hours traveling and preaching, but don’t sacrifice to lay out before God. Attending church and assembling with the saints is ordained and commanded in the Scriptures, yet too many are spending hours in services, but no quiet time in God’s presence.

The Lord gave me a word about two weeks ago, and I will repost it in obedience. MINISTRY CANNOT BE DONE IN OUR OWN STRENGTH. So many of us think we know how to operate in ministry, but we know only in part. We know how to facilitate a service, and we understand how to pat others on the back and make them feel better. Yet, not many understand how to usher in the presence of God. When was the last time you loved on God without interruption? So many believe they are seeking Him, yet there is no change. We must remember, IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO DWELL IN GOD’S PRESENCE AND COME OUT WITHOUT A CHANGE! Where are the miracles? Why aren’t the blind seeing? Why haven’t the dead been raised? God says we lack power, because we lack HIS faith. These things come only by fasting and prayer.

God is going to change the MOTIVES in many of His people. Those who refuse to change will be rejected. God is rejecting our offerings. Ministry and worship must go hand in hand. The flesh must be crucified and our motives purified. The Father is calling for intimacy with Him. Ministry can no longer be done in the flesh. The Spirit of God will move and instruct every command. In this season, we must seek God. Move only when He says to move. Speak only when He says to speak.

“Obedience”, says the Lord, “is required for pure worship.”

Called to the Ministry of DIVISION

UNITY – This word has been used in so many arenas. It seems that everyone is preaching about unity in the Church. However, many have it misconstrued and misunderstood. According to the Word of God, the Ascension gifts and offices are set in place to bring unity in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 4). The reason unity is not being obtained in today’s churches is because we are still trying to unify people by the world’s standards. We are trying to unify apples and oranges. We want to bring together the holy with the unholy. Just because people attend church, we want to call them brothers and sisters in Christ. Not so. Where is the discernment? Where is the honesty and the soberness of mind? We know better.

Can two walk together, except they be agreed? What fellowship does light have with darkness? People of God, it’s time to get back to the Word. Just like everyone else, I’m tired of the quarreling and the lack of one-mindedness in the ministry. Yet, in my prayer time, God reminded me that His word is true. “My prophets,” He said, “are not called to bring unity, but division.” Yes, my Daddy explained that unity cannot take place until holiness is first separated from that which is unholy.

How do we know true ministry is still not taking place? We know because we’re too concerned with people “getting along.” We’re too concerned about worldly possessions. Yet, our zeal for truth, AT ANY COST, is lacking.

Luke 12:51 Do you suppose that I have come to give peace upon earth? No, I say to you, but rather division;
Luke 12:52 For from now on in one house there will be five divided [among themselves], three against two and two against three.
Luke 12:53 They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.

In His ministry, Jesus never claimed to preach peace. He did not have a message asking everyone to “get along” and “work together.” Instead, he turned homes upside down. He divided churches and turned best friends against one another. Why? Because natural unity is not a priority. Unity is the spirit is needed, but only when unified in the RIGHT Spirit.
Truly, this is a time when some people should just be getting mad. We are in a season when obedience to the Father will destroy alliances. The flesh is about to get upset – if God’s people speak what thus says the Lord. It’s time for the martyrs to come forth. You may get some threatening phone calls. You may be blamed for some divorces. You may become a scapegoat for runaway children and separated best friends. Will you stand the ground even in this level of adversity?

It's Not of Your Own Strength

What is TRUE worship? What is TRUE ministry? God has been speaking over and over again to His people about these very issues. Somewhere in our thinking, somewhere in our obsession with “having church,” we have lost focus.

God dealt with me first about Joy, but then about the Body of Christ collectively. I spend a great deal of my prayer time interceding on behalf of God’s people and asking the Father to reveal things to me that will help us please Him more. I have noticed for a while that many are getting tired and weary in their well-doing. Some are even on the verge of quitting, wondering if ministry is really worth the price. Many are struggling with one thing or another, feeling as if God has forsaken them in the midst of their assignment. Even I have felt heavy and tired, almost depressed at times, so I had to ask God – what is going on? What are we doing wrong?

God said His people still don’t understand true worship and true ministry. He said we are still trying to do too much in our own strength. He reminded me that the flesh is weakened in His presence. So when we try to minister to the Father, but use natural means to do it, we become exhausted.

A few weeks ago, the Lord spoke a word and said His people enter into worship too haphazardly. In other words, we often seek His face without weighing the cost. We want to sit in God’s presence, but we’re not willing to die completely to flesh. There is a misconception in the Body of Christ that if we are doing “good works,” we are not operating in the flesh. Herein is where the problem lies. Those of us who operate in ministry must be submitted to our SPIRITUAL assignments. We often submit and stay in God’s face for a season. Yet, somewhere in our service, many of us decide to do things our way. We begin to get concerned about our own reputations and our own agendas. At that point, ministry becomes WORK rather than IDENTITY. God wants us to walk in Spiritual Identity rather than labor. Hallelujah! I am an African-American female. Because of that, there are certain facets of life that may be different than others, yet I walk in my identity. I simply am who I am. Should I decide one day that I will be more successful in life as a Caucasian male, WORK will be required in order to operate in that facet. Too many of us are tired, because we are involved in unnecessary tasks rather than following our assignment. When in spiritual obedience, our steps are already ordered by the Father. In TRUE ministry, there is no room for flesh. TRUE ministry cannot be done in your own strength!

1 Chr 13:5 So David gathered all Israel together, from the Shihor, the brook of Egypt [that marked the southeast border of Palestine], to the entrance of Hemath, to bring the ark of God from Kiriath-jearim.
1 Chr 13:6 And David and all Israel went up to Baalah, that is, to Kiriath-jearim which belonged to Judah, to bring up from there the ark of God the Lord, which is called by the name of Him Who sits [enthroned] above the cherubim.
1 Chr 13:7 And they carried the ark of God on a new cart and brought it out of the house of Abinadab, and Uzza and Ahio [his brother] drove the cart.
1 Chr 13:8 And David and all Israel merrily celebrated before God with all their might, with songs and lyres and harps and tambourines and cymbals and trumpets.
1 Chr 13:9 And when they came to the threshing floor of Chidon, Uzza put out his hand to steady the ark, for the oxen [that were drawing the cart] stumbled {and} were restive.
1 Chr 13:10 And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Uzza, and He smote him because he touched the ark; and there he died before God.

The Lord revealed something significant to me about this passage of Scripture. After David consulted with the leaders and decided the Ark of the Covenant should be returned to God’s people, the ENTIRE CHURCH took part in handling God’s presence. In essence, this was the first mistake, and David learned from it, as we’ll see in subsequent Scriptures. Many times, we feel like the entire church congregation is entitled to enter God’s presence and prepare the sacrifice of worship…NOT SO! Not everyone has the ability to touch the Father and stand in His presence. He has a select few who are ordained to minister unto Him.

Often in ministry, we even assume that because someone has a title or ministry that they also minister to God. Even this is a misconception. God even showed me there is a difference between the Five-Fold/Ascension gifts/offices and the Levitical anointing. Those in the Five-Fold ministry (Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors and Teachers) are gifted and called by God TO THE CHURCH. They operate in the gifts and callings for the purpose of edifying the Body of Christ and bringing the PEOPLE into the knowledge of Jesus Christ. However, not all who are called to these purposes are also called into the priesthood. The priests of God have a special assignment, often atop of a Five-Fold office, ordaining them to minister directly to the Father. Yes, there is a separation between ministry to people (the flesh) and ministry to the Father (in Spirit and in Truth) the Many are called, but FEW are chosen!

There is a separation between those who are equipped to enter God’s presence and those who are not. In the Scripture, I noticed that the events took place on the THRESHING FLOOR. Yes, the place where the wheat and the chaff are separated!

Now, back to Uzza… First, understand that the name “Uzza” means “strength.” As the place of separation (the threshing floor), God’s presence (the Ark of the Covenant) looked and seemed as if it was in jeopardy – as if it may be lost. So the man of God used his own strength (Uzza) to try and steady or constrain the presence of God! Too often we rely on gifts and abilities, intellect, knowledge and even entertainment to try and rescue God’s presence. The Father is saying this is not the way. FLESH MUST DIE WHEN IT TOUCHES HIM, hence the death of Uzza. He had gifts, but lacked the spiritual assignment of the Levites. So by attempting to touch God in his flesh, he brought about his own death.

1 Chr 13:12 And David was afraid of God that day, and he said, How can I bring the ark of God home to me?
1 Chr 13:13 So David did not bring the ark home to the City of David, but carried it aside into the house of Obed-edom the Gittite [a Levitical porter born in Gath-rimmon].
1 Chr 13:14 And the ark of God remained with the family of Obed-edom in his house three months. And the Lord blessed the house of Obed-edom and all that he had.

The Word of God says that David was afraid after this incident, and decided he would not attempt to constrain God’s presence. So, he sent the Ark to Obed-Edom. This house was blessed by God’s presence for two reasons. 1 – This was a place of Levitical ordination. This man was ordained to minister in the presence of the Father. 2 – “Obed” means “service and worship.” Need I say more?

1 Chr 15:2 Then David said, None should carry the ark of God but the Levites, for the Lord chose them to carry the ark of God and to minister to Him forever.

Now, David gets a revelation. He understands the Levitical call, and decides to follow God’s way rather than the plan of the people.

The Lord has shown me the massive amounts of blood that are on the hands of the church. We have literally ushered people into their own demise. How so? We tell them they can bring anything as an offering unto our Father. We allow anyone to attempt to bring in God’s presence. We put gifts before holiness. As my Pastor has stated before, we honor gifts more than the fruit. We tell people they can approach the Father just as they are. We have lied to so many. Now, the Body thinks that flesh can live in God’s presence.

It’s not of your own strength!

1 Chr 15:11 And David called for Zadok and Abiathar the priests, and for the Levites--Uriel, Asaiah, Joel, Shemaiah, Eliel, and Amminadab,
1 Chr 15:12 And said to them, You are the heads of the fathers' houses of the Levites; sanctify yourselves, both you and your brethren, that you may bring up the ark of the Lord, the God of Israel, to the place that I have prepared for it.
1 Chr 15:13 For because you bore it not [as God directed] at the first, the Lord our God broke forth upon us--because we did not seek Him in the way He ordained.
1 Chr 15:14 So the priests and the Levites sanctified themselves to bring up the ark of the Lord, the God of Israel.
1 Chr 15:15 The Levites carried the ark of God on their shoulders with the poles, as Moses commanded by the word of the Lord.

1 Chr 15:16 David told the chief Levites to appoint their brethren the singers with instruments of music--harps, lyres, and cymbals--to play loudly and lift up their voices with joy.

Finding God in the Strangest Places

Alone

But comforted by Your presence
Enthralled by Your holy essence
Reading Your Word, receiving Your presents


Quiet

But yet You speak so clearly
With my distractions, Father I nearly
Missed hearing Your voice, so dearly


Dark

With my eyes, I see no light
But in the Spirit I share Your plight
As your people do wrong, forsaking what’s right


Deep

In a whole and can’t get out
But You are with me, there’s no doubt
Supplying my needs, I’ve no need to pout


Alone

Quiet

Dark

Deep

Yet...
I feel You now
I hear You now
I see You now
I can reach You now

Hmmm...
Funny how that works, Father
No flesh, No noise, No natural sight, No surface revelation
Brings
Godly compassion, A prophetic ear, Spiritual revelation, A supernatural touch

Perhaps I should "get away" more often!

The Day I Told God "YES"

After a long day of hard work and labor
I finally got home and sat down at the kitchen table
I looked up to the ceiling and immediately began to pray
Father, I love you so much, but I've had a hard day!

Not only that Lord, but I'm tired and I'm weak
I work so hard to please You, yet my life seems so bleak
I know You're a provider, but to pay my bills I'm not able
I want to represent You, but others see me as unstable

I know that You're a healer, but my body aches with pain
I know I must have faith, so I constantly pray in Jesus' name
Yet when the day is over and all things come to an end
I sit here at this table, and cry out to You, once again

God, I know that You are faithful, it's not you who's failing, no
But what is wrong with me, that at Your command, I just can't go?
Why does it seem my life is just one struggle after another
And not only me Lord, but the same for my sisters and brothers?

A holy life I live, and a witness to You I try to be
Yes, I make mistakes daily, but I'm obedient to what You ask of me
I preach the word and speak out boldly against all sin
Yet the devils of the world prosper, and I simply struggle, once again

Let me interrupt right here, my Father said to me
When you said “yes” to do my will, how did you think your life would be?
You promised be a COMPLETE sacrifice - mind, body and soul
That means that from time to time, you may not quite feel whole

Job, the prophets, and even My Son felt desperate from time to time
Yet they all remembered the day they said, “Father, let Your will be mine.”
Don't ever feel I've neglected you, or that I don't hear your call
But know that your tests, your trials and scars prevent someone else from a fall

You've been ordained to complete a work for Me, though it may seem hard
The Church has lied to so many, promising ministry will make you a star
In fact, I demand a servant’s sacrifice, hard work and sometimes tears
Yes, I require your entire life - your time, your money and all your years

Death, debt and heartache may come, you may lose all you've got
Following Me is no easy task, I require ALL, not just a lot
A sacrifice is completely burnt up, until even it's composition is changed
Even so you will lose your very identity, operating only in My name

Remember, my child, what you said to me when I asked if you'd give all?
Oh Lord, Did I say "yes" to You? I believe that's what I recall
Yes, you said you’d obey My every command, to please Me in all you do
Godliness with contentment, my child, is what you'll need to get through

So suffer yet a little while, and when this life is gone
You'll see Me and my Son, face to face, pleased and saying 'Well done!'
And tell all the others who are struggling there - martyrs some have become
When one says "yes" to my will and way, it's a struggle not to succumb

Be encouraged knowing your sacrifice is certainly not in vain
For in this life and that to come you have so much to gain
Worship is a lifestyle, not just singing, dancing and prayer
But what you give Me everyday, what you're willing to lose and to share

So I pondered over all God said, and I suddenly felt relieved
Remembering my actual purpose in life in to help others to believe
To understand the Father must come first, even through every test
I guess this is really what I signed up for, the day I told God "yes"

A Call for Prayer and Sobriety

Last week, the Lord showed me a vision of a large red horse. It stood about as tall as a 2-story building. The horse began running through the streets where there were children playing. As he ran, he would violently butt the children with his nose, immediately causing death to every one in his path.

The Lord gave me some revelation on the vision, and led me to the following Scripture:

Rev 6:4 And another horse came out, flaming red. And its rider was empowered to take the peace from the earth, so that men slaughtered one another; and he was given a huge sword.

The Lord showed me that a new level of violence is breaking forth in this nation, and that our children will be the first victims. Over the last week, I have grieved and cried, listening to all the violence taking place against the babies of this land. School shooting and abductions are outrageous. This is only the beginning.

I am not claiming that we are in this phase of Revelation, necessarily. I honestly don't know if we are or not. I only know what God has shown me, and that I must share it. Many have spoken of a season of lack as well, and the Lord has confirmed this season to come following one of senseless violence.

Rev 6:5 When He broke open the third seal, I heard the third living creature call out, Come {and look} ! And I saw, and behold, a black horse, and in his hand the rider had a pair of scales (a balance).

Rev 6:6 And I heard what seemed to be a voice from the midst of the four living creatures, saying, A quart of wheat for a denarius [a whole day's wages], and three quarts of barley for a denarius; but do not harm the oil and the wine! [II Kings 6:25.]

The Church must prepare. This is not the time to be weak and emotional, but a season to be girded in prayer and fasting. Many will suffer loss and tragedy, but God's people must remain firm. The faith of many will be challenge, and many will fall away, feeling that God has forsaken them. Do not be caught unaware. Do not be surprised at the things to come. Know also that we are in the season - it is not afar off, but now. Be alert and vigilant. Hide in God.

Take Up the WELCOME Mat

“No more sacrifice. Your tolerance is not of Me,” says the Lord.

God is still speaking about idolatry in the Body of Christ. He is still speaking about sanctification and holiness. God is still speaking against the COMPROMISE shown forth by the saints.

In our legal system, a person doesn’t have to commit a crime in order to be found guilty of that crime. He only has to be present and make no attempt to correct the situation in order to be guilty of the crime itself. He is then referred to as an accomplice.

In the church, we have many who are guilty of idolatry by way of accomplice. There are many still standing by as God’s word goes forth without standing against that which is not of our Father. I hear God saying, “Guilty by association!”

Too many of us have been taught the incorrect definition of love. We think “love” means tolerance and acceptance. The word of God tells us that “God is love.” If this be the case, we show pure love by revealing the true and living God, by speaking what He says to speak and doing what He says to do. Feelings, emotions and even relationships are irrelevant beside the commands of our Heavenly Father.

2 John 1:10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine [is disloyal to what Jesus Christ taught], do not receive him [do not accept him, do not welcome or admit him] into [your] house or bid him Godspeed {or} give him any encouragement.

2 John 1:11 For he who wishes him success [who encourages him, wishing him Godspeed] is a partaker in his evil doings.

We must get rid of the mindset that the Church is supposed to accept everyone. Not so! Yes, the sinner should come as they are, but we cannot allow them to stay as they are. No, God has set order for His house. He wants unblemished offerings on His altar. Anything else is an abomination. It will be spewed from His mouth and the offering will stink in His nostrils.

This message was difficult for me, but God said it’s time for the Church to literally kick some people out. Yes, the word does speak of excommunication (Gal 1:9; 2 The 3:14; Titus 3:10; 1 Cor 16:22; 2 John 1:10), and now is the season when some need to clean the Body of cancer. My Pastor was talking, not too long ago, about how cancer (in the natural) is attacking so many of God’s people. The Lord showed me this is simply a natural manifestation of a spiritual epidemic. Cancer multiplies in the body and takes over the healthy cells until death sets in. Such is the Body of Christ. We have allowed so many sin-sick and diseased cells to come in. Now, they are taking over, and killing off holiness. They are choking out true worship, and multiplying the ways of the world in God’s house. It must stop…NOW!

God’s standard must be set. Those who wish to worship Him must do so in spirit and in truth. As painful as it may seem, THEY must change…not the Church.

God is saying to the Church this day, “Take Up Your Welcome Mat!”

Not only the Body of Christ as a whole, but individuals as well. Now is not the time to seek many friendships and acquaintances. Again, God wants His people to protect the investment He has placed in us. NOT EVERYONE CAN HAVE ACCESS TO YOU! No, you are not called to accept everyone. No, you are not called to help everyone. You are not even called to pray for everyone! Some of us are wasting our prayers and fasting on those God has already rejected. Even in our prayers and fasting, we can displease the Father. We must operate in His will, not our own. In this season, be led by the Spirit of God.

Take Up Your Welcome Mat. Now is the season when some will be turned away. Remember, many are called, but few are chosen!

On a Personal Note...

Unlike most of my blog entries, this is one of a personal experience. I am requesting the prayers and support of the true saints of God who want to see God’s will fully manifested through His people.

During the last few months, I have been truly blessed by God as He has awakened some gifts that have been dormant in me for a long time. Since I can remember, I had many prophetic dreams and visions, even as a young child. Yet, because they scared me, I suppressed the gift and ran from it. While in college, I began experiencing them again, but still did not understand why. I thought I was strange. My friends thought I was “weird.” No one wanted to know what I thought, because they felt I was able to curse situations.

Now that I am maturing in the prophetic, God has me in place where I am becoming more comfortable with the gifts, and He is sending them constantly. God has also given me instruction to speak more. My personality is one of a quiet and very obscure person. I was taught to speak when spoken to, and I’ve already ruffled the waters at enough churches. After being kicked out of a few and labeled everything from a heretic to an infidel, I lost my fight. Now, God is resurrecting that again…that passion for holiness without compromise that a prophet is called to carry.

So, I had to ask God to clarify my instruction. Yes, I hear His voice and I’m able to communicate His messages. However, over the last few months, I’ve been seeing more than I’m hearing, and I’ve had a difficult time putting what I see into words. The funniest thing finally happened. God reminded me of a movie I’d seen a couple months ago called “Jeremiah.” The movie actually belongs to my Pastors and their children. Their eldest child was spending the week with our family when I saw it. In the move, there is a scene where Jeremiah is frightened by a vision. He looks around and quickly becomes confused about why he is seeing things that no one else seems to notice. Then, God simply asks him, “Jeremiah, what do you see?” As he told God what he could see, the Lord began giving him more revelation, from which the message became clear.

Now, God is dealing with me in a similar manner. I distinctly heard Him say on Sunday during our worship service, “Joy, what do you see?” It was such an awesome vision. All I could do was look and cry. I saw the church doors fly open with a beautiful beam of light shining in. Then, there were men in white scrubs that walked into the room. Though they walked, it was as if they were floating. They had measuring tapes. They began measuring the doors, the altar, the walls and even the people.

As I stood there is service (still wondering if I’m a little crazy), God asked me again, “Joy, what do you see?” As I began to speak out and describe the vision, a prophetic word came forth for our house. It was a clear word of substance and significance, confirming many things God has already spoken to our leaders. I was completely overwhelmed by the peace that transpired.

When I got home, I had to thank God for the leaders I have, who constantly push me to walk boldly and use the gifts I’ve been given. During that time, God gave me instruction to begin sharing more of these visions, even when I don’t understand the totality of the meaning. They come so often now, that I barely have time to write them down. Yet I know God is speaking through them, and giving warning to the Body of Christ.

So, I wanted to take this opportunity to solicit the prayers of those who operate as Seers. I am praying for more clarity, more understanding and more faith in my Father, that I won’t hesitate at His command. God is waking and shaking His people, because a shift in the spirit realm is taking place. This is a season of preparation and warning. We must take heed.

I also want to encourage those that have dormant gifts waking up inside them. Do not run from the weapons God has given. Use them to expose the enemy, to edify the Body of Christ, to warn God’s people of what is ahead. Most importantly, just BE OBEDIENT.

To God be the glory!

For Those Prophets Called to the REBELLIOUS HOUSE...

It is very rare that the Father gives me instruction to share Scripture only, but today, this is my assignment. To those called to the REBELLIOUS HOUSE, be encouraged...

Ezek 2:3 And He said to me, I send you, son of man, to the children of Israel, two rebellious nations that have rebelled against Me. They and their fathers have transgressed against Me even to this very day.
Ezek 2:4 And the children are impudent and hard of heart. I send you to them and you shall say to them, Thus says the Lord God.
Ezek 2:5 And they, whether they will hear or refuse to hear--for they are a rebellious house--yet shall they know {and} realize that there has been a prophet among them.
Ezek 2:6 And you, son of man, be not afraid of them, neither be afraid of their words; though briers and thorns are all around you and you dwell {and} sit among scorpions, be not afraid of their words nor be dismayed at their looks, for they are a rebellious house.
Ezek 2:7 And you shall speak My words to them whether they will hear or refuse to hear, for they are most rebellious.
Ezek 2:8 As for you, son of man, hear what I say to you; be not rebellious like that rebellious house; open your mouth and eat what I give you.
Ezek 2:9 And when I looked, behold, a hand was stretched out to me and behold, a scroll of a book was in it.
Ezek 2:10 And He spread it before me and it was written within and on the back, and written on it were words of lamentation and mourning and woe.
Ezek 3:1 HE SAID to me, Son of man, eat what you find [in this book]; eat this scroll; then go and speak to the house of Israel.
Ezek 3:2 So I opened my mouth, and He caused me to eat the scroll.
Ezek 3:3 And He said to me, Son of man, eat this scroll that I give you and fill your stomach with it. Then I ate it, and it was as sweet as honey in my mouth.
Ezek 3:4 And He said to me, Son of man, go, get you to the house of Israel and speak to them with My words.
Ezek 3:5 For you are not sent to a people of a foreign speech and of a difficult language but to the house of Israel;
Ezek 3:6 Not to many peoples of foreign speech and of a hard language, whose words you cannot understand. Surely, had I sent you to such people, they would have listened to you {and} heeded My words.
Ezek 3:7 But the house of Israel will not listen to you {and} obey you since they will not listen to Me {and} obey Me, for all the house of Israel are impudent and stubborn of heart.
Ezek 3:8 Behold, I have made your face strong {and} hard against their faces and your forehead strong {and} hard against their foreheads.
Ezek 3:9 Like an adamant harder than flint {or} a diamond point have I made your forehead; fear them not, neither be dismayed at their looks, for they are a rebellious house.
Ezek 3:10 Moreover, He said to me, Son of man, all My words that I shall speak to you, receive in your heart and hear with your ears.

Praying

My thoughts and prayers are with all who were affected by the tragedies of

September 11, 2001

I Won't Complain

John 12:27 Now My soul is troubled and distressed, and what shall I say? Father, save Me from this hour [of trial and agony]? But it was for this very purpose that I have come to this hour [that I might undergo it].
John 12:28 [Rather, I will say,] Father, glorify (honor and extol) Your [own] name!

I have been crying out to God on behalf of the saints. So many are going through problems and trials like never before. This is a season where many are facing difficulties they have never seen before, sufferings they have never had to deal with in the past. Yet, in my crying out, God has been dealing with me about complaining. Not only about what others are dealing with, but about my own dilemmas as well.

I heard God ask me, “Didn’t you say ‘YES’ to MY will? Did you not offer your body as a living sacrifice unto me? Did you not say that you would count it all joy and rejoice when you suffer for My name’s sake?”

Yes, so many times we take our hurts and scars to God asking for a way out. Yet, the Father reminded me of what Jesus when through. He knew what was to come, and yet understood that if He asked His Father to deliver Him for the persecution unto death, His very purpose would not be fulfilled.

The Lord had me take a long look at things this morning. Unfortunately, many in the church have been taught that we are supposed to be prosperous…have all our bills paid and no problems. We’ve been taught that everyone should be healed and happy all the time. Yes, God provides these privileges at times, but we must learn to pray that His WILL be done. Yes, it is true that suffering is sometimes in God’s plan. I must ask some of the prosperity teachers, was Jesus lacking in faith because God did not take away the pain of the whips or heal the nail wounds in his hands? NO, because this fulfilled His purpose. Jesus wasn’t concerned with praying for his so-called rights to wealth, healing or prosperity, just because He is the Son of God. Instead, He prayed that’s God’s will for His life to be fulfilled. Yes, He truly presented His body a LIVING SACRIFICE. How many of us are truly ready and willing to do the same.

Yes, God even dealt with me about the counsel and comfort that I give to others when they are going through. As a prophet, God said I have to stop telling people “It’s going to be alright” unless He instructs me to do so. “Some people,” He said “are just fulfilling their contract with Me. Do not speak them out of obedience to my will.” Oh, that hurt. I hate to see people suffer, but the Lord showed me that it’s necessary for some. As He was with Christ, so will He be glorified in the trials and testimonies of His people.

Ladies and gentlemen, this is a crucial season in the spirit realm. We must be ever so careful to allow God to use us without our own interference due to our opinions of what’s right or wrong. What is God’s will for the situation? Are we allowing Him to use us freely? Can we truly say that we have laid down our lives for the Gospel’s sake? Have we truly died to self and grown to a point where we completely depend on the Father? In this season, the wheat is being separated from the chaff, even within the Body of Christ. Will you be able to stand – not on your job, your finances, your health, your family, your possessions – but on the WILL OF GOD for your life?

Those who are called to be leaders and priests in the Body must understand that prophecy is being fulfilled even in this hour. My Father gave me instruction to share this Scripture with those who are being “shaken” from the world’s point of view:

Mal 3:2 But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He is like a refiner's fire and like fullers' soap;
Mal 3:3 He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and He will purify the priests, the sons of Levi, and refine them like gold and silver, that they may offer to the Lord offerings in righteousness.
Mal 3:4 Then will the offering of Judah and Jerusalem be pleasing to the Lord as in the days of old and as in ancient years.

Glory to God! Fuller’s soap contains a harsh cleanser which is used to get deep down into the crevices of woven materials. It is coarse and scratches the surface of everything it cleans. It burns the flesh and kills impurities. It’s a sanitizer and it exfoliates, if you will. A refiner’s fire is a hot, blue flame. It’s used first to burn off impurities, then to shape an object into the required form.

Notice the Scripture is directed to the priests, or the leaders of the church. As Christ returns, these are the things the leaders will feel and experience. It must be done, according to the Scripture, so that the offerings of the people (represented by Judah and Jerusalem) will be pleasing to the Lord. Yes, the priests must be purified so the remainder of the church can be cleansed. The priests must be broken so they will understand how to direct and teach worship that our Father will receive.

Some of us are being pulled, stretched…even burned and scratched. Before praying against it or crying over it, seek God for His will. Could you be in the refiner’s fire?

To GOD be the glory!

Yes, You MUST Go to Church!

This is a message for those who are called to ministry, but have abandoned Christian assembly...

My heart has really been grieved concerning the state of the church, meaning the physical assembly of God’s people, in relation to what we consider to be true ministry. God has been dealing with me about how we as leaders, often try to fulfill our call to ministry OUTSIDE of His will and plan. Never before in my life have I met so many Apostles, Prophets, Pastors, Evangelists and Teachers with no affiliation to a physical church body or local assembly. Yet, everyone has a reason, or an excuse.

As a prophet, God has dealt with me harshly about this, because I am called to speak forth His heart and set order. Yet, not only have I become passive about the issue, but I’ve even allowed those who move outside of God’s order to rebuke me and shut my mouth. Shame on Joy Allen!

First, let me say that I empathize with the situation faced by some. Many of us have gone through or will experience times when we feel, for whatever reason, that we cannot commit to fellowshipping with a local body of believers. It may be a sick family member, a move to a new town, a life-changing event like the birth of a child, or even just a moment of rest to seek God and hear His voice for the next move. I believe God allows these seasons for some, in various situations and for different reasons. Yet, the Word of God and its commandments are still true. We must not forsake the assembling of ourselves together. At no point in anyone’s life should an individual become comfortable or content without regular assembly with other saints.

Heb 10:24 And let us consider {and} give attentive, continuous care to watching over one another, studying how we may stir up (stimulate and incite) to love {and} helpful deeds {and} noble activities,
Heb 10:25 Not forsaking {or} neglecting to assemble together [as believers], as is the habit of some people, but admonishing (warning, urging, and encouraging) one another, and all the more faithfully as you see the day approaching.

So many times, we need to separate for a time, but then begin to reason away the need for fellowship. This is very dangerous - a ploy of the enemy that is attacking the Body of Christ. When in these situations, we must continue searching for a local body, consistently praying that God will provide our need for fellowship and lead us to a place of worship.
This is the bottom line - God's Word does not lie. We must do as we are commanded. It saddens and frustrates me to see so many who have taken on active roles in “ministry,” but refuse to surrender under the authority of a church body. This is an epidemic that must be addressed, as God is revealing it.

Acts 13:2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, Separate now for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.
Acts 13:3 Then after fasting and praying, they put their hands on them and sent them away.

Acts 13:8 But Elymas the wise man--for that is the translation of his name [which he had given himself]--opposed them, seeking to keep the proconsul from accepting the faith.
Acts 13:9 But Saul, who is also called Paul, filled with {and} controlled by the Holy Spirit, looked steadily at [Elymas]
Acts 13:10 And said, You master in every form of deception {and} recklessness, unscrupulousness, {and} wickedness, you son of the devil, you enemy of everything that is upright {and} good, will you never stop perverting {and} making crooked the straight paths of the Lord {and} plotting against His saving purposes?

Often, God brings me back to this Scripture when dealing with the issue of whether people should have a spiritual "covering". One thing we can gather here is that the church of Acts was set up as a foundation, an example, of how the New Testament church should look, behave and operate. The Bible says that God moved and spoke through His Holy Spirit when the people worshipped in unity. Then, He gave instruction for the Apostles to lay hands on particular persons and send them out. So many today feel that they can anoint themselves, just as Elymas did in the Scriptures to follow shortly after. Now, I have met some mighty men and women of God who may not have been "ordained" by the traditional, physical laying on of hands, but the people of God knew their spirits. They could bare witness to the calling and the gifts within them, and would frankly ordain them if asked. Why? Because they bore fruit. Their testimony was sure, and they operated in order. Part of that fruit is understanding SUBMISSION and SERVANTHOOD. Yes, one is truly called of God WANTS to submit and DESIRES to serve.

PEOPLE OF GOD, STOP PLAYING THE ROLES THAT GOD HAS NOT CALLED YOU TO. THIS IS THE BOTTOM LINE: IF YOU SAY YOU ARE AN APOSTLE, A PROPHET, A TEACHER, A PASTOR, AN EVANGELIST - YET NO ONE BEARS WITNESS WITH YOU IN THE SPIRIT, CHECK YOURSELF! We are too busy with trying to carry an office. Who can vouch for you? Where is your accountability? Who sent you out? Yes, it is necessary! This is the Word. Why do we think we know better than God? We don't!

God is so awesome. He’s so thorough, that He even set up a system of “checks and balances” for the church. Yes, everyone knows the Scriptures regarding the Ascension gifts or the "Five-Fold" ministry: Ephesians 4:11-12 and 1st Corinthians 14. All the gifts rely on one another. They bare witness with one another. Most importantly, they are operational within an assembly! Yes, somebody ought to bare witness with you. Somebody ought to be willing to send you out. Someone should want to share in your ministry.

Now I understand we must allow no man to lay hands on you suddenly. Some just want credit for your anointing, so you must be careful. Yet, if God calls you, He will provide the avenue to send you out - ACCORDING TO HIS WORD and within His protocol. No shortcuts!

To those who operate in the church, I pray that we can seek God at a new level. There are so many who feel there is no church with which they can fellowship – no one with whom they can pray and seek God. The Body of Christ, oftentimes, is not prepared to deal with the true needs of God’s people. Unfortunately, the churches are not reflecting the original plans, as demonstrated in Acts. We must continue seeking God, and restore the Christian assembly back to the place it should be.

James 1:27 External religious worship [religion as it is expressed in outward acts] that is pure and unblemished in the sight of God the Father is this: to visit {and} help {and} care for the orphans and widows in their affliction {and} need, and to keep oneself unspotted {and} uncontaminated from the world.

Back to the original point: There is no reason that any minister of the Gospel should attempt to minister and operate outside of God's plan. Frankly, that requires a fellowship of local believers - not the internet, nor a virtual network on MSN, Yahoo! 360°, or a phpBB discussion board, but a physical church family that offers teaching and accountability. The Bible tells us that faith comes by hearing, hearing by the Word of God. It then goes on to ask, how can they hear, except there be a preacher? Get under somebody's voice that is willing to be accountable for your soul and your ministry.

Lastly, in the way of tithes and offerings, please don't send money to anyplace where it cannot be accounted for. Be a good steward and send it only where you can bare witness that it is good ground. That should be in your own local church as well. Anyone who doesn't feel their church body is good ground needs to be praying. I'm not saying money cannot be planted in other places, but again, are we TRULY seeking God for direction according to HIS WORD or our OWN comfort zones?

Leaders and ministers of God, be encouraged and get in order. If God has truly called you, He will accommodate your ministry within the confines of His own plan. If you cannot operate in your gifts according to the instruction manual, sit them on the shelf. AMEN. Time is running short. Judgment comes first to the house of God. Imagine how many will be condemned just for not being in the proper place when the Savior shows up!!!

Because My House Lies in Waste...

I have been crying out to God on behalf of His people, myself included. It seems that we have missed so much, and that the people of God are going through so much. I have to ask God why. I had to seek further instruction and more clarification. Last week, the Lord began answering some of these questions, and my Pastor confirmed some things on Sunday. When she first said it, I thought it pertained only to our church, but God continued to deal with me and reveal that what she said pertained to the entire Body of Christ, as did the other things He shared with me.

She said, “The church is full of leaders, but there are no workers.” Oh, that statement hit me like a brick, because God told me so clearly last week that His house lies in waste. Everyone is in a position of authority (so we think), but there are few lamenting and doing the work of the Father – sitting at His feet and waiting for instruction – working to build the Kingdom. Initially, I thought of the physical church – the buildings and the congregations of the people, but the Lord quickly corrected me and lead me to the book of Haggai.

Hag 1:3 Then came the word of the Lord by Haggai the prophet, saying,
Hag 1:4 Is it time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses while this house [of the Lord] lies in ruins?

In the Old Testament, the temple of God housed the very glory of the Father. Not only that, but the house of God was also a safe haven for the people in a given city. Out of the temple, the poor were fed and the homeless could receive shelter and assistance. It was the center for ministry. Most importantly, God impressed on me that the house was the His dwelling place, the stage for His glory. So when I went back to this Scripture, I could here the Father asking, “Is it time for you yourselves to baste in your own glory while my worship remains in ruins?” Yes, back to the worship again.

Hag 1:5 Now therefore thus says the Lord of hosts: Consider your ways {and} set your mind on what has come to you.
Hag 1:6 You have sown much, but you have reaped little; you eat, but you do not have enough; you drink, but you do not have your fill; you clothe yourselves, but no one is warm; and he who earns wages has earned them to put them in a bag with holes in it.

Yes, many of us are in these situations. We survive, but are not satisfied. It seems as if something is incomplete – something is missing and void. While we strive to fill the void with more stuff, more money, more entertainment, more success – the glory of God is the missing piece. Pure worship is still lacking from amongst God’s people.

Hag 1:7 Thus says the Lord of hosts: Consider your ways (your previous and present conduct) {and} how you have fared.
Hag 1:8 Go up to the hill country and bring lumber and rebuild [My] house, and I will take pleasure in it and I will be glorified, says the Lord [by accepting it as done for My glory and by displaying My glory in it].

I hear God saying, “Get back to work.” Yes, it is time to get back to building the Kingdom. For two long, we’ve built our own ministries and our own churches, our own families and our own reputations. Again, I hear “UNITY.” It’s needed in order to build God’s Kingdom and usher in His glory. It’s needed in order to offer Him the praise and the worship He desires. It’s required in order to rebuild His house – to offer a dwelling place where His presence can dwell.

Hag 1:9 You looked for much [harvest], and behold, it came to little; and even when you brought that home, I blew it away. Why? says the Lord of hosts. Because of My house, which lies waste while you yourselves run each man to his own house [eager to build and adorn it].
Hag 1:10 Therefore the heavens above you [for your sake] withhold the dew, and the earth withholds its produce.

Priorities must be reordered this day. Too many of us are concerned with selfish desires and vain glory – we want to have the biggest church, the most popular ministry. We want to have the television show and the radio program. We want the fighting and the gossiping to stop at the church as long as we’re right and everyone else looks wrong. We’re concerned with wearing the nicest suit and the prettiest shoes instead of having a prepared spirit and a contrite heart. More concerned with decorating the church halls for guests than repenting and preparing our hearts for God’s presence to visit the house.

I even hear God reminding us that pure worship requires “sacrifice.” Our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit, and we are bought with a price. When will we yield our lives to the Father and truly die daily to ourselves, that He may be glorified and our flesh crucified for His sake? How long will we allow the Father’s house to lie in waste while we dwell in our own agendas?

Be Encouraged

1 Cor 7:23 You were bought with a price [purchased with a preciousness and paid for by Christ]; then do not yield yourselves up to become [in your own estimation] slaves to men [but consider yourselves slaves to Christ].
1 Cor 7:24 So, brethren, in whatever station {or} state {or} condition of life each one was when he was called, there let him continue with {and} close to God.


Praise the Lord!

I just want to encourage the Body of Christ. I see that God's people are going through so much. Everyone is dealing with things - going through tests and trials. In times like these, it is so important that we encourage ourselves in the Lord and that we uplift one another in prayer.

Saints of God, we owe it to the Father to protect the investment He has placed in us. The Scriptures tell us that we are not our own, but we have been purchased with a price. God has purchased us with the blood of His only Son. How dare we allow the issues of this world and the people in our lives to bring to nought all that God has birthed in us - the gifts and callings...the power and anointing...the virtue and holiness.

Protect HIS investment. Saints, be careful about who has access to God's treasure. Don't let everyone and every situation get to you. Allow nothing to separate you from the love of God.

On this past Sunday, God reminded me of Jeremiah. He was called the weeping prophet, and he wrote an entire book of lamentations before the Father. Yet, even Jeremiah learned to encourage himself. In chapter 3, he said there was one thing he recalled to his mind, and therefore he had hope - it is only because of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed. Because His compassions fail not, they are new every morning. Great is Thy faithfulness!

Be encouraged, saints of God. Encourage yourselves! Protect the investment your Father has placed in you, and do not allow anyone or anybody to put that at risk. Amen.

What to do with a Word

I hear God saying, "Back to the basics..."

In the Body of Christ, it's so easy for us to get so "deep" that we forget the basics, the essentials that we must remember in order to please our Father. God has been dealing with the Body of Christ for over a year about unity, and we have all heard and/or read the prophetic words coming forth. Yet, it seems we are so easily divided over the very word that has summoned us to unite.

In these days, we know that God is concerned with obedience and holiness. We know that words of correction are coming forth. Yet still, it is so difficult to say, "Is it I, Lord?" I've been praying, because I see the prophets being attacked, and I know that more is to come. I see the doors opening for the "great falling away," yet I ask God how is it that the elect seemingly have such a hard time coming into a spirit of unity.

My Father simply showed me that many of us don't know what to do with a word!

_____

James 1:19 Understand [this], my beloved brethren. Let every man be quick to hear [a ready listener], slow to speak, slow to take offense {and} to get angry.

So often, the word comes forth, and the first thing we do is allow our flesh to take the front seat. EVERY word should hurt the flesh. Yes, EVERY prophetic utterance should be uncomfortable to the natural man. People of God, we must rejoice in this. The Father chastises those whom He loves.

Saints of God, we must keep our ears open. Weigh every word, whether it be of the Father or not. Then react as appropriate. I heard Elmo (yes, the little red, fuzzy Elmo) say, "We should listen at least twice as much as we speak. Why? Because we have two ears, but only one mouth." Prophets of God, too many are speaking without hearing God. Too many are prophesying out of the flesh. Then, when a true word does come forth, the spirit of offense is already so rampant that one must fight to receive that which is truly from the Father. A word from on High comes with sacrifice. It comes with sweat and tears. It comes as a bullet for the MESSENGER before it cuts the HEARER.

James 1:20 For man's anger does not promote the righteousness God [wishes and requires].

The Bible tells us to be angry and sin not. So, we know the sin is not in the anger itself. Yet, when the flesh is elevated above the Holy Spirit within us, we cannot prophesy accurately and in the love of God. How can spiritual be birthed out of a vessel bowed to the flesh? We would never receive a prophesy given from someone in the act of fornication or theft. Yet, we are made to feel rebuked when we don't receive a word given out of anger, rage or revenge. Back to the basics - the word comes forth to edify, to strengthen, to give instruction and to correct. The word must be given in the same spirit it is received, not out of the spirit we have placed on it.

James 1:21 So get rid of all uncleanness and the rampant outgrowth of wickedness, and in a humble (gentle, modest) spirit receive {and} welcome the Word which implanted {and} rooted [in your hearts] contains the power to save your souls.

Oh, HUMILITY has become a scarce word in the Body of Christ. We're in a season where so many find it difficult to say "I'm sorry." "I made a mistake." Reminder: Without confession, repentance cannot be achieved. No one can repent for what is denied. We must "make room" for the word by living TRULY repentent lives...by dying daily...seeking the Father and living HOLY. So many underestimate and misunderstand HOLINESS. Can we get back to the point where the "saints" live without habitual sin - without fornication and adultery - without drunkenness, addictions and substance abuse (yes, tobacco included) - without lying and cheating - without hatred and bad attitudes? If not, the word will not be welcome. It will cut all the more.

James 1:22 But be doers of the Word [obey the message], and not merely listeners to it, betraying yourselves [into deception by reasoning contrary to the Truth].

Is anyone else tired of the "Amen" corner that agrees with every messages, but never applies the word? I've been there. I've been guilty, myself. Yes, we must be careful to apply each word to our own lives. It's always easy to see how it can be used by others, but we are each individually responsible to DO it ourselves. That's the first responsibility, else we betray ourselves. We fool ourselves and become contrary to the truth. In that state, we cannot be used of the Father to help ourselves or anyone else to the fullest potential. That's right...the prophet with "N/A" stamped on their forehead cannot prophesy anything of substance to God's people!

James 1:23 For if anyone only listens to the Word without obeying it {and} being a doer of it, he is like a man who looks carefully at his [own] natural face in a mirror;
James 1:24 For he thoughtfully observes himself, and then goes off and promptly forgets what he was like.

Yes, it is so easy to forget out own flaws. Even when I discipline my children, God often reminds me of how I did the same things...how I thought in the same manner. Saints, we must press in and ask God to show us what He sees. Then, we can't forget. Oh, we want to remember the good things: blessed in the city, blessed in the field, the head but not the tail... But we forget that which is ugly and needs to be cleaned. We forget that part that disgusts God. We forget that God has said we are as whores after idol gods...that we are disobedient and that is as the sin of witchcraft. Could this be cause for the lack of growth and deliverance?

James 1:25 But he who looks carefully into the faultless law, the [law] of liberty, and is faithful to it {and} perseveres in looking into it, being not a heedless listener who forgets but an active doer [who obeys], he shall be blessed in his doing (his life of obedience).

The bottom line - our Father blesses obedience! He takes pride in His children doing what He says - heeding to His word, be it rhema or logos. Back to the basics. Seek ye FIRST the Kingdom of God, all the other things will be added. Seek to PLEASE THE FATHER first, and He will show us how to use our gifts for His glory. Why do we try to put our gifts before God - the creation before the creator? In this season, it will not prosper.

Pressing Past Offense in the Prophetic

I have truly gleaned from all God has been saying, through the Prophets, about true worship. I am learning so much, and hearing God speak over and over about how He wants our worship to come forth. This morning, I couldn't help but meditate even more on how true worshippers must be able to receive godly correction. Those who worship Him must do so in Spirit and in TRUTH.

The Word tells us that God chastises whom He loves, yet we tend to get so offended and hurt whenever correction comes our way. Sometimes it can be difficult, but I am able to accept the fact that I don't have it all together. I make mistakes, and some of them may cause me to feel some pain. I may be embarrassed behind some of them, or even insulted at the rebuke that comes forth. What I must do is learn to accept it and refuse to give up. We must always PRESS PAST OUR QUALIFICATION.

I was reading a Scripture this afternoon that I've been meditating on ever since. I was thinking of one of my recent rebukes. It made me a little angry and certainly made my flesh uncomfortable. Yet, I swallowed it and said, "OK, God. I just have to get it right." Yes, it hurt. Even more than the rebuke itself was the way God chose to deliver it. Yes, I had to deal with the flesh. I had to look past the person and hear the voice of God. Then, all I could say was "Ouch" and "Yes, Lord." It was true.

Oh saints, if we could just stop getting mad and dismissing the Word. Who cares how it comes or who it comes through? If it applies, fix it. Let God deal with the person if there is anything to be dealt with.

Anyway, I was reading this Scripture and noticed how Jesus rebuked the woman. Not only that, but He really insulted her. The strange thing is that she didn't go around and tell everyone how mean Jesus was to her. She didn't try to rebuke Him or correct Him for the "delivery" of His message. She didn't even argue. She accepted what He said. She knew she wasn't worthy. She knew she had no right to approach Him. In essence, she said, "Yes Lord, but I want more of YOU. I need YOU." She took it, and STAYED, so she was blessed. She took the blow, but continued to bow down, so she was blessed! Ah, what would she have missed if she allowed OFFENSE to rise up?

No, I'm not giving prophets a green light to be ugly, mean and hateful. I'm just encouraging us not to give so much attention to the messenger. Take the message and seek the Father. How is it that we allow God's rhema Word to be the very thing that turns us farther from Him. I'M GUILTY! I have received prophetic words that made me so angry, I immediately became bitter and moved into gossip, rebellion and strife. Yet, the Word was true! Yes, we must discern every word, and yes we must be careful about who speaks over us, but if we allow the Word to "search us", as my Pastor often says, and it is found to be true, take it, fix it, and continue to PRESS IN.

Matt 15:22 And behold, a woman who was a Canaanite from that district came out and, with a [loud, troublesomely urgent] cry, begged, Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! My daughter is miserably {and} distressingly {and} cruelly possessed by a demon!
Matt 15:23 But He did not answer her a word. And His disciples came and implored Him, saying, Send her away, for she is crying out after us.
Matt 15:24 He answered, I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
Matt 15:25 But she came and, kneeling, worshiped Him and kept praying, Lord, help me!
Matt 15:26 And He answered, It is not right (proper, becoming, or fair) to take the children's bread and throw it to the little dogs.
Matt 15:27 She said, Yes, Lord, yet even the little pups (little whelps) eat the crumbs that fall from their [young] masters' table.
Matt 15:28 Then Jesus answered her, O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you wish. And her daughter was cured from that moment.