Called to Spiritual Warfare? Do You Ever Win?

God spoke so clearly to me this afternoon as I sat at my office desk. I was thinking about all the “trainers” and “leaders” I’ve had in my life and all the “lessons” I received in spiritual warfare. God has been reminding me over the last few weeks about ministry He has called me to, and I realized that I have veered off, caught up by many distractions. I am moving forward with a fresh mission to RETURN and fulfill the purpose I have missed in ministry, part of which is spiritual warfare.

God reminded me that He doesn’t call us to battle against the enemy and allow us to lose. Somehow, the Body of Christ has accepted the idea that when we engage in spiritual warfare, we are “meant” to lose some battles. NOT SO!

God has reminded me of some training and is rebuilding some of the faith, power and godly boldness I lost because of the lies heard from “church folk.” It was once said that those who can do, and those who can’t teach. While I don’t agree completely with this statement, I see it often in the Body of Christ. Many are teaching in areas where they themselves are failures, thereby teaching others that it’s okay to “miss.”

That’s not good enough in this season! I will not settle for such a ministry. I believe there are others who will refuse the mediocre as well. I pray this encourages those of you who claim to have ministries of deliverance. I pray it will challenge those who operate in spiritual warfare. In all your praying, all your fighting and all your struggle, HAVE YOU EVER WON? That’s what God is asking me today. What is your record?

Training is the only way to improve the statistics. When boxers begin to lose rank due to losses, they go into training. Then they practice. They lose weight and build muscle. They eat strategically and talk to themselves to build ego and anger toward the opponent.

Some of us have had some losing battles lately. There’s some sin we came up against, and it’s still present. We attempted to cast out some demons that never left. We’ve laid hands on some people, but didn’t see them healed. Some of us need to step out of the forefront and go back into training. We need to practice – deliver some folks in our own homes and churches before taking on the world. We need to lose the heaviness of tradition. We need to fast and get back into the Word. We need to encourage ourselves in the Lord.

Let me just share a very personal thing I went through last week. Perhaps none of you can relate, but I must expose this to set myself free – AMEN. Last week, I continuously asked God if I could stop calling myself a prophet. I had two reasons – (1) I didn’t want to be associated with all the other “prophets” floating around and (2) I have not reached the level in the prophetic that I know God is calling me to. In fact, I have lost much of my confidence as a prophet. It’s not because I doubt my calling or the gift. I know that I hear from God and know He shows me things (dreams, visions, etc.). The gifts have been in operation since birth. It’s realizing the authority to speak and having the faith of God to watch the atmosphere take shape – those are the challenges. Of course, God has not allowed me to escape the assignment, but I allowed to do one thing – walk in honesty that others can be encouraged. I'm ready to go to the next level - anyone ready and willing to go with me?

Now, with that said, God has not called or assigned His people to fail. He puts no more on us than what we can bear, so the excuses for SLOPPY ministry must cease. The signs and wonders MUST come forth. The prophecies WILL come to pass. The sick and lame SHALL be healed.

In your warfare, how many battles have you won?

A Word of Instruction Unto the Body of Christ

My people seek healing and restoration, but who among you truly desires my presence? Who is willing to sacrifice and abase themselves in order for Me to heal and set free? Did I not instruct you to pray, seek My face and turn from your wicked ways? Yet, there is no turning, because you do not see your error. There is no repentance because you refuse to confess. My people have forsaken my presence for entertainment. Seeking My face has become a burden unto you. So shall you remain sick until you truly allow the flesh to die. You shall remain sick until you are content in my presence. Your agenda must die. Your plan will perish. Have I not ordered your steps? Do I not have plans to bring you into an expected end? Why then do you not follow my instruction? Return now to your first love. Return to the yearning you once had to please me. Consider your ways, that you seek to please men. You cannot serve two masters. Why do you seek recreation when I am calling you as a minister unto my people? Why do you seek honor and prestige when I am calling you to servanthood? Humble yourselves, and I will lift you up!

Time is drawing near. There is no power in your plan. Your accomplishments will not enable you to stand. I have called the foolish things of this world to confound the wise. Do not lean to your own understanding. Why do you seek to be understood? Why do you seek to be noticed and applauded? Why do you seek the approval of men? There is no time to waste. I am your hedge of protection. Do not forsake me, seeking your own way. Dwell now within My secret place. Speak only what I instruct you to speak. Move only when I command you to move. Draw nigh and see the mighty hand of your God.

Jer 8:22 Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why then is not the health of the daughter of my people restored? [Because Zion no longer enjoyed the presence of the Great Physician!]

Why Not be a Homosexual?

Just like the next saint of God, I hate and despise the sin of homosexuality. Not only is it a sin against God, but it is a sin against nature. However, God spoke to me tonight when I read a quote by an old saint, Martin Niemöller (1892-1984). This man of God founded a Bible-believing church movement in Germany and was imprisoned in a Nazi concentration camp in the 1930's. As he reflected on that time, he often preached that silence is a sin of omission. In other words, by not speaking out against a thing, the person attributes to the problem and passively approves it. This is the quote I read when God began to speak:

"First they [the Nazis] came for the Communists, but I was not a Communist—so I said nothing. Then they came for the Social Democrats, but I was not a Social Democrat—so I did nothing. Then came the trade unionists, but I was not a trade unionist. And then they came for the Jews, but I was not a Jew—so I did little. Then when they came for me, there was no one left who could stand up for me."

God began to deal with me about the imbalance of prophetic utterance in the church. God has called his prophets to proclaim HIS heart, though many times we speak only the portion of God's heart that agrees with our own! Like the quote explains, we preach against only those things that offend us directly. We speak out only against the obvious, ignoring the "small" things that don't make us look like heroes. Yes, I am guilty of what God is showing me. Often, we preach against homosexuality in the world, but neglect the other sins right in the Body of Christ that bring God sorrow and reproach.

Why not be a homosexual? The very reasons we preach against this terrible sin are still problems with others PRACTICED AND IGNORED in the Body of Christ. God said we must be holy as He is holy. Jesus taught that a man who breaks a portion of the law is guilty of it all. Yes, we must continue to cry out against sexual immorality, but we must also begin to expose the subtle areas where the enemy has crept in. Many of us are guilty in these "hidden" areas...

~~~

1 Cor 6:18 Shun immorality {and} all sexual looseness [flee from impurity in thought, word, or deed]. Any other sin which a man commits is one outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body.

1 Cor 6:19 Do you not know that your body is the temple (the very sanctuary) of the Holy Spirit Who lives within you, Whom you have received [as a Gift] from God? You are not your own,

1 Cor 6:20 You were bought with a price [purchased with a preciousness and paid for, made His own]. So then, honor God {and} bring glory to Him in your body.

Oftentimes, the people of God tend to place "weight" on homosexual sin, because such sins are against God and the physical body, which should be reserved as the temple of the Holy Spirit. Yet, we fail to realize that one who does not become a living sacrifice according to Romans 12:1-2 is still defiling the same temple, though perhaps not in such an obvious manner.

We also fail to acknowledge, as is clear in the Amplified version, that such immorality stems not only from action, but also from thought and deed. How important is God's investment in you? As a saint of God, are you willing to flee all APPEARANCE of evil in order to resist temptation? As a prophet, I must warn the people of God that many of us have gotten too complacent - too high, mighty and dependent upon our own sense of security and holiness. Who are we to risk the investments God has placed in us? What valid reason do we have to fill our minds with lewd thoughts? Yes, we do it - movies, music, vile conversations, dirty jokes, worldly love novels, and the list goes on. Many would say we are to have fun, and I agree, but at what expense? What are you willing to risk? Where do you draw the line? It's a scary thing to know that so many are willing to RISK holiness by enticing the mind on a day to day basis. Why? The thought leads to the sin and STILL perverts the temple. It's time to preach TRUE HOLINESS and sanctification, SEPARATION from the ways of the world and RESISTANCE to the flesh!

I thank God that early in my Christian walk, I was trained by truly HOLY and SEPARATE women of God. Their thoughts and even their ambitions in the world were not equal to those OF the world. They were willing to SACRIFICE in order to please God. As my "Mama Shirley" used to tell me, "I'd rather get to heaven and find out I didn't have to do than get there and I find out I should have, but didn't." Were these women a little too extreme? Perhaps. Yet, I must say I'd rather be extreme in holiness than too loose. How important is pleasing God to you? Where is your line of conviction? Do you have an appearance of godliness while denying the power thereof? Do you look holy while on the same path as those in the very sin of homosexuality or any other abominations?

Saints of God, we must remember, WE ARE CALLED TO A HIGHER STANDARD. The world will be judged for the sin according to the law. For you, whenever you know what is right, but refuse to do it, to YOU, that is sin (James 4:17; Proverbs 16:25)! It's time for us to truly look different from the world. Why should they believe the word we preach if there is no difference?

There is some residue of sin that's still on many of us, and it is hindering ministry. I'm talking about sin that is apparent to the world, not the "deep" stuff we work on amongst the saints. They see it at our jobs, in our families, on the weekends at the grocery store, yet the church looks over it. It is stench in the nostrils of our Father. Some of us need to be DELIVERED and truly set free - we don't need the yoke to be loosed, but BROKEN and DESTROYED.

We talk about holiness, but when the rubber hits the road, WHERE IS IT? As soon as opposition comes, we want to change the Gospel and blame it on a prophetic revelation from God. NO! The Scriptures are true! The Father gives revelation into His Word, but He doesn't make a habit of giving free passes. You're just not that special!

Instead of trying to conjure up a "new" word in all of your holiness, be holy enough to deny your flesh and be a doer of His word, rather than a hearer only.

1 Cor 4:20 For the kingdom of God consists of {and} is based on not talk but power (moral power and excellence of soul).

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Gal 5:19 Now the doings (practices) of the flesh are clear (obvious): they are immorality, impurity, indecency,

Gal 5:20 Idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, anger (ill temper), selfishness, divisions (dissensions), party spirit (factions, sects with peculiar opinions, heresies),

Gal 5:21 Envy, drunkenness, carousing, and the like. I warn you beforehand, just as I did previously, that those who do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

The prophetic word for this season is to stop discrediting the Word of God! Oftentimes, God's people are searching for single Scriptures to make a point - not for God, but for one more tally on a scoreboard - one more chance to be right. The same word we use to rebuke sexual spirits (and rightfully so) is also a word that rebukes many in the church, even many in the pulpit.

The SAME scripture reminds us that other works of the flesh include idolatry - your house, your car, your overwhelming desire for Louis Vuitton and Coach when your bills are not paid. Do we not think God will judge us when we get the hair and nails done every week, buy a new suit every Saturday, yet neglect the basic needs of our own children. How dare the "saints of God" walk as "divas" when their own children look ragged and neglected! Can I be real? Where are our priorities? Sorcery - your controlling spirits and the lack of submission you have to leadership in the church AND in the home. We often preach that even when leadership is in error, submission is required, yet we fail to uphold this same standard in marriage or with our parents. Why the contradiction? Why the hypocricy?

Enmity, strife and jealousy - the people of God still can't rejoice with one another. We don't mourn when another mourns, but we'd rather beat them while they're down. Why? We're not in it for God's glory when we rejoice at the fall of another. How does that bring glory to our Father? How does that make YOU look as one called to ministry? Selfishness and divisions are rampant. We can't get to a point of knowing another by the spirit, because we allow the flesh to turn us away first. We are so easily offended that we don't allow the spirit to make a judgment. You're not always that discerning - sometimes you're just a hater!

Party spirits - How many more times will I hear it? "I didn't stop dancing, I just changed partners?" Perhaps that's the problem. We never stopped dancing long enough to get on our faces in worship. We haven't shut up the noise long enough to get a word from God? We want to bring the world into the house of God and stamp it as holy. There is no transformation. There is no sacrifice. Church is not meant for entertainment, though it has become a rather large source for just that. Entertainment is for the flesh. Who is willing to die that God will be pleased in worship? Where are the travailing saints, those carrying the labor pains and birthing the heart of God in this earth? When was the last time someone FEARED going into the house of God? I remember what it was like to dread going to church, knowing that the saints could smell the sin in my life. What happened? Where is the reverent fear of God AND HIS PEOPLE? Fear comes with respect. Respect comes with integrity, and integrity is sealed with reputation... Ahhhh....

None of these offences shall inherit the Kingdom of God. How can we be complacent in shunning homosexuality when we allow all the rest? The end thereof, regardless of the path taken, is still death!

~~~

Rom 13:11 Besides this you know what [a critical] hour this is, how it is high time now for you to wake up out of your sleep (rouse to reality). For salvation (final deliverance) is nearer to us now than when we first believed (adhered to, trusted in, and relied on Christ, the Messiah).

Rom 13:12 The night is far gone and the day is almost here. Let us then drop (fling away) the works {and} deeds of darkness and put on the [full] armor of light.

Rom 13:13 Let us live {and} conduct ourselves honorably {and} becomingly as in the [open light of] day, not in reveling (carousing) and drunkenness, not in immorality and debauchery (sensuality and licentiousness), not in quarreling and jealousy.

Rom 13:14 But clothe yourself with the Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah), and make no provision for [indulging] the flesh [put a stop to thinking about the evil cravings of your physical nature] to [gratify its] desires (lusts).

I love Paul's message - WAKE UP! The saints need to sober up and understand that nothing is so DEEP that it causes you to surpass the call to holiness. How many of us are trying to walk in the light, but still partake in "deeds of darkness?" Lying to the bill collector - telling your children to announce you're not home... Buying a dress to wear to the conference, then taking it back to the store claiming it was the "wrong size"... Floating checks we know won't clear... Buying and selling boot leg videos and CD's... Yes, I'm guilty too, and IT MUST CEASE. Of course, we have our reasons, but it's still deceit. It's still lying. It's still sin. What is your level of ambition in God? How close to perfect do you really want to be? It's not worth missing God.

We are commanded to live honorably "as in the day." In other words, there should be nothing hidden. We should be transparent to the world. WE MUST OBEY THE LAWS OF THIS LAND, so long as they don't go against the Word of God. We often quote that no weapon formed against us shall prosper...that every tongue that rises against us in judgment shall fall. This, according to the REST of the Scriptures, is the inheritance only of those that belong to the Father. Holy living will cause this to be true. However, THIS DOES NOT APPLY TO THOSE WHO DON'T LIVE HOLY LIVES. Stop lying to yourself and others. Don't give false comfort. Lusts for the things of this world have opened a major door for subtle sins that still lead to the same BIG hell! We cannot ignore it any longer. Be holy as God is holy!

~~~

1 Cor 6:8 But [instead it is you] yourselves who wrong and defraud, and that even your own brethren [by so treating them]!

1 Cor 6:9 Do you not know that the unrighteous {and} the wrongdoers will not inherit {or} have any share in the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived (misled): neither the impure {and} immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor those who participate in homosexuality,

(KJV Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,)

1 Cor 6:10 Nor cheats (swindlers and thieves), nor greedy graspers, nor drunkards, nor foulmouthed revilers {and} slanderers, nor extortioners {and} robbers will inherit {or} have any share in the kingdom of God. (KJV Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.)

1 Cor 6:11 And such some of you were [once]. But you were washed clean (purified by a complete atonement for sin and made free from the guilt of sin), and you were consecrated (set apart, hallowed), and you were justified [pronounced righteous, by trusting] in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the [Holy] Spirit of our God.

Have we really been washed CLEAN, or were we just rubbed over? Are there still spots evident in our day to day lives? Are we still stealing from our jobs (ink pens and paper are included), our churches and even God? Are we still causing riots and upsets in public, making unnecessary scenes and being disrespectful because we think we have a "right" as Christians? Men, are you still twitching and flipping your wrist, though you've walked away from the ACT of homosexuality (this is what effiminate means - look it up!). Women, do you still insist on looking like a thug, claiming it's necessary to reach the young men in the church? Are you still proclaiming that you can do everything a man can do? No wonder there is an identity crisis in the spirit realm - there is still an identity crisis in the natural!

Have we really been made COMPLETELY FREE? I've heard so many preach of power struggles. Power struggles come when people don't know their place and/or identity. Men and women were made differently, and God did it for a purpose. There are many who have not indulged in acts of homosexuality, but still act against the nature of what God called them to be. There are still men who refuse to stand up and take care of their families. The Bible (not Joy) said you are worse than an infidel and should not eat. There are women who still bring their husbands shame. The Bible (not Joy), said that a virtuous woman is a crown to her husband and that her children will call her blessed. What do your husband and children say about you when you're not around? Yes, it does matter. Your ministry is first to your home. Uh oh! God first, then your own household. God, help us! We've got this thing twisted!

~~~

1 Cor 5:9 I wrote you in my [previous] letter not to associate [closely and habitually] with unchaste (impure) people--

1 Cor 5:10 Not [meaning of course that you must] altogether shun the immoral people of this world, or the greedy graspers and cheats {and} thieves or idolaters, since otherwise you would need to get out of the world {and} human society altogether!

1 Cor 5:11 But now I write to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of [Christian] brother if he is known to be guilty of immorality or greed, or is an idolater [whose soul is devoted to any object that usurps the place of God], or is a person with a foul tongue [railing, abusing, reviling, slandering], or is a drunkard or a swindler {or} a robber. [No] you must not so much as eat with such a person.

1 Cor 5:12 What [business] of mine is it {and} what right have I to judge outsiders? Is it not those inside [the church] upon whom you are to pass disciplinary judgment [passing censuring sentence on them as the facts require]?

1 Cor 5:13 God alone sits in judgment on those who are outside. Drive out that wicked one from among you [expel him from your church].

I must say this carefully, but it must be pronounced. The church was established with a protocol for excommunication. Yes, it is God's will that some people be PUT OUT and CUT OFF. Because we haven't been completely obedient to the Word, those who should have been dismissed have caused havock in the Body. The leaven has spoiled the whole lump!

As Paul said, it is our DUTY to judge within the church (v.12). We are not even driving the wicked out of our own individual lives. God has been speaking to me for years about being guilty by association. Hear the word of the Lord - CUT THEM OFF! There are some who should not have access to you if you are called of God for His work. Leaders, you are allowing wolves access to the sheep you are leading. There are sheep being rebuked when they run, while the wolves are allowed to stay! Cancerous "decoys" calling themselves saints are making waves in the Body of Christ.

~~~

Eph 5:3 But immorality (sexual vice) and all impurity [of lustful, rich, wasteful living] or greediness must not even be named among you, as is fitting {and} proper among saints (God's consecrated people).

Eph 5:4 Let there be no filthiness (obscenity, indecency) nor foolish {and} sinful (silly and corrupt) talk, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting {or} becoming; but instead voice your thankfulness [to God].

Eph 5:5 For be sure of this: that no person practicing sexual vice or impurity in thought or in life, or one who is covetous [who has lustful desire for the property of others and is greedy for gain]--for he [in effect] is an idolater--has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

Eph 5:6 Let no one delude {and} deceive you with empty excuses {and} groundless arguments [for these sins], for through these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of rebellion {and} disobedience.

Eph 5:7 So do not associate {or} be sharers with them.

Saints of God, we tend to get offended when we are told things we do are not "fitting" or "becoming". Yet, we must realize this walk is not about us. There are people watching. Our LIVES must be a sacrifice. We must LOOK LIKE JESUS. That means IT SHOULD BE HARD. No one is able to walk in holiness without the Holy Spirit. There is a REASON. It is difficult, but that's no excuse. It's a reasonable price - a reasonable sacrifice. If we continue to practice and associate with so much "hidden" sin, why not be homosexuals?

Selah!

Encourage YOURSELF in the Lord

I had lots of questions for God today, and this is one of the Scriptures that encouraged me. Even in the midst of hell on earth, God always reserves a remnant. Though small, there is still a number who have not bowed to Baal. I know there are some who are operating as God has instructed you to do. There are some who are living holy and doing all they can to walk in obedience and meekness. Yet, the walls seem to be falling down around you. People mistake or even doubt your motives, your gift and your calling. Still, you must SEEK GOD and press toward the mark. Position yourself to hear God's voice and ENCOURAGE YOURSELF IN HIM!

For those of you who fit this description, BE ENCOURAGED!


1Sa 30:1 And it came to pass, when David and his men were come to Ziklag on the third day, that the Amalekites had invaded the south, and Ziklag, and smitten Ziklag, and burned it with fire;
1Sa 30:2 And had taken the women captives, that were therein: they slew not any, either great or small, but carried them away, and went on their way.
1Sa 30:3 So David and his men came to the city, and, behold, it was burned with fire; and their wives, and their sons, and their daughters, were taken captives.
1Sa 30:4 Then David and the people that were with him lifted up their voice and wept, until they had no more power to weep.
1Sa 30:5 And David's two wives were taken captives, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite.
1Sa 30:6 And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.
1Sa 30:7 And David said to Abiathar the priest, Ahimelech's son, I pray thee, bring me hither the ephod. And Abiathar brought thither the ephod to David.
1Sa 30:8 And David enquired at the LORD, saying, Shall I pursue after this troop? shall I overtake them? And he answered him, Pursue: for thou shalt surely overtake them, and without fail recover all.

Lessons from a Cemetery

God graced me with another opportunity to visit our nation's capital city this past weekend. While I was there for my employer, I had some time to visit historical sites and definitely had plenty of time to pray and hear God in my hotel room.

One of the most overwhelming things I saw was the Arlington National Cemetery. A small group of us went to see the cemetery by moonlight, and while it was somewhat of a tearjerker, God really spoke to me about the principal behind this massive and prestigious monument.

He asked me a number of questions and drew my attention to a variety of details as I observed the cemetery. Right away, I noticed that all the tombstones were the same color, same size and same shape. They were all very simple and faced the same direction. They were laid out in perfect rows. These were the tombstones of men and women who have died for our country. These were the grave sites of those who have served in high positions of influence. I was amazed at the large number of stones as I heard the tour guide announce how they were designed and laid out to look like soldiers at attention.

God began to ask me, what if such a monument existed for martyrs - those who gave their lives for the Gospel? Would it be so massive? Would my people visit with the same respect, honor and dignity?

Immediately, I began to have a conversation with the Father and thoughts began to swarm my head. How many of us will truly honor God in our deaths? What would we really be remembered for?

I even began to think of the sacrifices the families make in order to commit the bodies of their loved ones to Arlington. They fly them in, ship them overseas - whatever it takes for them to have an honorary burial. Most of them won't be able to visit the grave sites often, and may not even be able to invite the entire family for the ceremony. Despite their life's accomplishments, these people are remembered for what they did for their country. They may have been great doctors and lawyers, awesome parents or successful entrepreneurs. Yet, they are buried there for one reason - to be honored and remembered for their services toward and on behalf of the USA. In the end, above all else, how many of us will be remembered and honored for what we've done for Christ?

Then, I thought again about the stones. God reminded me how many of the men were soldiers, yet some of them had more rank than others. Some were presidents. Some were corporals, while others were lieutenants. Yet, all the stones were alike. There was rank, but the cemetery does not stress that. In other words, rank allowed them to live and work as one body, but it was not allowed to thwart the vision or show separation from the cause at hand. In the end, the only thing that matters is their unity toward a cause - the freedom and protection of this country. How many of us can get past our rank long enough to just look like Christ? Can we get over ourselves and stop trying to force everyone to recognize our gifts and titles? Can we just work together, honoring the rank, but more importantly, working toward the building of the Kingdom of God?

If Christians had an "Arlington", how many of us would fuss making our own burial arrangements? "I'm a prophet, so my tombstone should be larger. Well, I'm a pastor, so I want an angel to sit on my stone. I'm an evangelist, so I'd like to have a Bible engraved in gold." How many of us could actually be content just looking like a unit? Would our families fight to make our grave sites "special" or would they understand our desire was simply to be known as a soldier for Christ? Even in life, when will we be willing to "blend in" as long as Christ gets the honor and the Father gets the glory? Can we survive without getting special recognition as long as unity is obtained and our goal is accomplished?

As I listened to God and pondered about this beautiful site, I was perturbed. Those in the world know how to unite for a cause, but the Body of Christ struggles as everyone wants to be an individual. Oh, God dealt with ME about so much that I do to seize an individual victory and accomplishment. Though we are known by our own names and our own "ranks" in the spirit, we should all look alike in the end. At the day of judgment, we will be honored based on our individual call to duty, and our ability to stand as a team. We may have individual assignments, but we should all talk and walk alike - in unison just like an army - just like those who have died for this country we are so blessed to live in.

You Say You Know God's Voice, but Does He Know Yours?

My husband asked me a question last week, and God has dealt with me about this very thing ever since. It's the concept of having a prayer life - time set aside to commune with and worship the Father.

Especially in the realm of the prophetic, intimate time with God is still discussed more than it is practiced. I even told my Pastor one day about how it confused me to see pastors online when I get to work in the morning, still online when I come home, and yet still online when I go to bed, without ever taking a break. So many say they talk to God throughout the day, and that's fine, but where is the invested time for intimacy?

The question my husband posed was this: Jesus was a teacher and a prophet. He had a constant and consistent relationship with the Father, yet He still took PRIVATE, PROLONGED time to pray. For all intents and purposes, He had a prayer closet and did not live and/or minister based only on revelation from dreams and visions. Hmmmm... He was not so "supernatural" that He didn't have to spend time in God's presence, alone and without the company of others.

I immediately thought of marriages. We've seen many couples married for years, yet they divorce because there is no intimacy. They live together every day. They talk every day. Yet, their intimate time together does not exist. They don't DATE anymore. Has the church gotten so high-minded and sadity that we don't recognize our need to steal away and spend time with God?

I told my pastor last week that I truly miss some of the old mothers in the church that trained me. They taught me how to get on my face, shut the door and turn down my plate until I heard God's voice. They taught me how, like Jacob, we sometimes have to press in and literally wrestle until God answers. I learned that when you really want intimacy with the Father, just like in a natural relationship, intimate time is required. It's scary to see so many ministers, pastors and teachers who don't even have the discipline or DESIRE to spend an hour alone with God each day.

Yes, Jesus did talk to the Father on an ongoing basis, throughout the day, but He also took time out to spend in prayer, alone and in private. He humbled Himself to realize that He had to SEEK God. As the Body of Christ, we must not neglect what Christ taught and DID.

When was the last time someone called your house, and you refused to answer the phone because you were in prayer? When was the last time you turned down attendance to a family cookout because you had a date of worship with the Father? Everything is on our calendars except HIM. Where is the PREPARATION for ministry? RELATIONSHIP can not be fully developed without INTENTIONAL time and an INVESTMENT of energy! We must remember that revelation is a gift; prophecy is a gift; dreams are a gift - NOT prayer and often take little efforts on our part. When are we going to wrestle as Jacob did for relationship with God? When is your next date with Him? Have you committed a time to meet Him today, tomorrow...?

Matt 26:36 Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and He told His disciples, Sit down here while I go over yonder and pray.
Matt 26:37 And taking with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, He began to show grief {and} distress of mind and was deeply depressed.
Matt 26:38 Then He said to them, My soul is very sad {and} deeply grieved, so that I am almost dying of sorrow. Stay here and keep awake {and} keep watch with Me.
Matt 26:39 And going a little farther, He threw Himself upon the ground on His face and prayed saying, My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass away from Me; nevertheless, not what I will [not what I desire], but as You will {and} desire.
Matt 26:40 And He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and He said to Peter, What! Are you so utterly unable to stay awake {and} keep watch with Me for one hour?

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

Luke 9:18 Now it occurred that as Jesus was praying privately, the disciples were with Him, and He asked them, Who do men say that I am?

Luke 9:28 Now about eight days after these teachings, Jesus took with Him Peter and John and James and went up on the mountain to pray.

He Will Finish What He Started

There is a need to encourage the people of God today. So much sin is rampant in the Body of Christ an in the house of God, yet there is always a remnant - a people who live holy and upright before the Father.

Rom 11:5 So too at the present time there is a remnant (a small believing minority), selected (chosen) by grace (by God's unmerited favor and graciousness).

That remnant must be encouraged today. Those who do have relationship with the Father still have an active covenant with Him. That covenant benefits those who are doing the work of the Father.

Saints of God, we must not lose hope, even when disarray occurs all around us. God will complete what He started in YOU. Continue to bow to His will. Continue living as a sacrifice before Him.

Some of you feel as if God is always chastising you. You feel unappreciated. It seems as if you are always giving and never receiving. You feel as if no one understands the gifts and calling upon your life. WELCOME TO A HIGHER STANDARD! To whom much is given, much is required! Rejoice and know that God has a greater purpose for your life.

BE ENCOURAGED! Walk in the strength of God (1 Cor 10:13), and allow Him to complete the work in YOU.

Is 55:11 So shall My word be that goes forth out of My mouth: it shall not return to Me void [without producing any effect, useless], but it shall accomplish that which I please {and} purpose, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.

Phil 1:6 And I am convinced {and} sure of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ [right up to the time of His return], developing [that good work] {and} perfecting {and} bringing it to full completion in you.