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!

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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.