God is speaking to the Body of Christ. For too long, we have utilized ministry for our own gain. God is not pleased when we set other idols before Him, even when that idol is SELF.
Please, all who are in ministry, watch this video in its entirety and check yourself. We are our brother's keeper, and God is speaking to the Body.
Prophetic Music by Jason Upton
"Dying Star"
Monday, September 29, 2008
Prophetic Word for the "Successful" in Ministry
Prophetic Word for the "Successful" in Ministry
Almost every day, I receive messages in my mailbox with instructions to "pass it on." Some are political warnings, that generally turn out to be false. Others are prosperity messages that promise a massive payout depending on the number of message recipients. Still others have instructions to pray, only so that a financial miracle can take place.
Well, this message is different. This message is a word of warning for all of us who are in ministry. God is speaking to HIS people about our motives and our misunderstanding of TRUE MINISTRY. Ministry is not a means to our own selfish ends. Nor is it a ticket to fame and fortune. God is still looking for HOLINESS, SACRIFICE and LOVE.
He is disappointed, because He's given us so many ways to prepare for the return of Christ, but we are missing the assignment. Look at all our websites - bios and calendars, but rarely do we see a true Gospel message. We have broadcasts on the Word Network, TBN and our local cable channels. But rather than preach salvation, we take that opportunity to sell products and run commercials about our fundraising conferences. God, have mercy on us!
Please watch the attached video in its entirety, especially if you respect and consider me a friend. Understand that God has called each of us for a specific purpose - one of those is to be our brother's keeper. That's why we must share this prophetic message. Rather than promising a dollar for every person you forward this to or a miracle by mail, I can promise you this - In sharing this message, you will wash the blood off your hands for someone who needs a reminder directly from the throne room of God. So, please forward it on to all you know who are in ministry, and lift them in prayer as you are doing so. The motive, this time, is not a game nor a gimmick - just to redirect our focus to giving GOD the glory.
Be blessed!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZaQdCLZJLPU
Your sister in Christ,
Joy Allen
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Friday, September 26, 2008
Just a word of encouragement...
I made some mistakes this week. I exercised some poor judgment. While it was not blatant, purposeful sin, I did not do the right thing. I must give God the glory that He is due. Even when we miss the mark, His love covers us.
No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and thier righteousness is of me, saith the LORD (Isaiah 54:17).
I thank God that nothing formed against his servants shall prosper – even when we may be wrong. So often, we feel that God will forsake us due to every little error or mistake. That’s not the loving nature of our Father toward those who truly have a heart to serve Him and bear the fruit of true servants.
Today, I rejoice knowing that my righteousness is of the Lord. It does not depend on my level of perfection. Hallelujah! And just because I belong to God, those influenced by the enemy have no power to judge or take action against me – not even in speech! Saints of God, be encouraged on today. God is showing Himself strong in this hour, and He wants glory in this earth. We must understand that He will cover us for His own name’s sake. What a mighty God we serve! I have seen God move in a brand new light this week, and I am amazed. Even in our own mistakes, He covers us and allows no room for the enemy to judge.
My prayer is often that God keep me from ever being a reproach to the Body of Christ. I am realizing more and more that everything works for the good of them that love God and are called according to His purpose. Can I encourage you today to walk boldly in this promise?
Hallelujah!
No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and thier righteousness is of me, saith the LORD (Isaiah 54:17).
I thank God that nothing formed against his servants shall prosper – even when we may be wrong. So often, we feel that God will forsake us due to every little error or mistake. That’s not the loving nature of our Father toward those who truly have a heart to serve Him and bear the fruit of true servants.
Today, I rejoice knowing that my righteousness is of the Lord. It does not depend on my level of perfection. Hallelujah! And just because I belong to God, those influenced by the enemy have no power to judge or take action against me – not even in speech! Saints of God, be encouraged on today. God is showing Himself strong in this hour, and He wants glory in this earth. We must understand that He will cover us for His own name’s sake. What a mighty God we serve! I have seen God move in a brand new light this week, and I am amazed. Even in our own mistakes, He covers us and allows no room for the enemy to judge.
My prayer is often that God keep me from ever being a reproach to the Body of Christ. I am realizing more and more that everything works for the good of them that love God and are called according to His purpose. Can I encourage you today to walk boldly in this promise?
Hallelujah!
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Breath of Life International Church
Join me, Prophet Joy Allen, for service! Call (919) 448-8198 for more information!
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Could Your "Help" be Keeping You from Your Destiny in God?
John 18:10-11
10 Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's servant and cut off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus. 11 Therefore, Jesus said to Peter, Put the sword [back] into the sheath! The cup which My Father has given Me, shall I not drink it?
What is REALLY keeping you from your destiny in God?
When Jesus was betrayed, the Bible tells us that Simon Peter, probably in his anger, drew a sword to avenge Jesus. He wanted to protect his teacher from harm. What Simon didn’t realize is that Jesus had a calling to fulfill. Jesus’ rebuke to Simon Peter served as a reminder that he should not interfere with God’s work, no matter how it may look.
Oftentimes, leaders have a hard time allowing their “sheep” to go through trials in order to achieve what God has ordained for them. It’s so easy to reach out and protect others without seeking God for His will. In the same manner, we are often angry toward our leaders when they seem not to protect us from trials and hardships. Yet, we rarely consider they are simply allowing us to go through a process that God has designed for His glory and our benefit.
Where has God been cut off in your life? As I read this Scripture this morning, the Father reminded me that “Sometimes divine intervention is no intervention at all! My intervention is making sure that no flesh saves you from the situation I have created for you!”
Oh, we are all guilty – when a situation seems inevitable, but takes a surprising turn, we call that a miracle and automatically assume that it was God. Yet, when a bad situation simply takes its course, we rarely assume that God’s will was in the thing at all. We forget that a testimony alone can bring God glory.
What is HIS will for your life today? Perhaps what you’re going through is precisely what God ordained for this season, and proof of God’s hand on your life. Selah.
10 Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's servant and cut off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus. 11 Therefore, Jesus said to Peter, Put the sword [back] into the sheath! The cup which My Father has given Me, shall I not drink it?
What is REALLY keeping you from your destiny in God?
When Jesus was betrayed, the Bible tells us that Simon Peter, probably in his anger, drew a sword to avenge Jesus. He wanted to protect his teacher from harm. What Simon didn’t realize is that Jesus had a calling to fulfill. Jesus’ rebuke to Simon Peter served as a reminder that he should not interfere with God’s work, no matter how it may look.
Oftentimes, leaders have a hard time allowing their “sheep” to go through trials in order to achieve what God has ordained for them. It’s so easy to reach out and protect others without seeking God for His will. In the same manner, we are often angry toward our leaders when they seem not to protect us from trials and hardships. Yet, we rarely consider they are simply allowing us to go through a process that God has designed for His glory and our benefit.
Where has God been cut off in your life? As I read this Scripture this morning, the Father reminded me that “Sometimes divine intervention is no intervention at all! My intervention is making sure that no flesh saves you from the situation I have created for you!”
Oh, we are all guilty – when a situation seems inevitable, but takes a surprising turn, we call that a miracle and automatically assume that it was God. Yet, when a bad situation simply takes its course, we rarely assume that God’s will was in the thing at all. We forget that a testimony alone can bring God glory.
What is HIS will for your life today? Perhaps what you’re going through is precisely what God ordained for this season, and proof of God’s hand on your life. Selah.
Monday, September 08, 2008
For this very purpose...
John 12
27 Now My soul is troubled and distressed, and what shall I say? Father, save Me from this hour [of trial and agony]? But it was for this very purpose that I have come to this hour [that I might undergo it]. 28 [Rather, I will say,] Father, glorify (honor and extol) Your [own] name! Then there came a voice out of heaven saying, I have already glorified it, and I will glorify it again.
Did you know that your purpose will bring you trouble? What are you dealing with today that is designed to bring God glory? We're not talking about the troubles we bring upon ourselves, but the true sacrifice we must give for the Gospel's sake. Have you really suffered to bring God glory? Did your "yes" include any and everything that will bring Him glory, despite your own pain and agony?
For many of us, these moments are few and far between. We speak often of suffering, without realizing that our current situation doesn't glorify God at all. Is He getting the glory? Does the testimony cause deliverance for others? Have you really suffered today?
Selah.
27 Now My soul is troubled and distressed, and what shall I say? Father, save Me from this hour [of trial and agony]? But it was for this very purpose that I have come to this hour [that I might undergo it]. 28 [Rather, I will say,] Father, glorify (honor and extol) Your [own] name! Then there came a voice out of heaven saying, I have already glorified it, and I will glorify it again.
Did you know that your purpose will bring you trouble? What are you dealing with today that is designed to bring God glory? We're not talking about the troubles we bring upon ourselves, but the true sacrifice we must give for the Gospel's sake. Have you really suffered to bring God glory? Did your "yes" include any and everything that will bring Him glory, despite your own pain and agony?
For many of us, these moments are few and far between. We speak often of suffering, without realizing that our current situation doesn't glorify God at all. Is He getting the glory? Does the testimony cause deliverance for others? Have you really suffered today?
Selah.
Monday, September 01, 2008
REPOST: Preparation for the Proper Foundation
For the last month, God has been dealing with me about worship. The clarion call for His people in this season is to develop relationship with the Father. So, many of us have focused on worship and intimacy with Him. Yet, God has even more to say to His people. Hallelujah! I am so thankful for a Father who chastises those He loves!
During these last few weeks, the Lord has been dealing with me through the book of Ezra. Of course, I found this very interesting. Many of us NEVER pay any attention to this book, yet it offers so much insight on true worship and dedication to the Father. The book begins with a decree from Cyrus, the King, to build a house for God in Jerusalem. So, he instructs the Jews who remain after the Babylonian captivity to go back to the holy city and build a temple to Jehovah. Cyrus gathers all the temple materials that were brought out of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar during the capture of Jerusalem. Until this day, they were used in the temple of idols for the worship of false gods.
Now, just in this little bit of information shared during the first chapter, the Lord began to speak to me. So many of us often quote that we are “taking back what the devil stole from us.” The Lord showed me that a season of restoration is coming forth, but not as we may expect. “The church has allowed the world to steal from ME,” said God. This stung me when I first heard it, but God began to show me even more. The basins, bowls, vessels, jewels and fine metals that were stolen from the temple in Jerusalem were all commanded and ordained for worship. They WERE NOT FOR THE PEOPLE, but they were brought into the temple to bring glory to the Father. In the church, HOLINESS has been stolen by the world. The church has allowed the world to dictate music, to dictate the order of service. The pulpit has become a political platform, a fundraising podium and a comic relief, rather than a station for the dissemination of God’s Word. The church bows to the world and allows it to dictate song and dance. My God! How many more preachers will start service at 11:00 and end by noon, just in time to catch the game? “Holiness,” says the Lord, “is being restored.” Church, no longer can we allow the world to dictate how we serve our God. He is the same yesterday, today and forever.
In the second chapter of Ezra, a count is taken of all those who returned to Jerusalem. In addition, a determination of the priestly lineage was also determined. Though they were all CALLED back to the holy city, not all were CHOSEN to take of the priestly sacraments. Again, God is speaking. Those who were of priestly lineage, but had taken spouses of unholy nations, no longer found their names in the book of the priests. Saints of God, we cannot expect to do what we wish and return to God desiring the same position and the same anointing. The day has come when some will need to SIT DOWN. God is not using everybody. This is a season where gifts and talent alone will not suffice. The Father is raising up those who have a heart for Him. He is anointing the lips of those who desire to worship rather than those that can just sing. He’s anointing the feet of those ready to dance in battle rather than those who have professional training, but no anointing. Yes, get ready for the shift. The world’s ways will no longer dictate the move of God’s people.
As chapter 3 opens, the Word says the people gathered together as “one man.” Glory to God! Unity is restored. Once again, God’s people came together with one mind and a willingness to move on one accord. Unity is being restored to the Body of Christ. Hallelujah! Now, take note of what happens next…
Ezra 3:2 Then stood up Jeshua son of Jozadak, and his brethren the priests, and Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, and his brethren, and they built the altar of the God of Israel to offer burnt offerings upon it, as it is written in the instructions of Moses the man of God.
Ezra 3:3 And they set the altar [in its place] upon its base, for fear was upon them because of the peoples of the countries; and they offered burnt offerings on it to the Lord morning and evening.
Ezra 3:4 They kept also the Feast of Tabernacles, as it is written, and offered the daily burnt offerings by number according to the ordinances, as each day's duty required,
Ezra 3:5 And after that, the continual burnt offering, the offering at the New Moon, and at all the appointed feasts of the Lord, and the offerings of everyone who made a freewill offering to the Lord.
Ezra 3:6 From the first day of the seventh month they began to offer burnt offerings to the Lord, but the foundation of the temple of the Lord was not yet laid.
Notice that the altar was built before the temple. Not only that, but the altar was built BEFORE THE FOUNDATION WAS LAID. Oh, God really dealt with me about this. He said the problem with many “church folk” is that we are standing on foundations that were built outside of worship! My God! I had to ask the Lord what He meant. He showed me that most of us still rely on tradition and religion. We still depend on what we were taught my grandmother and granddaddy. We are more devoted to the church body than we are to Him. We’re more concerned about the denomination than the souls of His people. Instead of changing what we think and believe, we want God to conform to the mold we have created for Him. Why? Because a foundation has been laid that was never destroyed. Yes, some of us need to throw out all our ideas. Lay down the titles. Throw out the denominations. Put away the tradition and superstition. JUST SEEK GOD. This is a season for NEW REVELATION. Religion is being challenged…not to create strife, but to bring us into a new season with the Father.
Even in our personal ministries and endeavors, God is saying “Worship me before you lay a foundation. Seek me before you begin to build.” People of God, we must be so careful in this season to keep our motives pure. This is not the time to make any decision without seeking the Father. Even if a thing seems good, do not establish anything before seeking God. We do not have time to build temples in which the Father refuses to dwell. How many times will we establish ministries, set up boards, create activities and take part in events without seeking God first? Why do we insist on completing our own agendas, then “inviting God in?” No. Invite Him first, and let Him tell His people what to build. Just as the people did in this passage of Scripture, we must build the altar first. Worship. Seek God. Then, build a foundation. Last, build the temple. The established work comes at the end, not the beginning. Yes, Lord!
Ezra 3:10 And when the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the Lord, the priests stood in their vestments with trumpets, and the Levite sons of Asaph with their cymbals, to praise the Lord, after the order of David king of Israel.
Ezra 3:11 They sang responsively, praising and giving thanks to the Lord, saying, For He is good, for His mercy {and} loving-kindness endure forever toward Israel. And all the people shouted with a great shout when they praised the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid!
After the altar was erected, and the worship was accepted by the Father, the foundation was laid. The people knew it was accepted by the Father because their offerings had been received, not rejected. Therefore, praise was in order when the foundation was laid. People of God, when we get into God’s will, the works we complete for His kingdom will ignite praise rather than strife…unity rather than confusion. To GOD be the glory!
Ezra 4:1 NOW WHEN [the Samaritans] the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard that the exiles from the captivity were building a temple to the Lord, the God of Israel,
Ezra 4:2 They came to Zerubbabel [now governor] and to the heads of the fathers' houses and said, Let us build with you, for we seek {and} worship your God as you do, and we have sacrificed to Him since the days of Esarhaddon king of Assyria, who brought us here.
Ezra 4:3 But Zerubbabel and Jeshua and the rest of the heads of fathers' houses of Israel said to them, You have nothing to do with us in building a house to our God; but we ourselves will together build to the Lord, the God of Israel, as King Cyrus, the king of Persia, has commanded us.
Ezra 4:4 Then [the Samaritans] the people of the land [continually] weakened the hands of the people of Judah and troubled {and} terrified them in building
Ezra 4:5 And hired counselors against them to frustrate their purpose {and} plans all the days of Cyrus king of Persia, even until the reign of Darius [II] king of Persia.
Now, don’t be surprised when the enemy sees the success and tries to get his hand in God’s work. This is where so many of us miss it. Some of us are going to have ministries coming forth with a success like never before. People with a true heart for God are gathering and getting works completed for God’s glory. Beware of allowing the world to take part and corrupt the work. Saints, this is a season when you may have to turn help away. You may have to deny the loan from the bank that supports homosexuality. You may have to tell your sister or brother in the natural that they can’t preach in the pulpit until their lives become holy. Jesus said that his followers would have to deny mother, father, sister and brother for His sake. That time has come. No unholy thing should touch what God has anointed to be built. This is the season of HARD DECISIONS, yet holiness cannot be compromised. Many must sit down and be turned away…OR EXPOSED.
As the book of Ezra concludes, we see that many years pass before the temple is finally built. Opposition comes in many different forms, delaying the building of the temple on numerous occasions. God is telling His people not to be discouraged. No matter how long it may take a thing to be established, as long as the pure worship, in spirit and in truth, is not quenched, the battle has not been lost. The enemy is bringing forth an attack as many of us have never seen before. Be prepared to STAND.
Most importantly, always build the altar before setting a foundation. Any foundation set on anything other than relationship with God will either fall or serve as the base to another altar that must be torn down! If disobedient, do not be upset when God’s people bring exposure and destruction to the work created in idolatry. To God be the glory!
During these last few weeks, the Lord has been dealing with me through the book of Ezra. Of course, I found this very interesting. Many of us NEVER pay any attention to this book, yet it offers so much insight on true worship and dedication to the Father. The book begins with a decree from Cyrus, the King, to build a house for God in Jerusalem. So, he instructs the Jews who remain after the Babylonian captivity to go back to the holy city and build a temple to Jehovah. Cyrus gathers all the temple materials that were brought out of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar during the capture of Jerusalem. Until this day, they were used in the temple of idols for the worship of false gods.
Now, just in this little bit of information shared during the first chapter, the Lord began to speak to me. So many of us often quote that we are “taking back what the devil stole from us.” The Lord showed me that a season of restoration is coming forth, but not as we may expect. “The church has allowed the world to steal from ME,” said God. This stung me when I first heard it, but God began to show me even more. The basins, bowls, vessels, jewels and fine metals that were stolen from the temple in Jerusalem were all commanded and ordained for worship. They WERE NOT FOR THE PEOPLE, but they were brought into the temple to bring glory to the Father. In the church, HOLINESS has been stolen by the world. The church has allowed the world to dictate music, to dictate the order of service. The pulpit has become a political platform, a fundraising podium and a comic relief, rather than a station for the dissemination of God’s Word. The church bows to the world and allows it to dictate song and dance. My God! How many more preachers will start service at 11:00 and end by noon, just in time to catch the game? “Holiness,” says the Lord, “is being restored.” Church, no longer can we allow the world to dictate how we serve our God. He is the same yesterday, today and forever.
In the second chapter of Ezra, a count is taken of all those who returned to Jerusalem. In addition, a determination of the priestly lineage was also determined. Though they were all CALLED back to the holy city, not all were CHOSEN to take of the priestly sacraments. Again, God is speaking. Those who were of priestly lineage, but had taken spouses of unholy nations, no longer found their names in the book of the priests. Saints of God, we cannot expect to do what we wish and return to God desiring the same position and the same anointing. The day has come when some will need to SIT DOWN. God is not using everybody. This is a season where gifts and talent alone will not suffice. The Father is raising up those who have a heart for Him. He is anointing the lips of those who desire to worship rather than those that can just sing. He’s anointing the feet of those ready to dance in battle rather than those who have professional training, but no anointing. Yes, get ready for the shift. The world’s ways will no longer dictate the move of God’s people.
As chapter 3 opens, the Word says the people gathered together as “one man.” Glory to God! Unity is restored. Once again, God’s people came together with one mind and a willingness to move on one accord. Unity is being restored to the Body of Christ. Hallelujah! Now, take note of what happens next…
Ezra 3:2 Then stood up Jeshua son of Jozadak, and his brethren the priests, and Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, and his brethren, and they built the altar of the God of Israel to offer burnt offerings upon it, as it is written in the instructions of Moses the man of God.
Ezra 3:3 And they set the altar [in its place] upon its base, for fear was upon them because of the peoples of the countries; and they offered burnt offerings on it to the Lord morning and evening.
Ezra 3:4 They kept also the Feast of Tabernacles, as it is written, and offered the daily burnt offerings by number according to the ordinances, as each day's duty required,
Ezra 3:5 And after that, the continual burnt offering, the offering at the New Moon, and at all the appointed feasts of the Lord, and the offerings of everyone who made a freewill offering to the Lord.
Ezra 3:6 From the first day of the seventh month they began to offer burnt offerings to the Lord, but the foundation of the temple of the Lord was not yet laid.
Notice that the altar was built before the temple. Not only that, but the altar was built BEFORE THE FOUNDATION WAS LAID. Oh, God really dealt with me about this. He said the problem with many “church folk” is that we are standing on foundations that were built outside of worship! My God! I had to ask the Lord what He meant. He showed me that most of us still rely on tradition and religion. We still depend on what we were taught my grandmother and granddaddy. We are more devoted to the church body than we are to Him. We’re more concerned about the denomination than the souls of His people. Instead of changing what we think and believe, we want God to conform to the mold we have created for Him. Why? Because a foundation has been laid that was never destroyed. Yes, some of us need to throw out all our ideas. Lay down the titles. Throw out the denominations. Put away the tradition and superstition. JUST SEEK GOD. This is a season for NEW REVELATION. Religion is being challenged…not to create strife, but to bring us into a new season with the Father.
Even in our personal ministries and endeavors, God is saying “Worship me before you lay a foundation. Seek me before you begin to build.” People of God, we must be so careful in this season to keep our motives pure. This is not the time to make any decision without seeking the Father. Even if a thing seems good, do not establish anything before seeking God. We do not have time to build temples in which the Father refuses to dwell. How many times will we establish ministries, set up boards, create activities and take part in events without seeking God first? Why do we insist on completing our own agendas, then “inviting God in?” No. Invite Him first, and let Him tell His people what to build. Just as the people did in this passage of Scripture, we must build the altar first. Worship. Seek God. Then, build a foundation. Last, build the temple. The established work comes at the end, not the beginning. Yes, Lord!
Ezra 3:10 And when the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the Lord, the priests stood in their vestments with trumpets, and the Levite sons of Asaph with their cymbals, to praise the Lord, after the order of David king of Israel.
Ezra 3:11 They sang responsively, praising and giving thanks to the Lord, saying, For He is good, for His mercy {and} loving-kindness endure forever toward Israel. And all the people shouted with a great shout when they praised the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid!
After the altar was erected, and the worship was accepted by the Father, the foundation was laid. The people knew it was accepted by the Father because their offerings had been received, not rejected. Therefore, praise was in order when the foundation was laid. People of God, when we get into God’s will, the works we complete for His kingdom will ignite praise rather than strife…unity rather than confusion. To GOD be the glory!
Ezra 4:1 NOW WHEN [the Samaritans] the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard that the exiles from the captivity were building a temple to the Lord, the God of Israel,
Ezra 4:2 They came to Zerubbabel [now governor] and to the heads of the fathers' houses and said, Let us build with you, for we seek {and} worship your God as you do, and we have sacrificed to Him since the days of Esarhaddon king of Assyria, who brought us here.
Ezra 4:3 But Zerubbabel and Jeshua and the rest of the heads of fathers' houses of Israel said to them, You have nothing to do with us in building a house to our God; but we ourselves will together build to the Lord, the God of Israel, as King Cyrus, the king of Persia, has commanded us.
Ezra 4:4 Then [the Samaritans] the people of the land [continually] weakened the hands of the people of Judah and troubled {and} terrified them in building
Ezra 4:5 And hired counselors against them to frustrate their purpose {and} plans all the days of Cyrus king of Persia, even until the reign of Darius [II] king of Persia.
Now, don’t be surprised when the enemy sees the success and tries to get his hand in God’s work. This is where so many of us miss it. Some of us are going to have ministries coming forth with a success like never before. People with a true heart for God are gathering and getting works completed for God’s glory. Beware of allowing the world to take part and corrupt the work. Saints, this is a season when you may have to turn help away. You may have to deny the loan from the bank that supports homosexuality. You may have to tell your sister or brother in the natural that they can’t preach in the pulpit until their lives become holy. Jesus said that his followers would have to deny mother, father, sister and brother for His sake. That time has come. No unholy thing should touch what God has anointed to be built. This is the season of HARD DECISIONS, yet holiness cannot be compromised. Many must sit down and be turned away…OR EXPOSED.
As the book of Ezra concludes, we see that many years pass before the temple is finally built. Opposition comes in many different forms, delaying the building of the temple on numerous occasions. God is telling His people not to be discouraged. No matter how long it may take a thing to be established, as long as the pure worship, in spirit and in truth, is not quenched, the battle has not been lost. The enemy is bringing forth an attack as many of us have never seen before. Be prepared to STAND.
Most importantly, always build the altar before setting a foundation. Any foundation set on anything other than relationship with God will either fall or serve as the base to another altar that must be torn down! If disobedient, do not be upset when God’s people bring exposure and destruction to the work created in idolatry. To God be the glory!
Handwriting on the Wall
Daniel 5
1Belshazzar the king made a great feast to a thousand of his lords, and drank wine before the thousand.
2Belshazzar, whiles he tasted the wine, commanded to bring the golden and silver vessels which his father Nebuchadnezzar had taken out of the temple which was in Jerusalem; that the king, and his princes, his wives, and his concubines, might drink therein.
3Then they brought the golden vessels that were taken out of the temple of the house of God which was at Jerusalem; and the king, and his princes, his wives, and his concubines, drank in them.
4They drank wine, and praised the gods of gold, and of silver, of brass, of iron, of wood, and of stone.
Belshazzar ruled Babylon after his grandfather, Nebuchadnezzar. Instead of learning from Nebuchadnezzar’s mistakes and repentance, however, Belshazzar continued in the same destructive path of disobedience, idol worship and disrespect toward God and the holy vessels set aside for His worship.
Belshazzar commanded a feast, during which he and his associates further defiled the holy vessels that were removed from the temple at Jerusalema by Nebuchadnezzar years before. Isn’t it strange that the same thing is taking place in America today? Not only are we experiencing disrespect and defilement on a new level, but even in the church, respect for the holy things of God seems to have dwindled.
As I read this Scripture, God began to remind me of all the things we once reverenced as holy. Do you remember the days that children couldn’t walk in a pulpit? How about the time when no matter what you were doing, you would stop and give respect to any minister who walked in the room? I remember when no one would dare send a dirty joke to a man or woman of God. Now, everything is “allowed“. It seems very little is sacred and set apart.
Even in the Church, we have taken the very things that were meant to bring God glory, and used them for our own entertainment. Marriage is no longer sacred. When it becomes inconvenient, even the church will condone divorce or same-sex unions. Even the very word of God, once reverenced and counted holy, is now used by many as the next ticket to big money. Our choirs once honored God and demanded a presence of holiness. Now, it seems you can rarely tell the difference between the latest R&B hit and a praise or worship song. We have stolen the sacred things and used them for our gain.
Rather keeping things of God holy, we have begun to worship the fruit of our own hands. Many of us worship church, rather than God. Rather than speaking of God, we boast of our own creations - the works we've built and the "good deeds" we feel we've done. We honor our leaders to the point of idolatry, but have no real relationship with God. In the Scripture, we see the people honored the gods of gold and silver. It’s so easy to see their idolatry, yet we don’t discern our own. God, have mercy on the church! Even in the midst of this, the Father is speaking a word of rebuke and correction unto the Body of Christ.
5In the same hour came forth fingers of a man's hand, and wrote over against the candlestick upon the plaister of the wall of the king's palace: and the king saw the part of the hand that wrote.
6Then the king's countenance was changed, and his thoughts troubled him, so that the joints of his loins were loosed, and his knees smote one against another.
7The king cried aloud to bring in the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers. And the king spake, and said to the wise men of Babylon, Whosoever shall read this writing, and shew me the interpretation thereof, shall be clothed with scarlet, and have a chain of gold about his neck, and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom.
8Then came in all the king's wise men: but they could not read the writing, nor make known to the king the interpretation thereof.
If we don’t remember anything else, we must always be reminded that God is in control! We cannot escape Him, and He will not forsake His children. In the midst of the king’s blatant disrespect for God, the Father showed up. The Bible says that God wrote a message on the wall, yet no one could read or interpret what it said.
I hear God saying this is the state of His church today. His word is true, and declares “Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets“ (Amos 3:7). Yet, it seems the church is caught unaware. Many of us know “something“ is happening. We see the signs and we can “feel“ something in the atmosphere. The new “church“ word is SHIFT. We can feel the “shift“, but there seems to be no one who can tell us exactly what it is. Rather than looking inward to find out why we are missing it, we persecute the voices that speak forth the word of God...in the church! Yes, once again – disrespect for the holy things AND PEOPLE of God.
17Then Daniel answered and said before the king, Let thy gifts be to thyself, and give thy rewards to another; yet I will read the writing unto the king, and make known to him the interpretation.
When the king finally sought the man of God who could provide the interpretation that was needed, he was certainly shocked that Daniel declined to receive his gifts and rewards. Unlike Daniel, so many of us are on an assignment for our bank accounts rather than an assignment for God. Daniel’s obedience to the Father was not dependent on an honorarium or keys to the church vehicle. While those things were offered, he refused the distraction from his assignment. To GOD be the glory! When he did not accept the gifts from those in rebellion, he had no loyalty to those who were rebellious. Too many of us are benefiting from the world, so we find it hard to preach against worldly ways. Oh, it’s hard to preach against divorce when we don’t love our own husbands. It’s hard to preach against illegal activity when we depend on the drug dealers’ offerings every week. Many of us don’t want to share the rebuke in the churches that “bless us well“. After all, we may not be invited back. This is why it’s so important not to turn ministry into a business. Our loyalty is to the Father, and only by obedience to Him will lives be changed by His people.
25And this is the writing that was written, MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN.
26This is the interpretation of the thing: MENE; God hath numbered thy kingdom, and finished it.
27TEKEL; Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting.
28PERES; Thy kingdom is divided, and given to the Medes and Persians.
This is where we are, Body of Christ. God is speaking. He is providing the signs, but we are not understanding. The prophets are speaking, but their voices are not being heard by the Church. Judgment is upon the land. The Body is at a place, just like Belshazzar, that we are always seeking out a word and an interpretation instead of seeking God. If there is no relationship, one will be in the same position as this king – searching for a truth by the mouth of a man. God’s prophets are not for entertainment. Frankly, when a prophet must be sought out, a problem exists.
There is writing on the wall for the American church. Can you read it?
1Belshazzar the king made a great feast to a thousand of his lords, and drank wine before the thousand.
2Belshazzar, whiles he tasted the wine, commanded to bring the golden and silver vessels which his father Nebuchadnezzar had taken out of the temple which was in Jerusalem; that the king, and his princes, his wives, and his concubines, might drink therein.
3Then they brought the golden vessels that were taken out of the temple of the house of God which was at Jerusalem; and the king, and his princes, his wives, and his concubines, drank in them.
4They drank wine, and praised the gods of gold, and of silver, of brass, of iron, of wood, and of stone.
Belshazzar ruled Babylon after his grandfather, Nebuchadnezzar. Instead of learning from Nebuchadnezzar’s mistakes and repentance, however, Belshazzar continued in the same destructive path of disobedience, idol worship and disrespect toward God and the holy vessels set aside for His worship.
Belshazzar commanded a feast, during which he and his associates further defiled the holy vessels that were removed from the temple at Jerusalema by Nebuchadnezzar years before. Isn’t it strange that the same thing is taking place in America today? Not only are we experiencing disrespect and defilement on a new level, but even in the church, respect for the holy things of God seems to have dwindled.
As I read this Scripture, God began to remind me of all the things we once reverenced as holy. Do you remember the days that children couldn’t walk in a pulpit? How about the time when no matter what you were doing, you would stop and give respect to any minister who walked in the room? I remember when no one would dare send a dirty joke to a man or woman of God. Now, everything is “allowed“. It seems very little is sacred and set apart.
Even in the Church, we have taken the very things that were meant to bring God glory, and used them for our own entertainment. Marriage is no longer sacred. When it becomes inconvenient, even the church will condone divorce or same-sex unions. Even the very word of God, once reverenced and counted holy, is now used by many as the next ticket to big money. Our choirs once honored God and demanded a presence of holiness. Now, it seems you can rarely tell the difference between the latest R&B hit and a praise or worship song. We have stolen the sacred things and used them for our gain.
Rather keeping things of God holy, we have begun to worship the fruit of our own hands. Many of us worship church, rather than God. Rather than speaking of God, we boast of our own creations - the works we've built and the "good deeds" we feel we've done. We honor our leaders to the point of idolatry, but have no real relationship with God. In the Scripture, we see the people honored the gods of gold and silver. It’s so easy to see their idolatry, yet we don’t discern our own. God, have mercy on the church! Even in the midst of this, the Father is speaking a word of rebuke and correction unto the Body of Christ.
5In the same hour came forth fingers of a man's hand, and wrote over against the candlestick upon the plaister of the wall of the king's palace: and the king saw the part of the hand that wrote.
6Then the king's countenance was changed, and his thoughts troubled him, so that the joints of his loins were loosed, and his knees smote one against another.
7The king cried aloud to bring in the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers. And the king spake, and said to the wise men of Babylon, Whosoever shall read this writing, and shew me the interpretation thereof, shall be clothed with scarlet, and have a chain of gold about his neck, and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom.
8Then came in all the king's wise men: but they could not read the writing, nor make known to the king the interpretation thereof.
If we don’t remember anything else, we must always be reminded that God is in control! We cannot escape Him, and He will not forsake His children. In the midst of the king’s blatant disrespect for God, the Father showed up. The Bible says that God wrote a message on the wall, yet no one could read or interpret what it said.
I hear God saying this is the state of His church today. His word is true, and declares “Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets“ (Amos 3:7). Yet, it seems the church is caught unaware. Many of us know “something“ is happening. We see the signs and we can “feel“ something in the atmosphere. The new “church“ word is SHIFT. We can feel the “shift“, but there seems to be no one who can tell us exactly what it is. Rather than looking inward to find out why we are missing it, we persecute the voices that speak forth the word of God...in the church! Yes, once again – disrespect for the holy things AND PEOPLE of God.
17Then Daniel answered and said before the king, Let thy gifts be to thyself, and give thy rewards to another; yet I will read the writing unto the king, and make known to him the interpretation.
When the king finally sought the man of God who could provide the interpretation that was needed, he was certainly shocked that Daniel declined to receive his gifts and rewards. Unlike Daniel, so many of us are on an assignment for our bank accounts rather than an assignment for God. Daniel’s obedience to the Father was not dependent on an honorarium or keys to the church vehicle. While those things were offered, he refused the distraction from his assignment. To GOD be the glory! When he did not accept the gifts from those in rebellion, he had no loyalty to those who were rebellious. Too many of us are benefiting from the world, so we find it hard to preach against worldly ways. Oh, it’s hard to preach against divorce when we don’t love our own husbands. It’s hard to preach against illegal activity when we depend on the drug dealers’ offerings every week. Many of us don’t want to share the rebuke in the churches that “bless us well“. After all, we may not be invited back. This is why it’s so important not to turn ministry into a business. Our loyalty is to the Father, and only by obedience to Him will lives be changed by His people.
25And this is the writing that was written, MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN.
26This is the interpretation of the thing: MENE; God hath numbered thy kingdom, and finished it.
27TEKEL; Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting.
28PERES; Thy kingdom is divided, and given to the Medes and Persians.
This is where we are, Body of Christ. God is speaking. He is providing the signs, but we are not understanding. The prophets are speaking, but their voices are not being heard by the Church. Judgment is upon the land. The Body is at a place, just like Belshazzar, that we are always seeking out a word and an interpretation instead of seeking God. If there is no relationship, one will be in the same position as this king – searching for a truth by the mouth of a man. God’s prophets are not for entertainment. Frankly, when a prophet must be sought out, a problem exists.
There is writing on the wall for the American church. Can you read it?
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