I have struggled with this message since Monday when I first began hearing God speak it. It is a sticky, difficult topic, but I must be obedient and share as I have been instructed. During corporate prayer, I distinctly heard God say, “The spirit of lesbianism is rampant in the church.” We discussed it briefly following prayer, but God has continued to speak on the subject, and I must share what He has given me, though this is a hard word – even for me to swallow.
All that God said particularly caught my attention, because He said “lesbianism” rather than homosexuality. I had to get further clarification on why He used this term. I took the message as a general one for the Body of Christ, but God said this message is a direct one for those in my sphere of influence – those with whom I interact on a daily basis. In that case, mostly women...
One of the first indications of lesbianism is the denial of natural affection. “I don’t need a man. A woman can do anything a man can do. I can take care of myself.” There is a polluted level of independence that moves beyond the natural tendency, causing a woman in the natural to dismiss what God has designed – the union between a man and a woman. Essentially, women in the church are doing the same thing as women in the world – denying the dependence God has ordained.
Gen 3:16 Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.
Yes, God has shown me and rehearsed the conversations in my ears. “I don’t need a Pastor or a covering. I operate in all the gifts. I can do ministry all by myself.” Many are moving outside of God’s natural order – outside of what God has designed for the Church. Even in the realm of partnered ministry, many women in particular are dismissing the mandate on their husband’s lives. Pulpits are becoming divided. How many churches have we seen pastored by a man or a couple when suddenly the wife has a television show titled “Her Name” Ministries? Why the division and the need to be separate from the unity God has put in place? Ladies, why have we adopted the lie that we must walk alone in order to prove our strength? Why do we feel that we can only trust one another with what God has given us? Why are we threatened to submit to the men God has placed over us, whether they be in ministry or our own homes?
Eph 5:21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.
Eph 5:22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.
Eph 5:23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.
Eph 5:24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.
I understand there are times when God will call a woman out for spiritual or ministerial service. There are situations when a man in a relationship may not be at the same level spiritually as the woman or vise versa. NO EXCUSE. In fact, this used to be my excuse for many of the things I did to “overstep” my husband’s position as head of the household. God’s response – “YOU married him. By doing so, YOU submitted to the authority.” Yes, the same holds true in the church. When we feel our leaders are out of line or that they have “missed God”, we take it upon ourselves to overstep their authority or step out into our own ministries, without their covering and without accountability. We then justify it by saying they are not in God’s will. The word of God remains the same. This is the season to LEAVE or CLEAVE. Stop bashing, insulting and criticizing those to whom you can’t submit. God is saying the same thing. “YOU decided to make covenant with that body of believers. In doing so, YOU agreed to submit to the authority.”
We spend too much time justifying disobedience by exploiting what we consider to be the sins and shortcomings of our leaders in the spiritual and the natural. Oftentimes, men are the target of this ridicule. Either way, it is out of order. Instead, we should be asking God to reveal our own character. If, in fact, they are so wrong and flawed, what made us CHOOSE to enter the covenant? Even more, where is the POWER we should have to bring change to that situation? Are we so special and holy – are our ministries so sanctified that God will excuse us from His plan, allowing just a select few to defy authority and step into the spotlight, leaving behind the ones we agreed to follow?
Women of God, let’s be careful not to leave God’s plan and order – naturally or spiritually – as they are both against the nature and will of our Father. The spirit of lesbianism is being manifested and is running rampant in the church. Do not be a carrier, but work to restore order in your homes and the Body of Christ.
Spiritual lesbianism is a serious ordeal, and it is rampant – not only in the organization of the church, but on the internet. The internet is flowing with “lack of order” because accountability cannot be mandated. The internet can be hidden. One’s true identity, motives and emotions can be covered up. This is a season of exposure. Some of us need to return to what God has ordained. Natural order has been abandoned. Many are more accountable to an email inbox than to spouses and pastors. We feel that reading a message board is ministry. We allow Yahoo! Chat rooms to take the place of prayer. Hmmm… Fellowship is good, but there must be balance. We must use this tool to glorify our Father, not to defy Him or His order. Submission must return to the Body of Christ, and it must be done in God’s order. Women of God, YES, we must submit to our husbands. YES, we must submit to the Church as God has ordained it. NO, we cannot do this alone. NO, we are not called out alone. What good is your elevation if you have brought no one along? Selah!
1Ti 5:8 But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.
Heb 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
Eph 4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
Eph 4:12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
Eph 4:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
1Co 12:27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
1Co 12:28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Friday, January 19, 2007
Yes, You Have the Power, but Resist the Temptation
I am in prayer for the Body of Christ, particularly the leaders in this season. There is a shift of urgency in my Spirit. Literally, I can feel a changing of the guards. The Lord has shown me that this season must be one of preparation and rest. Even my Pastors have spoken about the "shift" they are feeling. A period of testing is coming forth - one of tribulation and pestilence as we have not seen before. We are about to enter a time when many will learn what it's REALLY like to have to depend on faith in our Father.
God has been showing me the trials of His leaders. This is a season of CHALLENGE for many. In the Body of Christ, there has been an atmosphere of criticism. Unfortunately, the challenge is not coming from the world, but from others in the Church. We are in a time where people have become too weak to engage in warfare with the enemy, so they choose to "show boat" their gifts by fighting against the brethren. Ahhh! God is saying, EXPOSURE. Motives are being evaluated. Integrity is being challenged. God is preparing His people for true battle.
This is a word for those who are being challenged. God said this is training ground. It's so easy for us to want to prove ourselves, and even God. Of course, we want others to believe the Father works through us and moves through us. Yet, in this season, we must be so careful to move only when God says to move. Sensitivity to the Holy Spirit and the voice of our Father is so important. We must be careful not to allow our own motives to interfere with God's divine plan.
Mat 27:35 And having crucified him, they divided his garments, casting a lot, that it might be fulfilled that was spoken by the prophet, `They divided my garments to themselves, and over my vesture they cast a lot;'
Mat 27:36 and sitting down, they were watching him there,
Mat 27:37 and they put up over his head, his accusation written, `This is Jesus, the king of the Jews.'
Mat 27:38 Then crucified with him are two robbers, one on the right hand, and one on the left,
Mat 27:39 and those passing by were speaking evil of him, wagging their heads,
Mat 27:40 and saying, `Thou that art throwing down the sanctuary, and in three days building it , save thyself; if Son thou art of God, come down from the cross.'
Mat 27:41 And in like manner also the chief priests mocking, with the scribes and elders, said,
Mat 27:42 `Others he saved; himself he is not able to save! If he be King of Israel, let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe him;
Mat 27:43 he hath trusted on God, let Him now deliver him, if He wish him, because he said--Son of God I am;'
Mat 27:44 with the same also the robbers, who were crucified with him, were reproaching him.
The Word of God shows us that Jesus, the very Son of God, was challenged by His accusers as well. Many who had once walked with Him now stood to judge and to talent. The pressured Christ to "prove Himself" to them. He was well capable of doing so. He had the power and the authority. However, to prove Himself would have canceled out the very will of God.
Persecution is coming upon God's people, and it will increase all the more. Yet, we must be careful not to become obsessed with proving ourselves to others. The authority of anointed leaders is being challenged like never before. It has begun in the Church and will increase from the world. Prophets are being challenged to prophecy. Healers are being challenged to heal. Teachers are being commanded to teach. God is saying that His gifts were not designed under the command of man. His power is not subject to the authority of the flesh.
Saints of God, as you are being challenged, resist the temptation to operate in the Spirit realm simply because flesh has challenged you! Divination is spreading quickly, and exposure is coming. You do have the power, but resist the temptation. Do not yield your spirit to the flesh! Rather, seek God for His will and await His instruction. Though it is sometimes difficult to remember, we are not ordained to entertain men, but to do the work of the Lord. Never has God been a circus leader or a magician. To GOD be the glory!
God has been showing me the trials of His leaders. This is a season of CHALLENGE for many. In the Body of Christ, there has been an atmosphere of criticism. Unfortunately, the challenge is not coming from the world, but from others in the Church. We are in a time where people have become too weak to engage in warfare with the enemy, so they choose to "show boat" their gifts by fighting against the brethren. Ahhh! God is saying, EXPOSURE. Motives are being evaluated. Integrity is being challenged. God is preparing His people for true battle.
This is a word for those who are being challenged. God said this is training ground. It's so easy for us to want to prove ourselves, and even God. Of course, we want others to believe the Father works through us and moves through us. Yet, in this season, we must be so careful to move only when God says to move. Sensitivity to the Holy Spirit and the voice of our Father is so important. We must be careful not to allow our own motives to interfere with God's divine plan.
Mat 27:35 And having crucified him, they divided his garments, casting a lot, that it might be fulfilled that was spoken by the prophet, `They divided my garments to themselves, and over my vesture they cast a lot;'
Mat 27:36 and sitting down, they were watching him there,
Mat 27:37 and they put up over his head, his accusation written, `This is Jesus, the king of the Jews.'
Mat 27:38 Then crucified with him are two robbers, one on the right hand, and one on the left,
Mat 27:39 and those passing by were speaking evil of him, wagging their heads,
Mat 27:40 and saying, `Thou that art throwing down the sanctuary, and in three days building it , save thyself; if Son thou art of God, come down from the cross.'
Mat 27:41 And in like manner also the chief priests mocking, with the scribes and elders, said,
Mat 27:42 `Others he saved; himself he is not able to save! If he be King of Israel, let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe him;
Mat 27:43 he hath trusted on God, let Him now deliver him, if He wish him, because he said--Son of God I am;'
Mat 27:44 with the same also the robbers, who were crucified with him, were reproaching him.
The Word of God shows us that Jesus, the very Son of God, was challenged by His accusers as well. Many who had once walked with Him now stood to judge and to talent. The pressured Christ to "prove Himself" to them. He was well capable of doing so. He had the power and the authority. However, to prove Himself would have canceled out the very will of God.
Persecution is coming upon God's people, and it will increase all the more. Yet, we must be careful not to become obsessed with proving ourselves to others. The authority of anointed leaders is being challenged like never before. It has begun in the Church and will increase from the world. Prophets are being challenged to prophecy. Healers are being challenged to heal. Teachers are being commanded to teach. God is saying that His gifts were not designed under the command of man. His power is not subject to the authority of the flesh.
Saints of God, as you are being challenged, resist the temptation to operate in the Spirit realm simply because flesh has challenged you! Divination is spreading quickly, and exposure is coming. You do have the power, but resist the temptation. Do not yield your spirit to the flesh! Rather, seek God for His will and await His instruction. Though it is sometimes difficult to remember, we are not ordained to entertain men, but to do the work of the Lord. Never has God been a circus leader or a magician. To GOD be the glory!
Sunday, January 07, 2007
Just Because I Love HIM...
This is not a deep, prophetic message. I don't even have a Scripture to share, but I must release this burden on my heart. I am so hurt for the Father I serve and the people who follow Him. Over the last few days, God has allowed me to feel His heart and see His children as He sees them. It grieved me. I am now in a place where I just want to please God, not because of what it will yield me, but simply because I LOVE HIM.
All over this country, I hear people preaching the Word of God with ultimatums. You need to serve God in order to get this blessing. You must serve God in order to avoid that curse. I want to be past seeking God for what I can get or even for what I will avoid by doing so. I want to please Him because I love Him that much! I want God to be pleased with me, because it hurts me to feel that I've disappointed Him.
The Church has become so numb to the heart of God. The Lord had me to meditate on the love for my natural children. I don't expect anything from them, but I love them. I go to work to feed and cloth them, not to make me look good, but because I just WANT to bless them. I spend time with them just because I enjoy their company. I rejoice when they rejoice. My heart hurts when they cry. In 20 years, they may become millionaires and bless me with houses or cars, or they may put me in a rest home or "pull the plug" when my health fails. Regardless of what the future holds, I just love them. Each day, I long for them to know how much. No matter what they do or don't do, I will always love and cherish them. If anyone hurts them, they will feel my wrath. The love is unconditional. Oh, when will our love for God return to this state?
How can we rejoice when God is grieved? How can we look with disdain upon our brothers and sisters when God is pleased with them or chooses to use them? What is the real motive?
My Pastor has been speaking about integrity, responsibility and accountability. It seems the Church has lost them all. Yet, I hear God saying, "If you truly loved me, these things would come automatically." God showed me that the first thing is COVENANT. My God! Covenant will make you walk with integrity, responsibility and accountability! Covenant will keep your mind off rewards and losses.
In our world, "covenant" has gone out the window. Marriages no longer mean anything. People are not even committed to their jobs and careers like they use to be. In my parents' generation, there was a sense of loyalty, even to a company. People would work for one place organization 20 to 30 years. Now, the company will lay you off to save money, and the employees will leave after 6 months if another business offers more. People change spouses like some of us change socks. Black and red wedding gowns are more popular than white ones. Children divorce their parents. My God - people aren't even loyal to nature. I don't care if you're an atheist - men cannot be with men and women cannot be with women. The puzzle pieces just don't fit!!! Homosexuality is not only against God, but it's against the natural make up of the human race. Men, where is your covenant to manhood. Put some bass in your voice and get a backbone. Get a job. Take care of your responsibility. Women, stop trying to be butch by day and a diva by night! Be a woman. Take care of your children. Clean something every now and then. Stop making everything an argument. Who cares about who is right? What does GOD feel?
Oh, my heart is grieved. I am offended for my God. I am ready to move to the next level. I'm not concerned with a name. I told God, I don't care who calls me a prophet from this day forward. It's not even about me. If they do it in a way to offend God, then I'll have something to say. Other than that, don't respect me because of who Joy is. If that's your reason, save it! Instead, respect me because it will please your Father. I just keep hearing God say to His people, GET PAST YOURSELF.
I challenge us in this season to just stay in God's face. Return to your first love. I remember when I first started dating my husband. I didn't care about his car or how much money he made. I only wanted to spend time with him. We'd stay on the phone 4 or 5 hours, and not even say anything. Why do we feel that God doesn't long for the same, if not more attention? Father, I don't care if you pay my light bill or not. I just want to spend time in your presence. I don't care if I get the new husband or wife or not. I just want to feel your near. Lord, even if you destroy this earth tomorrow, I'll be satisfied if I can spend my last moments with You!
When someone asks, "Joy, why do you do this? What keeps you going?," I want my honest response to be nothing more than, "Just because I love HIM."
Selah.
All over this country, I hear people preaching the Word of God with ultimatums. You need to serve God in order to get this blessing. You must serve God in order to avoid that curse. I want to be past seeking God for what I can get or even for what I will avoid by doing so. I want to please Him because I love Him that much! I want God to be pleased with me, because it hurts me to feel that I've disappointed Him.
The Church has become so numb to the heart of God. The Lord had me to meditate on the love for my natural children. I don't expect anything from them, but I love them. I go to work to feed and cloth them, not to make me look good, but because I just WANT to bless them. I spend time with them just because I enjoy their company. I rejoice when they rejoice. My heart hurts when they cry. In 20 years, they may become millionaires and bless me with houses or cars, or they may put me in a rest home or "pull the plug" when my health fails. Regardless of what the future holds, I just love them. Each day, I long for them to know how much. No matter what they do or don't do, I will always love and cherish them. If anyone hurts them, they will feel my wrath. The love is unconditional. Oh, when will our love for God return to this state?
How can we rejoice when God is grieved? How can we look with disdain upon our brothers and sisters when God is pleased with them or chooses to use them? What is the real motive?
My Pastor has been speaking about integrity, responsibility and accountability. It seems the Church has lost them all. Yet, I hear God saying, "If you truly loved me, these things would come automatically." God showed me that the first thing is COVENANT. My God! Covenant will make you walk with integrity, responsibility and accountability! Covenant will keep your mind off rewards and losses.
In our world, "covenant" has gone out the window. Marriages no longer mean anything. People are not even committed to their jobs and careers like they use to be. In my parents' generation, there was a sense of loyalty, even to a company. People would work for one place organization 20 to 30 years. Now, the company will lay you off to save money, and the employees will leave after 6 months if another business offers more. People change spouses like some of us change socks. Black and red wedding gowns are more popular than white ones. Children divorce their parents. My God - people aren't even loyal to nature. I don't care if you're an atheist - men cannot be with men and women cannot be with women. The puzzle pieces just don't fit!!! Homosexuality is not only against God, but it's against the natural make up of the human race. Men, where is your covenant to manhood. Put some bass in your voice and get a backbone. Get a job. Take care of your responsibility. Women, stop trying to be butch by day and a diva by night! Be a woman. Take care of your children. Clean something every now and then. Stop making everything an argument. Who cares about who is right? What does GOD feel?
Oh, my heart is grieved. I am offended for my God. I am ready to move to the next level. I'm not concerned with a name. I told God, I don't care who calls me a prophet from this day forward. It's not even about me. If they do it in a way to offend God, then I'll have something to say. Other than that, don't respect me because of who Joy is. If that's your reason, save it! Instead, respect me because it will please your Father. I just keep hearing God say to His people, GET PAST YOURSELF.
I challenge us in this season to just stay in God's face. Return to your first love. I remember when I first started dating my husband. I didn't care about his car or how much money he made. I only wanted to spend time with him. We'd stay on the phone 4 or 5 hours, and not even say anything. Why do we feel that God doesn't long for the same, if not more attention? Father, I don't care if you pay my light bill or not. I just want to spend time in your presence. I don't care if I get the new husband or wife or not. I just want to feel your near. Lord, even if you destroy this earth tomorrow, I'll be satisfied if I can spend my last moments with You!
When someone asks, "Joy, why do you do this? What keeps you going?," I want my honest response to be nothing more than, "Just because I love HIM."
Selah.
Saturday, January 06, 2007
Unto Whom Have I Brought Dishonor?
Ps 69:6 Let not those who wait {and} hope {and} look for You, O Lord of hosts, be put to shame through me; let not those who seek {and} inquire for {and} require You [as their vital necessity] be brought to confusion {and} dishonor through me, O God of Israel.
I don't want to go to church. The people are mean. They will never accept me. Christians are all alike. They talk the talk, but never walk the walk. They have faith for everyone else, but they are pitiful themselves. They are ignorant and unsuccessful. They place their hope in lies.
I belong to a church, but my church family has hurt me. I don't believe that "children of God can be so cruel." I trust in God, but "church folks" have never helped me. They judge, but are too high and mighty to judge themselves.
I've heard it from the saint and the sinner alike. As I began to pray about the state of the Church, the Body of Christ, I had to ask God - please don't let me contribute to the dishonor of those who truly love You.
I began to realize that these feelings and opinions must come from somewhere, yet no one wants to take responsibility. "God, what have I done to dishonor those who follow you? What mistakes have I made that gave your people a bad name?" The Word tells us that men should see our GOOD WORKS, and then be drawn unto the Father. How many have seen my SINFUL WORKS and been turned away? We must ask God to show us ourselves. So many of us have forgotten that Christians should be known by their LOVE. Yes, love brings correction, but correction does not destroy the spirit of another. Who are we really fighting? When we engage in spiritual battle, who is really coming out with the scars? Selah.
I don't want to go to church. The people are mean. They will never accept me. Christians are all alike. They talk the talk, but never walk the walk. They have faith for everyone else, but they are pitiful themselves. They are ignorant and unsuccessful. They place their hope in lies.
I belong to a church, but my church family has hurt me. I don't believe that "children of God can be so cruel." I trust in God, but "church folks" have never helped me. They judge, but are too high and mighty to judge themselves.
I've heard it from the saint and the sinner alike. As I began to pray about the state of the Church, the Body of Christ, I had to ask God - please don't let me contribute to the dishonor of those who truly love You.
I began to realize that these feelings and opinions must come from somewhere, yet no one wants to take responsibility. "God, what have I done to dishonor those who follow you? What mistakes have I made that gave your people a bad name?" The Word tells us that men should see our GOOD WORKS, and then be drawn unto the Father. How many have seen my SINFUL WORKS and been turned away? We must ask God to show us ourselves. So many of us have forgotten that Christians should be known by their LOVE. Yes, love brings correction, but correction does not destroy the spirit of another. Who are we really fighting? When we engage in spiritual battle, who is really coming out with the scars? Selah.
Friday, January 05, 2007
Ministry is NOT a SOLO Project
Prov 11:14 Where no wise guidance is, the people fall, but in the multitude of counselors there is safety.
Ministry is NOT a solo project. Too many are trying to make names for themselves. Too many are trying to be right. So many are trying to "make it" and don't want to owe anyone else any credit. God is upset about the abundance of those trying to do the work of the ministry alone.
Did not His word say that He sets the solitary in families? Did not Jesus ordain the Five-Fold/Ascension gifts for the edification of the Body? Does the word not call for unity? Are we not all parts of the same Body, fitly joined together? GET OVER YOURSELF!
God is angry, because His people are trying to accomplish His work without following His gameplan. What man knows better than our God?
God is calling for His people to GET IN ORDER. The lack of accountability IS NOT OF GOD. Where is the submission? Many have walked away from God's plan and order, trying to create a new realm of ministry - it's not of GOD. Yes, you do need others. No, you cannot do this by yourself. The walk doesn't have to be lonely. You must be poured into. There is always someone gifted to assist you.
SPIRITUAL SUICIDE. This is what we commit when we decide to WALK ALONE. God has been speaking loudly about this. Disobedience with a goal to please God is still disobedience. What is the real motive?
God showed me so many who have been feeling alone, as if everyone is against them. God said He will begin to send godly counsel in this season. DO NOT TURN THEM AWAY AS YOU HAVE IN THE PAST. Not everyone is against you. Use discernment, but know that God is sending counsel, even to the Apostles in this season. Receive them, says God.
Ministry is NOT a solo project. Too many are trying to make names for themselves. Too many are trying to be right. So many are trying to "make it" and don't want to owe anyone else any credit. God is upset about the abundance of those trying to do the work of the ministry alone.
Did not His word say that He sets the solitary in families? Did not Jesus ordain the Five-Fold/Ascension gifts for the edification of the Body? Does the word not call for unity? Are we not all parts of the same Body, fitly joined together? GET OVER YOURSELF!
God is angry, because His people are trying to accomplish His work without following His gameplan. What man knows better than our God?
God is calling for His people to GET IN ORDER. The lack of accountability IS NOT OF GOD. Where is the submission? Many have walked away from God's plan and order, trying to create a new realm of ministry - it's not of GOD. Yes, you do need others. No, you cannot do this by yourself. The walk doesn't have to be lonely. You must be poured into. There is always someone gifted to assist you.
SPIRITUAL SUICIDE. This is what we commit when we decide to WALK ALONE. God has been speaking loudly about this. Disobedience with a goal to please God is still disobedience. What is the real motive?
God showed me so many who have been feeling alone, as if everyone is against them. God said He will begin to send godly counsel in this season. DO NOT TURN THEM AWAY AS YOU HAVE IN THE PAST. Not everyone is against you. Use discernment, but know that God is sending counsel, even to the Apostles in this season. Receive them, says God.
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