Love Enough to Tell the TRUTH

To GOD be the glory!!!

I weep at the state of the Church. So many of God's people have been lied to for so long that they now reject TRUTH given in love. How many of us have professed that we desire truth, but become offended when it is shared? I would say that most, if not all, have had moments like this at one point or another. Yet, the Word of God encourages us to receive the TRUTH. It is essential to the spiritual well-being of every believer, and to preach TRUTH is the duty of every minister of God.

Throughout this year and the last, God has dealt with His people about worship. Still, many of us have missed the mark. The tragedy is that we're not missing because we lack the knowledge. We are missing because we have REJECTED knowledge - TRUTH.

Hos 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.

This Scripture is often quoted, but we have not embraced it's true significance. The prophet is speaking to the LEADERS of the church. They rejected truth, choosing instead to live by their own ideologies and thoughts. For this, God rejected them AND THEIR WORSHIP. Such is the case today, as the Word of God is still true:

Joh 4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

Why do we feel that we can worship through lies... false doctrine... false prophecies...? People of God, not only are we missing God, but we are costing others effective worship when we fail to preach the TRUTH. When we preach that which is pleasing to the flesh, but not ordered by God, we guide others into sin.

I am rejoicing at this very moment, because I've learned to sacrifice for the sake of the truth. Any true leader who has not learned already will soon realize that truth must be spoken in season and with a right spirit. Yet, even with all that, persecution will always follow those who dare to challenge the lies of tradition, religion and the devil himself. It's amazing how the people of God will fight to defend comfort and complacency, even when that comfort lies in error. For this reason, I want to encourage those people of God who are being persecuted and abused because of the message you carry:

Mat 5:10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Mat 5:11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
Mat 5:12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you

In order for a person to be righteous, or in right-standing with God, that person must understand worship, which is rooted in OBEDIENCE. They must understand truth and stand for the Word of God. To be persecuted for such is a blessing and an honor. Though you have a heart for God an His people, it is important to understand that truth will not be accepted by everyone all the time. Do not take it personally, and certainly do not allow your Gospel to be "watered down" because of it.

Yes, we must minister with compassion. Yes, we must operate in love, mercy and gentleness. However, these things do not require lies or deception. The church is already full of too many tricks. People are dancing on a promise of financial prosperity while their souls are bound for hell. People are leaping and shouting over a new husband when God wants them delivered from fornication and pornography. A message of peace is too often preached when God is seeking repentance and a pure heart from His people:

Mic 3:4 Then shall they cry unto the LORD, but he will not hear them: he will even hide his face from them at that time, as they have behaved themselves ill in their doings.
Mic 3:5 Thus saith the LORD concerning the prophets that make my people err, that bite with their teeth, and cry, Peace; and he that putteth not into their mouths, they even prepare war against him.

As prophets, leaders and ministers of God, our first priority is to please the Father. Our ministry is one way we worship Him. We must first be true and loyal to the Father. Then, we must care for God's people. They have been placed in our care in one form or another. It is our job, just as Jesus said,

Isa 61:1 The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;
Isa 61:2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn;
Isa 61:3 To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.

Such is accomplished through the truth. The TRUTH is what frees God's people:

Joh 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

This week, I have been challenged by more Christian leaders than ever before. Yet, God has truly encouraged my soul. I've been ridiculed for not lying to my children about Santa Claus. I've been accused of being mean and rude for encouraging the saints to be doers of the Word - not hearers only. I have been rebuked for answering questions according to the Word of God rather than the tradition of one's denomination. AND I REJOICE! There was once a time when I would have cried and even repented, but I thank God for my own deliverance. Knowing that I've been in God's will, and receiving ridicule as a result is an honor. It is not my desire to see anyone hurt or offended, but I know the Word of God does both. Still, it is necessary. Ministry is not about me and the number of friends I can make. Nor is it about you. It's not about how we think or even our emotions or feelings. It's about the Gospel. Speak the truth, saints of God. Yes, sometimes the truth hurts the giver and the receiver. Yet, it pleases God. Such is the price that must be paid. Pray for those who are not able to receive, but never compromise God's truth for the opinions of others.

Rom 3:3 For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?
Rom 3:4 God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.

Basic Instructions for Warriors on the Front Line

Battle Basics:

We often spend quite a bit of time studying the armor Paul instructs us to carry in his letter to the Church at Ephesus. Yet, many miss or neglect his specific instructions for prayer that follow. After the soldiers of Christ have “suited up,” prayer must take place. To those called to the Front Line in this season, take note and take heed to the call to prayer and intercession.

If we are to be warriors for the Kingdom, these things MUST be present in our lives. We are making no impact if any are lacking. Many of us consider ourselves to be warriors, but neglect prayer for our leaders. Many of say we are ready for battle, but fail to preach the truth with boldness. We say we are on the battlefield, but lack understanding of the Word of God. True warriors are always equipped and understand their orders. They are obedient without question. They are aware of the basics and master them.


Ephesians 6

14 Stand therefore [hold your ground], having tightened the belt of truth around your loins and having put on the breastplate of integrity and of moral rectitude and right standing with God,

15 And having shod your feet in preparation [to face the enemy with the firm-footed stability, the promptness, and the readiness produced by the good news] of the Gospel of peace.

16 Lift up over all the [covering] shield of saving faith, upon which you can quench all the flaming missiles of the wicked [one].

17 And take the helmet of salvation and the sword that the Spirit wields, which is the Word of God.

18 Pray at all times (on every occasion, in every season) in the Spirit, with all [manner of] prayer and entreaty. To that end keep alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance, interceding in behalf of all the saints (God's consecrated people).

19 And [pray] also for me, that [freedom of] utterance may be given me, that I may open my mouth to proclaim boldly the mystery of the good news (the Gospel),

20 For which I am an ambassador in a coupling chain [in prison. Pray] that I may declare it boldly and courageously, as I ought to do.



The instructions:

PUT ON THE WHOLE ARMOUR
- Truth
- Integrity
- Morality (purity in character)
- Right standing with God (righteousness)
- Preparation (study and understanding)
- Readiness in the Gospel
- Faith
- Salvation
- The Word of God

PRAY
- Constantly and consistently
- While remaining alert (not complacent or comfortable)
- While watching (aware rather than ignorant)
- Intercede on behalf of the saints
- For leaders and co-laborers, that they will be bold and courageous to preach truth

Spiritual Exodus is Coming to the Body

God has shown me a large exodus of his people taking place in 2008. I saw the modern-day saints, the remnant, as the children of Israel escaping Egypt. In the spirit realm, God’s people are being set free from bondage.


I saw the saints being released from what the world considers success. I literally saw God’s people being laid off, losing jobs and homes, being forsaken by family and falling into financial turmoil. The things that have kept God's people in bondage are being removed. The excuses are be annihilated. As they were leaving their places of what seemed to be prosperity, the people became weary and worried. Yet, God began to supernaturally supply their needs as they were freed from slavery to the things of the world.


God is calling His people to true ministry – absolute reliance on the Father. A season of great faith is upon us. God is going to completely strip some of the saints that must rise. The voices that must be heard in the next season will not be backed by money and mega-churches. The anointing and the favor of God will be their only assets. The ways of the world will be forsaken. Saints of God, prepare to be blessed in a realm beyond your understanding. Get ready to have joy without the success of the world and the standards of this nation. Many of you will see loss in the natural, followed by elevation in the spirit realm. I hear God saying that you shall not lack in you lack! Do not store up. Do not panic. Your latter shall be greater, says the LORD.


The days are upon us where men shall buy without money. Your daily bread shall be supplied, and you shall prosper, but outside of your natural means. The time has come when God’s people shall truly live by faith.


I see many in the forefront of what we call ministry falling into financial distress. Money will no longer be used to measure anointing. The prosperity era in the church will be challenged in this season, and the anointing shall prevail. God is about to baffle the world with His people. True power is coming to the forefront. The world will see the salvation of the Lord as recession and distress come upon the land. Do not look back to that which kept you in bondage. Continue in the ways of our God and remain encouraged. The remnant shall be covered, and will not be left to die.

Are You a Witness to Your Integrity?

Job 27:5-6
God forbid that I should justify you--saying you are right [in your accusations against me]; till I die, I will not put away my integrity from me.
My uprightness and my right standing with God I hold fast and will not let them go; my heart does not reproach me for any of my days and it shall not reproach me as long as I live.

I thank God for this season in my life and ministry. I have learned to simply commune with Him and receive His instruction. There are numerous rewards in just being real and transparent with God. People of God, I HAVE MADE MISTAKES in life and ministry. In fact, I've made LOTS of mistakes. Yet, I rejoice, because my Father corrected me (often through my leaders of the past and present). Now, even when others still dwell on my past, God has used those things as my footstool. Often, my Pastors quote the following:

"It's MY past, so YOU get over it!" I thank God that He has done just that. I am at a place in my life where I am truly able to rejoice in the face of persecution. I am not here to make friends or prove anything to anyone. I'm here to be used of God. Many may not agree with what I may say or do. Yet, I know the integrity within me. Only I know what God has said directly to me.

Job was in a place where everything he had was lost. Those closest to him searched for a reason to "justify" the trials he endured, and they accused him of sin. They made a profession, at least for some period of time, of trying to make a point using Job's trials. Do you not understand that there are others who are doing the same to you? As much as we may hate to admit it, not everyone is for us. Some are sent simply to discourage you. However, there are also sent ones to rebuke and correct. This is why it's so important to KNOW YOUR LEVEL OF INTEGRITY IN GOD. We must remain transparent before God.

We all know how to play church. Any of us can claim a level of anointing. We know how to quote Scriptures and share a testimony. However, only YOU know your true level of integrity in God (unless He sees fit to reveal it to another). Either way, YOU know. Too many try to make excuses and act like they don't - NOT SO!

I distinctly remember many occasions where FALSE accusations were made against me. Because I was taught "order," I literally apologized and took the "punishment" for those actions, though I never really commited them. I convinced myself that leadership or other Christians knew best, even when they were simply wrong. They used every Scripture possible to explain how the accusation was more "spiritual" than "literal", and I took the bait. Needless to say, after I took man's rebuke, God rebuked me. By taking the blame and agreeing to false accusations, I did two things:

1. Nullified the word of God, which states that every tongue rising against me in judgment shall fall (Isaiah 54:17);
2. Caused others to miss God by planting doubt in them concerning my own integrity and ability to hear from God.

So dangerous! Despite all the accusations against Job, he refused to repent for what he had not done. This was not an act of pride or conceit - it was protection for his integrity. It was a testimony of his holiness. Too often, we look for others to justify us and allow everyone to judge us. These things ought not be so.

Are you a witness to your integrity? Can you testify to your own relationship with God? Is your true testimony one of holiness and faithfulness unto our God? If so, walk in the victory and proclaim the TRUTH. Don't walk in "false humility" as one of my leaders once taught me. You are who God says you are, and others need to know.

Selah.

The Jonah Complex (A Repost)

My heart is heavy today, because God is showing me so much that must be proclaimed. I know it will not be easy, but I am full to the point of spilling over. People of God, I am reposting this message from May of 2006. God is showing me that many of you have been VICTIMS of this Jonah mentality, and it has caused some of you to become stagnant because the "Jonah complex" was prevalent in some of the leaders of your past. Yes, some of them are angry with you because YOU RECEIVED THE WORD UNTO REPENTANCE. Some of them are angry with you because God is using you, despite their rebuke.

Oh, I see the VICTIMS!

Some of you are being slandered by those who were ORIGINALLY sent to bring you a word of judgment. When they thought you would rebel, you RECEIVED IT. You REPENTED! Now, the same messengers are saying that you have a false voice. They are saying that you are out of order. They are saying that you have evil motives BECAUSE YOU ARE PROSPERING IN THE THINGS OF GOD.

Be careful! Do not allow their words of judgment to make you miss God. Some of you are thinking that because you were wrong originally, everything else must be true as well. I see some of you in BONDAGE to the opinions of old leaders. I'm not talking about your spiritual parents or your present leaders. I'm talking about leaders who no longer sow into your life. You are still bound by their thoughts and opinions of you. You have grown since then. You have repented since then. God has elevated you since then. You now operate in order. You are accountable to your leadership. You have a solid relationship with the Father. RELEASE that old bondage, and stop calling it God. Stop allowing that spirit to control you.

I know this is not for everyone. I warn those now who would try to make this an excuse when it doesn't apply. I'm talking about those with a pure and repentant heart toward God and the leaders you served. There is a work to do. If God can release you from past relationships, sinful habits, foul language, pornography, lying, backbiting and so many other things, surely He can release you from a misunderstanding with the church choir or a misunderstanding between you and a pastor you had 7 years ago.

It's BONDAGE. Some things are being held over your head by those who felt like Jonah.

I thank God for my pastors and the many awesome leaders that are in or represented by this group. There are some AWESOME men and women of God who know how to rebuke, instruct and build up. I thank God for them. Embrace them, and be free from those who are not so. Not every severed "church" relationship was due to sin and disobedience. Some were severed as an act of DELIVERANCE.

Please, prayerfully consider you ways to make sure you're not a VICTIM or a PERPETRATOR. God is exposing. This is a time for prayer and humility before God. I pray you are blessed, encouraged and set free!


~ ~ ~

The Jonah Complex
Modern Prophets Coveting the Judgment Seat of God
May 12, 2006


Many times I sit in my car or in my office meditating on the Word of God. In the midst of that, He will give me clarity or a prophetic word relating to whatever it is I have been lead to read at that time. This evening, the Lord told me to be careful of the “Jonah Complex.” It’s funny, but I knew exactly what He was speaking of. Many times, I have to ask for clarification, but not this time. Now, this was a word for ME, but I feel lead to share it, because I’m sure there are others who can benefit from it. Amen?

Jon 1:1 And there is a word of Jehovah unto Jonah son of Amittai, saying:
Jon 1:2 `Rise, go unto Nineveh, the great city, and proclaim against it that their wickedness hath come up before Me.'
Jon 1:3 And Jonah riseth to flee to Tarshish from the face of Jehovah, and goeth down to Joppa, and findeth a ship going to Tarshish, and he giveth its fare, and goeth down into it, to go with them to Tarshish from the face of Jehovah.

So many times, the Lord has given me orders to go to a particular place or face a group of people in order to speak against their transgressions. Yet, instead of obeying, I went in a completely different direction. Too many times…on too many occasions. Like Jonah, I failed to remember two very important things:

1) I cannot run from God;
2) When I am disobedient, it will cause a storm in someone else’s life.

Yes, while the first point is easily accepted, how many of us don’t think about how the intended recipient suffers due to an UNDELIVERED word? Can I be honest? I’ve often thought, “Lord, if you send me to give a word of warning, they will then be held responsible. If I don’t go, maybe it will buy them some time.” Not so. See, God had to show me that many times, the prophet is sent because prior warnings were not heeded. That’s why we must have a face like flint…that’s why we can’t look on their faces and be intimidated. I must be real. I’ve got to GET OUT OF GOD’S BUSINESS. How many of us still question what He does and what He says? Is He not God?

All because of Jonah’s disobedience, the sea began to rage and every passenger on the boat suffered the violence of the storm. How many are being tossed and fro because of my disobedience or yours? Do we not realize that we can curse a situation by not delivering the Word of God? Yes, a sin of omission is just as bad as a sin of commission. Disobedience is still better than sacrifice.

Jon 4:1 And it is grievous unto Jonah--a great evil--and he is displeased at it;
Jon 4:2 and he prayeth unto Jehovah, and he saith, `I pray Thee, O Jehovah, is not this my word while I was in mine own land--therefore I was beforehand to flee to Tarshish--that I have known that Thou art a God, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abundant in kindness, and repenting of evil?
Jon 4:3 And now, O Jehovah, take, I pray Thee, my soul from me, for better is my death than my life.'
Jon 4:4 And Jehovah saith, `Is doing good displeasing to thee?'

Now, this is where Jonah really reminds me of myself. In the 3rd chapter, the Bible tells us that God gave him instruction, once again, on what message to deliver to Ninevah. This time, he is obedient and takes the word he feared delivering. To his surprise, the people RECEIVED it. One might think Jonah would be happy…NOT!

Deep down inside, I believe Jonah expected opposition. Once the people repented, he was mad with God. People of God, let’s get delivered together. Let’s just be real. There are some people I simply don’t like, yet God is sending them a word through me as His prophet. Some of them are going to receive it and get right. Can I handle that? Can you handle that? Can we handle our enemies receiving from the Lord and ending up better off than we are? Can we handle our loved ones getting saved and surpassing us in miraculous works? Can we handle our ex-husbands and ex-wives getting hold to God and walking into prosperity? Ahhh…more flesh that has to die!

Even atop of that, notice Jonah’s excuse for being upset. He feels that his word has been discredited. The people heeded the word given to him, changed and therefore received mercy from the Father. Rather than rejoicing in the victory, Jonah is upset. He tells God this is the very reason he didn’t want to deliver the word in the first place. How many of us have been called to deliver a word, and God completely brought that person out of a dry place? Then, our concern is, “God, why did you make me look stupid…like I can’t hear from You?” Uh oh, there is it again…PRIDE…FALSE HUMILITY. We act like we wanted God to bring forth wrath to protect His word and to set the house in order. Let’s face it…for some of us, it feels good to see others corrected. That brings back a thought…WHO is the measure of your holiness? Yes, seeing others in a seemingly lesser state often makes us feel more secure, but that’s not God’s way. We cannot measure our holiness next to any man…just Jesus Christ.

One of the hardest things for us to do is stand on the Word of God, even when it seems to be wrong. This goes for the written Word (logos) and the spoken Word (rhema) alike. We must learn to walk in obedience and stop trying to judge and/or predict God’s actions. Let Him be God.

As I before stated, this was for ME, yet I pray it is a blessing to someone else who may be dealing with the same thing. I know there are some Ninevah’s in my life. Deep down inside, I know it will be difficult to see some of them prosper. Even moreso after the Word comes forth from my own mouth, but to GOD be the glory. Pray for me on this one, saints. The Jonah Complex within me must die! This is where I struggle within the office of the Prophet, especially because there is so much Teacher in me. Yes, I try to reason with EVERYTHING. Yes, I’m guilty. I want to know God’s entire war plan before taking care of one battle. It’s like I’m a sniper, and I see the enemy. I have a clear shot, yet I don’t just shoot. Instead, I start asking questions. Yes, this is my dilemma. God is telling me to hear and proclaim. That’s it! PLEASE pray for and with me on this. AMEN

This, I Recall... (A Response to "God, I Need...")

I thank God for the response to this poem. This was literally my prayer to Him at the beginning of the week. I realize that many are feeling the same way, and I am in prayer. I am also encouraged, knowing that God has not forsaken any of those called of Him.

One of my favorite scriptures is located in the Book of Lamentations. Jeremiah lamented before God. He was very open, honest and transparent about his feelings and concerns. Even in the midst of literal depression, Jeremiah had a revelation that I would like to share...

Lam 3:19 Remembering mine affliction and my misery, the wormwood and the gall.
Lam 3:20 My soul hath them still in remembrance, and is humbled in me.
Lam 3:21 This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope.
Lam 3:22 It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
Lam 3:23 They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

Jeremiah notes that his affliction and misery have caused him to be humbled. So often, in ministry, we feel like we are the focus ourselves. Though we've all heard it, it sometimes takes struggle to remind us that ministry IS NOT ABOUT US. It's for God's glory, for His will to be done in the earth.

The thing that blesses me most is the way Jeremiah pulls on his memories to find encouragement. He recalls to his mind all the things God has done on his behalf. He realizes that even in the midst of his mess, he was not consumed. God has a track record with him. The Father's credit is good. He is NOT a man, that He can lie. Every word He speaks SHALL accomplish the very thing it was sent to do. Jeremiah's own testimony reminds him of God's goodness.

Be encouraged, saints of God. Just like Jeremiah did, take a moment and RECALL TO YOUR MIND...

God, I Need...

I wrote this poem this evening. It's my HONEST pouring out before God. If you can relate, be in prayer. God HAS NOT forgotten...

Heb 6:10 For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.

Always the weakest
Rarely strong
Never quite the prettiest
Always something wrong

Never the most wealthy
Nor the most stable
Not the most accomplished
Barely even able

The brightest, not really
The happiest, no way
The most faithful, perhaps
I attempt to be each day

Called and chosen I am
Though like a failure I feel
God, thank you for your mercy
Please touch my heart and heal

Often I feel insignificant
And ever so very small
I’m trying to trust you, Father
I feel as if I’ve lost all

When will the righteous gain
When will I win just one fight
I’m so tired of struggling
And fighting with all my might

The wicked seem to prosper
And believers who backslide
Those who move in their flesh
Seem to catch a free ride

God, I need a word from You
I need to feel you near
I need to know I’m not forgotten
That You still hold me dear

I need to see a breakthrough
A victory in my own life
I’ve prayed for many others
And You delivered them from strife

So now I need a personal touch
A victory I need to see
Father stretch Your hand my way
Then comforted, I shall be

God is saying, "Let ME choose..."

God is speaking to His leaders - in particular, those who are pastors, and anyone else who has a "following".

So often, the people of God are seeking after NUMBERS in order to claim victory. God is giving visions to ministries that seem too "big" to take place. So, rather than moving on that word, we create an expectation for "one day", "when we are able" and "when God sends us the people."

For too many, ministry has become nothing more than a marketing and recruiting scheme. We spend so much time trying to draw people that we often fail to obey God. Leaders, allow God to choose. Allow the Father to determine who should walk with you. Understand that numbers do not matter to the Father we serve. His word WILL accomplish the purpose for which it was sent.

Judg 7:4 And the Lord said to Gideon, The men are still too many; bring them down to the water, and I will test them for you there. And he of whom I say to you, This man shall go with you, shall go with you; and he of whom I say to you, This man shall not go with you, shall not go.

Many are missing the mark because too many are following. God does operate through anyone that has not been called. He is not interested in this crowd, but the CHOSEN. Some of you have sincerely sought God and received a true word and a true vision directly from the Father. However, the vision has not come to pass, because you failed to allow God to use whom He desires. As leaders, we often throw people at a need rather than seeking God for every assignment and detail. NUMBERS can be a vision killer! The CROWD will often distract from the CALLED.

Judg 7:5 So he brought the men down to the water, and the Lord said to Gideon, Everyone who laps up the water with his tongue as a dog laps it, you shall set by himself, likewise everyone who bows down on his knees to drink.
Judg 7:6 And the number of those who lapped, putting their hand to their mouth, was 300 men, but all the rest of the people bowed down upon their knees to drink water.

The Father showed me something awesome about Gilead's men. Those who bowed down to drink did what soldiers were expected to do. However, those who lapped like dogs were chosen. Why? Men who lap like dogs are DESPERATE! They were not worried about form or fashion. They were hungry. They were thirsty. They were survivors!

People of God, this is not the time to recruit those who make you look good to the world. In fact, it's time to CUT SOME PEOPLE OFF. The integrity of many ministries has been compromised by the sin of the crowd. Many of your visions have been stifled because Achan dwells among you. Disobedience is in the camp. The world sees success, but God sees distraction, disobedience and rejected worship.

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

God will deliver with those He has chosen. "Let ME choose," says the Lord. There are some of you with friends and family members that God has told you to release. You feel they are supporting the ministry and holding up your arms. For some of you, they seem to have funded the ministry to this point. Yet, they are holding a strategic spot where a chosen person should be. Seek God and allow Him to reveal the army assigned to the vision He has given you to fulfill.

Have You Made a Vow?

God has given me a word for His people who have been called as messengers in the Kingdom. Many are operating in ministry, and have God why their integrity with people seems to be challenged. God is saying that many are called to a rebellious house. However, others are rejected by people because integrity with God is not up to par. God has begun to expose some of the seemingly little things we are doing that are causing stumbling blocks in ministry. We cannot speak on the Father's behalf when we have driven wedges between Him and us.

Have you made a vow? Many are attempting to walk in ministry and represent the Father when He has ought against them. Vows have been made to God, but remain unfulfilled. For this, repentance is necessary. God's people must be careful to PLEASE GOD FIRST. His people must be faithful to do what we promise to our Father.

Ecc 5:1 Keep thy feet when thou goest unto a house of God, and draw near to hear rather than to give of fools the sacrifice, for they do not know they do evil.

The Word of God tells us that a fool is known by his much speaking. However, one is quiet, contemplating every word before it is spoken, is counted wise. Too many of us are speaking amiss, forgetting that every idle word shall be judged. Especially in the case of prophets, we must watch very carefully over every word that utters from our mouths. When a man or woman becomes the mouthpiece of the Father, sanctification must take place. We cannot allow blessings and cursing to come from the same fountain (James 3:10). We cannot allow wisdom to mix with folly and foolish speech. The tongue MUST be tamed, and we must be very careful not to discredit God with the same mouth we are asking Him to use for His glory.

Too many are trying to use the House of God as a platform to increase popularity. Men are seeking glory, and simply using God's name to get it. The Father is calling His people back into His presence to RECEIVE. He desires to make a deposit into His elect, that His divine instruction will come forth as He commands. Too many are "learning" the right things to say. We continue to preach religion and deliver a "safe" word. Too many are preaching, but they are not speaking as instructed by the Father. He is always talking, yes, but oftentimes He requires His servants to remain quiet. For every prophetic word, there is a season of worship and impartation directly from the Father.

Ecc 5:2 Cause not thy mouth to hasten, and let not thy heart hasten to bring out a word before God, for God is in the heavens, and thou on the earth, therefore let thy words be few.

Even in our time of prayer, God is calling for His people to be cautious. We often pray for that which we believe and feel God should do. In this season, we must learn to pray God's will, just as Jesus did. Yes, our Father wants us to speak with Him and tell Him our desires. However, when we are called to be His instruments, we must learn to pray in a different realm. We must learn to become INSTRUMENTS for God's use in this earth. We must pray in the spirit and become conduits for God's will to be done on earth. With maturity in ministry, prayers become more Kingdom-centered and less personal to the believer's desires.

In reverence to God's will, our words will become few. Our spiritual ears will become open and prayer, for many, shall become a time of revelation and impartation rather than a session of petition.

Ecc 5:3 For the dream hath come by abundance of business, and the voice of a fool by abundance of words.

Faith is shown through works. Many are busy with vain works -- dead works from which the Body of Christ should be delivered. There is a difference between busyness and God's business. Those who truly hear God's voice move only when God says to move. Those who walk in a fleshly desire to feel important do things for their own glory, then gloat about it. Foolishness is then exposes through their many words.

There are some who seem still in the natural, but are pleasing unto God in the spirit realm. They have remained focused. They are busy in spiritual warfare. They have not boasted of themselves, but remain available and ready to heed God's command. They are not boggled down with "fluff" in an effort to look or feel important. They stay in their place, and therefore do not cause confusion in the Body. This is a sign of maturity unto the Father.

Ecc 5:4 When thou vowest a vow to God, delay not to complete it, for there is no pleasure in fools; that which thou vowest--complete.
Ecc 5:5 Better that thou do not vow, than that thou dost vow and dost not complete.

Why is God bringing out attention to the words we've uttered unto Him? Because our words to the Father have caused our flesh to sin.

Ecc 5:6 Suffer not thy mouth to cause thy flesh to sin, nor say before the messenger, that `it is an error,' why is God wroth because of thy voice, and hath destroyed the work of thy hands?

We, as the people of God, have made promises to Him and failed to keep them. We have lied unto God. We have spoken forth idle words into His ears with no intent to fulfill that which we've promised. Even worse, we have failed to repent. We don't realize the gravity of lying to God.

In our "selfish" prayers, many of us have made requests and vowed to serve God with contingencies.

"Lord, bless my ministry and I'll be careful to give you the praise."
"Father, heal my body and I'll tell the world my testimony."
"God, enlarge my territory and I'll feed your people with the true word of God."
"God, bless my finances and I'll sow into the work of the Kingdom."
"Father, bless me with a vehicle, and I'll dedicate it to your work."
"Save my husband, o God, and I'll be a good wife and mother."
"God, increase my knowledge and I'll teach your people the true word. I won't teach religion, but your word."

We've all heard the prayed vows. We've all made such vows, and broken at least some. The Father is calling our attention to this error. Repentance is necessary.

In the 11th chapter of Judges, the Bible tells us of a valiant man named Jephthah. Jephthah was rejected by his family, because he was the son of a harlot. However, when Israel became oppressed by Ammon, the people called on him to deliver Israel from the enemy's hand.

Jephthah prayed for God to deliver his people and made a vow in return for the favor. The vow he made was a foolish one. God delivered Israel, and Jephthah realized his mistake when his only child, his daughter, became the victim of his foolish promise unto God. Unlike many of us, Jephthah did not go back on his promise to God. Instead, he offered his daughter as a burnt sacrifice unto the Father, just as he'd promised.

The Father asked me, "Why do you feel a need to offer me something for which I never asked?". My God! So many times, we forget that God DESIRES to work on behalf of those who are living for Him. Unnecessarily, we place ourselves in difficult situations and cause ourselves to sin by offering God things He doesn't even require.

If you are truly sanctified unto Him - if you are a true worshiper unto God - if you are sanctified and set aside for His work - the Father has pleasure in delivering you.

DO NOT fall into sin by making empty promises unto God. Not only are our vows to God causing separation from our Father, but vows to one another made in His name have caused his people to sin as well. We are to be the light of the world and the salt of the earth. Yet, INTEGRITY has become a foreign word in the Body of Christ.

Wedding vows - for better or for worse? We've made "worse" an excuse for divorce.
Bills and legal agreements - they have become an excuse to declare "the enemy's plan against us"
Working for an employer - we fail to arrive punctual and do our work unto the Lord. When not caught, we say it's the "favor of God"

Not so. These are vows, among many others, made in the sight of God. We represent Him in this earth. God is calling His people back to ACCOUNTABILITY. We must operate in order before we can speak judgment on sinners who are out of God's order.

Have you made a vow? Seek God THIS DAY. As He leads, fulfill the vow or repent and do not enslave yourself again to the words of your mouth.

Jeremiah 23 (Amplified Bible)

Jer 23:1 WOE TO the shepherds (the civil leaders) who destroy and scatter the sheep of My pasturing! says the Lord.

Jer 23:2 Therefore thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, concerning the shepherds who care for {and} feed My people: You have scattered My flock and driven them away and have not visited {and} attended to them; behold, I will visit {and} attend to you for the evil of your doings, says the Lord.

Jer 23:3 And I will gather the remnant of My flock out of all the countries to which I have driven them and will bring them again to their folds {and} pastures; and they will be fruitful and multiply.

Jer 23:4 And I will set up shepherds over them who will feed them. And they will fear no more nor be dismayed, neither will any be missing {or} lost, says the Lord.

Jer 23:5 Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will raise up to David a righteous Branch (Sprout), and He will reign as King and do wisely and will execute justice and righteousness in the land.

Jer 23:6 In His days Judah shall be saved and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is His name by which He shall be called: The Lord Our Righteousness.

Jer 23:7 Therefore behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when they shall no more say, As the Lord lives, Who brought up the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt,

Jer 23:8 But, As the Lord lives, Who brought up and led the offspring of the house of Israel from the north country and from all the countries to which I had driven them. And they shall dwell in their own land. .

Jer 23:9 Concerning the prophets: My heart [says Jeremiah] is broken within me, all my bones shake; I am like a drunken man, a man whom wine has overcome, because of the Lord and because of His holy words [which He has pronounced against unfaithful leaders].

Jer 23:10 For the land is full of adulterers (forsakers of God, Israel's true Husband). Because of the curse [of God upon it] the land mourns, the pastures of the wilderness are dried up. They [both false prophets and people] rush into wickedness; {and} their course is evil, their might is not right.

Jer 23:11 For both [false] prophet and priest are ungodly {and} profane; even in My house have I found their wickedness, says the Lord.

Jer 23:12 Therefore their way will be to them like slippery paths in the dark; they will be driven on and fall into them. For I will bring evil upon them in the year of their punishment, says the Lord.

Jer 23:13 And I have seen folly in the prophets of Samaria: they prophesied by Baal and caused My people Israel to err {and} go astray.

Jer 23:14 I have seen also in the prophets of Jerusalem a horrible thing: they commit adultery and walk in lies; they encourage {and} strengthen the hands of evildoers, so that none returns from his wickedness. They have all of them become to Me like Sodom, and her inhabitants like Gomorrah.

Jer 23:15 Therefore thus says the Lord of hosts concerning the prophets: Behold, I will feed them with [the bitterness of] wormwood and make them drink the [poisonous] water of gall, for from the [false] prophets of Jerusalem profaneness {and} ungodliness have gone forth into all the land.

Jer 23:16 Thus says the Lord of hosts: Do not listen to the words of the [false] prophets who prophesy to you. They teach you vanity (emptiness, falsity, and futility) {and} fill you with vain hopes; they speak a vision of their own minds and not from the mouth of the Lord.

Jer 23:17 They are continually saying to those who despise Me {and} the word of the Lord, The Lord has said: You shall have peace; and they say to everyone who walks after the stubbornness of his own mind {and} heart, No evil shall come upon you.

Jer 23:18 For who among them has stood in the council of the Lord, that he should perceive and hear His word? Who has marked His word [noticing and observing and giving attention to it] and has [actually] heard it?

Jer 23:19 Behold, the tempest of the Lord has gone forth in wrath, a whirling tempest; it shall whirl {and} burst upon the heads of the wicked.

Jer 23:20 The anger of the Lord shall not turn back until He has executed {and} accomplished the thoughts {and} intents of His mind {and} heart. In the latter days you shall consider {and} understand it perfectly.

Jer 23:21 I did not send these [false] prophets, yet they ran; I did not speak to them, yet they prophesied.

Jer 23:22 But if they had stood in My council, then they would have caused My people to hear My words, then they would have turned them [My people] from their evil way and from the evil of their doings.

Jer 23:23 Am I a God at hand, says the Lord, and not a God afar off?

Jer 23:24 Can anyone hide himself in secret places so that I cannot see him? says the Lord. Do not I fill heaven and earth? says the Lord.

Jer 23:25 I have heard what the prophets have said who prophesy lies in My name, saying, I have dreamed, I have dreamed [visions on my bed at night].

Jer 23:26 [How long shall this state of things continue?] How long yet shall it be in the minds of the prophets who prophesy falsehood, even the prophets of the deceit of their own hearts,

Jer 23:27 Who think that they can cause My people to forget My name by their dreams which every man tells to his neighbor, just as their fathers forgot My name because of Baal?

Jer 23:28 The prophet who has a dream, let him tell his dream; but he who has My word, let him speak My word faithfully. What has straw in common with wheat [for nourishment]? says the Lord.

Jer 23:29 Is not My word like fire [that consumes all that cannot endure the test]? says the Lord, and like a hammer that breaks in pieces the rock [of most stubborn resistance]?

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].

Jer 23:31 Behold, I am against the prophets, says the Lord, who use their [own deceitful] tongues and say, Thus says the Lord.

Jer 23:32 Behold, I am against those who prophesy lying dreams, says the Lord, and tell them and cause My people to err {and} go astray by their lies and by their vain boasting {and} recklessness--when I did not send them or command them; nor do they profit these people at all, says the Lord.

Jer 23:33 And when these people, or a prophet or a priest, ask you, What is the burden of the Lord [the thing to be lifted up now]? then you shall say to them, What burden [indeed]! [You are the burden!] And I will disburden Myself of you {and} I will cast you off, says the Lord.

Jer 23:34 And as for the prophet, the priest, or [any of these] the people, whoever [in mockery calls the word of the Lord a burden and] says, The burden of the Lord, I will even visit in wrath {and} punish that man and his house.

Jer 23:35 [For the future, in speaking of the utterances of the Lord] thus shall you say every one to his neighbor and every one to his brother: What has the Lord answered? or, What has the Lord spoken?

Jer 23:36 But the burden of the Lord you must mention no more, for every man's burden is his own response {and} word [for as they mockingly call all prophecies burdens, whether good or bad, so will it prove to be to them; God will take them at their own word]; for you pervert the words [not of a lifeless idol, but] of the living God, the Lord of hosts, our God!

Jer 23:37 Thus shall you [reverently] say to the prophet: What has the Lord answered you? Or, What has the Lord spoken?

Jer 23:38 But if you say, The burden of the Lord, therefore thus says the Lord: Because you said these words, The burden of the Lord, when I sent to you, saying, You shall not say, The burden of the Lord,

Jer 23:39 Therefore behold, I, even I, will assuredly take you up and cast you away from My presence, you and the city [Jerusalem] which I gave to you and to your fathers.

Dismembered Bodies (A Prophetic Dream)

Last night, the Lord showed me many things in a dream. It was quite disturbing, and initially very confusing. Yet before I awoke, the Father gave me the interpretation. God has given me instruction to share this, as a prophet and watchman, unto the Body of Christ.


THE DREAM

I was in my grandmother’s old house, located in the country – away from the big city and far down a dirt road. My children and my husband were there, as we lived in the home. I was preparing for a phone interview, and while I was answering employment questions, I asked the children to quiet down quite a few times. This job interview seemed very important to me. Finally, out of frustration, I just walked out the front door, onto the porch. I walked down the steps of the porch and down a walkway toward to mailbox to make sure I could have some peace and quiet.

As I approached the mailbox and continued with me phone call, I heard the sound of hammering. I looked across the field to my left, and saw a figure – a large man – nailing something to a tree in the woods. I pulled the phone away from my ear and yelled at the man. At that time, I saw my husband, who had run out the back door in response to the same sound. I apologized to the interviewer, and asked if I could call him back. Then, my husband asked me what was going on. I explained what I had seen, so he began to approach the thing nailed to the tree, and I followed behind him. We had both seen the man run into the woods.

As we got close to the tree, we noticed that a dismembered head had been nailed to the tree by its hair. Yet, the person was not dead. Below the head, in a black trash bag, were a collection of dismembered body parts. They were all still warm and “alive”, only detached from where they should be. The head was crying, but could not speak.

My husband and I immediately looked at one another in astonishment. Then, I heard my children, who were still in the house, begin to scream. I asked my husband if he had locked the door, and he said he had not. So, we ran toward the house. When we entered, our children were crouched in corner with no clothing on. They were beaten and very afraid. My son, the older of my two, told me that a man had hurt him and his sister.

My husband and I assumed this was the same man who we’d seen in the woods. So, we dressed the children, wrapped them in blankets, and rushed to the local police station. When we got there, medical professionals examined our children as we described to the police what we’d seen.

Now, the town we were in was experiencing a famine. There was a known predator on the loose, and he was being blamed for hundreds of disappearances each day. As people disappeared, the economy went south. Businesses were boarded up as their owners and workers disappeared. No one had money, and many were afraid to leave their homes. People were starving, and no one new was coming into the town.

As we finished giving details to the police, my husband and I walked down a hall, where we saw a clean-cut, young man in a uniform. My husband looked at him and called him “Uncle,” though I didn’t recognize him. We discovered that he was in training to join the local police force. Then, the medical examiner returned with our children to tell us they had been beaten and molested, but would recover.

As soon as my children walked around the corner, they saw this Uncle my husband apparently knew, and began to scream. My son told me he was the man who was in the house. Much to our surprise, it was not the man we’d seen in the woods.

With that, I was filled with anger, and began strangling the man. The police pulled me off of him only when he begged for his life and declared that he could point them to the man who was dismembering people in the town. He was warned that if he did not lead the police to this man, they would allow me to kill him in revenge for what had happened to my children.

However, the man still begged for my forgiveness. Much to my surprise, I agree to forgive him. When I should his hand, my hand illuminated, and all he’d down was literally erased. I looked at my children again, and their countenance had changed. When I hugged them, I knew that what happened to them was somehow “undone.”

My husband left the police station with this man and the police. At this point, I was somehow separated, and simply “switched scenes.”

I found myself with three close friends, who are also prophets, in a thrift shop or boutique. We were determined to find the man who was dismembering the town people. I knew who the three women were, and will use their initials: CH, LE and CDA. When we walked into the thrift store, there was blood everywhere. There was a woman at the front counter who was swaying. She had a look of morbid fear on her face. There were dismembered body parts scrambling around on the floor, just as they were in the streets, looking for other parts of their bodies.

She began to cry and said we could have anything in the store for only 75 cents. This would be enough to buy her some coffee, and that’s all she wanted. There was blood all over our clothing, yet we were not interested in suits, shoes or jewelry. Instead, we gathered many camisoles and stockings. I turned and asked one the prophets, LE, why we were gathering camisoles. She said we’d be bending over and fighting in order to bring this man to justice, so we had to make sure our intimate parts were covered, and that nothing would be seen in the fight.

We left the store and drove down long, country roads, looking for the man. We continued to gather body parts and place them in the back seat and trunk along the way. There was so much blood. Again, the parts were still “alive”, and we did our best to match them up as we went. When we saw a police car, we stopped to find my husband there with them, and the man, finally captured. Strangely, when we found the man, he was “cleaned up.” Originally, he had thick unkept hair. He was in dirty overalls and bloody shoes. Now, he wore a three-piece suit. He had a clean shave and a Bible in his hand. He’d taken all the possessions of his victims, so he wore expensive jewelry and had wads of money in his pockets. He had begun sewing the body parts together, but mixing them up to create new bodies that never before existed. He was frustrated because the bodies were dysfunctional, and they were not bringing him the glory he thought he should receive. He sewed hands of one person to the head of another. He put an eye of one onto the toe of another, claiming things would be accomplished with this new rearrangement, such that the world had never seen, and that he’d get the credit.

I began touching the bodies, along with the other three prophetesses who joined me. As we touched the parts, their dismembered parts were drawn back to them. We cursed the one who’d done this, though no one else seemed to feel it was merited. In fact, even the bodies that were rejoined by our touch tried to fight us. However, they couldn’t harm us. Their blows went through our bodies, and eventually, they just rejoiced that they were made whole once again. The man was not arrested, but only warned by the police to do something else with his time. They realized they could not charge him with murder, because his victims never died. They could not even charge him with kidnapping, because he always left one part of the body in its original place. So, the man smiled and smirked at us (the other 3 prophets and myself), as if he’d won. With that, the dream ended.


THE INTERPRETATION

While still dreaming, I became unconcerned with the man, and my mind went back to my children. I asked God what had happened to them. I wanted to make sure they were okay. God immediately rebuked me. He told me I’d missed it. In fact, He literally rewound the entire dream and began commentating, so that I would understand what he’d shown me. So, I had the entire dream again, with God pausing between scenes to explain.

In the dream, I was the symbol of the prophet and watchman. We were at my grandmother’s house, because this symbolized a place of comfort and complacency. It was peaceful, so I was not alert. I felt safe and therefore let my guard down, despite what was taking place in the surrounding town. It had not hit my grandmother’s land at that point, so I was not concerned. There are many prophets in this hour who are aware of what is taking place in the Body of Christ. Yet, we are comfortable and complacent because it seemingly does not affect us – YET. We are seeing things in other ministries, other countries, other families, but feel it’s not our business to deal with it. We feel that our homes are our only jurisdiction – that we have no say-so or authority to rebuke outside of that. These are those for whom this message must be shared.

The job interview on the cell phone symbolized personal gain and ambition. Because I was anxious to get a good job, I ignored what was happening in the town (the Christian world) and turned my attention away from my children, who were my ministry.

Then, distraction came. The man in the woods caused me to lose focus of both my worldly, personal ambitions and my ministry. The head on the tree symbolized the office of the Apostle. It was nailed to a tree to show that God is re-establishing the office in a prominent, permanent place. Yet, the head was dysfunctional because it had been severed from its other members. Yes, this is the Body of Christ. The man was going around, severing parts of the Body. While they were not killed, they were not able to achieve anything. There was confusion, and the town was dying.

As we noticed the larger problem, God called my attention back to my ministry with the scream. I saw the problem in the Body of Christ, but abandoned my own assignment – my ministry – while trying to investigate. Before I knew it, someone else had snuck in and destroyed the innocence and integrity of the ministry God had given me.

The police station symbolized a place of authority and leadership. Rather than looking for the man who was causing chaos in the town, this officer has snuck into my home and ravaged my ministry. In other words, he turned away from sin and attacked the move of God. He allowed the sin to go on, and felt a greater urge to stop the move of God, as soon as I allowed a window of opportunity. Yet, when I forgave him, God erased the destruction he had done and turned his heart back to finding and correcting sin – the man who was dismembering bodies.

Once my children were in a safe place, I was able to attack the sin. Yes, once I attended to the thing God called me to have responsibility for, I was released to deal with a greater issue, but my ministry had to be restored first.

The store represented the physical church. No one was “on post” because the workers had been dismembered. So, the four prophets, including myself, had to find what we needed on our own. The camisoles and stockings protected our sensitive or private areas, as women. God said that he is girding up his women and protecting our emotions, that we can do His work more efficiently and without distraction. As the enemy begins to pull on and ravage the outer layers, we will not be uncovered due to the layers He supplied.

During our transition, we gathered dismembered body parts – those in the Body of Christ who were out of place, and therefore dysfunctional. The man, who was now dressed in a suit, was the leadership of the church. God reminded me of the Scripture in Jeremiah 23:1 –

Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! saith the LORD.

This “universal” Pastor began undoing what God had done. He severed Body parts and put them where he felt they should go, looking for glory. However, the church and the authority thereof, refused to accuse him. They were stuck on technicalities. Only the prophets were willing to accuse and were not intimidated by his power. As we began to restore, we knew the fight would continue and that we could not count on the authority of the church to back our efforts.


There was so much more, but I will allow the details to minister to you. I will say this, however. PROPHETS, prepare yourselves for opposition, and learn to bury your emotions. Do NOT move out of season. Know your ministry (or your divine assignment), and make sure it is covered. You will not be released until you have taken care of what God has called you to watch over. Observe, but do not fight until you are girded up and released. Then, do not look for the “authority” of the church to validate you. In fact, know that you may be the very one to expose the leaders. If you operate in order, power will follow. You WILL have the power to bring healing, forgiveness, order and in the end – life!

Selah.

God is NOT Mocked...

To GOD be the glory!

My soul has been grieved, as I have been in prayer over the last few days. I am interceding for God's people, particularly those in ministry and leadership. So many are "going through" different trials, tribulations and turmoils. In fact, many are dealing with secret sins, addictions and habits. I simply asked God to shed light on the situation.

We know that God tempts no man. He allows temptation, but He does not tempt us with evil, entices us to sin (James 1:13-15). However, the Word of God tells us that we are tempted by our own lusts, which are driven by the soul (mind, emotions, thoughts), then manifested in the flesh through sin. So, why are God's people struggling? Why are so many fighting?

We are simply living the word of God...

Gal 6:7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
Gal 6:8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
Gal 6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
Gal 6:10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

The Body of Christ is reaping what has been sown. Too many have sown into the flesh, but are seeking spiritual elevation. There is a problem when God's people are struggling with the same sins over and over. This is an epidemic! We must get serious about doing the will of God.

God is calling for TRUE HOLINESS AND SANCTIFICATION. We must be holy as our Father is holy. There is a standard that MUST be met for those who call themselves the elect of God. There is no excuse! The sin must cease. Holiness is NOT an option. Giving up and giving in is NOT an option.

As saints of God, we are to be in the world, but not OF the world. To be sanctified means to be separated unto God for His use. In order to be separate people, led of the Holy Spirit rather than our flesh, we must sow into the Spirit. Instead, many spend their time investing in the flesh - television, radio, gossip, ungodly internet usage - the list goes on and on. Where is the holiness and separation? The people of God must return to sowing in the spirit realm - fasting, prayer, meditation, fellowship, worship and praise...

If you are experiencing consistent struggles in your life around a particular sin or habit, where and how are you spending the majority of your time? The Word has spoken - God is not mocked! You will continue to reap what you sow.

To GOD be the glory!

A Word of Testimony

To GOD be the glory!

This morning, I just want to share some recent events in order to encourage someone else. I am not one who seeks God to necessarily "give" me things and "do" extraordinary things for me, yet He still sees fit to bless and prosper those who serve Him.

Not many months ago, I was referred to a surgeon for what appeared to be some type of hole in my chest cavity. After some examinations, the surgeon decided that I had a hiatal hernia, which would require surgery. During my consultation, the surgeon, another doctor and a nurse all felt the hole. In fact, the surgeon put his fist in the hole and felt the same pressure I had been experiencing for almost three years. According to routine, they sent me to have some further tests and take a barium swallow, which would reveal the opening in an x-ray and/or ultrasound. Of course, I revisited the surgeon after that was done, only for him to close the door and sit before me in astonishment. The whole had disappeared!  I know this was God! The surgeon is a believer, and jokingly asked me if I'd sue him. Of course not! We both serve the same God, and he knew why the hole had disappeared just as much as I did. Before I could rejoice to my heart's content, my doctor was made aware of another situation in my body...

Basically, I had been suffering for many months from bloating and speratic weight gain. Many signs of lupus had begun to emerge, and my doctor had been running tests since the beginning of this year. Amidst all this, I began to suffer a variety of "female" issues as well. Tests and more tests were run, but the problem would not correct itself. Finally, I was sent to another specialist, who gave me medication in an effort to correct the problem. Now, I must say that during my younger years in ministry, God used me heavily in the healing ministry. He reminded me of this and said that He is restoring it. With that, I was also instructed by God NOT to take the medication. I was relieved, because the possible side effects were very serious. In fact, I was guaranteed to miss at least 10 days of work. Can I just tell you that God healed that condition as well? Many had been praying for me, but He was waiting only on my obedience to Him IN FAITH.

In addition to that, I am no longer having problems with the swelling. Blood tests that once had me in the "danger zone" for a lupus diagnosis have begun to show normal results again. The inexplicable weight gain has ceased, and I've lost 15 pounds in just 3 weeks. God is still able and willing to bless His people in TANGIBLE ways.

Even on my job, God reminded me that HE IS NOT MOCKED. We will certainly reap what we sow. I have worked diligently and faithfully in both ministry and on my job. Even in my family, I have served and worked as unto God. My marriage has taken a complete 180 degree turn in the last 3 months. My husband has transformed into a man of God that I didn't even think I'd ever see just 6 or 7 months ago. My children learn and speak daily of the Father. They know the Word of God and they know how to pray. In the last twelve months, God has increased my salary on the job by over 50%.

I am not saying that we should seek God for things. What I am saying is that He is able and willing to supply our needs. I still have problems and still have struggles, but I am so free right now. I love God and have served Him through pain, disappointment and confusion. He is truly a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.

I have spent my last dime to travel and preach where God has instructed me to go. I have even gone with a word without any money in my pocket, yet God blesses every time. I was instructed never to sell the word He has given me and never to require an honorarium. Yet, the offerings that people have given into my bosom have been more than enough. God has blessed me and He has funded the ministry He has called me to. He has supplied the need. God is faithful, and He cannot lie.

Be encouraged today. I don't often share my personal experiences in this way, but I am rejoicing. I feel so free. God is moving in such a way as I've never seen before. In the last 30 days, I have seen deliverance take place like never before. I have literally felt my spirit yield completely to the Father in such a way that I knew I was only being used as a vessel. None of my words and thoughts came forth. What an honor to be used of God! Ministry requires service and labor. Ministry requires a heart to PLEASE GOD.

To those of you who are seeking Him and pressing your way, BE ENCOURAGED. Please be reminded, as the Father reminded me, that someone else needs to hear your testimony every now and then.

To GOD be the glory! Hallelujah!

The Curse of Ungodly Alliance

2 Chr 19:2 Jehu son of Hanani, the seer, went out to meet him and said to Jehoshaphat, Should you help the ungodly and love those who hate the Lord? Because of this, wrath has gone out against you from the Lord.


God has been speaking about ungodly counsel and sinful alliances. Just a few weeks ago, He proclaimed that many are cursed because Achan is among them. Still, God has really been speaking about unequally yoked relationships tainting the Body of Christ.

I have been in a "silent" mode for about two weeks, and I thank God for the silence. I have heard Him so clearly in many ways, and been privileged to intercede on behalf of the Body of Christ. Even more, God is teaching me again how to TRAVAIL as He shows me those things that grieve His heart concerning His people.

In the Word of God, Jehoshaphat is described as a blessed king who understood service and worship. He was raised amongst priests and served other leaders called and ordained by God. However, he caught a glimpse of God's wrath when he entered into a covenant with an ungodly man, Ahab.

The seer was sent to Jehoshaphat to warn him and "teach him a lesson." He was challenged because he'd entered a covenant - a contract - with a man who was against God. He hated God and willfully disobeyed Him.

How many times have we entered covenants with those who hate God? How often do we support those who live in disobedience? We yoke together with those who fight against the Word of God.

God has really been speaking to me about politics this week. I began to think on all the things we "fight" in the name of human and "equal rights." Yet, we shy away when it's time to fight for God's will to be done in our homes, in our neighborhoods, in our schools, on our jobs, and in the country as a whole. We donate to politicians if we believe they can lower gas prices, but we don't consider their vote in favor of abortion. We will even pray for their victory, in many cases, and allow them to campaign in God's house! It's a disgrace to our Father.

God is calling forth the army - an army of God that is willing to attack the spirit of anti-christ in every form. THIS IS THE SEASON OF THE MARTYR. This means some relationships need to be cut off. There are some covenants that must be forsaken, because they are bringing curses upon God's people, as in the case of Jehoshaphat when he joined forces with Ahab. God has shown me another "radical" movement of His people - those who refuse to bow down to the ways, thoughts and doctrines of this world.

I thank God for the boldness that is returning to many who have been hurt in the Body of Christ. There are many who have settled, because even the "church folk" bucked against them and their fight for holiness. Yet, there are some that are just called to a different level. There are some, a remnant, who understand true holiness. Now is the time for those to step to the front line. This is the season when true battles must be faced in the spirit. Be warned - those spiritual battles with be manifested in the natural. There will be casualties of the flesh. Sacrifice is required. Who is ready to count the losses as gain for Christ?

What alliances and covenants have we made? Do we attend churches with those who preach a "just do the best you can" message rather than holiness? Do we work for companies that have a blatant stand against the word of God? Do we welcome family members into our homes that do not respect the word of God? Do we send our children to schools that teach them tolerance for sin? At what level are we willing to sacrifice? Many say they would die for Christ and for the sake of the Gospel. Yet, we are not even willing to be UNCOMFORTABLE for Christ and the Gospel. Where are the martyrs? Where are the believers who are willing and prepared to lose spouses, jobs, children and even "church" friends for the sake of the Gospel?

God has dealt with me. I have seen some weaknesses where I thought I was strong. God has shown me the nicks and crannies where I have allowed compromise to creep in. I have seen areas where my boldness has waivered - where I allowed variance rather than strict adherence to the word of God. Father, I repent! I realize that I am called to a higher level of holiness and a greater responsibility - a higher call, no matter what others say. No longer will I be complacent when I miss perfection, just because someone says, "God knows your heart - He knows you did your best." No - God's way, all the way, or no way! I will no longer stand in agreement, making alliance with those who settle for less than what God requires. There are others that must realize the same. It's not vain or conceited to recognize that God has called some to a greater level than others.

With that said, this is a season to strengthen our alliance with the Father, realizing that others will be weakened and many will crumble! Is anybody ready to die today?

PROPHET, Where Is Your Vision?

Hab 2:2 And the Lord answered me and said, Write the vision and engrave it so plainly upon tablets that everyone who passes may [be able to] read [it easily and quickly] as he hastens by.

Hab 2:3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time and it hastens to the end [fulfillment]; it will not deceive {or} disappoint. Though it tarry, wait [earnestly] for it, because it will surely come; it will not be behindhand on its appointed day.


This Scripture is so commonly quoted and misinterpreted, yet it speaks volumes to what is lacking among today’s prophets. Habakkuk was a political prophet, in a sense. He was very observant of the things around him, and had no quarrels about seeking God’s face in respect to those things. He was in no way a selfish prophet. Yet, he trusted God enough to ask him those things which vexed his spirit – and God answered.

Oftentimes, we quote this Scripture in reference to a general vision, which for many, is nothing more than a goal. Yet, in this particular passage, the Hebrew word chazown {khaw-zone'} Strong's {02377} is used for “vision.” This refers to a specific, physical sight, dream or vision.

When we read the context of the passage, we see that God prepared Habakkuk to record what he was going to see – specific punishment coming to the king of Babylon for his wicked works and judgment upon the wicked.

Unlike many prophets today, Habakkuk addressed God with specific questions and received a SPECIFIC response that was to be recorded and delivered. How and why was Habakkuk able to receive from the Lord in this awesome manner? God began to speak to me about the vision of the prophets today…


Hab 2:1 [OH, I know, I have been rash to talk out plainly this way to God!] I will [in my thinking] stand upon my post of observation and station myself on the tower {or} fortress, and will watch to see what He will say within me and what answer I will make [as His mouthpiece] to the perplexities of my complaint against Him. (AMP)


Firstly, in the initial chapter of Habakkuk, we see a prophet crying out against injustice. He KNOWS the will and the character of God, so he questions why it appears that God is being disobeyed. He also questions why he hasn’t seen the wrath that’s due. Notice how the prophet cried out because GOD was despised and disobeyed. While he was influenced by the injustice, his focus was on the Father. He didn’t cry about how people treated him. He didn’t cry out about his own ministry or even his own family. Instead, he questioned God because he realized that the injustice was against his Heavenly Father. As a prophet, his priority was to see GOD’s WILL done in the earth. His observations made him feel that for some reason, this was not being done.

Yes, Habakkuk knew what to cry out to God about! Then, his next actions were exemplary for the prophet. In Habakkuk 2:1, after the prophet concluded his questions, he said that he STOOD UPON HIS POST. He did this “in his thinking” – in other words, while he waited on God and pondered his thoughts, he still STAYED IN POSITION. Habakkuk was a watchman and a seer. Even as he enquired of the Lord, He STATIONED himself.

This alone is so powerful to me. Oftentimes, we tend to “go into our prayer closets” and seek God, leaving the post to which we are assigned. We tend to stop working when we have a question for God. We excuse ourselves by quoting “Be still and know that I am God.” Notice here that Habakkuk was still until he received his instruction, but he was still in the proper place. He was not in “a closet”, but he kept his eyes open. He expected God to answer him swiftly, and he did not use his complaints as an excuse to leave his assignment.

The next part of Habakkuk’s speech inspires me so much as a prophet, because I was often taught that an “outside” voice is needed to know that you hear from God. Yet, Habakkuk stated that he waited to hear God’s voice INSIDE of himself. That is so awesome! He knew that God was going to speak WITHIN him. He was able to hear in the spiritual realm, and seemed to understand that his spirit was joined in unison with that of the Father. Many of us are still seeking to hear God EXTERNALLY. Yet, His breath operates through the prophet. God must operate INSIDE of your in order to speak THROUGH you. Oh my God. REAL PROPHETS shouldn’t always need a word from everybody else. I’m not saying that others can’t minister to us, but we must stop depending on external revelation. You should have a message BEFORE you study for Sunday’s sermon. You should have a message BEFORE you commune at the church. Saints, this is only possible when our wills truly become one with the Father’s will. Prophets have been “watered down” to a point that anyone with revelation can now be esteemed as a prophetic person. True prophets of God always have God’s words boiling inside of them. True prophets speak the heart and mind of God. There is a constant communion and communication, even outside our normal “prayer” times. Prophets are simply instruments. Their mouths are speakers for the audio that comes from within – that being the voice of God.

Lastly, Habakkuk recognizes his responsibility as a prophet to the people. He also waits to hear what he will “answer” or proclaim as a mouthpiece of God. He understands that his communion with the Father is not just to strengthen himself. In fact, he knows that when God answers, there will automatically be a message for the people. True prophets should ALWAYS have a message. Yes, God will reprove and rebuke on a personal level. Yes, the Father will give personal instruction. Yet, he does not commune with the prophet on such a powerful level without giving instruction to the people. Prophets, open your mouth.

I must say this is the thing I struggle with most – speaking what the Lord says. We have been taught to seek a “sign” that a word must be given. Yet God is saying that to the prophet, almost all of what is being said is to be shared. A great woman of God told me that God speaks to a prophet for one of three reasons: to pray and intercede, to take action (as to a warning or word of instruction) or to proclaim the word. Yet, He never shares information just to gossip.

Prophets must expect to be used and cease worrying about what others may say or think. It is your job to always have a word. God speaks from WITHIN you. Even if you don’t have a word when you open your mouth, God will send the word if you are in obedience. The Father has instructed me many times to simply open my mouth. He took me to Psalm 81:10, which speaks of physical food, but I understood the Father was speaking to me about His word. Every time I began to speak at His instruction (even when I had no idea what I would say), the words came without my own thought or input. Glory to God!

Prophets, God wants to have instruments for His use. He desires that we look for His will to be done, according to the word. He desires that we inquire of Him and wait for His instruction. Yet, He also requires that we stay on post and remain in place. DO NOT GET OUT OF POSITION! Lastly, always be ready to record the visions and proclaim the word.

Especially in this season, those who are true prophets – I encourage you to keep a journal or even share your works online (as God leads). God showed me that He is bringing a major separation of the wheat and the tares. I see many “splits” coming to the Body of Christ – churches and denominations dividing over issues and doctrines. God is going to prove Himself through the people of God. Many more things are yet to be revealed. Sin in the church will be exposed like never before. Yet, many will not see it. They will wink at the sin, and become deceived. They will become numb to violating God’s Word. Those who speak forth the truth will be persecuted.

Many are looking for the world to persecute the true believers, but this persecution will begin first in the very house of God. Prophets, learn to get thick skin in the spirit. Learn to keep your own thoughts and words within, sharing ONLY what God speaks and instructs.

Selah.

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Cry Aloud, Spare Not! is a prophetic radio ministry working to restore holiness unto the Body of Christ - crying loud and sparing not, declaring the Word of God with conviction and authority!


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PROPHETESS JOY ALLEN

Joy of the LORD Ministries | Post Office Box 1760 | Garner NC 27529
Email prophet_joy@yahoo.com | Website www.joyofthelordministries.org
"Come Quench Your Thirst" at The Well Church

Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the Lord your God (Leviticus 20:7)

My Judgment Has Come, for Achan Dwells Among You

God is bringing judgment upon His people for the disobedience we have walked in. The Father is warning the people that we have allowed Achan to dwell among us.

God has been dealing so heavily with us about sanctification and separation. Holiness is a standard of sacrifice that must be practiced if we are to be called children of God. Yet, many still choose to walk with those who do not have the same spirit. Many, in ministry, still choose not to see and discern the sin and disobedience that surrounds them. We are standing in battle, shoulder to shoulder with those who are disobedient and carry tainted motives. Then, we ask why God has forsaken us. We wonder why signs and wonders have not come to pass. We question God about His rebukes and corrective instruction.

God spoke very clearly to me about the Body of Christ in this season. Achan dwells among us...

Achan means "one who troubles." Achan was with Joshua when the walls of Jericho came down. He was part of a successful battle with the man of God, and aided in the victorious fall of Jericho. He knew the instructions of God and walked very closely with the man of God. Yet, his lust caused him to walk in disobedience.

In Joshua 7, the word of God tells us that the men of Ai were successful in killing some of the men on Joshua's army. As a result, Joshua became disgruntled. He began to grieve and cry out before God.

Josh 7:10 The Lord said to Joshua, Get up! Why do you lie thus upon your face?
Josh 7:11 Israel has sinned; they have transgressed My covenant which I commanded them. They have taken some of the things devoted [for destruction]; they have stolen, and lied, and put them among their own baggage.
Josh 7:12 That is why the Israelites could not stand before their enemies, but fled before them; they are accursed {and} have become devoted [for destruction]. I will cease to be with you unless you destroy the accursed [devoted] things among you.

Like Joshua, many of us have been whining and crying about defeat in our situations. Even in ministry, many have become discouraged, wondering why the thing that God spoke doesn't seem to be coming to pass. We must understand, people of God, that NOTHING can be done above, beyond or outside of what God allows. We have fooled ourselves into thinking that we are SACRIFICING when we go through. God is saying NO. For many, this is simply the restitution from sin. In many cases, it is not even your own sin bringing forth God's judgment, but the sin of those who walk with you. God said that OUR SIN is one of omission. We have refused to cry out against the disobedience and sin of those in our realm. God's people, especially the prophets, have become soft and forgiving of the very things that anger our God. We have winked at so many things and lowered the standard of holiness. God has turned His face because we are WALKING WITH COMPROMISE. We are serving beside those who live in disobedience. God is saying the accursed thing must be put away. There are some ties and connections that MUST be severed in this hour. We are calling for the warriors, but God's true army is marching with some who don't understand how to obey orders. The battle WILL NOT BE WON with soldiers of their own mind. We cannot invite those in whom God has rejected.

Josh 7:13 Up, sanctify (set apart for a holy purpose) the people, and say, Sanctify yourselves for tomorrow; for thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: There are accursed things in the midst of you, O Israel. You can not stand before your enemies until you take away from among you the things devoted [to destruction].
Josh 7:14 In the morning therefore, you shall present your tribes. And the tribe which the Lord takes shall come by families; and the family which the Lord takes shall come by households; and the household which the Lord takes shall come by persons.
Josh 7:15 And he who is taken with the devoted things shall be [killed and his body] burned with fire, he and all he has, because he has transgressed the covenant of the Lord and because he has done a shameful {and} wicked thing in Israel.
Josh 7:16 So Joshua rose up early in the morning and brought Israel near by their tribes, and the tribe of Judah was taken.
Josh 7:17 He brought near the family of Judah, and the family of the Zerahites was taken; and he brought near the family of the Zerahites man by man, and Zabdi was taken.
Josh 7:18 He brought near his household man by man, and Achan son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, was taken.

Who is willing to call the accursed thing to the line? People of God, we have become so wrapped up in feelings and emotions that we are failing to call out SIN. We prophesy blessings knowing that sin abides. God is not pleased. We are allowing His temple to be defiled and we are praising His enemies. We are supporting them and placing them in high esteem - even in the house of God. God is not pleased.

Sanctification means we must be SEPARATED for God's purpose. We cannot mingle with worldly things and expect God to move on our behalf. HE must get the glory in all we do. Our Father is not glorified when His people cannot be distinguished. We must be delivered from what people think and step into the complete calling of God on our lives. There is no repentance without confession. We cannot expect people to live holy when we refuse to point out sin. We cannot pimp our gifts and anointing to those who refuse to seek the Father.

Who are you connected to? Who are you trying to battle with? Whose instruction are they following? We cannot protect anyone from the wrath of God. Those who have stepped away from the Father's covenant must also step away from you! Separate yourself, saints of God. We often think sanctification only takes place inwardly. Yes, we must separate from sin, but sanctification requires outward action as well. Flee all APPEARANCE of evil. Be careful of who you walk with. Be conscious of who supports you in ministry. IT DOES MATTER. Unholiness is infectious. You are "guilty by association". You have become an accomplice to the crime! Sanctify yourself!

Hag 2:12 If one carries in the skirt of his garment flesh that is holy [because it has been offered in sacrifice to God], and with his skirt {or} the flaps of his garment he touches bread, or pottage, or wine, or oil, or any kind of food, does what he touches become holy [dedicated to God's service exclusively]? And the priests answered, No! [Holiness is not infectious.]

Hag 2:13 Then said Haggai, If one who is [ceremonially] unclean because he has come in contact with a dead body should touch any of these articles of food, shall it be [ceremonially] unclean? And the priests answered, It shall be unclean. [Unholiness is infectious.]

Josh 7:19 And Joshua said to Achan, My son, give glory to the Lord, the God of Israel, and make confession to Him. And tell me now what you have done; do not hide it from me.
Josh 7:20 And Achan answered Joshua, In truth, I have sinned against the Lord, the God of Israel, and this have I done:
Josh 7:21 When I saw among the spoils an attractive mantle from Shinar and two hundred shekels of silver and a bar of gold weighing fifty shekels, I coveted them and took them. Behold, they are hidden in the earth inside my tent, with the silver underneath.

Many times, our closest friends, colleagues and even mentors are walking in hidden sin. God gives us the knowledge and we wink at it. Are you not your brothers keeper? Our Father chastises those He loves. We are to love our brothers and sisters as well. Godly rebuke and guidance IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY in this hour. God is not going to show it to you for no reason. Do not ignore His warning. Separate yourself from those who are not sold out to Him.

God is tired of the people of God ordaining ministers just because they are family members. Yes, God is tired of us allowing anyone to sing in the choir just because they give to the church. There is NO PLACE in ministry for those who have broken the covenant! One who lives in sin, attempts to hide it, but does not have a heart of repentance cannot operate in the power of God. We must stop ASSUMING that God has forgiven them. We must stop winking at sin.

Josh 7:22 So Joshua sent messengers, who ran to the tent, and behold, the spoil was hidden in his tent, with the silver underneath.
Josh 7:23 And they took them from the tent and brought them to Joshua and all the Israelites and laid them out before the Lord.
Josh 7:24 And Joshua and all Israel with him took Achan son of Zerah, and the silver, the garment, the wedge of gold, his sons, his daughters, his oxen, his donkeys, his sheep, his tent, and all that he had; and they brought them to the Valley of Achor.
Josh 7:25 And Joshua said, Why have you brought trouble on us? The Lord will trouble you this day. And all Israel stoned him and those with him with stones, and afterward burned their bodies with fire.
Josh 7:26 And they raised over him a great heap of stones that remains to this day. Then the Lord turned from the fierceness of His anger. Therefore the name of that place has been called the Valley of Achor {or} Troubling to this day.

God is prepared to turn away from His anger when we begin to deal with the sin in our own camps. People of God, we must get it right. Do not allow family, friends, co-workers or even your fellow church members to walk with you in the midst of their sin. I've seen too many demons trying to cast a demon out of another. I've seen too many adulterers trying to teach our men and women about marriage. I've seen too many thieves preach about tithing. Where is the standard? Who will truly cry aloud and spare not?