The Unsanctified Sanctuary

Hag 1:7 Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways.

Hag 1:8 Go up to the mountain, and bring wood, and build the house; and I will take pleasure in it, and I will be glorified, saith the LORD.

Hag 1:9 Ye looked for much, and, lo, it came to little; and when ye brought it home, I did blow upon it. Why? saith the LORD of hosts. Because of mine house that is waste, and ye run every man unto his own house.

God has been speaking, or more like yelling, to me about the defilement of His house. We understand that we are the temple of the Holy Spirit, who dwells in us. Yet, we also build and dedicate temples, or churches, to our Father for the purpose of fellowship, praise and worship. Too often, however, God’s people are defiling His house in order to build up their own. The motives behind ministry and service are tainted and unacceptable to our Father.

In the Old Testament and the New Testament church, we see numerous examples of temples and homes being dedicated to the Father as sanctuaries. These places, even when part of a private house, were set aside for fellowship, teaching and worship. They were NOT intended to be used by the “church folk” as a platform for political popularity, power or advertisement. God is angry with the egoistic monuments we are building. How dare we say they are dedicated to our God when 90% of what takes place on the grounds is not of the Father? God wants a home in which He can dwell – not a place where He is invited for 20-30 minutes once a week!

Mat 21:11 And the multitude said, This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee.

Mat 21:12 And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves,

Mat 21:13 And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.

Mat 21:14 And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple; and he healed them.

Mat 21:15 And when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying in the temple, and saying, Hosanna to the Son of David; they were sore displeased,

Mat 21:16 And said unto him, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?

Mat 21:17 And he left them, and went out of the city into Bethany; and he lodged there.

Mar 11:15 And they come to Jerusalem: and Jesus went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves;

Mar 11:16 And would not suffer that any man should carry any vessel through the temple.

Mar 11:17 And he taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves.

Mar 11:18 And the scribes and chief priests heard it, and sought how they might destroy him: for they feared him, because all the people was astonished at his doctrine.

I was convicted when the Father took me back to these Scriptures. Personally, I don’t believe in having fish fries and raffles to raise money for the church. The Bible says that tithes and offerings shall keep meat in the storehouse. Still, God showed me more. He dealt with me even about the vendor’s tables, the church anniversaries, the choir concerts, the birthday parties – everything that takes place for which He is not the center focus.

Let me be very real. The SANCTUARY SHOULD BE SANCTIFIED. That means it must be “set apart for a specific, reverent purpose.” When I was younger, children used be punished for stepping into the pulpit. It was considered to be holy ground, so we reverenced it as such. God is saying that His sanctuary is no longer reverenced. We allow everyone access to that which we dedicate to the Father, then we wonder why He refuses to dwell.

God began to remind me of all the things we allow to enter His sanctuary – concerts, fundraisers, choir contests, political speeches, fashion shows – so many things that are not of the Father. Have we really dedicated the sanctuary to our Father, or are we simply building entertainment halls for the church?

In the temple of God, only priests were able to enter into the Holy of Holies. The temple was sectioned off, and everyone knew they level of clearance. Most understood they could not enter beyond the outer courts, because of the reverence that was required. God began to show me that much of what we build as churches, does not glorify Him. Too many people are given access to the sanctuary. Too many worldly activities are carried out on what should be holy ground.

It was hard to swallow, but God showed me some things I really had to think about. He asked me, “How does a Pastor’s birthday party glorify me?” That one hit me like a brick. I told God, we honor our leaders because they are men and women of God. The Father explained to me that while such honor is valid, even that does not belong in a sanctuary dedicated to Him. Why? Nothing belongs on holy ground that does not have the Father as the primary focus and motive. God even showed me weddings where those carrying evil spirits are allowed to walk on ground that should be holy.

Of course, I thought this word was somewhat extreme at first, but God asked me again, “What are you willing to sacrifice? Is there one who would minister to Me?”

Lev 19:30 Ye shall keep my sabbaths, and reverence my sanctuary: I am the LORD.

Have we forgotten the Word of God? Why honor the Sabbath, but dishonor the “house of God?” Many of us allow things in churches we won’t even allow in our own homes. So many mega-churches are being built with basketball courts and meeting rooms, yet they STILL allow sin in the sanctuary – that part of the building that should be dedicated to the worship of our Father by holy and sanctified people.

This is a prophetic word, particularly to those Pastors and Apostles who oversee churches and physical places of worship…

Num 3:31 And their charge shall be the ark, and the table, and the candlestick, and the altars, and the vessels of the santuary wherewith they minister, and the hanging, and all the service thereof.

Num 3:32 And Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest shall be chief over the chief of the Levites, and have the oversight of them that keep the charge of the sanctuary.

Are you keeping charge of the sanctuary? Is the holy place set aside for the Father to dwell as He pleases? The Lord said He is overthrowing the tables of the money changers. No more selling books in the pulpit. No more vendor’s tables and sold dinners in the same place set aside for worship. No more fashion shows and concerts. They do NOT glorify the Father. They entertain the people. They stroke the flesh, and they bring in money and notoriety – not for the Father, but for YOU and YOUR MINISTRY. We are doing too many things that do not glorify God. We like to say they do, but the Father is calling us to a sober reality.

How do choir contests glorify the Father? They don’t. How can one dare use “praise and worship” to compete for a prize and say they are bringing honor to God? Choir members, if honoring God is the true motive, why all the fancy steps of the world? Why all the vocal runs and “You betta sang, girl!” comments. It’s time to get real. We do so many things that our Father has no interest in.

How do pastoral anniversaries please the Father? The service is called just commemorate a worldly event. Then, we try to force God to show up. I’m not saying birthday and anniversaries are bad, but the Bible says the day of a man’s death is better than the day of His birth. It’s a worldly celebration. God is not the focus. We often make him a by product rather than the source!

God is challenging us to a new level. Dig deep, dig deep! Is the sanctuary truly sanctified? How much do we honor our physical houses of worship? Does it really look and operate like a temple in which our Father would want to dwell? Selah.

1Ch 22:19 Now set your heart and your soul to seek the LORD your God; arise therefore, and build ye the sanctuary of the LORD God, to bring the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and the holy vessels of God, into the house that is to be built to the name of the LORD.

Would You Allow Me to Die at the Enemy's Hand?

Am I my brother's keeper?

Of course we are. The problem is that we have been deceived in our definition of "brother." Yes, the Body of Christ has been fooled into thinking that everyone who attends church and sits on a pew beside us is our brother or sister. God has really been dealing with me about this. Where is the discernment in this hour? Many of us are walking in agreement with one who would literally allow us to die at the enemy's hand, thinking they are equipped enough to battle alongside of us.

Joyce Meyer said something that is so simple, yet so true. She said, "Just because people sit in church all day, we believe they are Christians. If I sit in a garage all day, does that make me a car?" Ahhh... Who are you walking with? Do you really know those who labor among you, or are you making assumptions based on your atmosphere?

Do you really know your brothers and your sisters? Can you really identify those who belong to the Father?

CORRECTION is something that needs to come from family. Why? If correction comes from one outside the family of God, there must be an ungodly motive. Therefore, when that correction comes, the spirit man is weakened. Boldness is lost. Plus, the person receiving is hardened and therefore unable to take correction from those who mean them well.

When correction comes from a true brother or sister in Christ, however, operating as instructed by the Father, it brings growth. It brings increase. I am disturbed because BASTARD CHILDREN in the "church" have hurt the true saints to the point that the real brothers and sisters are afraid to sow into their lives. Boldness has been sacrificed. Those who do not really have God as their Father have a voice that is entirely too strong.

REAL MEN AND WOMEN OF GOD, it's time for us to stand up. We should see what God sees, hear what He hears, and feel the way He feels. THEN, IT MUST BE SPOKEN. When we withhold correction, blood is on our hands. I told God that I'm tired of having the blood on my hands of those I don't even like. In some cases, I barely even know them. Yet, the blood is there because I'm constantly calling those "brothers and sisters" who are bastards in the church. True salvation, true holiness, consecration - all gone out the window, because we try to make people feel as though they belong, knowing that they don't. God never said we should adopt nor trust sin! NO MORE!

I want to be a TRUE sister in Christ, one who will not allow my brother or sister to die at the hands of the enemy. I must step up and warn those who are in sin. I must walk in boldness and speak a word of correction when it is necessary. I'm realizing that it's better for me to kill the sin in another than to have the enemy kill their spirit.

In the same manner, I want this from the Body. Are you truly my brother or my sister? If so, kill the flesh when you see it rise in me. YOU rebuke me before the enemy attacks and claims a victory.

Jdg 9:53 And a certain woman cast a piece of a millstone upon Abimelech's head, and all to brake his skull.
Jdg 9:54 Then he called hastily unto the young man his armourbearer, and said unto him, Draw thy sword, and slay me, that men say not of me, A woman slew him. And his young man thrust him through, and he died.

1Sa 31:3 And the battle went sore against Saul, and the archers hit him; and he was sore wounded of the archers.
1Sa 31:4 Then said Saul unto his armourbearer, Draw thy sword, and thrust me through therewith; lest these uncircumcised come and thrust me through, and abuse me. But his armourbearer would not; for he was sore afraid. Therefore Saul took a sword, and fell upon it.
1Sa 31:5 And when his armourbearer saw that Saul was dead, he fell likewise upon his sword, and died with him.

I noticed a key thing in these Scriptures. In both cases, the men would rather have been killed by those that walked with them than to have the enemy claim the victory. Hmmm.... There are some things in me that must die. I'd rather those who walk with me (as true children of God) kill them, than allowing the enemy to bring death because of my weakness. In like manner, I believe it's my duty and responsibility to do the same for those I follow and fellowship with. No matter what the cost, I don't want anyone to die at the enemy's hand while on my watch. I'd rather help you die daily, as Paul did, than watch you die one painful defeat at the hand of satan.

God chastises those He loves. What about his children? Do you really love those with whom you fellowship? When was the last time you gave or received godly, encouraging correction? Selah.

The "Sinner's Prayer" Does NOT Bring Salvation

God has been dealing with me about attacking religion. I do not have an assignment to attack people, but spirits of tradition and religion (Colossians 2:8) that keep people from developing a solid relationship with the Father. Though difficult for me, I must attack the root of "false conversion" for many. I need to step into some prophetic teaching to break the bondage of our lack of knowledge - not because we have not received it, but because we have rejected the truth.

I literally become nauseous when I hear the song, and squirm in my seat when altar calls are made at churches for people to "get saved." God said I need to attack a spirit of false confidence and complacency. God said I had to remind the people that this practice of a "Sinner's Prayer," though popular, is not biblical nor effective. We who are in ministry must begin to teach TRUTH and stop telling people who are hell-bound that they have a home in heaven.

Rom 10:8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;
Rom 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
Rom 10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Rom 10:11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

First and foremost, this Scripture was written by the Apostle Paul to the Church, or the Body of EXISTING believers of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It was addressed to the CHURCH (body of believers) at Rome. Why is this relevant?

Too often, we are quoting this Scripture to sinners (unbelievers) as if it were direction on how to become "saved" or accept Jesus Christ as one's personal savior. NOT SO! This Scripture does not pertain to those who are not part of the family of God. It was never intended for an unbeliever.

Still, even more problems arise with using this Scripture to introduce salvation. First, Paul addresses the word that is "nigh thee, even in they mouth, and in thy heart." How can someone who was just in sin an hour ago have the word of God in their mouth and heart just because you preached a sermon? I am sounding the alarm today, straight from the mouth of God. We are sending people to HELL in the name of Jesus. We are preaching a false hope and teaching a false salvation. SHAME ON THE CHURCH!

The word says confession is MADE unto salvation. That implies a process. One sole confession of Christ and his resurrection does not bring salvation in and of itself. If it did, Lucifer would have a seat in heaven. Oh, can I tell the truth? I'm sick. I'm disgusted that we have spit in God's face and made a lie of His Gospel. We have insulted Christ and crucified him many time over. When will it stop?

No more pansy prayers! No more punk salvations! No more senseless altar calls! The Word of God says that it's out of the abundance of the heart that a man speaks. How in the world can I have someone repeat a prayer after me, and tell them they are saved??? How can I tell another person what to speak, when it should come from their heart? Ahhhh!!! No more. Let God be true and every man a liar. Traditions founded upon lies MUST be torn down.

I don't care who you are. If your entire salvation relies on a prayer that you repeated after someone at the altar, you are still on your way to HELL. If you have not received the Holy Spirit and do not have RELATIONSHIP, hell is your home! If you are in sin, now is the time to seek the REAL message of salvation. If you are leading others, NOW is the time to change your message. We must stop telling the blind they can see. Quickly, they are stumbling!

What did the sinners hear in the Word of God? Look at Peter's message...

Act 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Act 2:39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

REPENT. Yes, that is the first message, but we're not preaching it like we should. Why? No one wants to attack SIN anymore. NEWS FLASH: Belief means NOTHING without repentance. CHANGE is required before a person can even approach the Father. No more of this "come as you are" preaching. It's NOT the Word of God. Change comes forth in the presence of God. Change is REQUIRED when standing before a holy God. NO MORE FALSE HOPE. NO MORE WATERED DOWN GOSPEL. NO MORE PROPHELYING. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!!!

God dealt with me very heavily today. So often, I told people that I write as inspired by Habakkuk. I thought I was writing the vision and making it plain. Today, God changed my assignment. He said my purpose in this hour is to SOUND THE ALARM. WARNING is my assignment and my call. This warning is that the Church is dying in sin. Too much compromise. Too many lies. Too much tolerance. Where is the holiness? Where is the sacrifice?

God has warned. Will you take heed?

Of What Value Is Your Gain?

Just a few weeks ago, the Father asked me a difficult question. "What if I told you to take your name off everything you do and everything you have done? Would you still move forward in ministry? Would you still serve with the same fervency? Would you still lead people to me and speak my praises?" Honestly, my first response was "Of course I would." Yet, I answered without truly pondering over the question God asked. I didn't really meditate on how difficult that would be. I would feel so disappointed and unappreciated. I'd feel used and alone. I'd, in a sense, feel like a failure. Eventually, my response turned into a prayer. I had to ask God to show me myself. What are my real motives? How much value do I put on PERSONAL GAIN in ministry?

Of course I also began to think about the Body of Christ as a whole. We can't help but gain something by worshiping God, but how much emphasis do we place on the notoriety, the prestige and the honor? How much do we long for the networking, the encouragement and the popularity? How much do we seek the stuff, the money and the gifts? What about the service and the praise? When we think about it, how many of claim to worship God just so we can gain stuff from the world?

Yes, it is happening. Think of all the worldly artists whose careers have taken a dive. Where do they run? The Gospel industry. Why? Less competition and lots of consumers. Easy reception. Natalie Cole, Patti Labelle, Whitney Houston, RUN DMC, MC Hammer, Tony Terry, R. Kelly, Smokey Robinson, Al Green, Michelle Williams – and so many more. These are all examples of people who never truly converted, yet reap the benefits of a minister, or one who carries the Gospel. The worst part is that it’s our fault! The CHURCH has put so much emphasis on personal gain that we’ve forgotten about true worship. Ministry has become a business. Why do we buy the music and movies from those who are literally making a mockery of the Gospel? Why do we praise those who prostitute salvation? We do it because we have weighed personal gain more than God’s glory. Yes, we will buy a CD, lie and say that we are worshipping God though the song is written and PERFORMED by an unholy vessel, and then complain to God when He doesn’t move. How long will we care about a nice beat and a cute tune more than we care about God’s glory? When will return to the point when our integrity is more important than our personal entertainment?

What is the value of your gain?

Phil 3:7 But whatever former things I had that might have been gains to me, I have come to consider as [one combined] loss for Christ's sake.

God really had to purge me of many things. In fact, each time I ascend to a new level in Him, there are things in my life that must be shed. There are parts of me that must be forsaken. There are gains that I must count as losses.

God spoke to me many years ago and explained that He’s not moved by the success stories that many feel should afford them a special spot in “ministry.” The education, the money, the acquaintances – they don’t mean a thing if God does not receive the glory! Too often, believers rely on their worldly accomplishments more than their spiritual relationship with the Father. The anointing cannot be bought. Many are called, and few chosen. Thank God that his role book is not based on credentials.

On the other hand, God is also tired of being limited and confined by our pocketbooks or lack of education. How many times have we disobeyed God because we were moved by our lack of resources more than His command? I am guilty!!! “Father, I can’t correct her. She has a doctorate degree… Lord, I can’t go there and preach. I don’t have gas money… Father, I don’t feel right telling her to fast. She is diabetic.” Yes, we all do it.

God said to count it all as a loss. In other words, consider it be insignificant.

Phil 3:8 Yes, furthermore, I count everything as loss compared to the possession of the priceless privilege (the overwhelming preciousness, the surpassing worth, and supreme advantage) of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord {and} of progressively becoming more deeply {and} intimately acquainted with Him [of perceiving and recognizing and understanding Him more fully and clearly]. For His sake I have lost everything and consider it all to be mere rubbish (refuse, dregs), in order that I may win (gain) Christ (the Anointed One),

I must be free as I deal with this next segment of Scripture. Paul said that he counted all as loss for CHRIST’s sake, not his own. I am sick and tired of hearing Christians use their own failures as a pulpit commercial to make them look and seem holy and deep. Let’s just be real! Believers have made a habit of preaching the “Woe is me” testimony, and God is not pleased. It does not glorify the Father. The motive is wrong. So many times, I have been approached even by prophets who have nothing to impart other than a sad testimony. The worse part is that this is often their only claim to holiness. Too many have been taught that loss equals holiness. No – it’s SACRIFICE that leads to holiness. Loss and sacrifice are two different things.

If I lose my home because I didn’t pay the mortgage, that’s a loss. If I give up my home at God’s instruction, that’s a sacrifice. If I lose my children because I’m a poor mother to them, that’s a loss. If God instructs me to release my children to another country for missions work, that’s a sacrifice.

Yes, we want to blame God for OUR OWN FAILURES, then use it as a selling point when trying to convince others that we are holy. God is not pleased! True SACRIFICE is voluntary. True SACRIFICE is active, not passive.

Phil 3:9 And that I may [actually] be found {and} known as in Him, not having any [self-achieved] righteousness that can be called my own, based on my obedience to the Law's demands (ritualistic uprightness and supposed right standing with God thus acquired), but possessing that [genuine righteousness] which comes through faith in Christ (the Anointed One), the [truly] right standing with God, which comes from God by [saving] faith.

Oh, I pray that our desire will begin to line up with that of Paul’s. He did not desire anyone to think him righteous because of his own doing. That’s a very serious desire. He didn’t want to be recognized because of his obedience to God, nor his possessions or even his faith. Truly, Paul expressed a desire to be NOTHING accept a conduit of God’s grace and exaltation.

Phil 3:10 [For my determined purpose is] that I may know Him [that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly], and that I may in that same way come to know the power outflowing from His resurrection [which it exerts over believers], and that I may so share His sufferings as to be continually transformed [in spirit into His likeness even] to His death, [in the hope]

Oh, what is our PURPOSE in ministry? The Father showed me some things about my own motives that disturbed me. He showed me some things about the Body of Christ that made me cry, weep and travail in prayer. Our purpose in ministry should be simply to be intimate with the Father. Our purpose and motive should be that we want to share with Christ.

When was the last time you truly suffered and gave God praise for it? Shouldn’t suffering be something we seek in ministry? We are to share the suffering and the death of Christ in order to please our Father. When was the last time someone was offended by a message you preached? When was the last time someone “uninvited” you to a conference in fear that you would shrink the crowd of attendees? Shouldn’t this be our purpose in ministry? When was the last time someone forgot your name when you were about to share the Word of God? Shouldn’t this be a reason to rejoice in ministry?

FLESH DIES in the presence of true ministry. Only God is seen. Only the Father is heard. Intimacy is multiplied.

Phil 3:11 That if possible I may attain to the [spiritual and moral] resurrection [that lifts me] out from among the dead [even while in the body].
Phil 3:12 Not that I have now attained [this ideal], or have already been made perfect, but I press on to lay hold of (grasp) {and} make my own, that for which Christ Jesus (the Messiah) has laid hold of me {and} made me His own.
Phil 3:13 I do not consider, brethren, that I have captured {and} made it my own [yet]; but one thing I do [it is my one aspiration]: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead,
Phil 3:14 I press on toward the goal to win the [supreme and heavenly] prize to which God in Christ Jesus is calling us upward.

Even in all he was willing to sacrifice, Paul recognized one thing we so often forget – HE HAD NOT YET ARRIVED! Despite all the sacrifice, Paul still had a hope. He still realized that the God he served was bigger than anything he could ever give. There was still a godly fear and reverence for him to be accepted by God. He still CONFESSED THE PRESS! Ahhhhh…

Many of us don’t CONFESS THE PRESS because our form of ministry is too easy. It’s filled with large honorariums, shoes, purses and suits. It comes with glamour, notoriety and popularity. THERE’S NO PRESS IN MESS. Oh, it’s easy to do the thing that brings comfort to the flesh and ignores the spirit.

Where are the saints who are suffering for the Lord’s sake, but are still able to bridle their tongue? Yes, I believe there are some who suffer, but truly count it a loss. No one has to hear the sob story, because God received the glory and the soul was content. Hallelujah! I pray more of us grow to this point.

Where are the ones who are broke, but still give God glory? Where are the ministers who literally carry pain in their bodies because of the prayers they put forth on behalf of the people? Jesus produced sweat of blood in his prayers. When was the last time you got up from prayer with sore knees, stomach cramps, or even a dry mouth because of the spiritual warfare? PRESS… God is calling us to PRESS IN.

In conclusion…

Is 61:3 To grant [consolation and joy] to those who mourn in Zion--to give them an ornament (a garland or diadem) of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, the garment [expressive] of praise instead of a heavy, burdened, {and} failing spirit--that they may be called oaks of righteousness [lofty, strong, and magnificent, distinguished for uprightness, justice, and right standing with God], the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.

For many years, this Scripture has inspired and encouraged me. Realize today that ashes must often come before God will grant beauty. Beautifying oneself while trying to hide the ashes does not bring glory to the Father. Sometimes a heavy and burdened spirit must exist before God can transform it into a spirit of praise. “Faking it until you make it” doesn’t bring Him glory. Every now and then, mourning must come before God sends joy. Denial will not bring Him glory.

What is the value of your gain today? When will we realize that God doesn’t get the glory in that which we do in our own strength and intellect. Is there not a motive when we rely on our selves to do “good works.” Count it a loss, and watch God move!

Leaders, Beware of the Partial Word

God has been dealing with me about how so many of us have been deceived by words of incomplete prophecy. Many of us are hearing and receiving messages that trust are from God, but still seem to betray us. Just over the last few weeks, God has reminded me of prophecies and I’ve been told of prophecies shared, particularly with leaders, seemingly beneficial to the recipient. Yet, not many days after, a betrayal takes place. Yet, there is a common thread. The word appears to be from God. It bears witness. It seems relevant, anointed and accurate.

I asked God about this deception that seems to be taking place. There are many STRONG leaders who have doubted themselves because of recent events involving ANOINTED prophets and followers who are abandoning their positions. What is it God? The Father began to speak to me about the incomplete word, and I must share this with the leaders. It is a rebuke and an encouragement, revelation and instruction.

God explained very clearly that many of His people are falling victim to the partial word. We forget that prophecy is a gift, and that it can come from a vessel with a hidden agenda. Even when the word is from God, it can be partially withheld. Oftentimes, withholding evidence is a crime people commit but are never prosecuted for. Why? We assume that when we hear truth, the totality of the thing has been shared.

God quickly reminded me that we prophesy only in part. We have adopted this idea from the ‘church’ that when a prophetic word comes forth, it should not be judged. We have been taught that no one should add to it or take away from it. God’s word so clearly explains this is not the case.

1 Cor 13:9 For our knowledge is fragmentary (incomplete and imperfect), and our prophecy (our teaching) is fragmentary (incomplete and imperfect).

1 Cor 14:29 So let two or three prophets speak [those inspired to preach or teach], while the rest pay attention {and} weigh {and} discern what is said.
1 Cor 14:30 But if an inspired revelation comes to another who is sitting by, then let the first one be silent.
1 Cor 14:31 For in this way you can give testimony [prophesying and thus interpreting the divine will and purpose] one by one, so that all may be instructed and all may be stimulated {and} encouraged;
1 Cor 14:32 For the spirits of the prophets (the speakers in tongues) are under the speaker's control [and subject to being silenced as may be necessary],

Yes, we are practicing a “courtesy” that God never ordained. Once again, God has been dealing with me about “checks and balances.” The Father reminded me that He has authored a system in the Church that would prevent us from being deceived, but we have chosen another way. We have chosen to call walk in weakness, but call it courtesy. We have chosen to lay down authority and call it order. As a result, many have fallen pray to the incomplete word – a partial word yielding deception.

2 Kin 8:7 Elisha came to Damascus, and Ben-hadad king of Syria was sick; and he was told, The man of God has come here.
2 Kin 8:8 And the king said to Hazael, Take a present in your hand and go meet the man of God, and inquire of the Lord by him, saying, Shall I recover from this disease?
2 Kin 8:9 So Hazael went to meet Elisha and took a present with him of every good thing of Damascus, forty camel loads, and came and stood before him and said, Your son Ben-hadad king of Syria has sent me to you, asking, Shall I recover from this disease?
2 Kin 8:10 And Elisha said, Go, say to him, You shall certainly recover; but the Lord has shown me that he shall certainly die.
2 Kin 8:11 Elisha stared steadily at him until Hazael was embarrassed. And the man of God wept.
2 Kin 8:12 And Hazael said, Why do you weep, my lord? He answered, Because I know the evil that you will do to the Israelites. You will burn their strongholds, slay their young men with the sword, dash their infants in pieces, and rip up their pregnant women.
2 Kin 8:13 And Hazael said, What is your servant, only a dog, that he should do this monstrous thing? And Elisha answered, The Lord has shown me that you will be king over Syria.
2 Kin 8:14 Then [Hazael] departed from Elisha and came to his master, who said to him, What did Elisha say to you? And he answered, He told me you would surely recover.
2 Kin 8:15 But the next day Hazael took the bedspread and dipped it in water and spread it on [the Syrian king's] face, so that he died. And Hazael reigned in his stead.

When the Lord took me to this Scripture, I screamed, I cried, and then I became angry. I saw how easy it is to get an accurate word of prophecy, and only share a part, leading to deception. God began to show many how many leaders have been hurt because of this very thing. The Word of God is shared until it begins to reveal the heart of the one delivering the message. We think that because someone hears from God, they have our best interest at heart. This is not always the case.

Even as we see in the biblical account, the man shared the Word of God only to the point that it revealed his own motives. He rejoiced with his leader, knowing that his own plan was to kill him and take the power and authority he walked in. Too many of our leaders are walking into the same trap because they recognize the prophesy as true, but fail to allow that same prophesy to be judged by another prophet. Leaders, beware of prophets that speak but attempt to silence another prophet from doing the same!

In the same manner, God also revealed to me another problem that is affecting his leaders. It also concerns the prophetic word. On Monday night, God spoke very clearly to me and explained that many who call themselves prophets have learned to quote the Father. They may even know the type of thing God may say, but that does not mean they are speaking what GOD IS SAYING!

What do I mean? I know and understand that my husband is a fan of NC State basketball. Because of that knowledge and past conversation with him, when his NC State team beats my UNC Tarheels in basketball, it may be accurate for me to say something like, “I could just hear Chris now, laughing and cheering for his Wolfpack team.” My statement is accurate based on EDUCATED ASSUMPTION. Even still, I can make such a statement without ever hearing or seeing what is really going on. Oftentimes, when the prophetic begins to move, those in the midst begin to prophesy just as Saul did. It “sounds” accurate and even anointed, but the word is based on assumption. “It may sound like something I’d say,” says God, “but that doesn’t mean I’m speaking it.” We must realize that the Word of God is ALIVE.

May I bring your attention to a biblical example and well-known account of what who prophesied a word that “sounded like God,” though GOD NEVER SPOKE IT…

1 Kin 13:6 And the king said to the man of God, Entreat now the favor of the Lord your God and pray for me, that my hand may be restored to me. And the man of God entreated the Lord, and the king's hand was restored and became as it was before.
1 Kin 13:7 And the king said to the man of God, Come home with me and refresh yourself, and I will give you a reward.
1 Kin 13:8 And the man of God said to the king, If you give me half your house, I will not go in with you, and I will not eat bread or drink water in this place.
1 Kin 13:9 For I was commanded by the word of the Lord, You shall eat no bread or drink water or return by the way you came.
1 Kin 13:10 So he went another way and did not return by the way that he came to Bethel.
1 Kin 13:11 Now there dwelt an old prophet in Bethel; and his sons came and told him all that the man of God had done that day in Bethel; the words which he had spoken to the king they told also to their father.
1 Kin 13:12 Their father asked them, Which way did he go? For his sons had seen which way the man of God who came from Judah had gone.
1 Kin 13:13 He said to his sons, Saddle the donkey for me. So they saddled the donkey and he rode on it
1 Kin 13:14 And went after the man of God. And he found him sitting under an oak, and he said to him, Are you the man of God who came from Judah? And he said, I am.
1 Kin 13:15 Then he said to him, Come home with me and eat bread.
1 Kin 13:16 He said, I may not return with you or go in with you, neither will I eat bread or drink water with you in this place.
1 Kin 13:17 For I was told by the word of the Lord, You shall not eat bread or drink water there or return by the way that you came.
1 Kin 13:18 He answered, I am a prophet also, as you are. And an angel spoke to me by the word of the Lord, saying, Bring him back with you to your house, that he may eat bread and drink water. But he lied to him.
1 Kin 13:19 So the man from Judah went back with him and ate and drank water in his house.
1 Kin 13:20 And as they sat at the table, the word of the Lord came to the prophet who brought him back.
1 Kin 13:21 And he cried to the man of God who came from Judah, Thus says the Lord: Because you have disobeyed the word of the Lord and have not kept the command which the Lord your God commanded you,
1 Kin 13:22 But have come back and have eaten bread and drunk water in the place of which the Lord said to you, Eat no bread and drink no water--your corpse shall not come to the tomb of your fathers.
1 Kin 13:23 And after the prophet of the house had eaten bread and drunk, he saddled the donkey for the man he had brought back.
1 Kin 13:24 And when he had gone, a lion met him by the road and slew him, and his corpse was cast in the way, and the donkey stood by it; the lion also stood by the corpse.
1 Kin 13:25 And behold, men passed by and saw the corpse thrown in the road, and the lion standing by the corpse, and they came and told it in the city where the old prophet dwelt.
1 Kin 13:26 When the prophet who brought him back from the way heard of it, he said, It is the man of God who was disobedient to the word of the Lord; therefore the Lord has given him to the lion, which has torn him and slain him, according to the word of the Lord which He spoke to him.
1 Kin 13:27 And he said to his sons, Saddle the donkey for me. And they saddled it.
1 Kin 13:28 And he went and found the corpse thrown in the road, and the donkey and the lion stood by the body; the lion had not eaten the corpse or torn the donkey.
1 Kin 13:29 The prophet took up the corpse of the man of God and laid it upon the donkey and brought it back, and the old prophet came into the city to mourn and to bury him.
1 Kin 13:30 And he laid the body in his own grave, and they mourned over him, saying, Alas, my brother!
1 Kin 13:31 After he had buried him, he said to his sons, When I am dead, bury me in the grave in which the man of God is buried; lay my bones beside his bones.

Hmmm… Leaders, how many have caused you to fall, then mourned your loss? How many times have you felt honored because someone prophesied to you, saw you fall, but stood beside you in the failure? Our prayer is this season must be that God opens our spiritual eyes and allows us heightened discernment.

Leaders, this word of encouragement is for you. Think on these things. Return to the authority you have been given. Do not allow the enemy to convince you that judgement is not of the Father. Remember, the Spirit searches all things. Selah.

In HIS Favor,
Prophetess Joy Allen