Spiritual Paternity Test

THE PATERNITY TESTS ARE IN!
IS HE YOUR REAL FATHER?

DNA Tests Reveal the Truth

Are You My Real Father?

We've all seen topics like this floating across the screen on all the current talk shows. The proof of paternity seems to have become a very popular topic since the increased use of DNA testing. In times past, the mere resemblance of a child to his supposed father was proof enough to establish the fact. Nevertheless, knowledge has increased and our society has become well aware that appearance can be very deceiving. Whenever one of these talk shows hits the air, I often wonder if I bare the resemblance of my Heavenly Father in every possible aspect of my life. What does the world see when they look at me? Do I look like the family of God or do I look like them? More specifically, do I carry the "spiritual genes" to prove that I am a child of God? What if Ricki Lake hosted a show for the Church? How many of us would pass the spiritual DNA test?

In order to understand how DNA validates familial history, let's revisit our middle school biology and remember that DNA is merely an acronym for deoxyribonucleic acid. This chemical compound contains descriptive pairs of adenine, thymine, guanine, and cytosine, which determine the characteristic genes that become apparent in an individual. This genetic material is what causes a child to look and act like his or her parents. However, it must be noted that from time to time, a resemblance may exist between two people, though they do not share the same genetic material or have familial ties. There are also three other important facts about the presentation of DNA and genetics that we must keep in mind: (1) Genes cannot blend; (2) Some genes are dominant; (3) Genetics don't always explain behavior.

For the sake of argument, let’s assume that for a Christian, DNA stands for "Devil, No Authority!" Our spiritual DNA, or the lack of Satan's power in a particular area of our lives, permeates throughout our spirits, souls and bodies. Since we know that light and darkness cannot dwell in the same place at the same time, we can assume that God rules in those areas of our lives where spiritual DNA dwells. On the other hand, whenever we allow Satan to creep in, his "genes" begin to show forth in us. Each word, action or thought will resemble the father, or originator of that thing in our lives. Many of us have obtained victory over certain issues, and bear the resemblance of our Heavenly Father, but every once in a while, Satan sneaks in and causes our face to change.

There are also children of darkness who have learned to look like children of God, even when acting on behalf of Satan, the father of this world (John 8:44). Keep in mind that some resemblance may exist between two people, even if they do not share the same genetic material. In fact, the only way we can know who is fathering our lives, thoughts or actions, is to run a continuous paternity test each day we live. Let's consider the following DNA parameters in our day to day living:

1. Genes don't blend.

No man can serve two masters, and light and darkness do not mix (Matt 6:24; 2 Cor 6:14). Every word that comes forth from our mouths, every thought and every action has a motive. It originates from God or from the devil. We must always test our actions and reactions to see if we are speaking or acting in such a way that is pleasing to God. Though a difficult concept to swallow, it remains true that everything is of good or evil, and even our idle words will be judged (Matt 12:36). Therefore, we must always be careful to bring every thought and imagination under the subjection of the Holy Spirit, "casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ" (2 Cor 10:5).

2. Some genes are dominant.

The Holy Spirit that dwells in us is much greater than the demonic forces that tempt us and sometimes lead us into turmoil. "Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world" (1 John 4:4). This explains why we are able to live righteous lives, even when sin is with us. We are able to overcome the wiles of Satan by our faith (1 John 5:4), and no weapon that is formed against us shall prosper if we live as children of God (Isa 54:17), consistently dying to our flesh and confessing our faith.

3. Genetics don't always explain behavior.

The children of God are born in iniquity and live in a world saturated with sin and deception. When we sacrifice our lives to God (Rom 12:1-2), we become new creatures (2 Cor 5:17), but we still make mistakes. Our mistakes don't divorce us from the family of God. His grace is sufficient for us (Lam 3:22-23; 2 Cor 12:9), and we are able to confess our sins, receive forgiveness, and continue to be comforted in the bosom of God (1 John 1:9). In other words, just because someone does bad things does not indicate that the individual is of the devil, just as a person who performs good deeds does not necessarily belong to the family of the living God. We are saved by grace rather than any works we have done (Eph 2:8-9).

Now we have established the genetic test categories that reveal the spiritual paternity of our lives. These spiritual genes are expressed daily in our spirits, souls and bodies, and make a testimony of our true relationship (or lack thereof) with God. I challenge each of us to take the "Devil, No Authority" test and apply it to each of our lives, every day that we live. Fortunately, our Heavenly Father has provided, in his Word, a detailed description of how we must live in order to become children of God. We then reserve the right to an ultimate choice: Whose family will we join and live with throughout eternity? Through the blood of Jesus Christ, we are able to accept salvation and claim lineage as the children of God through the spirit of adoption (Rom 8:15) or we may serve the god of this world (John 8:44) and accept the devil as father.

The paternity tests are in. Is HE your real Daddy? Don't wait for the talk show to air. Just think about it…

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Joy Uvette Rollins

for THE MESSENGER, UFCC

22 May 2000. All rights reserved.

What's Love Got to Do With It?

NOTE: This is a message for my single brothers and sisters. God gave me this message before I was married, and I was reading back through it, I felt lead to share it with you.

What’s Love Got to Do With It?

The True Meaning of Love in Ordained Relationships

Lord, is he the one? When will it be my turn? God, you said that it is not good for a man to be alone. I’ve been faithful to you, Father. You said that if I’d seek first the kingdom of God, all other things would be added. Then, you’d reward me by granting the desires of my heart.

As a single Christian woman, I often find myself having these sort of conversations with God. Sitting under the instruction of the Word along with the society in which we live, it is almost impossible to believe that anyone wants to be alone. Atop of this obvious obstacle, there lies a grand ordeal set before every single Christian – do I settle for what I want, or do I wait to see what God gives me?

The problem that tends to bombard church-going singles is that of impatience. Within our spirits, we know that God must choose, but when He doesn’t move within our rendition of a reasonable time frame, we become anxious and decide to ‘help’ Him by searching for our own mates and using the standards of the world to do so. Such actions result from our failure to remember that “It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man” (Psalm 118:8). One of my favorite evangelists is the Bishop Noel Jones. While preaching at a Bishop T.D. Jakes Singles’ Conference, he drew a conclusion on the subject by stating something like the following:

God already knows what we need, and he knows what ‘turns us on.’ That’s why Adam was asleep when God made Eve. When he woke up, he was pleased. God already knew what Adam desired. God works the same way now as he did then.

Prophetess Juanita Bynum touched on the same subject while in the same conference and added the following:

Our problem is that we tend to choose what we want NOW. What turns us on NOW. That’s why God has to choose. He will provide someone who can accommodate where you’re going, so that five years down the road, you won’t be saying, ”Well, we just grew apart...”

With these preliminary thoughts on the table, the subject of love, which is (or should be) the foundation of all relationships, should be studied and analyzed from God’s point of view. Perhaps after this is done, we will be able to determine what characteristics and priorities are important to God as opposed to those that are important to the flesh.

It’s obvious that born-again believers are not to be “unequally yoked together with unbelievers” 2 Corinthians 6:14-18). After all, “Can two walk together, except they be agreed” (Amos 3:3)? Though the principle is well known, it is not sufficiently understood. We are supposed to love everyone with the love of God, so why is our Father concerned about those we are bound with? After all, if he loves me...

In order to address this issue, one must “rightly divide the Word of truth” by defining love as it appears in the eyes of God. Consider the following passage from 1 John 4: 7, 8:

“...for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.”

According to John, God is exclusively and inclusively the concept and being of love. In other words, He is the very definition of love. So, in order to act in or express true love, one must know something about it, which means that one must know, or have a relationship with our heavenly Father. This conclusion is deductively simple to accept, but John takes the subject a step further by pointing out that anyone who loves “is born of God, and knoweth God.” In essence, the Bible states that no one is able to love unless he knows God. How do we know when a person loves God? They follow His commandments. They seek His face and hear His voice. In doing so, the person receives the favor, or grace of God which leads to salvation. So, that unsaved lady or gentleman who sends flowers and writes lovely poetry cannot truthfully state feelings of love for a child of God if they are not living for Christ. “Be not deceived. Evil communications corrupt good manners” (1 Corinthians 15:33). From this we may plainly state our first conclusion – No man can love unless he knows God.

The second premise we should explore is the fact that love, in a sense, is relative. In other words, the love we have for someone else relates directly to the love we have for ourselves, which is dependent on the love we have for God. Any Christian who has walked with God for a reasonable period of time realizes that we are saved by grace. Salvation is not a concept that can be earned or bought into reality. Based on that fact, children of God resume to “dying daily” which is a silent acknowledgment that Christ in us is the only reason for living. Without Him, we are simply a walking pile of sinful dung, worthy of no reward. With that said, it is safe to assume that we are able to love and take pride in ourselves only if there is a stable qualification or rationalism in doing so. In this case, that prerequisite is filled in knowing that we are children of God. Once we have developed a love for God, and therefore a love for ourselves, we are able to love others. Jesus proclaimed that one of the greatest commandments is to “love others as you love yourselves.” Well, it’s obvious that we must first love ourselves in order to love others at the same level or with the same quality. Now we have more than sufficient proof to accept a second concept – One must have love for him or herself before having the ability to effectively love someone else.

Since we have determined the definition of love and the means by which it is accomplished, we must now tackle the qualities of love. Before delving into the issue, we must first acknowledge the most difficult aspect to grasp for most Christians – Love is not earned. It is ordained.

It has been determined that God is the author and finisher of love in and of itself. The only question left to be addressed is His method in demonstrating His being. Romans 5:8 states that “God shows His love for us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” While this is a straight-forward scripture, a much deeper meaning lies within. Fundamentally, this passage expresses that God did not love us based on our qualifications or our good deeds. “While we were yet sinners” He loved us and sent His Son. While we were worth nothing, disobedient and dirty, He still loved us beyond belief. 1 John 4:10 states that we didn’t even return His love, yet He continued to express it toward us. In other words, God loved us because we are His creation. He loved us for our ordained purpose rather than our practical purpose. Consider the following situations...

You’re walking down a crowded street and see an old lady pushing a shopping cart full of old blankets and paper bags. You can tell that she is homeless and you say to yourself, “What a shame. I would never let my own mother suffer as she is suffering.” The old lady hears the words you’ve muttered and asks, “Why don’t you just take me home and love my as you love your mother?”

You have a friend whom you have know for a number of years. You have just secured a new job and find yourself living very well above your means. This good friend decides that he or she would like to pursue a college education, but does not have the finances to do so. Willing to help your friend, you call the perspective university and you’re told that only parents may sponsor students at their institution. Well, since you are a Christian and cannot lie to help your friend, he turns and asks, “why don’t you just make me your child? Then everything will work out.”

These scenarios seem strange and unlikely, but they do demonstrate a strong point. No one can direct love haphazardly or manually. It is developed and divinely directed. We love our mothers (natural or adoptive) as mothers because God put them in that place. “He sets the solitary in families.” We run across women everyday who may be prettier, more intelligent or wealthier than our own mothers, but these factors do not cause or allow us to redirect the ‘instinctive’ feelings we have already established. Though time enables us to acquire ‘developmental’ love in some cases, there is a depth that cannot be reached unless God ordains it to be so. True love cannot be earned or bought. Lust, infatuation and flattery are easily influenced, but love in eternal and constant. After all, our God still loves us. This is a mystery all together.

Finally, 1 Corinthians 13 outlines a host of characteristics demonstrated by true love. Love is patient and kind. It’s not jealous or envious. Love is not proud, nor is it rude. It’s forgiving and not easily angered. Love rejoices in truth and despises evil. It protects. It trusts. It perseveres.

How many people have uttered those three magic words, but failed to pray and fast by your side in the time of need? How many have been jealous of your accomplishments and assets? How often were they stubborn about mistakes you’ve made while always wanting your blessing in their own lives? How many times were you asked or forced into making sacrifices to fulfill their happiness? Even more importantly, how many ‘loves’ have experienced such events after you’ve proclaimed your love to them?

In conclusion, the Body of Christ, whether married or single must understand that we have been called to a sanctified life. Our bodies must be presented as a living sacrifice, which means that we belong to God NOW. Therefore, we cannot allow ourselves to be boggled down through relationships with those who are lost. In addition, we must leave ordination up to God. We must show the love of God to all, but only our Father knows where to strategically place the people in our lives. God knows, sanctifies and ordains us before we are formed in our mother’s wombs (Jeremiah 1:5). Callings are placed on our lives and gifts in our Spirit before we are conceived. Surely, he is able to divinely position mates, who ultimately act as lifetime partners in the ministries we are called to serve. After all, ministry is the foremost purpose of marriage. God’s benefit should be our primary concern when choosing a mate rather than our own desires of the flesh. “For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice” (James 3:16). Perhaps we should all learn a lesson from Adam in respect to this issue. Just do what you know to do and go to sleep. When you wake up from all that praying, fasting and trusting God, there will be someone waiting who was specially ordained, specifically designed, fearfully and wonderfully made just for you!

He Must Needs Go Through!

Many times we attempt to hide our past mistakes – not only from others, but even from God. Instead of believing that God can use us in ministry, we continuously beat ourselves over the head for past sins. When those feelings fester, we lose confidence in ourselves and the fact that God can use us. Many times, we even pass this off as humility, but it is actually DISOBEDIENCE and a direct LACK OF FAITH in God!

Last week, God gave me a Word about faith. God is saying, as I heard a woman of God say in a sermon, “You are not what you did!” Oh, glory to God! I am so thankful we serve a forgiving God. Nevertheless, we have not yet learned to move past those things for which God has already forgiven us. When we waddle in past mistakes and allow the enemy to speak condemnation as opposed to simply receiving conviction, we hinder the purpose of God on our lives.

Well, God is exposing our sin for this very reason. Frankly, He wants us to GET OVER IT! For every area in your life where you tell others, “Don’t go there,” God is saying, “I must needs go there!” Allow me to share this revelation with you from a very familiar story – the woman at the well.

John 4 (King James Version)

1When therefore the LORD knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John,
2(Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,)
3He left Judaea, and departed again into Galilee.
4And he must needs go through Samaria.
5Then cometh he to a city of Samaria, which is called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph.

This introduction to the story is very significant, because Jesus originally instructed his disciples NOT to go into Samaria or any other land of the Samarians (Matthew 10:5). Because of the tensions and religious differences between Jews and Gentiles, this would have been extremely dangerous, and by the view of many, a lost cause. So, it is strange that Jesus decided to take this route through a “forbidden” land. Not only that, but going this way would have added almost three days to the journey back into Galilee.

Now, Samaria is an allegory in Scripture which symbolizes sin. Isn’t it interesting that Jesus originally instructed his disciples, “Go not into the way,” but now feels “he must needs go through?” It was necessary for him to go into the place of sin in order to reconcile the lost back to God.

Hmmm. There have been places in our lives where we did not allow the presence of God – hidden places and sinful activities where we had strongholds. Our Father is going back into those places so that He can heal and reconcile those barren areas back unto Him.

Pregnancy outside of marriage…Abusive relationships…Debt…Ungodly habits – sins of your past that held a stronghold in your life must be exposed! After all, if we are still holding on the guilt of things for which we have been forgiven, the stronghold is still in place! We must be delivered and set free to do the work of the Lord! God must deal with the abuse in order to heal the marriage. He must expose the debt in order to add prosperity. He must expose the pregnancy in order to bless the seed! Glory to His name!

Saints, it’s time to get REAL with God, and allow him into the “forbidden” place. He has a work to do…through you!

6Now Jacob's well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour.
7There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink.
8(For his disciples were gone away unto the city to buy meat.)
9Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans.

My God! The word says that Jesus found Jacob’s well and rested there. He found a familiar place – a place that agreed with Him in the midst of sinful atmosphere, and He took a seat! Glory to God!

Despite your past, or even your present struggles, if you have the heart of God, the Lord can seek that place and take a seat in the midst of your mess! Jesus is the “anointed one.” Hallelujah! The anointing will minister from that place in you that is like Him, and change the sin that surrounds. My, my, my! When the spirit of God takes a seat, the room must change!!!

Isn’t it interesting that Jesus found a familiar place, took a seat, then asked for a sacrifice from the sin? Hallelujah!!! When I first received Christ, the anointing did just that! He took a seat in my heart, despite my sin and trespasses. Then, one by one, he required me to sacrifice by giving up sinful habits, cutting off ungodly relationships, and sowing into the Kingdom. Initially, my reaction was just like that of the woman at the well.

“Lord, why would you require anything of me? Why would you even speak to me, God? I’m too dirty. I’ve done this and that. I’ve disappointed you. What can you do with me? What could I possibly do for you?”

Over time, I would learn not to argue with God. Simply accept the calling on your life, and BE OBEDIENT! After all, “It’s not you,” says the Father, “but me working through you!”

Hallelujah! After all, the more mess you have, the better. Why? Because the more unlikely you are to succeed, the more glory God gets from your success!!!

10Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.
11The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water?
12Art thou greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his children, and his cattle?
13Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again:
14But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.
15The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw.

When we question God about our assignments, it simply says that we don’t trust him. In this portion of scripture, Jesus rebukes the woman, telling her that she should be asking Him for a drink. Even then, she still questions his authority rather than simply believing what He says.

Doesn’t this sound familiar? God says, “You’re healed.” We say we believe it, but deep down we’re thinking, “God are you bigger than the doctor’s report?” God says, “I supply all your needs.” We say, “Lord, are you able to stop my lights from being cut off? Are you really greater than this termination notice or that foreclosure hearing?”

Just as he replied to the woman, the Lord is telling us, “What you have here is temporary, but I can give you life, and that more abundantly. Even more, I can supply such that you will never need for anything.” All we have to do is ask and receive! Then, He can use us for His glory!

Why is this so hard for us to do? The answer is easy – because we feel we don’t deserve it. Well, that’s true! We don’t deserve it. Nevertheless, we have a charge to believe God’s Word, despite what we’ve done.

This is by no means an open door to sin and still expect the blessings of God. However, with a repentant heart, we live under grace and are not punished by the Law.

16Jesus saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither.
17The woman answered and said, I have no husband. Jesus said unto her, Thou hast well said, I have no husband:
18For thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly.
19The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet.

IF YOU’VE BEEN EXPOSED, PREPARE TO BE BLESSED TO BLESS!

My God, at this point Jesus asks the woman a question, which gives her an opportunity to confess her sin. Instead, she attempts to cover some of it, so Jesus calls her out.

A word of advice – CONFESS YOUR MESS! If we get open and real with God, He can deal with us without revealing our “stuff” in the open. Don’t allow God to call out your mess – just confess it and BE FREE.

The Word of God tells us to “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another…” in John 5:16. Personally, I used to have a problem with the concept of telling my faults to others, until I got this revelation – If you put your own mess out there, no one else can bring it up or hold it over your head! If you testify about how God brought you out of adultery, nobody can say, “She used to be an adulterer,” when God exalts you in the ministry. If you don’t lie about your wedding date now, nobody can figure out that you got pregnant outside of wedlock when the Lord gives you a church. Praise God!

A close friend of mine always says, “If you can confess it, you can address it!” Amen. CONFESS YOUR MESS AND GET OVER IT! Never allow the enemy to hinder your progress by bringing up your past! If you don’t call out your mess and move on, God just might reveal it just so He can prove to you and others just who He is in your life!

Confess ALL your sins to God. He already knows anyway. Then, confess your faults to men. This is your testimony.

20Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship.
21Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father.
22Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews.
23But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.
24God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

Isn’t it funny that if people can’t attack your character and your past, they move to your church or your place of worship? Many times, we concentrate more on a person's denomination or place of worship than their relationship with the Father. Glory to God! Now, this woman wants to discuss places of worship with Jesus. What does He say?

“True worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth.” Saints, we MUST know how to worship God despite the atmosphere. We need RELATIONSHIP with Him. We must know how to tap into the spirit without four church walls and an organ in the key of B-flat! It grieves my heart to know so many “ministers” of God who don’t worship Him outside of the regular Sunday service. Where is the relationship? When will we get past tradition, and learn to move in the season of God?

Saints, we MUST talk to Him. There is no relationship without conversation. Prayer is essential! We must learn to TALK and LISTEN to the Father. Hallelujah!

25The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things.
26Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he.
My God, when we build a relationship with the Father, we will recognize Him. His sheep hear His voice. Why are so many of us still relying on someone to tell us what God is saying? Don’t misunderstand – there is a place for the prophet/prophetess in the church, but why are so many running after a Word? Just ask God yourself! The Word of prophesy is for confirmation!!!
27And upon this came his disciples, and marvelled that he talked with the woman: yet no man said, What seekest thou? or, Why talkest thou with her?

In verse 8, we notice that the disciples were absent during the majority of Jesus’ conversation with the woman at the well. Here, they reappear only to question (within themselves) why Jesus is talking to her. How many times have others looked on your situation and said within themselves, “Why would God call her?” People will doubt you. So, when God is exalting you in the midst of your mess, get rid of the haters! Surround yourself with exhorters and remove yourself from people who feed the spirit of doubt and condemnation. Don’t allow everyone to speak into your life! Let God be true, and every man a liar! Praise God!

28The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men,
29Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?
30Then they went out of the city, and came unto him.

After all that took place during this encounter, these few verses emphasize the purpose of it all – a testimony! Glory to God! This woman was compelled to go and tell about her experience with the Savior, knowing that she would be ridiculed, and possibly punished. Nevertheless, no one could deny what she personally witnessed. Their curiosity was peaked. As a result, they sought Jesus for themselves.

We are called to evangelize a be a witness to the lost. Even when the lost seem to be offended or uninterested, we never know which ones go back looking for Jesus after we’d shared our testimony! Open your mouth! Jesus will draw them in thereafter…

39And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did.
40So when the Samaritans were come unto him, they besought him that he would tarry with them: and he abode there two days.
41And many more believed because of his own word;
42And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world.

Oh, look at God! Now, those same people who heard the woman’s testimony have met Jesus and believed on Him for themselves. Hallelujah! It’s not all in vain!
The point here is this…

Have faith to know you can be used of God, despite your past, your circumstances and your struggles. Allow your trials, failures and embarrassments to bring glory to God. There is power in your testimony. You can't have a testimony without a test, and there is no deliverance without bondage! Don’t be concerned about what you’ve been through…

“He must needs go through” your mess that others will “know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world.”

Hallelujah! Be encouraged, my sisters, and do the work of the ministry in godly faith and confidence!

Don't Worry - Build Your FAITH!

Responsibility without power leads to frustration. Unanswered frustration causes worry. Isn’t it funny how we worry about all the things we can’t change, yet neglect the things we can? Isn’t also strange that we always expect the worst, neglecting faith in God to work things out for the best?

Luke 12: 22-31
22) And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on.
23) The life is more than meat, and the body [is more] than raiment.
24) Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?
25) And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit?
26) If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest?
27) Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
28) If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more [will he clothe] you, O ye of little faith?
29) And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind.
30) For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.
31) But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Jesus instructed His disciples not to worry about what they should wear or eat. Essentially, God knows what we need and has taken the responsibility to provide us these needs. Since God has the responsibility, we also recognize that only He has the power. Our Father is our source. The only thing we can do is follow His commandment to seek the Kingdom of God FIRST. Then, the Lord is obligated to provide all our needs!

My God! That is so powerful. God MUST fulfill His word. He cannot lie! So, why are our needs not met? Why do we still get frustrated? It must be because we’re not covering our end of the deal.

If we have any lack in our lives, it’s because we are not fully seeking God and His Kingdom. What does that mean? Prayer, fasting, Christian fellowship, Bible Study, obedience to the Word of God – these are all ways we seek Him. It seems so simple, yet it’s so difficult for us. Perhaps we lack the main ingredient in these areas – FAITH. Without faith, it’s impossible to please God! How can we truly seek His presence if we don’t please Him? Many of us attend church services faithfully. We pray regularly, study the Word, and even fast continuously. Yet, if these things are not done in FAITH, they are not pleasing to our Father. In the same manner, if we are seeking him in FAITH, doubt will not creep in. We won’t have anything to worry about, and frustration will not have a stronghold in our lives.

Glory to God! He has given us the solution. We must condition ourselves to have FAITH in God, or have the faith of God! Then, we will be at peace. As the Word of God says, “Godliness with contentment is great gain.” Praise the Lord!

I admonish us today to work on pleasing God. We must build our faith. In order to build our faith, we seek His Kingdom. As recorded in the book of Romans, “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” Seeking the Kingdom requires prayer, fasting, fellowship and studying the Scriptures. In the same manner, these things increase our faith because they expose us to the Word. The result is increased faith, which pleases the Father. It’s a huge spiritual cycle, and we must jump on board!

I am guilty of stressing over things I cannot change. I am guilty of trying to take responsibility for things over which I have no power. Today, I am reminded that I must seek God on a different level. I must build my faith through the Word of God. Won’t you join me?

All Dressed Up With No Place to Go (Part 2)

Click below to hear Part 2 of the audio message, All Dressed Up With No Place to Go

All Dressed Up With No Place to Go

Click below to hear Part 1 of the audio message, All Dressed Up With No Place to Go

Are You Guilty . . . of Passive Murder?

Eze 3:17 Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me.

Eze 3:18 When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.

Eze 3:19 Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.

Eze 3:20 Again, When a righteous man doth turn from his righteousness, and commit iniquity, and I lay a stumblingblock before him, he shall die: because thou hast not given him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he hath done shall not be remembered; but his blood will I require at thine hand.

Eze 3:21 Nevertheless if thou warn the righteous man, that the righteous sin not, and he doth not sin, he shall surely live, because he is warned; also thou hast delivered thy soul.

-----

Passive Murder – Are you guilty?

Consider the following hypothetical scenario:

A lifeguard with 25 years of training sits on his post at a local swimming pool. He is hot, sweaty and uncomfortable in the summer sun, and finally decides to get a cold lemonade from a nearby vendor’s stand. During his break, he purchases a large glass of cold lemonade and returns to his post. Soon after, he spots a young boy screaming and struggling in the water. He knows the boy is drowning, but decides that he will not save him because he has not had an opportunity to finish drinking his lemonade. With his mind made up, he takes a complete 13 minutes to drink the lemonade, and an additional 2 minutes to chew on the remnants of ice and lemon at the bottom of the glass. Needless to say, the little boy dies.

In court, the lifeguard cannot argue that he did not know how to save the boy. With 25 years as a lifeguard, it was his responsibility to act on the boy’s behalf. Fear is not a possible defense either, as he assumed the responsibility to save life by becoming and remaining a lifeguard for over 20 years. In essence, the lifeguard has no defense. He is responsible for the life of the boy that drowned. He should be punished. Some may say he deserves life in prison. Some would even favor the death penalty in this situation.

I heard a similar scenario during an episode of “The Way of the Master (www.wayofthemaster.com). In that evangelism training series, the scenario centered around a fire fighter who allowed a family to die in a fire so that he could sit in the truck and listen to a new CD player. In both stories, the issue is the same. Both individuals had responsibility for a life, and neglected that responsibility. Both individuals were NEGLIGENT, resulting in death. Both individuals are GUILTY and responsible for the deaths of others, because they failed to save lives for which they were accountable.

In many ways, these scenarios introduce a philosophical argument of “passive murder.” If a person “allows” someone to die when they are fully capable of saving them and have the RESPONSIBILITY to do so, they are essentially guilty of murder. I wonder how many Christians are guilty of murder...

As believers, we know that Satan cannot do anything God does not allow him to do. Well, just as God will not force a man to follow him, the enemy also lacks the power to force loyalty out of a man or woman. Essentially, Satan can tempt us into spiritual death, but he cannot kill us without our consent. This means that Christians are responsible for the eternal damnation of sinners – not the devil!

My God! What a responsibility. Men and women of God, we are just like the fireman and the lifeguard. We know how to present the Gospel of life to those who are dying in their sin. If we neglect to do so, we are guilty of their outcomes. Just think of how many souls we have allowed to drown or burn.

The Word of God is very clear – we must preach the Gospel to every creature (Mark 16:15). If we fail, God will count of guilty of their transgressions. Nevertheless, when we share the Gospel, it is counted unto us as a reward when an individual gives their life to Christ. Should they reject Him, we are guiltless as long as we have warned them, according to the Word of God.

People of God, let’s search ourselves. Why are we really in ministry? Is it to make a name for ourselves? Is it “get rich quick scheme?” Do we carry titles just to make ourselves feel good? I challenge us all today to search ourselves and our hearts. How many souls have you brought to Christ? How often do you proclaim the Gospel to those who are lost? When you witness to others, do you preach your church and ministry, or are you presenting Jesus? How many souls printed on your spiritual record? Do the losses outweigh the victories?

Praise God! God has laid it on my heart to share the Gospel with at least 3 people per day, whether they are in church or not. Before anyone knows my name or my ministry, they need to know Jesus. AMEN.

Go Deeper...Beyond the Surface

My God! This prophetic Word came through my good friend in Australia, who just swims in the prophetic gift. It was a conviction and a blessing for me. Many times I find myself desiring to grown closer to God, yet I don't find the time after work, church, family and ministry to pray, fast, and read the Word. Well, there is no other way, so sacrifice is necessary on my part. God has been dealing with me about this over the last few weeks, so this word was so "on time" for me. I pray that it will bless someone on this site as well. I am pasting the words (with her permission) exactly as she recorded them. As it applies, please take heed to the Word of the LORD...

Go Beyond The Surface
7th April, 2005
The Word of the Lord, Given through Lanna Perry
Sydney Australia

Many of you are crying out to Me for the jewels you have been desiring, the revelations and the intimacy you have been desiring, yet you will not make the sacrifice to go beyond the surface.

Why do you want to remain just scratching the surface of knowing Me and My heart?

Do you think it is My heart for each of you to scratch the surface of Me? Surely not!

There is a depth to Me that is not known by many. There is a depth to My heart and Kingdom that few see. Few see, because few choose to go forward, and go below the surface.

I have called each of you to dig. Dig deep. As you dig deep it means that you must continue to die to yourself, and continue to see the state of your heart, but as you do, you fall more and more into My arms, knowing you cannot do anything alone. The revelation that you need Me, becomes so much more engrained in each of your hearts.

Many of you are starting to dig deep and what are you finding? JEWELS!

The jewels are hidden. The jewels of My heart and Kingdom are hidden. Hidden from the natural eye, but deep in Me. You, My children, My bride, will not see the jewels on the surface.

The jewels are deep. The jewels are found when you get your hands dirty in knowing Me. The jewels are found as you take steps away from all that has entangled you, all that has hurt you, and all that is worrying you, and take steps towards Me.Jewels are found as you take your eyes off your circumstances and onto Me. Jewels are found as you radically abandon your desires and plans and follow mine. Give all to Me. That is when you find jewels. When you do not rely on emotions, but on My Word wholeheartedly.

There is no instability in My kingdom, but if you remain at the surface, you are relying more on yourself, and your emotions, and not sacrificing for Me, and you become unstable. Thrown around by the wind and the waves.

As you dig deeper in Me church, you find jewels, and your roots are strengthened and watered.Stop feeding your flesh. Stop wasting your time, effort and money in feeding what will not last, what is unstable, and start investing your time, money and effort more into Me, and My Kingdom, then My Bride, you WILL see the jewels you desire.

Many of you know Me, and are still discontent, why? Because you are sitting on the surface, scratching the surface and not digging deeper into Me. Paying the price to go deep.

Wake Up, My Bride. Have you not realised what I am saying? What I continue to say over and over? Do not remain scratching the surface. Die to yourself, and come deeper.Many of you are making judgments on Me, that I am not good, that I am not providing that which you are continually calling out for. I always provide on time, but you must press in. I will not always come to you with what you desire on a silver platter. You must HUNGER and THIRST for that which you are desperate for. For if you are not hungry and thirsty for what you desire from Me, then you are not desperate. If My Bride, you are truly desperate for the jewels of knowing Me, and My heart, and the plans I have for My Kingdom, then press in.Go below the surface.

Stop spending all your lives on the surface, but do what I am telling you to do, to come deep. Then you will find the jewels you’ve always been desiring, and I promise you My Bride, once you have a taste of what is below the surface, you will NEVER go back. EVER.

Stop Chewing

This word of prophecy is being posted with permission from a dear friend of mine with a powerful prophetic gift. This word from God agreed so much with my spirit that I had to post it hear. Take heed to the word of the LORD!


Stop Chewing
4th April 2005
Lanna Perry
Sydney Australia

My precious children, My precious possessions, My precious branches, heed the word I am to speak for My heart is grieved. My heart is grieved My children, because as each of you are connected to me the One and Only true Vine, yet many of you are doing things that I am not pleased with.

My precious branches, you know what I see? I see some of you chewing at other branches, chewing at others to try and disconnect them, being motivated by jealousy or deceit or by gossip and slander.

Have I not called My church to work together? Have I not called My precious jewels to work together for My Kingdom?Why do you compare? Why do you strive to be better than each other? Why have you allowed manipulation and control to come into My church? Why have you allowed these things to come in and pollute that which I am trying to purify.Look at your hearts My branches. Look at your hearts. Forgive those who have hurt you and bless those who curse you. Stop chewing at other branches. Stop chewing down others, to bring about disunity.Do you want to continue to chew and chew until others and continue to try and cut them off? Your words are cutting many down. Your words are cutting many people to the hearts My children. Listen to My words. I am speaking.LOVE! Did I not teach you through My word to love? So love one another.This is NOT how I have called My church to be. This is NOT my heart for the church. This is NOT what I want. This is NOT pleasing to me, it is displeasing, so repent. Unite, and love one another. Heap blessings on each other. Let go of grievances, let go, stop hindering My work, and allow Me to grow each of you and My church.Oh I long to shine through you My church, shine through you in love, complete love, but My love and light is hindered as you try to chew each other off.Show My love to each other. Allow Me to set you free from grievances and hurts. Stop chewing each other.How greatly do I love you? How greatly have I poured my love over you. I have spoken to each of you to love Me and love each other so LOVE.

Do not grieve My heart anymore. Repent. Repent of trying to chew others off from Me. Repent for your slander, bad words, gossip, hatred, unforgiveness and unclean hearts. Repent.I love each of you so much and I forgive you, but I the Lord your God will not tolerate some of My children allowing the enemy to use them to chew off other of My branches, My children.

I will not stand for it.My precious branches, My precious children, there are those of you who have been on the receiving end of this chewing. I want to say to you, continue to cleave to Me. Continue to cleave to Me the vine. Continue to allow Me to comfort you, and I will bring about justice for you.

I will bring about justice in your life, and I will prevail.

I hold each of you close to My hearts. I hold all of My children close.

My church, look at your hearts, let My Spirit clean you and cut off any strongholds of the enemy.

Stop chewing off other branches, stop causing disunity. UNITE.

LOVE. FORGIVE.

Stop chewing and start blessing.

Don't Forget to Water the Plants

Have you ever cut a stem off a green plant and placed it in vase of water? It’s amazing how the stem will die if you simply cut it off, but grows brand new roots if you simply place it in water. An entire new plant will grow in just a matter of days. Even if all other elements are present (light, dirt, nutrients, carbon dioxide), that plant stem must have water in order to survive. There’s something about the water…

The people of God are the same way. Even if a disjointed (backslidden) Christian has light (the Word of God), nutrients (natural food and water) and carbon dioxide (fellowship), he or she cannot survive without water (the Holy Spirit). In John 7:38-39, the Word says:

He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet [given]; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)

The Bible clearly teaches us that water is representative of the Holy Spirit and His power in the Scriptures. Now, take a look at Psalm 1:1-3.

Blessed [is] the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight [is] in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

Isn’t that powerful?! The man who enjoys fellowship with the Word of God is like a tree, or a plant, rooted by the rivers of water. In other words, that person has continual, flowing access to the Holy Spirit and His power. Hallelujah! The Word goes on to say that this person will bring forth fruit in his season. The fruit of the Holy Spirit are described in Galatians 5:22-23, but I also believe this refers to the gifts and callings of God placed on individual believers. The leaf on a tree protects the fruit. Leaves that do not wither let me know that those things which support my ministry will not be weak – Finances, Time, Talents, People – they are present and strong, in Jesus’ name. They are needed to support and cover a ministry. Praise God! Now, God tops it all off and adds the icing to the cake with “whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”

What a mighty and awesome God we serve!

As I continued to meditate on this Word, I thought of all the times I’ve been discouraged in the ministry, or even as a Christian. “Lord, why can’t I get my finances straight?” “God, I know you called me, but I just don’t have enough time.” “Father, why doesn’t anyone believe in me.” God is telling me and other men and women of God, “When something isn’t right in your life, it’s because you haven’t exposed that area to the work and power of the Holy Spirit.” In other words, we haven’t allowed God to breathe on that particular area.

Now we all know that breath has a feeling and a scent. When someone breathes on you, you feel the warmth and you smell the breath, whether it be good or bad. Can you smell, or sense, the breath of God in those areas of your life that seem stagnant? My God! The Lord gave me the following scripture along with this revelation:

Job 14:7-9
For there is hope of a tree, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again, and that the tender branch thereof will not cease. Though the root thereof wax old in the earth, and the stock thereof die in the ground; [Yet] through the scent of water it will bud, and bring forth boughs like a plant.

Hallelujah! We, as Christians, are the tree. If we, or any part of our lives, are cut down (broken, discouraged, inefficient, backslidden), we can be revived again! Hallelujah! The tender branch, which is the heart toward God – that part of you that keeps seeking HIS face, will not cease. Though the root may get old (the doctrine, the habits, the works) and we may get tired and aged in our flesh, through the scent (the mere presence and sense of the Holy Spirit) of water, it will bud. New life shall come forth. That area of your life will be revived and bring forth NEW fruit, in Jesus’ name! O, praise God! I admonish you to get transparent before the Lord, and allow the Holy Spirit to lead you in those areas that are hindering you. Look for the barren areas in your life to GIVE BIRTH!!! In fact, your fruit will begin to root and bring forth fruit. Even when they are separated from you in the natural, they will birth into new plants in other areas! Hallelujah! Your children will prophesy and dream dreams. Your ministry will birth new ministries. Those who you lead to Christ will bring others into the family of God!

Hallelujah! Don’t forget to water the plants! Yield to the water of God – the Holy Spirit. Make sure His scent, His breath is present in every area of your life. If the Spirit of God is there, something HAS TO CHANGE. If God is in the midst, sickness cannot stay. Poverty cannot dwell. Frustration is not welcome! Not sure how to turn over every aspect of your life to God’s Spirit? PRAISE! The Bible says that He inhabits the praises of His people. If you’re having problems in your marriage, praise Him. If your finances are not adequate, praise Him. God will show up, and CHANGE MUST FOLLOW! Even in the natural, we must turn our lives over to God. PRAISE is a sacrifice. We praise God in song, in speech and in dance, but we must also praise Him through obedience, which is better than sacrifice. We must sweep our lives of sin, even in the small areas! Thank you, God! We must be completely SOLD OUT for Him! Sin is poison. No matter how much you water a plant, if it’s poisoned, it will die.

People of God, let’s get naked before our Father. Let Him breathe on every part of our lives. AMEN?!

Don’t forget to water the plants!

Happy Resurrection Day!

Matthew 28

1)	In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first [day] of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.
2)	And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.
3)	His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:
4)	And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead [men].
5)	And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.
6)	He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.
7)	And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.
8)	And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.
9)	And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.
10)	Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.
11)	Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done.
12)	And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers,
13)	Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him [away] while we slept.
14)	And if this come to the governor's ears, we will persuade him, and secure you.
15)	So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.
16)	Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.
17)	And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.
18)	And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
19)	Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20)	Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen.

Make Your Way Prosperous

This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee withersoever thou goest.

Joshua 1:8-9



The Bible says that God spoke these words to Joshua after the death of Moses. God encouraged Joshua to meditate on his word and go forth in victory. In fact, this strengthened Joshua so much, that the very next verse declares “Then Joshua commanded…”

Wow! If you are anything like me, you have those days when you wonder, “Lord, what am I doing wrong? Why aren’t things working in my favor? Why is it that when I think I’m doing the right thing, my circumstances work against me?” Perhaps Joshua felt some of these things when Moses died. Perhaps he felt slightly alone or lost. He may have felt intimidated or afraid. Nevertheless, the LORD provided a solution to provide him confidence and set him mind at rest.

1) Listen to God when He speaks (Joshua 1:1)
2) Don’t forget the Word of God.
3) Study and meditate on the Scriptures.
4) Do all that is written and commanded by God.
5) Be strong and courageous.
6) Do not be afraid or discouraged.

Then what? You will be prosperous! You will have good success! Our Father will be with you wherever you go!

What an awesome reminder this is for us when we become discouraged on a daily basis. If we do these things, our faith must increase (Romans 10:17). As we believe on God, He will increase in our lives. My God, we can’t lose. It’s all about obedience and holiness. We must sanctify ourselves. We must be set apart and governed by the Word of God.

What a simple reminder, yet so powerful!

Guard Your Gates!

Years ago, I heard a minister preach about “Guarding Our Gates.” It is so imperative that the people of God learn to carefully select what we see and hear. The human body has many parts and senses, but our sight and ability to hear are very important to the spirit. The eyes and ears are the only physical gates by which the spirit can be directly influenced. My God! That’s powerful. The fact is that everything we see and hear is automatically registered in our spirits. For this reason, we must demand authority over our surroundings. If something sneaks in that is not of God, we must deal with it immediately. Every sight and sound we are exposed to produces a thought, or a series of thoughts. This can be referred to as imagination, which is part of the soul. Man is a three-part being: Spirit, Soul and Body. When the Body is exposed to an outside influence, a message is sent to the soul, where it is exposed to emotions and thought. At that point, we must decide whether or not we will subject the our spirit to the same. 2 Corinthians 10:5 “Casting down imaginations, and ever high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ…” Praise God. In this scripture, we are instructed to bring thoughts [imaginations and feelings] into the obedience of Christ, which also agrees with the Holy Spirit within us. We do this by “casting down” or rebuking those things that exalt themselves against the “knowledge of God” or the Word of God. This is certainly difficult to do. Nevertheless, every believer must learn to control his or her thoughts and seek God at a level where relationship with Him is able to purge those things that are not like Him. It is much easier, though, to simply avoid those things that are not like God – music, television, ungodly conversations, and anything else that do not agree with the Word of God. Not convinced? Take a look at Romans 10:17. So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Faith is a spiritual concept. Yet, it is built by “hearing” the Word of God. Faith grows when we expose our ear, or gate, to the thoughts and works of our Father. Hallelujah! If positive information can enter our flesh and produce a positive spiritual change, how much more can negative information enter through the flesh to produce a negative spiritual impact!

Are YOU the Weakest Link?

We have all the seen the British-based game show that swept our nation during the latter part of last year. The title was "The Weakest Link." The object of the game was for each team to answer the maximum number of questions correctly, creating a link of monetary winnings that grew exponentially with each correct answer. Whenever a question was answered incorrectly, the link was broken, and the team had to begin compounding money again. At the end of each round, the team voted off the "weakest link" until one player was declared the winner, or the strongest link. In the church, God has given us all a part of the ministry. We have specific gifts, ministries and callings that help us to serve the Body of Christ. Since we are all a vital part of the ministry work, there is no room for a "weak link." Take an assessment of the Body of Christ today. Would God be pleased? Are we saving souls as we should? Are we caring for the sick and hungry as we should? Are we upholding the law of the Lord as we should? If not, why? Are YOU the weakest link? ----- Are You the Weakest Link? Clichés worth pondering… A team is only as good as its leader. Two heads are better than one. There is power in numbers. A chain is only as strong as its weakest link. THE BIBLE SAYS... Ecclesiastes 4:9 - Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. Ecclesiastes 4:12 - And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken. Amos 3:3 - Can two walk together, except they be agreed? Matthew 18:20 - For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. Scriptural Texts: 1 Corinthians 1:10, 11, 13, 26-31 Supporting Texts: Romans 12:3-21 1 Corinthians 12 ----- 10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. 11 For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. 13 Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? 26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: 27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; 28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: 29 That no flesh should glory in his presence. 30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. ----- CHARACTERISTICS OF A STRONG LINK 1 Corinthians 12:2 2 Corinthians 13:1 James 4:10 Romans 8:14 James 4:6 1. Walk in unity 2. Speak the same things / agree in doctrine 3. Same mind and judgement 4. Joined by the mind of Christ 5. Called of God 6. Exalted by the hand of God 7. Spirit-led 8. Wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, redemption 9. Humility 10. Glory only in God ----- CHARACTERISTICS OF A WEAK LINK Proverbs 17:11 James 4:4 1. Division and strife / rebellion 2. Rumors and negative reports 3. Led by strengths of the flesh rather than strengths of the Spirit (i.e. worldly knowledge, wealth, fame, etc.) 4. Abased by God 5. Glory in fleshly things

Is Your Clothing Out of Style?

Many Christians have problems with changes that need to take place in their lives. We don’t like change because it is uncomfortable and unfamiliar. Unfortunately, the attitudes we carry…the disobedience in which we live…the excuses we make…the traditions we place before God…they are all OUT OF STYLE!

When it comes to the Saints of God, especially those in leadership, God is getting tired of mess. He is tired of seeing us wear old clothes as we try to function according to old things. God is doing a new thing in the Kingdom of God, and we must get BRAND NEW for Him. People of God, it’s time to change our spiritual clothes! Hypocrisy must cease. We must walk in TRUE HOLINESS and seek God like never before. We need to “dress to impress” in the spirit realm.


What Authority Do You Represent?

In our society, we are able to recognize people in authority by their appearance. We are able, for instance, to identify someone in the armed forces by the camouflage they wear. We recognize a police officer because of the uniform he wears. These outfits symbolize something for us. They define the authority and the purpose that person has been called to fulfill.

In the same way, the Bible tells us that we should be known by our fruit. The move of the Holy Spirit in our lives will cause others to recognize the power, authority and purpose that has been placed in us by God. The problem in Christian leadership is that many of us are perpetrating an officer, and that’s a crime! We are dressing ourselves with titles, dead works and responsibilities that God never called us to. In Matthew 21:18-19, we read about Jesus and a fig tree. The Bible says the Lord was hungry, and saw a fig tree with leaves on it, signifying that fruit should have been present as well. When He saw that no fruit was blooming on the tree, He cursed it. Many of us today are just like that tree. We act like we’re sanctified, and we talk like we’re holy, but we fail to produce. We call ourselves prophets, but we never prophesy the word of the Lord. Instead we profess our own ideas and ideologies. We call ourselves preachers, but we preach politics and economics, rather than the word of God. Leaders, this puts the people of God in bondage. We cannot be found guilty and false prophesies. God’s judgment begins at the house of God, so many of us need to repent!

In the 11th chapter of John, Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead. In Jewish tradition, the dead were wrapped in a shroud, or a grave cloth before they were buried or placed in a tomb. When Jesus tells Lazarus, “come forth,” he realizes that he is bound by this clothing. The Bible says, in verse 44, that Lazarus came forth “bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound with a napkin.” Jesus told the people surrounding him, “Loose him, and let him go.” If Lazarus had stayed in those grave clothes, he would not have been able to function normally. He couldn’t see. He could barely walk. More than likely, he was unable to breathe freely as well. Many of us, as Christian leaders, are wrapped in a shroud called TRADITION. God has called us into ministry, but we are bound by the things we have been taught by the church. We can’t see clearly. We can’t walk freely, and we can’t speak as the Lord leads us. Well, the devil is a liar! He who the Son sets free is free indeed! Some of us need to stop being bound by titles. We need to take off our binding clothes and walk in new life. If you’re called, you’re just called. “Come forth,” as Jesus said to Lazarus. You may walk in the office of an Evangelist, but if the Lord tells you to prophesy, PROPHESY. You may walk in the office of a teacher, but if God tells you to preach, PREACH THE WORD! At some point, we have to stop worrying about what people will think. We may have to forget some of the traditions we were taught. We MUST do as God says. He is speaking in these last days, and we MUST BE OBEDIENT!

Last, but not least, we must begin to see ourselves as God sees us. Many times, we quench the Holy Spirit because of fear. We must get to a place where we realize that God gets all the glory! Therefore, fear has no place in ministry! We must be bold and walk in power according to Acts 1:8. The Lord had plans for us before we were formed in our mother’s wombs (Jeremiah 1:5). We must walk in our destinies. We must realize who we are in Christ Jesus and live according to the power that is in us. We should be able to pray for the sick and see them healed. We should have the power to raise the dead! It’s only a matter of faith. God isn’t falling short, so it must be us. Amen?

In Job 14:13-15, Job asks that God hide him in the grave until his wrath passes. This is exactly where some of us have been. We have been hiding behind religious traditions and false doctrines of the church, using them to make excuses for why we are not fulfilling the callings on our lives. Well, God is saying that our change has come! It is now time to walk in life and liberty, through the Spirit of God.

Be encouraged, saints of God! The Lord wants to use us in these last days, but we must be strong, willing and obedient. We must be in uniform, compliant with the Word of God. People will see our clothing, in the Spirit, and glorify our Father in Heaven. Is your clothing out of style?


Is Your Clothing Out of Style?

Our clothes say so much about us. Our style communicates our occupation, our self-esteem, our purpose, our artistic ability, and so much more. Clothing is a visible display of one’s culture, society, conscious and economic status. Our character, words and works do the same in the spirit realm. They reveal the status of our spiritual walk and relationship with God. Is your clothing out of style? Is it deceiving? Is it too binding? The Lord is calling us change clothes – to represent who we really are in Him on a day to day basis. We must get real before the Lord. For some of us, that may mean standing completely naked before Him.

Is Your Clothing Out of Style? If your walk doesn’t line up with your calling, change your clothes. If your title doesn’t match your calling, change your clothes!


Final thoughts to ponder…

Take off sin and put on holiness (Romans 13:11-14).
11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.
12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.
13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.
14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.

Learn to distinguish between vain tradition and the Word of God (Matthew 15:9).
9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

Live an honest and transparent life. God’s people must have integrity (Romans 2:20-24).
20 An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law.
21 Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal?
22 Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege?
23 Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God?
24 For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written.

Let’s watch our mouths. Only GOSSIP THE GOSPEL! We must allow God to touch our lips (Isaiah 6:5-7).
5 Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.
6 Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar:
7 And he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged.