Luk 18:9 And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:
Luk 18:10 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.
Luk 18:11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
Luk 18:12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.
Luk 18:13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.
Luk 18:14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
The Father wants His children to be FREE. I must be transparent today, because God spoke a word to me through my own issue. Because of my own error, I received a word for the entire Body of Christ, and know that it will free and liberate many who are bound.
Now, I have a problem with people who refuse to live holy, but desire and claim all the benefits of Kingdom living. In other words, I am disturbed when I feel that someone is making a mockery of God. There are many in the church who sin openly, then rule the pulpit. There are those who lie, steal and cheat from the saints, yet they live prosperous as the humble barely survive from paycheck to paycheck. Then, there are some ministers who carry a great name and extravagant recognition, when they’re families are in shambles and neglected for their namesake. If I can be honest for just a moment, this angers me. Now, it begins by offended me, because it offends the God that I serve. However, if I’m honest with myself, over time it angers me, because I feel cheated. I find myself saying things like, “Now God, if I were to do that, I’d be exposed and lose everything you’ve given me. Father, I made that same mistake years ago, and I was completely sat down from ministry. Oh Jesus, how can you not allow me to rebuke them, when they know that they are wrong? Yet, I still have to respect them?”
I try to remind myself of something God told me long ago – “You are called to a higher level.” Okay, that’s all well and fine, HOWEVER… Yes, there are times when these words are not enough to console me. There are times when the “Jonah Complex” comes over me, and I want to see God’s judgment move. More often, however, I have those moments when I find myself compromising my own integrity, because I’ve lowered my standards based on the actions of man.
In Luke 18, Jesus teaches the disciples about a Pharisee and a Publican in prayer. The Pharisee recognizes the sins of others, and thereby justifies himself. So, he is haughty toward God, and feels “entitled” to an answered prayer. In contrast, there is a Publican who prays humbly, WITHOUT EVER MENTIONING THE SINS OF ANOTHER, and Jesus teaches that he is justified, according to his humility.
I must share what God is yet delivering me from. I just thank God that I am getting free!!! As a prophet, I am called to such a level of holiness, that many other saints seem not to even understand. In that, I am often frustrated when it seems that others are having an “easier” time in ministry than what I go through. Even more, it literally agitates me to see sin accepted between “leaders” in the church. THIS WEEK, God called me to the carpet on some things. Allow me to share a few examples:
1) There was a time when my husband did not work. There were circumstances that prevented him from doing so, and though I understood this, I was still resentful toward him. I didn’t want to admit it to myself, but God revealed it to me. I didn’t confront him about it. I wasn’t mean to him. There were no obvious signs, but this is where I missed it. Because he wasn’t working, I felt “entitled” to have the house cleaned. Whatever my husband didn’t do, I didn’t do either. I refused, because I felt that if he didn’t do the “husbandly” thing, I wouldn’t do the “wifely” thing either. Oh, my God. The Father showed me my dirty house and my error. No, this situation may not deal with outright black & white sin, however, God rebuked me for my response. The fact is that cleaning the house if MY responsibility as the mother and wife of the home. What my husband does or does not do does not change what God expects of ME. So, my integrity is compromised when I lower MY standards based on the actions of another, be they good or bad.
How often do we lower our standards of holiness because another person has sinned or missed the mark? How often do we blame our leaders for our mistakes, because we disobeyed God, and blamed their “bad leadership? Oh, it’s so important that we compare ourselves only to Christ – not man. Otherwise, we will not remain humble before God.
2) I used to be part of a dance ministry in a church where I served. Unlike most of my dance ministry experiences in the past, I was NOT the choreographer for this group. So, since the ministry was self-contained and the leader handled the choreography, I didn’t practice as much. Soon, my prayers concerning this area of ministry began to dwindle. Because all was “well”, I never expected the rebuke I received. God was disappointed in me because I lowered my standards. I let down my guard, rather than living up to the standard that was set on my life.
3) Like many of you, I’ve been in a church where the “lead” minister lived a life that was less exemplary than most. While she was never caught in what many consider to be blatant sin, she did not have a godly attitude or a holy demeanor. She wore “questionable” clothing. She didn’t know how to address people, and had a rude way of speaking. She was always late, and would take credit for things other people did. She would fail to give messages to the Pastor and had a habit of always making the other person look bad. Well, I began to get angry…then offended. It got to the point that I found myself talking about this minister. My tone with her grew short. Then God spoke to me about the situation. He allowed me to see her in the spirit realm. I realized how far she had come and much she had grown, though there were still some things to be worked out in her. Me, on the other hand – I had taken steps back. I felt “justified” in judging her, because I was supposedly more spiritually mature. My mistake was that I judged in the flesh. I moved based on observation rather than revelation.
Saints of God, the enemy is deceitful, sly and cunning. It is so easy to look on the shortcomings or successes of others, and become complacent with ourselves. Be careful. Watch diligently. The actions of others NEVER justify YOUR level of integrity and obedience to God.
Get free!!!
Monday, January 21, 2008
Friday, January 18, 2008
Blasphemy Against the Holy Spirit within YOU
Matt 12:22 Then a blind and dumb man under the power of a demon was brought to Jesus, and He cured him, so that the blind and dumb man both spoke and saw.
Matt 12:23 And all the [crowds of] people were stunned with bewildered wonder and said, This cannot be the Son of David, can it?
Matt 12:24 But the Pharisees, hearing it, said, This Man drives out demons only by {and} with the help of Beelzebub, the prince of demons.
Matt 12:25 And knowing their thoughts, He said to them, Any kingdom that is divided against itself is being brought to desolation {and} laid waste, and no city {or} house divided against itself will last {or} continue to stand.
Matt 12:26 And if Satan drives out Satan, he has become divided against himself {and} disunified; how then will his kingdom last {or} continue to stand?
Matt 12:27 And if I drive out the demons by [help of] Beelzebub, by whose [help] do your sons drive them out? For this reason they shall be your judges.
Matt 12:28 But if it is by the Spirit of God that I drive out the demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you [before you expected it].
Matt 12:29 Or how can a person go into a strong man's house and carry off his goods (the entire equipment of his house) without first binding the strong man? Then indeed he may plunder his house.
Matt 12:30 He who is not with Me [definitely on My side] is against Me, and he who does not [definitely] gather with Me {and} for My side scatters.
Matt 12:31 Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy (every evil, abusive, injurious speaking, or indignity against sacred things) can be forgiven men, but blasphemy against the [Holy] Spirit shall not {and} cannot be forgiven.
God wants to encourage the saints today. Just like Jesus, our Teacher, many have suffered persecution from the CHURCH for the sake of ministry. This is a season when God’s elect are feeling isolated and alone. Many feel they are misunderstood. It seems as if the more God speaks, the more rebuke you receive. It looks like other saints simply feel that you’re too deep – it just “doesn’t take all that!” The more instruction you follow, the more your mistakes are magnified. God sees your frustration. As you are rebuked for the sake of MINISTRY, it seems as if sin goes unchecked. The faithful are under the magnifying glass. Your own brothers and sisters seem to rejoice when you slip or seem to fail. These are those God is encouraging today!
In this passage of Scripture, our Savior casts out a demon and is accused of doing so by Satan, himself. As the Pharisees commence to rebuking Jesus, he tells them that a Kingdom divided against itself shall not stand. Two points are made by the statement. (1) Satan will not drive out and destroy his own. (2) When the body of Christ is divided, it cannot stand in victory.
We must understand that sin is real, and it is rampant in the church. However, we must also be very careful and humble when judging our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Church hurt has caused so much confusion in the Body, because we tend to pass judgment by the flesh rather than judging first by the Spirit. For this reason, sin continues as the work that God ordains is often stifled and shut down. Jealousy, strife and envy have haulted too many divine and ordained works. We are so quick to judge those who do the will of God, but rarely challenge the self-proclaimed saints who do not exhibit the fruit of repentance. Isn’t it funny how we can easily rebuke the sister who lays hands on a person during service, though not “at the right time,” but when the preacher is known to have an affair with the armor bearer, we are told to “keep out mouths off the leaders”? Isn’t it interesting that the untitled woman of God who prays too long is called to the pastor’s office for a talk about “order,” while the minister who cursed out a member just before service will say, “Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm…”?
Can we tell the truth? It’s just EASIER to rebuke the ones who are obedient. The sinner already walks in a spirit of rebellion that is not easily tamed. Therefore, the flesh, in it’s desire to feel a sense of accomplishment, will automatically attack the Spirit of God within a person who is ready to receive correction in order to please the Father. I’ve heard many refer to this as “false humility.” Today, God says that YOU who are called of Him, must stop those unmerited rebukes. Be encouraged, and do not allow the idle words of others to lead them into blasphemy.
As Jesus began to teach the Pharisees who challenged him, he points out that blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is a very dangerous thing. Saints of God, do you not understand that when a person denies the Holy Spirit within YOU, blasphemy is being committed. It is a dangerous thing for someone to judge and correct a move of the Holy Spirit without the Spirit of God leading them. Blasphemy occurs when a move of God is rebuked from the flesh. In such cases, the Holy Spirit has been denied. So then, it is VERY important that we not allow people to ridicule when we KNOW we are in God’s divine will.
Matt 12:23 And all the [crowds of] people were stunned with bewildered wonder and said, This cannot be the Son of David, can it?
Matt 12:24 But the Pharisees, hearing it, said, This Man drives out demons only by {and} with the help of Beelzebub, the prince of demons.
Matt 12:25 And knowing their thoughts, He said to them, Any kingdom that is divided against itself is being brought to desolation {and} laid waste, and no city {or} house divided against itself will last {or} continue to stand.
Matt 12:26 And if Satan drives out Satan, he has become divided against himself {and} disunified; how then will his kingdom last {or} continue to stand?
Matt 12:27 And if I drive out the demons by [help of] Beelzebub, by whose [help] do your sons drive them out? For this reason they shall be your judges.
Matt 12:28 But if it is by the Spirit of God that I drive out the demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you [before you expected it].
Matt 12:29 Or how can a person go into a strong man's house and carry off his goods (the entire equipment of his house) without first binding the strong man? Then indeed he may plunder his house.
Matt 12:30 He who is not with Me [definitely on My side] is against Me, and he who does not [definitely] gather with Me {and} for My side scatters.
Matt 12:31 Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy (every evil, abusive, injurious speaking, or indignity against sacred things) can be forgiven men, but blasphemy against the [Holy] Spirit shall not {and} cannot be forgiven.
God wants to encourage the saints today. Just like Jesus, our Teacher, many have suffered persecution from the CHURCH for the sake of ministry. This is a season when God’s elect are feeling isolated and alone. Many feel they are misunderstood. It seems as if the more God speaks, the more rebuke you receive. It looks like other saints simply feel that you’re too deep – it just “doesn’t take all that!” The more instruction you follow, the more your mistakes are magnified. God sees your frustration. As you are rebuked for the sake of MINISTRY, it seems as if sin goes unchecked. The faithful are under the magnifying glass. Your own brothers and sisters seem to rejoice when you slip or seem to fail. These are those God is encouraging today!
In this passage of Scripture, our Savior casts out a demon and is accused of doing so by Satan, himself. As the Pharisees commence to rebuking Jesus, he tells them that a Kingdom divided against itself shall not stand. Two points are made by the statement. (1) Satan will not drive out and destroy his own. (2) When the body of Christ is divided, it cannot stand in victory.
We must understand that sin is real, and it is rampant in the church. However, we must also be very careful and humble when judging our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Church hurt has caused so much confusion in the Body, because we tend to pass judgment by the flesh rather than judging first by the Spirit. For this reason, sin continues as the work that God ordains is often stifled and shut down. Jealousy, strife and envy have haulted too many divine and ordained works. We are so quick to judge those who do the will of God, but rarely challenge the self-proclaimed saints who do not exhibit the fruit of repentance. Isn’t it funny how we can easily rebuke the sister who lays hands on a person during service, though not “at the right time,” but when the preacher is known to have an affair with the armor bearer, we are told to “keep out mouths off the leaders”? Isn’t it interesting that the untitled woman of God who prays too long is called to the pastor’s office for a talk about “order,” while the minister who cursed out a member just before service will say, “Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm…”?
Can we tell the truth? It’s just EASIER to rebuke the ones who are obedient. The sinner already walks in a spirit of rebellion that is not easily tamed. Therefore, the flesh, in it’s desire to feel a sense of accomplishment, will automatically attack the Spirit of God within a person who is ready to receive correction in order to please the Father. I’ve heard many refer to this as “false humility.” Today, God says that YOU who are called of Him, must stop those unmerited rebukes. Be encouraged, and do not allow the idle words of others to lead them into blasphemy.
As Jesus began to teach the Pharisees who challenged him, he points out that blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is a very dangerous thing. Saints of God, do you not understand that when a person denies the Holy Spirit within YOU, blasphemy is being committed. It is a dangerous thing for someone to judge and correct a move of the Holy Spirit without the Spirit of God leading them. Blasphemy occurs when a move of God is rebuked from the flesh. In such cases, the Holy Spirit has been denied. So then, it is VERY important that we not allow people to ridicule when we KNOW we are in God’s divine will.
Friday, January 04, 2008
OBEDIENCE: The Foundation of Worship
1 Chronicles 15:13 For because ye did it not at the first, the LORD our God made a breach upon us, for that we sought him not after the due order.
As we plunge into 2008, so many are making resolutions and vows to God. Some vow to lose weight. Others vow to give more. Some decide to pay down debt. With all the "good" intentions of the saints, I still hear God saying that He requires obedience in order for anything to be made new. Repentance is so needed in the Body of Christ. Rather than trying to figure out a "new" way, God wants His people to simply trust Him and BE OBEDIENT.
We get so creative and so deep trying to increase our worship and praise to God. Yet, He is calling us to simply follow the protocol He has already set in place. Worship is not about creativity. Worship is not about emotion. Our emotions stem from the soul, but those who worship God must do so in SPIRIT and in TRUTH. We often forget that the foundation of worship is simple OBEDIENCE.
We try to do everything to please God except what He has called, ordained and commanded us to do. Obedience is better than sacrifice, but many are in a downward spiral, because we don't trust God and His word. We think we can worship Him better than the instruction He has given. We think we can love Him in a better way than He wants to be loved.
Isaiah 65:1 I WAS [ready to be] inquired of by those who asked not; I was [ready to be] found by those who sought Me not. I said, Here I am, here I am [says I AM] to a nation [Israel] that has not called on My name.
Isaiah 65:2 I have spread out My hands all the day long to a rebellious people, who walk in a way that is not good, after their own thoughts--
God gave me instructions to share this Scripture with His people. In this last season, our Father waited on His people to seek Him, yet many of us failed to do so. Instead of ministering to Him, we sought and worshipped a form of ministry. Instead of becoming part of the Body, we worshipped and honored the church. Unfortunately, many have been deceived, believing that God is pleased simply because we stamped His name on it. Yet, God is saying that as He reached out to us, we ignored Him. We were busy, but not beneficial to the Kingdom.
The Father has waited on a rebellious people - people who refuse to hear and obey instruction. We have become a people who think we know better than God. Truly, the Church has turned to the thoughts of men. I see how we have "explained" away every type of sin. Everything is now tolerated. We intellectualize every excuse imaginable rather than just living holy. Sancitification is now the exception rather than the rule in the Body of Christ. We have moved into a place where God's people feel they are smarter than the Creator Himself.
When will we begin again to value salvation - the promise of eternal life with our Heavenly Father? Rather than arguing and philosophying about whether a drink of wine is a sin, where is the one that will say, "It's just not worth risking my salvation over a drink of wine. Whether it's a sin or not, I'm not willing to take a chance in disappointing my Father"? Oh, where is the genuine FEAR of God?
Isaiah 66:3 [The acts of the hypocrite's worship are as abominable to God as if they were offered to idols.] He who kills an ox [then] will be as guilty as if he slew {and} sacrificed a man; he who sacrifices a lamb {or} a kid, as if he broke a dog's neck {and} sacrificed him; he who offers a cereal offering, as if he offered swine's blood; he who burns incense [to God], as if he blessed an idol. [Such people] have chosen their own ways, and they delight in their abominations;
Isaiah 66:4 So I also will choose their delusions {and} mockings, their calamities {and} afflictions, and I will bring their fears upon them--because when I called, no one answered; when I spoke, they did not listen {or} obey. But they did what was evil in My sight and chose that in which I did not delight.
People of God, holiness and sanctification MUST be prevalent in God's people. Too many of us have walked as hypocrites and tried to offer worship unto our God. Yet, we refuse to believe that worship has been rejected. The worship of a hypocrite is as offensive to God as offerings to an idol. Before we decided to do something "new" for God, can we simply resolve in our hearts and mind that the old word must first be fulfilled? The commandments already set forth must be completed.
God is spewing out the lukewarm in this season. We have already been warned, and we've already seen exposure. Those who delight in those things that offend God will see their fears realized in the midst of disobedience. Be not deceived. WORSHIP CANNOT TAKE PLACE WITHOUT OBEDIENCE.
Selah.
For more on what God is sharing concerning this topic, listen to the message "A Call to Spiritual Maturity", recorded on BlogTalk radio January 3, 2008.
As we plunge into 2008, so many are making resolutions and vows to God. Some vow to lose weight. Others vow to give more. Some decide to pay down debt. With all the "good" intentions of the saints, I still hear God saying that He requires obedience in order for anything to be made new. Repentance is so needed in the Body of Christ. Rather than trying to figure out a "new" way, God wants His people to simply trust Him and BE OBEDIENT.
We get so creative and so deep trying to increase our worship and praise to God. Yet, He is calling us to simply follow the protocol He has already set in place. Worship is not about creativity. Worship is not about emotion. Our emotions stem from the soul, but those who worship God must do so in SPIRIT and in TRUTH. We often forget that the foundation of worship is simple OBEDIENCE.
We try to do everything to please God except what He has called, ordained and commanded us to do. Obedience is better than sacrifice, but many are in a downward spiral, because we don't trust God and His word. We think we can worship Him better than the instruction He has given. We think we can love Him in a better way than He wants to be loved.
Isaiah 65:1 I WAS [ready to be] inquired of by those who asked not; I was [ready to be] found by those who sought Me not. I said, Here I am, here I am [says I AM] to a nation [Israel] that has not called on My name.
Isaiah 65:2 I have spread out My hands all the day long to a rebellious people, who walk in a way that is not good, after their own thoughts--
God gave me instructions to share this Scripture with His people. In this last season, our Father waited on His people to seek Him, yet many of us failed to do so. Instead of ministering to Him, we sought and worshipped a form of ministry. Instead of becoming part of the Body, we worshipped and honored the church. Unfortunately, many have been deceived, believing that God is pleased simply because we stamped His name on it. Yet, God is saying that as He reached out to us, we ignored Him. We were busy, but not beneficial to the Kingdom.
The Father has waited on a rebellious people - people who refuse to hear and obey instruction. We have become a people who think we know better than God. Truly, the Church has turned to the thoughts of men. I see how we have "explained" away every type of sin. Everything is now tolerated. We intellectualize every excuse imaginable rather than just living holy. Sancitification is now the exception rather than the rule in the Body of Christ. We have moved into a place where God's people feel they are smarter than the Creator Himself.
When will we begin again to value salvation - the promise of eternal life with our Heavenly Father? Rather than arguing and philosophying about whether a drink of wine is a sin, where is the one that will say, "It's just not worth risking my salvation over a drink of wine. Whether it's a sin or not, I'm not willing to take a chance in disappointing my Father"? Oh, where is the genuine FEAR of God?
Isaiah 66:3 [The acts of the hypocrite's worship are as abominable to God as if they were offered to idols.] He who kills an ox [then] will be as guilty as if he slew {and} sacrificed a man; he who sacrifices a lamb {or} a kid, as if he broke a dog's neck {and} sacrificed him; he who offers a cereal offering, as if he offered swine's blood; he who burns incense [to God], as if he blessed an idol. [Such people] have chosen their own ways, and they delight in their abominations;
Isaiah 66:4 So I also will choose their delusions {and} mockings, their calamities {and} afflictions, and I will bring their fears upon them--because when I called, no one answered; when I spoke, they did not listen {or} obey. But they did what was evil in My sight and chose that in which I did not delight.
People of God, holiness and sanctification MUST be prevalent in God's people. Too many of us have walked as hypocrites and tried to offer worship unto our God. Yet, we refuse to believe that worship has been rejected. The worship of a hypocrite is as offensive to God as offerings to an idol. Before we decided to do something "new" for God, can we simply resolve in our hearts and mind that the old word must first be fulfilled? The commandments already set forth must be completed.
God is spewing out the lukewarm in this season. We have already been warned, and we've already seen exposure. Those who delight in those things that offend God will see their fears realized in the midst of disobedience. Be not deceived. WORSHIP CANNOT TAKE PLACE WITHOUT OBEDIENCE.
Selah.
For more on what God is sharing concerning this topic, listen to the message "A Call to Spiritual Maturity", recorded on BlogTalk radio January 3, 2008.
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