Isaiah 29
13 And the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near Me with their mouth and honor Me with their lips but remove their hearts and minds far from Me, and their fear and reverence for Me are a commandment of men that is learned by repetition [without any thought as to the meaning],
14 Therefore, behold! I will again do marvelous things with this people, marvelous and astonishing things; and the wisdom of their wise men will perish, and the understanding of their discerning men will vanish or be hidden.
15 Woe to those who [seek to] hide deep from the Lord their counsel, whose deeds are in the dark, and who say, Who sees us? Who knows us?
16 [Oh, your perversity!] You turn things upside down! Shall the potter be considered of no more account than the clay? Shall the thing that is made say of its maker, He did not make me; or the thing that is formed say of him who formed it, He has no understanding?
No more lip service! Even in the midst of trouble, who will stand? So many of us confess Christ with our lips. We say we a living lives of faith. We claim to believe the word of God, yet our hearts are removed from the Father. God is seeking, in this hour, the remnant that know His voice. He is calling to the forefront those who know His heart and mind. Even now, religion and divine relationship are on the threshing floor. A great separation is taking place. God is calling forth those who are faithful to Him. He is calling forth those who are not caught up in idolatry.
The Lord is speaking to those who claim salvation, but are only as close to God as they are to a man. Too many in the Body of Christ have become separated from the Father, but have a false sense of security due to allegiance to flesh! Literally, people of God are worshipping people week after week, but missing God. As stated in Isaiah 29, so it is today. People of God, many of us are more attentive to the commandments of men than the commandments of God. We are doing what we’ve been taught by organized religion, but have never inquired of the Father, what is it that YOU desire of me? Our pastors are taken care of. Our families are prospering. We love on our leaders, but our relationship with God has waxed cold.
In this season, God will be God. Many of us have watched notorious leaders fall and fail in many ways. We have pointed fingers in many directions. Yet, God is saying that He has allowed the exposure. He is allowing the wisdom of who we consider wise to fail. The Father is showing His people that we must return to our first love. Faith in men will always bring disappointment, but God is faithful!
Despite our positions or titles, we must humble ourselves and always put God first. Too many of us, as leaders, are taking the glory for ourselves. We are only ambassadors in this earth, not worthy of any praise or worship. That honor belongs to God. Our good works must be motivated by a desire to bring Him glory.
So, there is a prophetic word of warning on today. Humble yourself, that God may lift you up. To those who have allowed yourselves to become idols, repent and direct the honor to God. The creation is NEVER greater than the creator, and our Creator is a jealous God. Woe to those who receive gifts and honor, but fail to teach and direct the sheep. Woe to those who value their status more than the salvation of their followers. Woe to those who receive what belongs to God. Too many shepherds are scattering sheep by failing in the ministry of reconciliation. We must preach the Gospel and call the people to repentance. No more compromise. In this hour, God will shake the earth, and all things done in the dark shall come to light. Idols shall be exposed, and those who call on the name of the Lord will be tested in this season. Who will stand when opposition comes and the pastor/leader/idol is not able to save? Do not be caught unaware.
2 Timothy 3:5
Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
James 1:22
But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Vision of Washington, DC
As I was praying this evening, the Lord allowed me to see a vision. There was a great cloud and stronghold over Washington, D.C. There was a great wind that blew, representing an upset and turmoil in this country. As I looked more closely, I literally saw imps blowing on the White House. They blew on the economy and blew on the pride of the American people. They were setting into motion a strategic, demonic plan to attack the nation. God began to show me that the attack is not on Americans so much as against His people in this country. As the attack went forth, God begant to show me that His people are wearing their faith on the sleeve of their finances. So, as the nation is being attacked, so many of His people are falling prey.
People of God, we must understand - this fight is not against your finances. You are not fighting for your jobs or for your well-being. This is a spiritual attack. Even when 9/11 ocurred, there was a new level of spiritual warfare that was released into the atmosphere. We cannot lose focus. God is saying, Open your eyes and discern! The enemy is succeeding by taking our eyes off the real battle. He has distracted God's people, and we must refocus.
Even this presidential election has concentrated so much on the "middle class." This includes those who lived by faith for so long. Why have we so easily forgotten?
Oh, I see the demonic activity in the air. It is permeating through the air and suppressing the people of God. We must break through. Prayer and fasting must go forth. I see the spirits blowing on God's people. This is war. This is a spiritual attack - it is only manifested in the natural. There is no bail-out plan that can save. There is no president that can redeem. The people of God must rise up and get on assignment. The enemy is the prince of this atmosphere, and he has released the command to war. Stand, people of God. Stand in this season. Stay on your faces before God in prayer. Turn down your plates and repent. Do not be discouraged. Do not fear. Do not fall into the snare of the enemy. He is blowing and setting his plan into motion. He is waiting for the desperate to run to his trap and forget their God. No fear. Stand. No fear. Stand.
Selah.
People of God, we must understand - this fight is not against your finances. You are not fighting for your jobs or for your well-being. This is a spiritual attack. Even when 9/11 ocurred, there was a new level of spiritual warfare that was released into the atmosphere. We cannot lose focus. God is saying, Open your eyes and discern! The enemy is succeeding by taking our eyes off the real battle. He has distracted God's people, and we must refocus.
Even this presidential election has concentrated so much on the "middle class." This includes those who lived by faith for so long. Why have we so easily forgotten?
Oh, I see the demonic activity in the air. It is permeating through the air and suppressing the people of God. We must break through. Prayer and fasting must go forth. I see the spirits blowing on God's people. This is war. This is a spiritual attack - it is only manifested in the natural. There is no bail-out plan that can save. There is no president that can redeem. The people of God must rise up and get on assignment. The enemy is the prince of this atmosphere, and he has released the command to war. Stand, people of God. Stand in this season. Stay on your faces before God in prayer. Turn down your plates and repent. Do not be discouraged. Do not fear. Do not fall into the snare of the enemy. He is blowing and setting his plan into motion. He is waiting for the desperate to run to his trap and forget their God. No fear. Stand. No fear. Stand.
Selah.
Deliverance Ministry
To GOD be the glory!
For many days now, God has been speaking to me about the ministry of deliverance and the gift of discernment. This is a season, in the Body of Christ, where God's people are being deceived on a very large level. In general, the people of God do not understand the spirit realm and the power of demonic influence.
In order for us to cast out demons, we must first recognize them. We need to understand the difference between the flesh and spiritual influence.
God is directing us, people of God, to sharpen our gifts. There is a generation of prophets, specifically seers, who are armed with discernment and must be used. God has raised them up for His use in this season. It is so important that we not be moved and awed by signs and wonders, but recognize and know the spirit and the voice of God.
I encourage each of us to pray and ask God to sharpen our discernment. There is a great hoax being played on the church, and the enemy is rejoicing in our ignorance and confusion. Seers, come forth! People of God, stand and do not run from the enemy or his imps. You have been given power over them, and many require deliverance.
Amen.
For many days now, God has been speaking to me about the ministry of deliverance and the gift of discernment. This is a season, in the Body of Christ, where God's people are being deceived on a very large level. In general, the people of God do not understand the spirit realm and the power of demonic influence.
In order for us to cast out demons, we must first recognize them. We need to understand the difference between the flesh and spiritual influence.
God is directing us, people of God, to sharpen our gifts. There is a generation of prophets, specifically seers, who are armed with discernment and must be used. God has raised them up for His use in this season. It is so important that we not be moved and awed by signs and wonders, but recognize and know the spirit and the voice of God.
I encourage each of us to pray and ask God to sharpen our discernment. There is a great hoax being played on the church, and the enemy is rejoicing in our ignorance and confusion. Seers, come forth! People of God, stand and do not run from the enemy or his imps. You have been given power over them, and many require deliverance.
Amen.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Can You be Questioned?
But in your hearts set Christ apart as holy [and acknowledge Him] as Lord. Always be ready to give a logical defense to anyone who asks you to account for the hope that is in you, but do it courteously and respectfully (1 Pet 3:15) AMP
Can you be questioned? There is a spirit of pride that has risen up in the Body of Christ. For some reason, many of us feel we are “above“ being questioned. So many times, Jesus answered questions of those who followed Him, as well as those who challenged. We must remember that we are here to be teachers and ambassadors of Christ. Not only will we be questioned, but we must be ready to provide answers respectfully and wisely, at all times!
Can you be questioned? In the same manner, do you know leaders who cannot be questioned? Be cautious of those who always challenge, but cannot be challenged... those who demand, but cannot be asked... those who teach, but cannot be taught...
Of course, when we question others, it should be done with respect. However, none of us are obsolete from correction. We will all be challenged at some point concerning the things of faith. When that time comes, we must be ready! After all, knowing how great God is, why would we withhold such a testimony from others? Zeal for the things of God will excite us about any opportunity to talk about the things of God. It was during times of adversity that Peter shared his most powerful and convicting sermons. It was when he was questioned and challenged in his faith that conviction was stirred and repentance obtained. Selah.
Can you be questioned? There is a spirit of pride that has risen up in the Body of Christ. For some reason, many of us feel we are “above“ being questioned. So many times, Jesus answered questions of those who followed Him, as well as those who challenged. We must remember that we are here to be teachers and ambassadors of Christ. Not only will we be questioned, but we must be ready to provide answers respectfully and wisely, at all times!
Can you be questioned? In the same manner, do you know leaders who cannot be questioned? Be cautious of those who always challenge, but cannot be challenged... those who demand, but cannot be asked... those who teach, but cannot be taught...
Of course, when we question others, it should be done with respect. However, none of us are obsolete from correction. We will all be challenged at some point concerning the things of faith. When that time comes, we must be ready! After all, knowing how great God is, why would we withhold such a testimony from others? Zeal for the things of God will excite us about any opportunity to talk about the things of God. It was during times of adversity that Peter shared his most powerful and convicting sermons. It was when he was questioned and challenged in his faith that conviction was stirred and repentance obtained. Selah.
Friday, October 03, 2008
Imitators of God
Ephesians 5:1
Therefore be imitators of God as dear children.
God has blessed me with two children – an 8-year-old little boy and a 4-year-old little girl. My son looks like me and has my temperament, but my daughter is almost an exact reflection of me. She copies my every move, looks exactly like I did at her age, and acts at 4, just like me at 32 in many ways. She’s a well-behaved child, but very mature in her thinking. She’s literally like a mini-Joy walking around. Every day, she wants to carry my purse, play in my shoes, and do her hair like mine. She studies me, prays like me, and even tries to preach like me in front on the mirror. She tries to imitate my worship and dances like me. She is such a student of everything I do, and while I want her to have her own personality, it is quite an honor to have someone who admires me the way she does.
As I look at my daughter, I understand more our Father’s desire for us to imitate Him. As believers, we often claim that God does not want to change our personalities. We often teach that He can use us just where we are. Well, that’s true to a point, but repentance does both merit and require change. The church is in a season where we have simply spiritualized the FLESH. Everything is “deep“ these days. Very simply put, God wants us to imitate Him as His children. That means we should love Him and take on His character, His fruit, His way of doing things. Flesh has to die!
So many of us are claiming that God is our Father, but we simply don’t look like Him. We don’t speak the way He speaks. We don’t act the way He acts. We say we have accepted Christ as our Savior, but we haven’t modeled our ministries after His. We don’t share His priorities. We don’t consult the Father as He did, and most of all, we refuse to suffer for the Gospel’s sake, though we have been instructed to take up our crosses and follow Him!
Whose shoes are we really walking in? Children do imitate their parents, both spiritually and naturally. Who are we really reflecting in this season? Imitating the flesh is not of God, but imitating God is His desire for us. Preaching like your pastor doesn’t make one look like God. Wearing the same suit as the elders in your congregation doesn’t make one look like God. It’s bearing the fruit of the Spirit that make us look like God. As Christians, have we become more patient, more loving and more kind? Or, are we still hateful, attempting to cover up our meanness as a deep prophetic judgment? Are we really more patient and longsuffering, or are we impatient and demanding, covering up as a leader trying to train others for service? Father, help us to see ourselves as YOU see us! Selah.
Therefore be imitators of God as dear children.
God has blessed me with two children – an 8-year-old little boy and a 4-year-old little girl. My son looks like me and has my temperament, but my daughter is almost an exact reflection of me. She copies my every move, looks exactly like I did at her age, and acts at 4, just like me at 32 in many ways. She’s a well-behaved child, but very mature in her thinking. She’s literally like a mini-Joy walking around. Every day, she wants to carry my purse, play in my shoes, and do her hair like mine. She studies me, prays like me, and even tries to preach like me in front on the mirror. She tries to imitate my worship and dances like me. She is such a student of everything I do, and while I want her to have her own personality, it is quite an honor to have someone who admires me the way she does.
As I look at my daughter, I understand more our Father’s desire for us to imitate Him. As believers, we often claim that God does not want to change our personalities. We often teach that He can use us just where we are. Well, that’s true to a point, but repentance does both merit and require change. The church is in a season where we have simply spiritualized the FLESH. Everything is “deep“ these days. Very simply put, God wants us to imitate Him as His children. That means we should love Him and take on His character, His fruit, His way of doing things. Flesh has to die!
So many of us are claiming that God is our Father, but we simply don’t look like Him. We don’t speak the way He speaks. We don’t act the way He acts. We say we have accepted Christ as our Savior, but we haven’t modeled our ministries after His. We don’t share His priorities. We don’t consult the Father as He did, and most of all, we refuse to suffer for the Gospel’s sake, though we have been instructed to take up our crosses and follow Him!
Whose shoes are we really walking in? Children do imitate their parents, both spiritually and naturally. Who are we really reflecting in this season? Imitating the flesh is not of God, but imitating God is His desire for us. Preaching like your pastor doesn’t make one look like God. Wearing the same suit as the elders in your congregation doesn’t make one look like God. It’s bearing the fruit of the Spirit that make us look like God. As Christians, have we become more patient, more loving and more kind? Or, are we still hateful, attempting to cover up our meanness as a deep prophetic judgment? Are we really more patient and longsuffering, or are we impatient and demanding, covering up as a leader trying to train others for service? Father, help us to see ourselves as YOU see us! Selah.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Prophetic Word for the "Successful" in Ministry
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"
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?
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Coming Soon - Breath of Life International Church
Coming Soon!
Breath of Life International Church
Prophet Joy Allen, Pastor
For More Information, Call 1-877-570-2350
Monday, August 18, 2008
Apostle Monica Sweeney (Knowing the Holy Ghost)
I was blessed and privileged to attend the Shake the Nations International Ministries Conference this weekend. The theme was "Holy Ghost Fire," and I received an impartation such as never before. I thank God for this ministry and for Apostle Monica Sweeney, Prophet Kimberly Turner and Apostle Glendora Winston.
To GOD be the glory!!!
Friday, August 15, 2008
For My Good (for HIS Glory)!
This song has been my testimony so many times over. God always gets the glory!
Friday, August 08, 2008
Pray...and Fast... Then DO Something!
Numbers 25:6-13 (Amplified Bible)
6 And behold, one of the Israelites came and brought to his brethren a Midianite woman in the sight of Moses and of all the congregation of Israel while they were weeping at the door of the Tent of Meeting [over the divine judgment and the punishment].
7 And when Phinehas son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, saw it, he rose up from the midst of the congregation and took a spear in his hand
8 And went after the man of Israel into the inner room and thrust both of them through, the man of Israel and the woman through her body. Then the [smiting] plague was stayed from the Israelites.
9 Nevertheless those who died in the [smiting] plague were 24,000.
10 And the Lord said to Moses,
11 Phinehas son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, has turned my wrath away from the Israelites, in that he was jealous with My jealousy among them, so that I did not consume the Israelites in My jealousy.
12 Therefore say, Behold, I give to Phinehas the priest My covenant of peace.
13 And he shall have it, and his descendants after him, the covenant of an everlasting priesthood, because he was jealous for his God and made atonement for the Israelites.
How much sin can we see and tolerate in the Body of Christ? Phinehas is the grandson of a priest – one who does not have a title, but understands his heritage and lineage in God. As I read this Scripture, I could imagine the same scenario in modern terms.
There is pestilence in the land. A curse has come upon God’s people because of sin. As the congregation gathers to pray and cry out to God, one named Phinehas sees sin literally walk into the door and decides to take a stand. Oftentimes, in the Body of Christ, it’s so easy for us to turn away. We use prayer and fasting as an excuse not to act or rebuke.
Phinehas decides to react differently. Instead of crying another tear or screaming another moan of lamentation, he takes up a weapon and attacks the sin the midst of the act. He attacked the sin at its root, and killed the perpetrators. Because of his actions, which would be considered nothing more than rebellion in this season, the Bible tells us that God stayed the plague and gave Phinehas the covenant of peace. Not only that, but he has now established an everlasting priesthood.
People of God, this is a season when God is looking for ACTION. Some of us are praying and fasting when God has already requested action. There are some natural things God is looking for from a people who are hiding behind spiritual things. If we would be honest, how can we handle spiritual battles when we cannot even respond to a natural stimulus? Our weapons are not carnal, but our influence is. Oh, who will stand for God after the service is over? When the praise and the worship has ceased, who will make a difference in the world? God is looking to establish a covenant, but He wants His people to DO SOMETHING.
Selah!
6 And behold, one of the Israelites came and brought to his brethren a Midianite woman in the sight of Moses and of all the congregation of Israel while they were weeping at the door of the Tent of Meeting [over the divine judgment and the punishment].
7 And when Phinehas son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, saw it, he rose up from the midst of the congregation and took a spear in his hand
8 And went after the man of Israel into the inner room and thrust both of them through, the man of Israel and the woman through her body. Then the [smiting] plague was stayed from the Israelites.
9 Nevertheless those who died in the [smiting] plague were 24,000.
10 And the Lord said to Moses,
11 Phinehas son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, has turned my wrath away from the Israelites, in that he was jealous with My jealousy among them, so that I did not consume the Israelites in My jealousy.
12 Therefore say, Behold, I give to Phinehas the priest My covenant of peace.
13 And he shall have it, and his descendants after him, the covenant of an everlasting priesthood, because he was jealous for his God and made atonement for the Israelites.
How much sin can we see and tolerate in the Body of Christ? Phinehas is the grandson of a priest – one who does not have a title, but understands his heritage and lineage in God. As I read this Scripture, I could imagine the same scenario in modern terms.
There is pestilence in the land. A curse has come upon God’s people because of sin. As the congregation gathers to pray and cry out to God, one named Phinehas sees sin literally walk into the door and decides to take a stand. Oftentimes, in the Body of Christ, it’s so easy for us to turn away. We use prayer and fasting as an excuse not to act or rebuke.
Phinehas decides to react differently. Instead of crying another tear or screaming another moan of lamentation, he takes up a weapon and attacks the sin the midst of the act. He attacked the sin at its root, and killed the perpetrators. Because of his actions, which would be considered nothing more than rebellion in this season, the Bible tells us that God stayed the plague and gave Phinehas the covenant of peace. Not only that, but he has now established an everlasting priesthood.
People of God, this is a season when God is looking for ACTION. Some of us are praying and fasting when God has already requested action. There are some natural things God is looking for from a people who are hiding behind spiritual things. If we would be honest, how can we handle spiritual battles when we cannot even respond to a natural stimulus? Our weapons are not carnal, but our influence is. Oh, who will stand for God after the service is over? When the praise and the worship has ceased, who will make a difference in the world? God is looking to establish a covenant, but He wants His people to DO SOMETHING.
Selah!
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
The TRUTH About Armorbearers and Adjutants
For the past two weeks, God has really been speaking to me and showing me the TRUTH about Armorbearers and Adjutants. I've seen the abuse and lies that surround this position, and I have a heavy burden on my heart to spread the truth! What is an Armorbearer? What is their "ordained" place in ministry? Who should be an Armorbearer?
Last night, the Lord allowed me to air a radio broadcast over BlogTalkRadio. The Cry Aloud, Spare Not! Radio Ministry Broadcast dealt very candidly with the topic of ordained servanthood. I am fully aware that this word is not be a popular one, but I must speak what thus says the LORD. If you or someone you know would be interested or affected by this topic, please tune in to the recorded audio broadcast by clicking the link below.
Remember, you shall know the truth, and the truth will make you free! Blessings!
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/joyofthelord/2008/07/30/The-Prophetic-Word
Last night, the Lord allowed me to air a radio broadcast over BlogTalkRadio. The Cry Aloud, Spare Not! Radio Ministry Broadcast dealt very candidly with the topic of ordained servanthood. I am fully aware that this word is not be a popular one, but I must speak what thus says the LORD. If you or someone you know would be interested or affected by this topic, please tune in to the recorded audio broadcast by clicking the link below.
Remember, you shall know the truth, and the truth will make you free! Blessings!
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/joyofthelord/2008/07/30/The-Prophetic-Word
Saturday, July 26, 2008
A Difficult Assignment
During a time of prayer tonight, the Lord took me up into a vision. In the vision, I began to almost float down a long road filled with dreams. I saw big cars, big houses and bright sunshine. At one point, I saw a long river with snow-capped mountains on the other side of the water. Eventually, I was lead into a huge sanctuary. It was divinely decorated with jewels and fine stones. The people were rejoicing. Everyone was full of joy. The people had no burdens. They were full of hope.
As I looked closer, I saw that the people were looking at a huge stage. Their visions and dreams for this world were being portrayed on a stage. It looked so real. Everything that anyone would desire was flashing before their eyes - money, security, health, spouses. The people were reaching out for these things. While they gathered in God's name, they did not come to meet Him. Instead, they came only to be entertained by what they thought they could gain FROM Him. As the people rejoiced in what I first thought to be praise, God spoke and instructed me to walk up on the stage.
I was terrified. The people were being entertained by visions of their blessings. As I walked onto the stage, God enabled my arms to grow. He told me to tear down the vision, as it was not of Him. It was a false hope based on the promises of the false prophets. I timidly walked on the stage, and was amazed at this screen. It was mesmerizing, and looked like reality or at least the hope of something very real. I was the only one who could tell it was just a screen, not real life.
As I stretched my hands, I felt the power of God come over me, and I simply pushed down the set. There were ladders and wood behind it. The people began to fight and scream when they saw their vision was nothing more than entertainment. A riot broke out, and I heard the Lord say, "This is how you will know they do have no relationship with me. They will have an anger toward you, because you have spoken on My behalf."
I distinctly heard God say, before I came out of the vision, that I must begin to knock down the entertainment and the false dreams that are not of Him. My hands are anointed for this purpose. "They are not worshipping Me," He said. "The are worshipping only a false promise of what they believe I will give them. Rather than using faith to please Me, they use faith for personal gain."
A difficult assignment lies ahead. Selah.
As I looked closer, I saw that the people were looking at a huge stage. Their visions and dreams for this world were being portrayed on a stage. It looked so real. Everything that anyone would desire was flashing before their eyes - money, security, health, spouses. The people were reaching out for these things. While they gathered in God's name, they did not come to meet Him. Instead, they came only to be entertained by what they thought they could gain FROM Him. As the people rejoiced in what I first thought to be praise, God spoke and instructed me to walk up on the stage.
I was terrified. The people were being entertained by visions of their blessings. As I walked onto the stage, God enabled my arms to grow. He told me to tear down the vision, as it was not of Him. It was a false hope based on the promises of the false prophets. I timidly walked on the stage, and was amazed at this screen. It was mesmerizing, and looked like reality or at least the hope of something very real. I was the only one who could tell it was just a screen, not real life.
As I stretched my hands, I felt the power of God come over me, and I simply pushed down the set. There were ladders and wood behind it. The people began to fight and scream when they saw their vision was nothing more than entertainment. A riot broke out, and I heard the Lord say, "This is how you will know they do have no relationship with me. They will have an anger toward you, because you have spoken on My behalf."
I distinctly heard God say, before I came out of the vision, that I must begin to knock down the entertainment and the false dreams that are not of Him. My hands are anointed for this purpose. "They are not worshipping Me," He said. "The are worshipping only a false promise of what they believe I will give them. Rather than using faith to please Me, they use faith for personal gain."
A difficult assignment lies ahead. Selah.
Friday, July 18, 2008
What are you afraid of?
Last night, I was speaking with one of my "little sisters" in the LORD. God began to minister to her (and me) about how we often fear things He has not even called us to. The Word of God instructs us not to be anxious for tomorrow. It will certainly take care of itself. Yet, we spend so much time and energy worrying about what may come.
I'm reminded that as believers, our steps are ordered by God. So, how much do we really trust Him? Whether or not that trial comes tomorrow, do I believe that God has ordered my steps for whatever destiny may arise? So many of us are killing our own faith by expecting the negative in every situation. Oh, if only God's people knew the Father's heart toward us.
My prayer today is that God would help me to trust Him more. If only I can get past the worrying and just trust God. Whatever my destiny may be, if I am led of Him, it is allowed and ordained by He who will never leave nor forsake me. Oh, the comfort in knowing we belong to Him!
I'm reminded that as believers, our steps are ordered by God. So, how much do we really trust Him? Whether or not that trial comes tomorrow, do I believe that God has ordered my steps for whatever destiny may arise? So many of us are killing our own faith by expecting the negative in every situation. Oh, if only God's people knew the Father's heart toward us.
My prayer today is that God would help me to trust Him more. If only I can get past the worrying and just trust God. Whatever my destiny may be, if I am led of Him, it is allowed and ordained by He who will never leave nor forsake me. Oh, the comfort in knowing we belong to Him!
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
How Long Will You Follow?
Matthew 15
32 Then Jesus called his disciples unto him, and said, I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days, and have nothing to eat: and I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way.
33 And his disciples say unto him, Whence should we have so much bread in the wilderness, as to fill so great a multitude?
34 And Jesus saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? And they said, Seven, and a few little fishes.
35 And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground.
36 And he took the seven loaves and the fishes, and gave thanks, and brake them, and gave to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.
37 And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets full.
38 And they that did eat were four thousand men, beside women and children.
HOW LONG WILL YOU FOLLOW?
God has been asking me this question for two weeks, as I am seeing so much in myself concerning servant hood. I must be honest - I have always thought of myself as a good "follower", but I can see that God is taking me to another level. He is demanding more of me, and as He chastises me, I see where I have been weak in following the leaders God has placed over my life.
It's interesting how we operate in ministry. The goal seems to be to secure your "own" ministry and make your "own" calling known. Yet, we so often forget the BODY. Alone, we cannot glorify God to the fullest. It takes the entire Body, fitly joined together, to complete the work. One can put a thousand to flight, but two - ten thousand!
How long will you follow?
As I read the Scripture over and over, the Lord began to speak to me about the multitude that followed Jesus. These were a group of people who were so eager to be fed spiritually, that they followed a controversial leader and were faithful to follow Him, even when they weren't fed for three days. Now, this crowd was not intentionally fasting. Yet they continued with Jesus as He did the work of the ministry.
If we would be honest, so many of us would not follow God for three days if He didn't feed, cloth and take care of us. We certainly have a problem following a man or woman of God who has been assigned over our lives if we feel we have no TANGIBLE benefit! If the crowd was concerned about their own well being more than obedience and ministry, they would have never witnessed one of the greatest miracles mentioned in the Scriptures. How much have you missed because you refused to follow? Selah.
I will be the first to admit - I have doubted leaders who could seemingly minister to everyone except those who were closest to them. Yes, I have resented some leaders when they took care of everyone else, but didn't seem to notice my struggle. However, I had a mind to be faithful and obedient to God. What happened? Miracles took place in my life! When I think about it, I wonder how much of God I actually missed because I became too hungry before the manifestation of power!
People of God, we must stop judging the integrity of our leaders, churches, mentors, etc. based on what they can do for us. We are to seek first the Kingdom of God. Then, all the other things shall be added. Our leaders are not perfect, but if we are called to follow, there may be some days of famine. Our loyalty, in those seasons, is first to God. Obedience is better than sacrifice.
What if God told you to follow your leader, but your bills were not paid? How long would you follow?
What is the Lord called you to serve and heal others, while your body remained sick? How long would you follow?
Perhaps God has placed you in a situation where your voice cannot be heard. How long will you follow?
If you are in the center of God's will, he has not forgotten you. Follow until you see God move in your obedience!
32 Then Jesus called his disciples unto him, and said, I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days, and have nothing to eat: and I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way.
33 And his disciples say unto him, Whence should we have so much bread in the wilderness, as to fill so great a multitude?
34 And Jesus saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? And they said, Seven, and a few little fishes.
35 And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground.
36 And he took the seven loaves and the fishes, and gave thanks, and brake them, and gave to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.
37 And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets full.
38 And they that did eat were four thousand men, beside women and children.
HOW LONG WILL YOU FOLLOW?
God has been asking me this question for two weeks, as I am seeing so much in myself concerning servant hood. I must be honest - I have always thought of myself as a good "follower", but I can see that God is taking me to another level. He is demanding more of me, and as He chastises me, I see where I have been weak in following the leaders God has placed over my life.
It's interesting how we operate in ministry. The goal seems to be to secure your "own" ministry and make your "own" calling known. Yet, we so often forget the BODY. Alone, we cannot glorify God to the fullest. It takes the entire Body, fitly joined together, to complete the work. One can put a thousand to flight, but two - ten thousand!
How long will you follow?
As I read the Scripture over and over, the Lord began to speak to me about the multitude that followed Jesus. These were a group of people who were so eager to be fed spiritually, that they followed a controversial leader and were faithful to follow Him, even when they weren't fed for three days. Now, this crowd was not intentionally fasting. Yet they continued with Jesus as He did the work of the ministry.
If we would be honest, so many of us would not follow God for three days if He didn't feed, cloth and take care of us. We certainly have a problem following a man or woman of God who has been assigned over our lives if we feel we have no TANGIBLE benefit! If the crowd was concerned about their own well being more than obedience and ministry, they would have never witnessed one of the greatest miracles mentioned in the Scriptures. How much have you missed because you refused to follow? Selah.
I will be the first to admit - I have doubted leaders who could seemingly minister to everyone except those who were closest to them. Yes, I have resented some leaders when they took care of everyone else, but didn't seem to notice my struggle. However, I had a mind to be faithful and obedient to God. What happened? Miracles took place in my life! When I think about it, I wonder how much of God I actually missed because I became too hungry before the manifestation of power!
People of God, we must stop judging the integrity of our leaders, churches, mentors, etc. based on what they can do for us. We are to seek first the Kingdom of God. Then, all the other things shall be added. Our leaders are not perfect, but if we are called to follow, there may be some days of famine. Our loyalty, in those seasons, is first to God. Obedience is better than sacrifice.
What if God told you to follow your leader, but your bills were not paid? How long would you follow?
What is the Lord called you to serve and heal others, while your body remained sick? How long would you follow?
Perhaps God has placed you in a situation where your voice cannot be heard. How long will you follow?
If you are in the center of God's will, he has not forgotten you. Follow until you see God move in your obedience!
Saturday, July 05, 2008
The Holy Outsider (Prophet Joy Allen)
A word for those who dare to take a stand for holiness. If you've been ridiculed because you're simply called to a higher level, this message is for you.
Thursday, July 03, 2008
Bishop Bloomer-Bishop's Daugher-Valerie Morrow @ 8am serv.
To GOD be the glory! This is an awesome woman of God. We attended the same church for a few years while I was in college. Powerful and FULL of the Word of God!
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
A Word of Prophecy to the USA
The Father spoke the following to me this evening:
I do not desire sackcloth and ashes, nor do I desire your burnt sacrifices. I desire a broken heart and a contrite spirit. My children, pray on behalf of your nation. I am not pleased, because America has set idols before Me. America has a form of godliness, but denies My power. Repentance is what I require. Open your mouth and give warning to them that disobey Me. Speak of My goodness to those who do not believe Me.
America has taken a spirit of pride that shall be brought down. You dwell in a country where a man will die for his flag, but turn away from Me, his God. Where are My martyrs? Where are those who will sacrifice for My glory?
Blow the trumpet and tell the transgressors of their ways. I am not pleased. Wail before Me on behalf of this nation. Consecrate yourselves to be used of Me. This harvest is plenteous, but My laborers in this land are few.
A time is coming where the wailing of mothers will sound great for their children. Do not be alarmed. This nation shall be turned over to a reprobate mind. Lawlessness shall increase and fear shall cover the land, but I will cover those who seek My face. I will not forsake My children in the midst of My judgment.
Psalm 9:17
The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.
Stand and proclaim My word in the land. Leave the walls of comfort and go into all the world. Proclaim My good works in your dwelling place. Who has rendered you silent? America must hear the prophet’s voice. Who will sound the alarm? Speak My judgment, and I will perform it. I am just and will forgive the repentant heart. Yet, the evil doer shall be exposed and judged, according to My Word.
I see blood on the hands of My servants. The warning has not gone forth. Clean your hands, My people. Proclaim the truth and stand for righteousness. Count your loss as gain for My sake. Stand for Me as your men have stood for your flag. Am I not more glorious? Have I not created the country so many worship? I AM. Yes, even I will bring down this idol.
Where is My praise in this land? Where is My voice among its people?
I do not desire sackcloth and ashes, nor do I desire your burnt sacrifices. I desire a broken heart and a contrite spirit. My children, pray on behalf of your nation. I am not pleased, because America has set idols before Me. America has a form of godliness, but denies My power. Repentance is what I require. Open your mouth and give warning to them that disobey Me. Speak of My goodness to those who do not believe Me.
America has taken a spirit of pride that shall be brought down. You dwell in a country where a man will die for his flag, but turn away from Me, his God. Where are My martyrs? Where are those who will sacrifice for My glory?
Blow the trumpet and tell the transgressors of their ways. I am not pleased. Wail before Me on behalf of this nation. Consecrate yourselves to be used of Me. This harvest is plenteous, but My laborers in this land are few.
A time is coming where the wailing of mothers will sound great for their children. Do not be alarmed. This nation shall be turned over to a reprobate mind. Lawlessness shall increase and fear shall cover the land, but I will cover those who seek My face. I will not forsake My children in the midst of My judgment.
Psalm 9:17
The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.
Stand and proclaim My word in the land. Leave the walls of comfort and go into all the world. Proclaim My good works in your dwelling place. Who has rendered you silent? America must hear the prophet’s voice. Who will sound the alarm? Speak My judgment, and I will perform it. I am just and will forgive the repentant heart. Yet, the evil doer shall be exposed and judged, according to My Word.
I see blood on the hands of My servants. The warning has not gone forth. Clean your hands, My people. Proclaim the truth and stand for righteousness. Count your loss as gain for My sake. Stand for Me as your men have stood for your flag. Am I not more glorious? Have I not created the country so many worship? I AM. Yes, even I will bring down this idol.
Where is My praise in this land? Where is My voice among its people?
Monday, June 30, 2008
Fasting and Praying for America: July 1-4, 2008
As we prepare to celebrate the birth of this great country on July 4th, God is mandating that the saints of this country rise in the authority He has already given us.
The saints of God must unite and dedicate this country back to God. It must begin with those of us who belong to the Body of Christ. So please join me in prayer and fasting July 1-4, 2008. The focus of this fast is PERSONAL revival and REPENTANCE. Once we rededicate our lives on a personal level, we can unify and make a spiritual impact in this country. Join the many believers who have already committed to join this awesome act of worship and submission to the Almighty God. He has already blessed America, so now America must bless God!
Thank you, in advance, for your committment to worship, fast and pray with us July 1-4, 2008. Please fast as you are lead by God, and continue in prayer during this time. Refrain from as much entertainment (internet, television, radio, etc.), and replace this time with worship and prayer.
Please share your testimonies throughout this time of consecration. We are believing God to move in a mighty way as a result of this unity in worship and humility.
Blessings to you!
Prophetess Joy Allen
A PROPHETIC MANDATE TO FASTING AND PRAYER
GOD'S CHILDREN ARE BOMBARDING HEAVEN ON BEHALF OF THE USA JULY 1-4, 2008
GOD'S CHILDREN ARE BOMBARDING HEAVEN ON BEHALF OF THE USA JULY 1-4, 2008
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
What Effect Do You Have on Your Enemies?
1 Samuel 19:18-24 (Amplified Bible)
18 So David fled and escaped and came to Samuel at Ramah and told him all that Saul had done to him. And he and Samuel went and dwelt in Naioth.
19 And it was told Saul, Behold, David is at Naioth in Ramah.
20 And Saul sent messengers to take David; and when they saw the company of the prophets prophesying, and Samuel standing as appointed head over them, the Spirit of God came upon the messengers of Saul and they also prophesied.
21 When it was told Saul, he sent other messengers, and they also prophesied. And Saul sent messengers again the third time, and they also prophesied.
22 Then Saul himself went to Ramah and came to a great well that is in Secu; and he asked, Where are Samuel and David? And he was told, They are at Naioth in Ramah.
23 So he went on to Naioth in Ramah; and the Spirit of God came upon him also, and as he went on he prophesied until he came to Naioth in Ramah.
24 He took off his royal robes and prophesied before Samuel and lay down stripped thus all that day and night. So they say, Is Saul also among the prophets?
What affect do you have on your enemies? One of the most quoted Scriptures among Christians is Isaiah 54:17, which reads:
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 their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.
However, many of us are quoting the Scripture without living up to the pre-requisite. First, one must be a SERVANT of the Lord. A servant is someone who DOES SOMETHING. A servant works, in obedience, to his master. Servants understand sacrifice. Also, the Scripture speaks of righteousness. Those who have obtained righteousness from God, through the blood of Christ, are the only ones who can claim this inheritance.
When the pre-requisites are met, every tongue that rises in judgment will be condemned and the weapons that are formed will fail. Suddenly, instead of our enemies affecting us and the way we think or act, we will affect them. So, what affect do you have on your enemies? When they dare to rise against you, does the Spirit of the Lord take over, or does flesh continue to take action?
Too many times, the saints of God fall in the midst of their enemies. We often hear of “church folk” who fight and cuss when someone crosses them. Many get so angry that they have a make a very conscious effort just to calm down. In other words, their enemies and their situations easily gain control over them. This should NOT be the case.
In this passage of Scripture, we see David’s influence on his enemy, Saul. The first thing to note is that even when David became aware of Saul’s desire to bring him harm, he STILL SERVED. He STILL LOVE AND RESPECTED him. He did not reward evil with evil. There’s a lesson to be learned in that alone.
As Saul’s pursuit persists, instead of fighting, David runs to the counsel of Samuel, a man of God. The Bible then tells us that when Saul arrives and finds himself amongst those who are prophesying, he too begins to prophesy. The Spirit of God comes upon him, until outsiders could not tell the difference between him and the others.
When was the last time you, as a saint, caused your enemies to change rather than allowing them to change you? Has the Spirit of God come upon those around you simply because they are in your midst? God has called His people to have dominion and multiply. We must step up as God’s children and be true, consistent servants who are completely robed in His righteousness. What a change we will then see in our enemies and our atmosphere. To GOD be the glory!
18 So David fled and escaped and came to Samuel at Ramah and told him all that Saul had done to him. And he and Samuel went and dwelt in Naioth.
19 And it was told Saul, Behold, David is at Naioth in Ramah.
20 And Saul sent messengers to take David; and when they saw the company of the prophets prophesying, and Samuel standing as appointed head over them, the Spirit of God came upon the messengers of Saul and they also prophesied.
21 When it was told Saul, he sent other messengers, and they also prophesied. And Saul sent messengers again the third time, and they also prophesied.
22 Then Saul himself went to Ramah and came to a great well that is in Secu; and he asked, Where are Samuel and David? And he was told, They are at Naioth in Ramah.
23 So he went on to Naioth in Ramah; and the Spirit of God came upon him also, and as he went on he prophesied until he came to Naioth in Ramah.
24 He took off his royal robes and prophesied before Samuel and lay down stripped thus all that day and night. So they say, Is Saul also among the prophets?
What affect do you have on your enemies? One of the most quoted Scriptures among Christians is Isaiah 54:17, which reads:
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 their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.
However, many of us are quoting the Scripture without living up to the pre-requisite. First, one must be a SERVANT of the Lord. A servant is someone who DOES SOMETHING. A servant works, in obedience, to his master. Servants understand sacrifice. Also, the Scripture speaks of righteousness. Those who have obtained righteousness from God, through the blood of Christ, are the only ones who can claim this inheritance.
When the pre-requisites are met, every tongue that rises in judgment will be condemned and the weapons that are formed will fail. Suddenly, instead of our enemies affecting us and the way we think or act, we will affect them. So, what affect do you have on your enemies? When they dare to rise against you, does the Spirit of the Lord take over, or does flesh continue to take action?
Too many times, the saints of God fall in the midst of their enemies. We often hear of “church folk” who fight and cuss when someone crosses them. Many get so angry that they have a make a very conscious effort just to calm down. In other words, their enemies and their situations easily gain control over them. This should NOT be the case.
In this passage of Scripture, we see David’s influence on his enemy, Saul. The first thing to note is that even when David became aware of Saul’s desire to bring him harm, he STILL SERVED. He STILL LOVE AND RESPECTED him. He did not reward evil with evil. There’s a lesson to be learned in that alone.
As Saul’s pursuit persists, instead of fighting, David runs to the counsel of Samuel, a man of God. The Bible then tells us that when Saul arrives and finds himself amongst those who are prophesying, he too begins to prophesy. The Spirit of God comes upon him, until outsiders could not tell the difference between him and the others.
When was the last time you, as a saint, caused your enemies to change rather than allowing them to change you? Has the Spirit of God come upon those around you simply because they are in your midst? God has called His people to have dominion and multiply. We must step up as God’s children and be true, consistent servants who are completely robed in His righteousness. What a change we will then see in our enemies and our atmosphere. To GOD be the glory!
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
When Your Destiny is NOT Your Desire
Like many of you, I have seen many people of God who are discouraged, feeling that God has forsaken them because of the suffering they are enduring. So many false promises have been made in the church, that God is often pushed back in priority after financial success and prosperity.
As people of God, how do we remain encouraged in the midst of our situation? How do we praise God when our bodies are not healed and our debt is not canceled? How many of us are willing to truly live for God, despite our own situations?
The LORD blessed me with an opportunity to share a very TRUTHFUL and RAW word of encouragement and sobriety for His people. I invite you to listen to this message, titled "When Your Destiny is Not Your Desire."
Simply follow this link: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/joyofthelord/2008/05/26/The-Prophetic-Word.mp3
I know it will be a blessing to you or someone you know, so please forward it on to others as you are lead. It's time for God's people to know the truth, and the truth will make us free!
Blessings!
As people of God, how do we remain encouraged in the midst of our situation? How do we praise God when our bodies are not healed and our debt is not canceled? How many of us are willing to truly live for God, despite our own situations?
The LORD blessed me with an opportunity to share a very TRUTHFUL and RAW word of encouragement and sobriety for His people. I invite you to listen to this message, titled "When Your Destiny is Not Your Desire."
Simply follow this link: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/joyofthelord/2008/05/26/The-Prophetic-Word.mp3
I know it will be a blessing to you or someone you know, so please forward it on to others as you are lead. It's time for God's people to know the truth, and the truth will make us free!
Blessings!
Thursday, May 08, 2008
The Cry of PEACE
Micah 3:5-12 (Amplified Bible)
5 Thus saith the LORD concerning the prophets that make my people err, that bite with their teeth, and cry, Peace; and he that putteth not into their mouths, they even prepare war against him.
For over a month, God has been bringing me back to the Scripture. Though considered a “Minor Prophet”, Micah had a great word of judgment in his mouth. He preached an unpopular message then, just as it is now – requiring holiness and preaching judgment as a consequence of ungodliness. Just as Micah witnessed political, social and religious upheaval in his day, we are seeing the exact same thing in this season. More strikingly, God has the same word for His people in this hour.
In Micah’s time, the prophets and preachers of Israel began to displease God because of the false message of peace that was preached. During Micah’s tenure as a prophet, the people of God were turning to false teachings and doctrines. The reign of Ahaz brought wars and economic strain that caused the people to suffer greatly. So, those who were gifted and called to preach God’s messages created their own doctrines and words of prophesy to keep the people encouraged for their own gain and comfort.
In verse 5, God told the prophets that they were responsible for the sins of the people. The word of the Lord is just the same today. Many leaders and prophets in the church are responsible for the sin and unrighteousness of God’s people. Why? Because PEACE has been pronounced when God is calling for judgment.
How many times have you really heard a word of correction from the “prophets” of God? In this season, we’d rather prophecy about houses, cars and prosperity. Yet, the people are not instructed to live holy before God. The prophets are not feeding the people the Word of God. Instead, they are feeding their flesh with false hope and erroneous teachings.
6 Therefore night shall be unto you, that ye shall not have a vision; and it shall be dark unto you, that ye shall not divine; and the sun shall go down over the prophets, and the day shall be dark over them.
7 Then shall the seers be ashamed, and the diviners confounded: yea, they shall all cover their lips; for there is no answer of God.
God began to show me that many prophets have now become diviners. The transition has taken place because many have refused to declare the word of the Lord. For them, popularity, money and fame were more important than God’s will being done in the earth. Now, they speak when God has not commanded them to speak.
Many in the church are wondering why they no longer hear God’s voice. They wonder why the dreams and visions have ceased. Why are they praying, but suddenly not able to hear God’s response? Just as He was in the days of Micah, God is not pleased with those who have deceived His people. God’s presence has left many people and places, yet the deceived don’t even notice.
Hundreds of thousands of churches across America claim every week that they’ve experience a “visitation from the Father.” Yet, souls are not being changed. People are making money. Christians everywhere are encouraged at the thought of financial increase and prosperity or the hope for a mate, yet godliness with content, which leads to great gain, has been abandoned by many.
God is looking for representation of HIMSELF in the earth. Who shall be holy, as He is holy? Have we forgotten the command to seek FIRST the Kingdom of God? The promise is that all other things will be added. Yet, in general, the church is seeking the THINGS first, and assuming the Kingdom of God will follow. Unfortunately then, many leaders are failing to re-establish God’s order and teach holiness. If we would only seek to please the Father, surely He will take of those who are His own.
8 But truly I am full of power by the spirit of the LORD, and of judgment, and of might, to declare unto Jacob his transgression, and to Israel his sin.
God is raising a generation of leaders, including prophets, who are TRULY full of God’s power and operate in His spirit. These voices are those that expose the transgression of the Church. These are those that pronounce God’s judgment and His will in the earth. This is certainly a small and elect group. After all, how many are willing to risk popularity, a large following and a generous income for the Word of God? How many are willing to have hundreds walk away because the truth is being taught? Who is willing to become a martyr for the true voice of the LORD to be heard?
9 Hear this, I pray you, ye heads of the house of Jacob, and princes of the house of Israel, that abhor judgment, and pervert all equity.
10 They build up Zion with blood, and Jerusalem with iniquity.
Many say and believe the church is stronger now than it has ever been. Yet, the “church” has been built, for years, on blood and iniquity. The “success” of the church is built on a false sense of security, in many cases, and false doctrine. Congregations have been filled with deceived believers. Hundreds of thousands of “Christians” are on their way to hell, yet are considered part of the successful movement simply because of growth in numbers. We have applauded quantity, but not quality.
11 The heads thereof judge for reward, and the priests thereof teach for hire, and the prophets thereof divine for money: yet will they lean upon the LORD, and say, Is not the LORD among us? none evil can come upon us.
Just as Micah preached and prophesied, too many in the Body have been hired by the “church” rather than called of God. The interest, in many cases, is to please men rather than the Father. The sad part is that so many of us feel untouchable. We have become complacent and believe that we cannot be touched. In fact, when God does reveal the truth to His people, many are told by the leaders that they are out of order. So many feel that they own the truth. There is so much animosity when separation comes because we have lost focus on the Body of Christ, and concentrate only on our particular congregations. Where is the concern for the Body of Christ at large?
12 Therefore shall Zion for your sake be plowed as a field, and Jerusalem shall become heaps, and the mountain of the house as the high places of the forest.
While not a popular message, Micah’s warning still applies today, as much if not more than it did in his day. Judgment is coming and is upon God’s house. It must first begin at the house of God. The church is making God look bad, and He is tired of those who refuse to cry aloud and spare not! What message are you carrying? Is it a comfortable message from your heart, or a true message from the Father?
Selah.
5 Thus saith the LORD concerning the prophets that make my people err, that bite with their teeth, and cry, Peace; and he that putteth not into their mouths, they even prepare war against him.
For over a month, God has been bringing me back to the Scripture. Though considered a “Minor Prophet”, Micah had a great word of judgment in his mouth. He preached an unpopular message then, just as it is now – requiring holiness and preaching judgment as a consequence of ungodliness. Just as Micah witnessed political, social and religious upheaval in his day, we are seeing the exact same thing in this season. More strikingly, God has the same word for His people in this hour.
In Micah’s time, the prophets and preachers of Israel began to displease God because of the false message of peace that was preached. During Micah’s tenure as a prophet, the people of God were turning to false teachings and doctrines. The reign of Ahaz brought wars and economic strain that caused the people to suffer greatly. So, those who were gifted and called to preach God’s messages created their own doctrines and words of prophesy to keep the people encouraged for their own gain and comfort.
In verse 5, God told the prophets that they were responsible for the sins of the people. The word of the Lord is just the same today. Many leaders and prophets in the church are responsible for the sin and unrighteousness of God’s people. Why? Because PEACE has been pronounced when God is calling for judgment.
How many times have you really heard a word of correction from the “prophets” of God? In this season, we’d rather prophecy about houses, cars and prosperity. Yet, the people are not instructed to live holy before God. The prophets are not feeding the people the Word of God. Instead, they are feeding their flesh with false hope and erroneous teachings.
6 Therefore night shall be unto you, that ye shall not have a vision; and it shall be dark unto you, that ye shall not divine; and the sun shall go down over the prophets, and the day shall be dark over them.
7 Then shall the seers be ashamed, and the diviners confounded: yea, they shall all cover their lips; for there is no answer of God.
God began to show me that many prophets have now become diviners. The transition has taken place because many have refused to declare the word of the Lord. For them, popularity, money and fame were more important than God’s will being done in the earth. Now, they speak when God has not commanded them to speak.
Many in the church are wondering why they no longer hear God’s voice. They wonder why the dreams and visions have ceased. Why are they praying, but suddenly not able to hear God’s response? Just as He was in the days of Micah, God is not pleased with those who have deceived His people. God’s presence has left many people and places, yet the deceived don’t even notice.
Hundreds of thousands of churches across America claim every week that they’ve experience a “visitation from the Father.” Yet, souls are not being changed. People are making money. Christians everywhere are encouraged at the thought of financial increase and prosperity or the hope for a mate, yet godliness with content, which leads to great gain, has been abandoned by many.
God is looking for representation of HIMSELF in the earth. Who shall be holy, as He is holy? Have we forgotten the command to seek FIRST the Kingdom of God? The promise is that all other things will be added. Yet, in general, the church is seeking the THINGS first, and assuming the Kingdom of God will follow. Unfortunately then, many leaders are failing to re-establish God’s order and teach holiness. If we would only seek to please the Father, surely He will take of those who are His own.
8 But truly I am full of power by the spirit of the LORD, and of judgment, and of might, to declare unto Jacob his transgression, and to Israel his sin.
God is raising a generation of leaders, including prophets, who are TRULY full of God’s power and operate in His spirit. These voices are those that expose the transgression of the Church. These are those that pronounce God’s judgment and His will in the earth. This is certainly a small and elect group. After all, how many are willing to risk popularity, a large following and a generous income for the Word of God? How many are willing to have hundreds walk away because the truth is being taught? Who is willing to become a martyr for the true voice of the LORD to be heard?
9 Hear this, I pray you, ye heads of the house of Jacob, and princes of the house of Israel, that abhor judgment, and pervert all equity.
10 They build up Zion with blood, and Jerusalem with iniquity.
Many say and believe the church is stronger now than it has ever been. Yet, the “church” has been built, for years, on blood and iniquity. The “success” of the church is built on a false sense of security, in many cases, and false doctrine. Congregations have been filled with deceived believers. Hundreds of thousands of “Christians” are on their way to hell, yet are considered part of the successful movement simply because of growth in numbers. We have applauded quantity, but not quality.
11 The heads thereof judge for reward, and the priests thereof teach for hire, and the prophets thereof divine for money: yet will they lean upon the LORD, and say, Is not the LORD among us? none evil can come upon us.
Just as Micah preached and prophesied, too many in the Body have been hired by the “church” rather than called of God. The interest, in many cases, is to please men rather than the Father. The sad part is that so many of us feel untouchable. We have become complacent and believe that we cannot be touched. In fact, when God does reveal the truth to His people, many are told by the leaders that they are out of order. So many feel that they own the truth. There is so much animosity when separation comes because we have lost focus on the Body of Christ, and concentrate only on our particular congregations. Where is the concern for the Body of Christ at large?
12 Therefore shall Zion for your sake be plowed as a field, and Jerusalem shall become heaps, and the mountain of the house as the high places of the forest.
While not a popular message, Micah’s warning still applies today, as much if not more than it did in his day. Judgment is coming and is upon God’s house. It must first begin at the house of God. The church is making God look bad, and He is tired of those who refuse to cry aloud and spare not! What message are you carrying? Is it a comfortable message from your heart, or a true message from the Father?
Selah.
Thursday, May 01, 2008
The Body is Constipated!
Acts 13:1-3
1 NOW IN the church (assembly) at Antioch there were prophets (inspired interpreters of the will and purposes of God) and teachers: Barnabas, Symeon who was called Niger [Black], Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a member of the court of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, Separate now for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them. 3 Then after fasting and praying, they put their hands on them and sent them away.
The book of Acts is pivotal and essential for the Body of Christ. The historical accounts therein literally shape and outline the establishment of the New Testament church and instruct the believer in how the commands of Jesus Christ should be carried out. Yet, the Church today looks so different than that which was established. Of course, this is no surprised. It has been prophesied that in the last days men would become lovers of themselves. We understand that people have exalted themselves above God, even in the churches. Therefore, it is no surprise that we no longer look like the thing that was birthed by the Apostles.
So, how do we get back to what was ordained and established for God’s glory in the earth? I have no philosophical or theological plan. I simply believe God. In that, I believe that as we see error, we should fix it to the best of our abilities. To he that knows to do good, but doeth it not – to him, it is sin!
With that said, the opening of Acts 13 brought some interesting questions to my mind, and I began seeking God about this observation. God began to show me that the Body of Christ, just like our own, was never designed to become obese and stagnant. Yet, this is exactly what we’ve allowed to happen.
In the human body, if you put nothing in, you will starve. Have we not shut down evangelism in the Body of Christ, as a whole? Isn’t it strange that in the New Testament church, all the gifts were active? Yet in today’s world of Christendom, we seem to move through seasons of gifts. In the 70’s and 80’s, with the boom of gospel music and gospel television, we saw a “season” of evangelism. Everyone, it seemed, was called to be a missionary or an evangelist. Then, in the 90’s, we experienced the day of the prophet. As the 21st century rolled in, we see people becoming Apostles in alarming numbers. Yet, God’s desire is to see his complete Body functioning as a whole. In order for the church to grow, souls much come into the fold. Every season is one of evangelism, just as pastors have existed in every “season.”
In the same manner, in order for the church to grow, people have to move. Someone has to be SENT OUT in order to reap the harvest. Many have preached and taught about the many in ministry who were not SENT. People have been rebuked and instructed to examine who sent them. For many, an answer of “God” has not been good enough. Order says that God’s people should be sent by God through the means of a man or woman of God. I stand in agreement with that, according to the Word, but this brings up an interesting issue.
In the church today, people are rarely being sent anymore. I must say that there is fault to be carried on many sides – not just that of the one who has gone, but also the one who fails to send.
As my husband put it, the church is CONSTIPATED. Rather than sending people out according to their call, many leaders are holding God’s anointed and their gifts under a bondage called “order.” How is it that we gather together in the midst of so many gifts, just as we read in Acts 13, and lay hands on the saints, yet never send anyone out? Area churches are busting at the seams, but people are not being released to do the work of the Lord.
Acts 13:1-3
1 NOW IN the church (assembly) at Antioch there were prophets (inspired interpreters of the will and purposes of God) and teachers: Barnabas, Symeon who was called Niger [Black], Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a member of the court of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, Separate now for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them. 3 Then after fasting and praying, they put their hands on them and sent them away.
As I prayed and meditated on this Scripture this morning, God spoke very clearly to me about His people. He told me that times are going to get hard IN THE CHURCH. Many of you are feeling the pressure of ministry, but you’re fighting with what you’ve always been taught was “right.” You are fighting with “order,” but God is going to tear up your religion.
God is calling forth a generation – a remnant – that has a heart for Him. Now, I know this may make some mad, but in this Scripture, there is no reference to a membership or a board. Prophets and teachers (pastors) were present – and more than one of each. In the midst of praying and fasting, God gave instruction for anointing and sending. Too many of God’s people have been anointed and even confirmed in gifts, but never sent. Many of you have had two to three ordinations, but have no effective ministry. This day, it’s time to get busy and do what God has called you to do.
God gets no glory in gifts and anointing that are strapped to a pew two to three times a week. Where is the service? Where is the glory of God?
(1Co 7:17) But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches.
Paul stated that as call gifts and calls us, we are to walk. This is what he ordains in ALL churches. The Body of Christ must come into a place of maturity.
Now notice – when prayer and fasting went forth, and the laying on of hands took place, then the people were sent – there was no “checking” every word that was spoken. Those who were sent went forth in power. Some of you reading this message need to be released into maturity. Accountability is a good thing, but who said that you can’t preach a word sent from God or attend to a ministry assignment because there’s an Usher Board Anniversary service at your church? Can we grow up, Body of Christ? Paul never called Timothy back from the field because he was having a prayer meeting! We are at the place where we honor church services more than God. We are worshipping Pastors, not the Father! We are obedient to a program and a calendar, rather than the move of the Holy Spirit.
Leaders, we must stop hoarding the gifts and stop the operation of the spirit of control, all in the name of order. If God has called us to pray, fast and ordain, we must complete the work at SEND when the time comes. There are gifts lying stagnant in the house, and those of us who prevent the growth are accountable for the many souls that are being lost due to a stifled voice. There is meat in the house of God, but if we don’t release it, the Body of Christ will remain constipated!
(Rom 10:13) For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
(Rom 10:14) How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?
(Rom 10:15) And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
(Rom 10:16) But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?
(Rom 10:17) So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
(Rom 10:18) But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.
1 NOW IN the church (assembly) at Antioch there were prophets (inspired interpreters of the will and purposes of God) and teachers: Barnabas, Symeon who was called Niger [Black], Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a member of the court of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, Separate now for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them. 3 Then after fasting and praying, they put their hands on them and sent them away.
The book of Acts is pivotal and essential for the Body of Christ. The historical accounts therein literally shape and outline the establishment of the New Testament church and instruct the believer in how the commands of Jesus Christ should be carried out. Yet, the Church today looks so different than that which was established. Of course, this is no surprised. It has been prophesied that in the last days men would become lovers of themselves. We understand that people have exalted themselves above God, even in the churches. Therefore, it is no surprise that we no longer look like the thing that was birthed by the Apostles.
So, how do we get back to what was ordained and established for God’s glory in the earth? I have no philosophical or theological plan. I simply believe God. In that, I believe that as we see error, we should fix it to the best of our abilities. To he that knows to do good, but doeth it not – to him, it is sin!
With that said, the opening of Acts 13 brought some interesting questions to my mind, and I began seeking God about this observation. God began to show me that the Body of Christ, just like our own, was never designed to become obese and stagnant. Yet, this is exactly what we’ve allowed to happen.
In the human body, if you put nothing in, you will starve. Have we not shut down evangelism in the Body of Christ, as a whole? Isn’t it strange that in the New Testament church, all the gifts were active? Yet in today’s world of Christendom, we seem to move through seasons of gifts. In the 70’s and 80’s, with the boom of gospel music and gospel television, we saw a “season” of evangelism. Everyone, it seemed, was called to be a missionary or an evangelist. Then, in the 90’s, we experienced the day of the prophet. As the 21st century rolled in, we see people becoming Apostles in alarming numbers. Yet, God’s desire is to see his complete Body functioning as a whole. In order for the church to grow, souls much come into the fold. Every season is one of evangelism, just as pastors have existed in every “season.”
In the same manner, in order for the church to grow, people have to move. Someone has to be SENT OUT in order to reap the harvest. Many have preached and taught about the many in ministry who were not SENT. People have been rebuked and instructed to examine who sent them. For many, an answer of “God” has not been good enough. Order says that God’s people should be sent by God through the means of a man or woman of God. I stand in agreement with that, according to the Word, but this brings up an interesting issue.
In the church today, people are rarely being sent anymore. I must say that there is fault to be carried on many sides – not just that of the one who has gone, but also the one who fails to send.
As my husband put it, the church is CONSTIPATED. Rather than sending people out according to their call, many leaders are holding God’s anointed and their gifts under a bondage called “order.” How is it that we gather together in the midst of so many gifts, just as we read in Acts 13, and lay hands on the saints, yet never send anyone out? Area churches are busting at the seams, but people are not being released to do the work of the Lord.
Acts 13:1-3
1 NOW IN the church (assembly) at Antioch there were prophets (inspired interpreters of the will and purposes of God) and teachers: Barnabas, Symeon who was called Niger [Black], Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a member of the court of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, Separate now for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them. 3 Then after fasting and praying, they put their hands on them and sent them away.
As I prayed and meditated on this Scripture this morning, God spoke very clearly to me about His people. He told me that times are going to get hard IN THE CHURCH. Many of you are feeling the pressure of ministry, but you’re fighting with what you’ve always been taught was “right.” You are fighting with “order,” but God is going to tear up your religion.
God is calling forth a generation – a remnant – that has a heart for Him. Now, I know this may make some mad, but in this Scripture, there is no reference to a membership or a board. Prophets and teachers (pastors) were present – and more than one of each. In the midst of praying and fasting, God gave instruction for anointing and sending. Too many of God’s people have been anointed and even confirmed in gifts, but never sent. Many of you have had two to three ordinations, but have no effective ministry. This day, it’s time to get busy and do what God has called you to do.
God gets no glory in gifts and anointing that are strapped to a pew two to three times a week. Where is the service? Where is the glory of God?
(1Co 7:17) But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches.
Paul stated that as call gifts and calls us, we are to walk. This is what he ordains in ALL churches. The Body of Christ must come into a place of maturity.
Now notice – when prayer and fasting went forth, and the laying on of hands took place, then the people were sent – there was no “checking” every word that was spoken. Those who were sent went forth in power. Some of you reading this message need to be released into maturity. Accountability is a good thing, but who said that you can’t preach a word sent from God or attend to a ministry assignment because there’s an Usher Board Anniversary service at your church? Can we grow up, Body of Christ? Paul never called Timothy back from the field because he was having a prayer meeting! We are at the place where we honor church services more than God. We are worshipping Pastors, not the Father! We are obedient to a program and a calendar, rather than the move of the Holy Spirit.
Leaders, we must stop hoarding the gifts and stop the operation of the spirit of control, all in the name of order. If God has called us to pray, fast and ordain, we must complete the work at SEND when the time comes. There are gifts lying stagnant in the house, and those of us who prevent the growth are accountable for the many souls that are being lost due to a stifled voice. There is meat in the house of God, but if we don’t release it, the Body of Christ will remain constipated!
(Rom 10:13) For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
(Rom 10:14) How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?
(Rom 10:15) And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
(Rom 10:16) But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?
(Rom 10:17) So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
(Rom 10:18) But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
You Are Deceived! Stop Giving Satan a Return on His Investment!
Matthew 12
43But when the unclean spirit has gone out of a man, it roams through dry [arid] places in search of rest, but it does not find any.
44Then it says, I will go back to my house from which I came out. And when it arrives, it finds the place unoccupied, swept, put in order, and decorated.
45Then it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and make their home there. And the last condition of that man becomes worse than the first. So also shall it be with this wicked generation.
In Matthew 12, Jesus is challenged by a group of Pharisees about His activities on the Sabbath. As the religious priests of His day argue with the Son of God, Jesus reveals unto them the characteristics of their "evil generation." We must realize that those called "evil" were religious people. He was speaking to those with position and title in the "church" of His day. In the same manner, God is still speaking to those in leadership during this season.
God is saying that He sees His people, those who esteem themselves because of title and position. He is looking on those who are comfortable in tradition, but refuse to seek His face. He is speaking to those who know the way of the church, but have no desire to know the mysteries of God. Where are those who desire intimacy with Him?
Our Father is tired of a people who refuse to live holy. God asked me a question today, even in the midst of my own worship. "Why do my people rejoice in their error?" Yes, we do it! Have you noticed that we feel "more holy" when we have fallen into temptation and yielded to sin, then come before the church to testilie (not a typo) about how "God has brought us out?" Oh, I must be real, because God is tired. Who decided that you have to go through trials, caused by your own flesh and called sin, in order to be an overcomer? Oh, the church is deceived. People are being led astray. I declare and expose this lie that is killing the saints of God. When the Father gives us power to overcome, we have all power over the enemy and the works of our flesh. The real question is "Who is willing to make the sacrifice?" God does not toy with His people. He does not deliver us and drop us back into the same sin. No - we do that to ourselves. Let NO man say he is tempted of God, who tempts no man. We are tempted of lusts in our own flesh, and when the temptation is manifested, it becomes sin. God gets no glory out of a testimony routed in cycles of disobedience and weak flesh!
The Spirit of the LORD is saying unto the Body, "You are deceived. Stop giving Satan a return on his investment!" Oh, people of God, I pray you hear the voice of our Father this day. God is not rejoicing in our backslidden conditions. Too many of us are yielding to sin, and trying to turn it into a testimony of victory on Sunday mornings. This is not of our Father. He said that men will see our GOOD works and glorify our Father in heaven. Why do we try to draw people closer to Him, by painting the picture of a God that excuses habitual sin? We serve a just God. He will not at all acquit the wicked!
While Jesus dealt with the Pharisees of His day, He told them that when deliverance takes place and a spirit is gone out from a man, it seeks refuge elsewhere. When it cannot find a home or host, that evil spirit decides to return to the place from whence it came. Then, it sees that place cleaned and restored. Pray has gone forth. Worship has filled the empty place. Apology has gone forth, but not true repentance. Sorrow and regret have been stirred up, but not true repentance. So, that spirit goes and finds seven more worse than itself. Then, the temptation has grown. Satan's investment has returned unto him 7-fold, and sin sets in stronger than it was before. How many times have you quit smoking, and now wonder why it's so hard to do again? How many times have to stopped fornicating, but now find the bondage of masturbation in your life? How many days have you re-committed to prayer and Bible study, but now find it impossible to do? God has set before you THIS DAY good and evil, blessing and cursing. The choice is yours, and this must be YOUR FINAL ANSWER!
We must understand that we are not to play games with God or sin in our lives. True repentance bears fruit of repentance. The testimony of a true man or woman of God should be that we have overcome by the blood of the Lamb - for good! That is the end. It is finished! We have adopted too many excuses for sin. Be holy, as Your God is holy! Do not be as the dog returning to its vomit. God is sending a clarion call for a holy people, sanctified and set aside for His work in the earth. Will you be one that is spotless and without wrinkile? In order for the Body of Christ to be restored unto holiness, some individual parts of the Body must first be healed. Are you truly called of the remnant in this hour?
43But when the unclean spirit has gone out of a man, it roams through dry [arid] places in search of rest, but it does not find any.
44Then it says, I will go back to my house from which I came out. And when it arrives, it finds the place unoccupied, swept, put in order, and decorated.
45Then it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and make their home there. And the last condition of that man becomes worse than the first. So also shall it be with this wicked generation.
In Matthew 12, Jesus is challenged by a group of Pharisees about His activities on the Sabbath. As the religious priests of His day argue with the Son of God, Jesus reveals unto them the characteristics of their "evil generation." We must realize that those called "evil" were religious people. He was speaking to those with position and title in the "church" of His day. In the same manner, God is still speaking to those in leadership during this season.
God is saying that He sees His people, those who esteem themselves because of title and position. He is looking on those who are comfortable in tradition, but refuse to seek His face. He is speaking to those who know the way of the church, but have no desire to know the mysteries of God. Where are those who desire intimacy with Him?
Our Father is tired of a people who refuse to live holy. God asked me a question today, even in the midst of my own worship. "Why do my people rejoice in their error?" Yes, we do it! Have you noticed that we feel "more holy" when we have fallen into temptation and yielded to sin, then come before the church to testilie (not a typo) about how "God has brought us out?" Oh, I must be real, because God is tired. Who decided that you have to go through trials, caused by your own flesh and called sin, in order to be an overcomer? Oh, the church is deceived. People are being led astray. I declare and expose this lie that is killing the saints of God. When the Father gives us power to overcome, we have all power over the enemy and the works of our flesh. The real question is "Who is willing to make the sacrifice?" God does not toy with His people. He does not deliver us and drop us back into the same sin. No - we do that to ourselves. Let NO man say he is tempted of God, who tempts no man. We are tempted of lusts in our own flesh, and when the temptation is manifested, it becomes sin. God gets no glory out of a testimony routed in cycles of disobedience and weak flesh!
The Spirit of the LORD is saying unto the Body, "You are deceived. Stop giving Satan a return on his investment!" Oh, people of God, I pray you hear the voice of our Father this day. God is not rejoicing in our backslidden conditions. Too many of us are yielding to sin, and trying to turn it into a testimony of victory on Sunday mornings. This is not of our Father. He said that men will see our GOOD works and glorify our Father in heaven. Why do we try to draw people closer to Him, by painting the picture of a God that excuses habitual sin? We serve a just God. He will not at all acquit the wicked!
While Jesus dealt with the Pharisees of His day, He told them that when deliverance takes place and a spirit is gone out from a man, it seeks refuge elsewhere. When it cannot find a home or host, that evil spirit decides to return to the place from whence it came. Then, it sees that place cleaned and restored. Pray has gone forth. Worship has filled the empty place. Apology has gone forth, but not true repentance. Sorrow and regret have been stirred up, but not true repentance. So, that spirit goes and finds seven more worse than itself. Then, the temptation has grown. Satan's investment has returned unto him 7-fold, and sin sets in stronger than it was before. How many times have you quit smoking, and now wonder why it's so hard to do again? How many times have to stopped fornicating, but now find the bondage of masturbation in your life? How many days have you re-committed to prayer and Bible study, but now find it impossible to do? God has set before you THIS DAY good and evil, blessing and cursing. The choice is yours, and this must be YOUR FINAL ANSWER!
We must understand that we are not to play games with God or sin in our lives. True repentance bears fruit of repentance. The testimony of a true man or woman of God should be that we have overcome by the blood of the Lamb - for good! That is the end. It is finished! We have adopted too many excuses for sin. Be holy, as Your God is holy! Do not be as the dog returning to its vomit. God is sending a clarion call for a holy people, sanctified and set aside for His work in the earth. Will you be one that is spotless and without wrinkile? In order for the Body of Christ to be restored unto holiness, some individual parts of the Body must first be healed. Are you truly called of the remnant in this hour?
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Dream Post
Received instruction to share this dream from April 17, 2008...
In the dream, I went on a trip to the beach. I remember it was to be at some resort in VA. The strange thing is that there were some of my co-workers and some of my church members there. While at the resort hotel, I was playing pool with a lady I’d met in the lobby. I remember the pool tables because the balls were not pool table balls at all. They were miniature heads in four colors – red, blue, yellow and green. We were getting frustrated, because they would not roll like normal balls should. I looked around the room and noticed that at some tables, the billiard balls were round, but smaller than normal. Only one table had the normal billiard balls, and it was occupied.
There was a man who approached our table, and asked if his wife, who was nursing could sit at the table. I told him that I knew where some smaller tables were, so I walked across this HUGE ballroom, full of people, and pulled a small, folding table out of the corner. I returned it to him, and he thanked me. While I was walking, my pool partner had gone on a break, so I began walking around the room. At the back of one room, there was a door to the outside, but I saw clouds out the door. As I got closer, it was like the door exited right onto the beach.
I walked out the door, and when I got outside, the scene changed. We were now boarding one of those small, propeller planes to go site-seeing. I had my camera around my neck, and there were about 15 people on board. I remember the plane ride took about 30 minutes, and the pilot told us we were going to see something we’ve never seen before. He talked about how beautiful it would be and how it would change our lives. When we landed, there was an old country, souvenir store and what looked like a swamp – but it was very bright. It was beautiful. There was nothing else. When we were off the plane, the pilot said he returned every hour, but we only had one chance to return. It seemed strange that we could only return on the very next flight, since he came every hour, but no on else questioned it, so I remained quiet.
The lady who ran the little store came out to welcome us and told us we’d be going on a small tour of this beautiful site. I pulled my camera out and checked to make sure I had a memory card and a charged battery. We began to walk around this lake. It looked like a large lake with sand around it and woods – nothing more really, but it was just so beautiful. Suddenly, we heard thunder, and it immediately got foggy. The lady turned pale and looked extremely afraid. She then disappeared into the little store.
The rest of us remained and looked into the sky. What we saw was phenomenal. In fact, everyone there but me seemed to become possessed. The sand we were standing on became like soap suds, yet we weren’t sinking. The others began floating and walking on the water. Their skin was pale. I looked around, and my first instinct was to take pictures. I wasn’t afraid, but I was very confused. I looked in the sky and saw seagulls that turned to hawks and owls in mid-air. I saw rams walking across the water, though none of this was there before. The clouds were moving up and down like elevators. Then, I saw a transparent being that looks like the angels we see in stores today – pretty face, white robe and two wings. When I looked at it, I realized the others were staring and thought they’d seen a real angel. I knew at that moment that it was a trick. When the angel saw me looking at it, it quickly sprung into the air. Then, the clouds cleared up. The sun came out again, and all the people returned to their regular state. No one could remember anything except seeing something in the sky that looked like an angel. They couldn’t remember any of the other things I’d seen.
Suddenly, the store owner was back and led us into the store. She told us we had a few minutes to shop before the plane would return and warned that we must not miss this plane. I began looking for my kids, and I remember seeing a toy box that looked like a train. It was $4.99, but I put it back on the shelf. I then walked into a back room of the store. It looked like an apartment. Once I got to the back, I heard the engine of the train, so I ran out along with the others. There was another group coming off the plane and heading to the lake/swamp we’d visited before. However, the pilot was drinking and he did not allow us on the plane. He laughed and talked about how he’d felt sorry for us, then he left.
Frantic, the store owner rushed us back into the store (not including those who were headed to the lake). She kept saying, “They are coming. You will die if you are not covered.” So we all scrambled to the back of the store (which was her home) and began looking for places to hide. We were all told to get UNDER something. I asked her if I could hide in the closet, and she said that wasn’t good enough. Instead, she told me to get into the tub, and cover up with the shower curtain. She told us to make sure we were completely covered. This didn’t make sense to me. I thought I’d be safer in a closed, locked closet than in an open bathtub covered only by a piece of plastic, but I didn’t argue. After everyone was covered, she ran to the front to hide as well.
Then, we heard the same rumbling we’d heard at the lake – like a lot of strong winds. Then, the sun went down and it got dark. We heard footsteps and felt a breeze come through the house. I heard a strong voice rebuking people – condemning them for their actions, and they would simply scream and fade away – as if they were disappearing or being pulled away. I heard it, but didn’t see anything since I was hiding. When the voice got to the bathroom, there were others hiding under rugs, towels, etc. One peeked, and the person in the room immediately saw their sin. My back was sticking out, though I didn’t know it, until I felt the shower curtain ripped from over me. To my surprise, I saw two black women dressed in beautiful Italian suits. I looked, though afraid, right into this woman’s eyes. There was another woman standing beside her. The voice changed, and she sounded only like a woman now. She looked at the other and said, “She is a prophet. We can’t touch her.” She offered her hand and helped me up and out of the bathtub. She announced, “Why didn’t you say there was a prophet here. We cannot operate here.” With that, others began uncovering, and the women walked out the door. As soon as they left, everything returned back to it’s original state – a beautiful lake emptying into the ocean, with the sun out.
In the dream, I went on a trip to the beach. I remember it was to be at some resort in VA. The strange thing is that there were some of my co-workers and some of my church members there. While at the resort hotel, I was playing pool with a lady I’d met in the lobby. I remember the pool tables because the balls were not pool table balls at all. They were miniature heads in four colors – red, blue, yellow and green. We were getting frustrated, because they would not roll like normal balls should. I looked around the room and noticed that at some tables, the billiard balls were round, but smaller than normal. Only one table had the normal billiard balls, and it was occupied.
There was a man who approached our table, and asked if his wife, who was nursing could sit at the table. I told him that I knew where some smaller tables were, so I walked across this HUGE ballroom, full of people, and pulled a small, folding table out of the corner. I returned it to him, and he thanked me. While I was walking, my pool partner had gone on a break, so I began walking around the room. At the back of one room, there was a door to the outside, but I saw clouds out the door. As I got closer, it was like the door exited right onto the beach.
I walked out the door, and when I got outside, the scene changed. We were now boarding one of those small, propeller planes to go site-seeing. I had my camera around my neck, and there were about 15 people on board. I remember the plane ride took about 30 minutes, and the pilot told us we were going to see something we’ve never seen before. He talked about how beautiful it would be and how it would change our lives. When we landed, there was an old country, souvenir store and what looked like a swamp – but it was very bright. It was beautiful. There was nothing else. When we were off the plane, the pilot said he returned every hour, but we only had one chance to return. It seemed strange that we could only return on the very next flight, since he came every hour, but no on else questioned it, so I remained quiet.
The lady who ran the little store came out to welcome us and told us we’d be going on a small tour of this beautiful site. I pulled my camera out and checked to make sure I had a memory card and a charged battery. We began to walk around this lake. It looked like a large lake with sand around it and woods – nothing more really, but it was just so beautiful. Suddenly, we heard thunder, and it immediately got foggy. The lady turned pale and looked extremely afraid. She then disappeared into the little store.
The rest of us remained and looked into the sky. What we saw was phenomenal. In fact, everyone there but me seemed to become possessed. The sand we were standing on became like soap suds, yet we weren’t sinking. The others began floating and walking on the water. Their skin was pale. I looked around, and my first instinct was to take pictures. I wasn’t afraid, but I was very confused. I looked in the sky and saw seagulls that turned to hawks and owls in mid-air. I saw rams walking across the water, though none of this was there before. The clouds were moving up and down like elevators. Then, I saw a transparent being that looks like the angels we see in stores today – pretty face, white robe and two wings. When I looked at it, I realized the others were staring and thought they’d seen a real angel. I knew at that moment that it was a trick. When the angel saw me looking at it, it quickly sprung into the air. Then, the clouds cleared up. The sun came out again, and all the people returned to their regular state. No one could remember anything except seeing something in the sky that looked like an angel. They couldn’t remember any of the other things I’d seen.
Suddenly, the store owner was back and led us into the store. She told us we had a few minutes to shop before the plane would return and warned that we must not miss this plane. I began looking for my kids, and I remember seeing a toy box that looked like a train. It was $4.99, but I put it back on the shelf. I then walked into a back room of the store. It looked like an apartment. Once I got to the back, I heard the engine of the train, so I ran out along with the others. There was another group coming off the plane and heading to the lake/swamp we’d visited before. However, the pilot was drinking and he did not allow us on the plane. He laughed and talked about how he’d felt sorry for us, then he left.
Frantic, the store owner rushed us back into the store (not including those who were headed to the lake). She kept saying, “They are coming. You will die if you are not covered.” So we all scrambled to the back of the store (which was her home) and began looking for places to hide. We were all told to get UNDER something. I asked her if I could hide in the closet, and she said that wasn’t good enough. Instead, she told me to get into the tub, and cover up with the shower curtain. She told us to make sure we were completely covered. This didn’t make sense to me. I thought I’d be safer in a closed, locked closet than in an open bathtub covered only by a piece of plastic, but I didn’t argue. After everyone was covered, she ran to the front to hide as well.
Then, we heard the same rumbling we’d heard at the lake – like a lot of strong winds. Then, the sun went down and it got dark. We heard footsteps and felt a breeze come through the house. I heard a strong voice rebuking people – condemning them for their actions, and they would simply scream and fade away – as if they were disappearing or being pulled away. I heard it, but didn’t see anything since I was hiding. When the voice got to the bathroom, there were others hiding under rugs, towels, etc. One peeked, and the person in the room immediately saw their sin. My back was sticking out, though I didn’t know it, until I felt the shower curtain ripped from over me. To my surprise, I saw two black women dressed in beautiful Italian suits. I looked, though afraid, right into this woman’s eyes. There was another woman standing beside her. The voice changed, and she sounded only like a woman now. She looked at the other and said, “She is a prophet. We can’t touch her.” She offered her hand and helped me up and out of the bathtub. She announced, “Why didn’t you say there was a prophet here. We cannot operate here.” With that, others began uncovering, and the women walked out the door. As soon as they left, everything returned back to it’s original state – a beautiful lake emptying into the ocean, with the sun out.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Earned vs Ordained
“You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”- Romans 5:6-8
Years ago, God spoke something to me that changed my whole perception of Christ's sacrifice and our call to ministry. He told me, "Love is not earned. It's ordained."
I am so glad that I didn't have to earn the love of my Father. I thank God that Jesus did not test my loyalty to Him before He shed blood on my behalf. Instead, He loved us, while we were yet sinners, and fulfilled the plan of the Father for His life. He was more pleased with pleasing God than being pleased by those He was called to serve!
Imagine what would happen if those of us who claim to be like Christ did not require others to gain our affections, earn our love or live up to our expectations before receiving acts of kindness from us. It's so easy for us to make requirements of others before we serve them, rather than simply operating as God has called us. As joint heirs with Christ, we should be givers, but we always want accountability from the one who is to receive. As children of God, we should forgive, but we always want an apology and explanation before we allow bygones to be bygones. As ambassadors of Christ, we are ordained to live holy, but we require a prophetic word and a promise from God for natural wealth and riches before we are willing to sacrifice sin.
When will we learn to operate based on our call to perfection, rather than the pretense that someone owes us, including God? Sure, we're willing to operate with the love of God -- as long as we get something out of it. May God help us to move past this doctrine of entitlement and back into the sanctified, ORDAINED nature of God for the believer. Oh, to be like Christ!
Years ago, God spoke something to me that changed my whole perception of Christ's sacrifice and our call to ministry. He told me, "Love is not earned. It's ordained."
I am so glad that I didn't have to earn the love of my Father. I thank God that Jesus did not test my loyalty to Him before He shed blood on my behalf. Instead, He loved us, while we were yet sinners, and fulfilled the plan of the Father for His life. He was more pleased with pleasing God than being pleased by those He was called to serve!
Imagine what would happen if those of us who claim to be like Christ did not require others to gain our affections, earn our love or live up to our expectations before receiving acts of kindness from us. It's so easy for us to make requirements of others before we serve them, rather than simply operating as God has called us. As joint heirs with Christ, we should be givers, but we always want accountability from the one who is to receive. As children of God, we should forgive, but we always want an apology and explanation before we allow bygones to be bygones. As ambassadors of Christ, we are ordained to live holy, but we require a prophetic word and a promise from God for natural wealth and riches before we are willing to sacrifice sin.
When will we learn to operate based on our call to perfection, rather than the pretense that someone owes us, including God? Sure, we're willing to operate with the love of God -- as long as we get something out of it. May God help us to move past this doctrine of entitlement and back into the sanctified, ORDAINED nature of God for the believer. Oh, to be like Christ!
Monday, April 07, 2008
What Happened to the Gospel?
God has had me in a peculiar place over the last few weeks. I have been blessed and humbled to sit at the feet of many powerful women of God, and continue to do so as God leads and allows. I thank God that He's shown me so much and granted so much revelation. He's dealing with me in many areas, as I'm preparing to move forward in ministry.
In spite of all that I'm learning, however, I've had an opportunity to sit back and observe. I am learning to operate in the place of the watchman, and see the deception that is so prevalent in the church. I have heard awesome, encouraging messages and seen people rejoice in God, yet I also see and hear the enemy rejoicing. Deliverance has been stifled because people are being encouraged and uplifted, but are not being called to repentance.
What has happened to the Gospel? When was the last time you heard Christ preached, and Him crucified? What is the Gospel to you? Certainly, we teach about order, but why do we hear more about honoring the man or woman of God more than honoring God? Why are we more concerned about the sacrifices of our leaders than the work of Jesus on the cross? How many more cliches, movies and R&B song revelations do we need? How long will we seek a gimmick? Is the Gospel of Jesus Christ too boring for His own people?
The truth is this - many leaders, preachers and ministers are content where they are, because the people are content. You see, we are all responsible. Week after week, there are pastors who squawl, hoop and holler, but have no message of salvation or deliverance. Yet the churches are packed, because the people of God seek to be entertained rather than delivered. Just thing - what is the last message you remember hearing or delivering? The true saints of God must stand up at some point and demand the meat of the Word. Revival and revolution are needed in this season! Won't you become a catalyst?
I see how the enemy has stormed in. I see the deception. Emotions are stroked. People feel good about themselves, and are bound for hell - straight from the church. What has happened to the Gospel? I vow to preach it. I vow to speak what the Father says to speak - in rhema and logos. I will demand to hear truth. My desire is not to have my ears tickled, but to solidify my eternity in heaven.
Selah.
In spite of all that I'm learning, however, I've had an opportunity to sit back and observe. I am learning to operate in the place of the watchman, and see the deception that is so prevalent in the church. I have heard awesome, encouraging messages and seen people rejoice in God, yet I also see and hear the enemy rejoicing. Deliverance has been stifled because people are being encouraged and uplifted, but are not being called to repentance.
What has happened to the Gospel? When was the last time you heard Christ preached, and Him crucified? What is the Gospel to you? Certainly, we teach about order, but why do we hear more about honoring the man or woman of God more than honoring God? Why are we more concerned about the sacrifices of our leaders than the work of Jesus on the cross? How many more cliches, movies and R&B song revelations do we need? How long will we seek a gimmick? Is the Gospel of Jesus Christ too boring for His own people?
The truth is this - many leaders, preachers and ministers are content where they are, because the people are content. You see, we are all responsible. Week after week, there are pastors who squawl, hoop and holler, but have no message of salvation or deliverance. Yet the churches are packed, because the people of God seek to be entertained rather than delivered. Just thing - what is the last message you remember hearing or delivering? The true saints of God must stand up at some point and demand the meat of the Word. Revival and revolution are needed in this season! Won't you become a catalyst?
I see how the enemy has stormed in. I see the deception. Emotions are stroked. People feel good about themselves, and are bound for hell - straight from the church. What has happened to the Gospel? I vow to preach it. I vow to speak what the Father says to speak - in rhema and logos. I will demand to hear truth. My desire is not to have my ears tickled, but to solidify my eternity in heaven.
Selah.
Friday, March 07, 2008
The Mouth of the Witch
I must share the word of the LORD this morning – a revelation that God spoke for His people, including myself. The Father told me that leaders must be careful of what they speak concerning other leaders due to PERSONAL disagreements, rather than spiritual ones. Too many of God’s people are using their influence to turn the saints away from those who were sent to help them. They are using their mouths as tool of control – witchcraft to manipulate and influence the thoughts of God’s people toward His set and appointed leaders.
As leaders in the Body of Christ, we are called and ordained to expose and correct sin. However, this judgment must take place in the spirit rather than the flesh. Oftentimes, natural dissention is initiated, though we attribute it to a spiritual cause that simply doesn’t exist. Too many leaders are using the godly influence and power they’ve been given to spread the poison of their natural opinions rather than revelation from godly discernment.
One who is mature in God understands how to separate feelings and opinions of the flesh from the anointing of God and His Holy Spirit within a person. Though I may have a problem with a brother or sister, I should be able to see and respect the calling on their life. I may have personality conflicts with another minister, but I should connect with the Holy Ghost within them.
Again, we are not speaking of SIN here. We are speaking of personal vendettas and issues amongst the brethren. We have all seen it. A person leaves a pastor’s church. They are not living in sin. They may have made some mistakes, but they are living a holy life before God and are called to ministry. Why is that 5 years later, that pastor is still telling members of the church not to speak to the individual? They are still spreading poison. Even in the case where sin was involved, how many times do leaders ask God before continuing to label a person? How is it that we preach repentance, but don’t believe anyone else can repent and change, aside from ourselves?
Regardless of my PERSONAL feelings, if I know a godly woman with a gift of healing and tell my sick friend not speak to them because they hurt my feelings, I have operated outside of God’s will. I have used my mouth, out of which flows the power of life and death, to condemn one who could have ministered deliverance. I have operated in ungodly control – witchcraft!
God said, “The mouth of the witch is destroying the Body.”
Selah.
As leaders in the Body of Christ, we are called and ordained to expose and correct sin. However, this judgment must take place in the spirit rather than the flesh. Oftentimes, natural dissention is initiated, though we attribute it to a spiritual cause that simply doesn’t exist. Too many leaders are using the godly influence and power they’ve been given to spread the poison of their natural opinions rather than revelation from godly discernment.
One who is mature in God understands how to separate feelings and opinions of the flesh from the anointing of God and His Holy Spirit within a person. Though I may have a problem with a brother or sister, I should be able to see and respect the calling on their life. I may have personality conflicts with another minister, but I should connect with the Holy Ghost within them.
Again, we are not speaking of SIN here. We are speaking of personal vendettas and issues amongst the brethren. We have all seen it. A person leaves a pastor’s church. They are not living in sin. They may have made some mistakes, but they are living a holy life before God and are called to ministry. Why is that 5 years later, that pastor is still telling members of the church not to speak to the individual? They are still spreading poison. Even in the case where sin was involved, how many times do leaders ask God before continuing to label a person? How is it that we preach repentance, but don’t believe anyone else can repent and change, aside from ourselves?
Regardless of my PERSONAL feelings, if I know a godly woman with a gift of healing and tell my sick friend not speak to them because they hurt my feelings, I have operated outside of God’s will. I have used my mouth, out of which flows the power of life and death, to condemn one who could have ministered deliverance. I have operated in ungodly control – witchcraft!
God said, “The mouth of the witch is destroying the Body.”
Selah.
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
PRIESTS: What are you bringing in and what are you carrying out?
Leviticus 9:23 - 10:2
23 Moses and Aaron went into the Tent of Meeting, and when they came out they blessed the people, and the glory of the Lord [the Shekinah cloud] appeared to all the people [as promised].
24 Then there came a fire out from before the Lord and consumed the burnt offering and the fat on the altar; and when all the people saw it, they shouted and fell on their faces.
1 AND NADAB and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, each took his censer and put fire in it, and put incense on it, and offered strange and unholy fire before the Lord, as He had not commanded them.
2 And there came forth fire from before the Lord and killed them, and they died before the Lord.
As much as we may hate to admit it, NO ONE can eter into the presence of God, and not come out with anything. Moses and Aaron entered the tabernacle to offer sacrifices unto the Father. They went, not seeking personal blessings, but on behalf of the people. They were called to stand on behalf of those who had no right to approach the Father on their own.
Even in this hour, God is arresting those who have been called as leaders in the Body of Christ. You are called to bring glory unto the Father. His glory is magnified when men see your good works, and glorify your Father in heaven (Matt 5:16)! We have been commissioned by Christ to spread the Gospel. We are teachers and intercessors for those who must learn of the Father. A priest stands on behalf of the people. A priest is called to edify the Body of Christ.
Moses and Aaron operated in the offices of Apostle and Prophet for God's people. They were "authorized" to enter the presence of God, so they went before him as living intercessors. They offered sacrifices on behalf of the people, and Bible says they came out and BLESSED the people. The glory of God appeared to the people, through and because of their obedience.
People of God, when you are called as a priest before the Almighty God, you will ALWAYS come out with something when you enter His presence to worship. God is calling the priests to stand up and proclaim His word, because HE IS SPEAKING! It is impossible to enter God's presence without receiving an impartation. It is impossible for God's presence to be seen without signs and wonders. The Word says the people saw, shouted and fell to their faces in reverence.
In this season, the voices of many must be silenced. This is an era when everyone claims to hear God's voice. Everyone claims to have relationship with the Father. Where then is the message? Where is the instruction and the correction? Where are the signs and the wonders? Intimacy results in conception, so what are you carrying out?
Now, in the next few verses of Scripture, the word of God speaks of Aaron's sons: Nadab and Abihu. These two men assumed holiness based on their relationship to one that was called. The word of the LORD this day is that He is seeking PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP. Because Aaron's sons were not apointed, instructed and obedience, they offered worship that was not acceptable to God. They attempted to operate out of religion rather than relationship. Yes, they followed an act without intimacy. They operated in an area, according to the word, where they were not called. Since they presented a "strange" sacrifice unto God, they were killed in the Father's presence.
It's so important to discern your gifts before God. Are we operating in obedience to Him or simple tradition. So many are trying to rob God - trying to claim offices, gifts, responsibilities and honor that they were never called to occupy. We must walk in the calling wherein we are called. Sacrifices made outside of God's will are rejected, and bring forth death. Any act done outside of faith is sin. Faith comes by the word of God. If God's word is not on it, DON'T DO IT!
PRIESTS OF GOD, what are you bringing in, and what are you carrying out?
23 Moses and Aaron went into the Tent of Meeting, and when they came out they blessed the people, and the glory of the Lord [the Shekinah cloud] appeared to all the people [as promised].
24 Then there came a fire out from before the Lord and consumed the burnt offering and the fat on the altar; and when all the people saw it, they shouted and fell on their faces.
1 AND NADAB and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, each took his censer and put fire in it, and put incense on it, and offered strange and unholy fire before the Lord, as He had not commanded them.
2 And there came forth fire from before the Lord and killed them, and they died before the Lord.
As much as we may hate to admit it, NO ONE can eter into the presence of God, and not come out with anything. Moses and Aaron entered the tabernacle to offer sacrifices unto the Father. They went, not seeking personal blessings, but on behalf of the people. They were called to stand on behalf of those who had no right to approach the Father on their own.
Even in this hour, God is arresting those who have been called as leaders in the Body of Christ. You are called to bring glory unto the Father. His glory is magnified when men see your good works, and glorify your Father in heaven (Matt 5:16)! We have been commissioned by Christ to spread the Gospel. We are teachers and intercessors for those who must learn of the Father. A priest stands on behalf of the people. A priest is called to edify the Body of Christ.
Moses and Aaron operated in the offices of Apostle and Prophet for God's people. They were "authorized" to enter the presence of God, so they went before him as living intercessors. They offered sacrifices on behalf of the people, and Bible says they came out and BLESSED the people. The glory of God appeared to the people, through and because of their obedience.
People of God, when you are called as a priest before the Almighty God, you will ALWAYS come out with something when you enter His presence to worship. God is calling the priests to stand up and proclaim His word, because HE IS SPEAKING! It is impossible to enter God's presence without receiving an impartation. It is impossible for God's presence to be seen without signs and wonders. The Word says the people saw, shouted and fell to their faces in reverence.
In this season, the voices of many must be silenced. This is an era when everyone claims to hear God's voice. Everyone claims to have relationship with the Father. Where then is the message? Where is the instruction and the correction? Where are the signs and the wonders? Intimacy results in conception, so what are you carrying out?
Now, in the next few verses of Scripture, the word of God speaks of Aaron's sons: Nadab and Abihu. These two men assumed holiness based on their relationship to one that was called. The word of the LORD this day is that He is seeking PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP. Because Aaron's sons were not apointed, instructed and obedience, they offered worship that was not acceptable to God. They attempted to operate out of religion rather than relationship. Yes, they followed an act without intimacy. They operated in an area, according to the word, where they were not called. Since they presented a "strange" sacrifice unto God, they were killed in the Father's presence.
It's so important to discern your gifts before God. Are we operating in obedience to Him or simple tradition. So many are trying to rob God - trying to claim offices, gifts, responsibilities and honor that they were never called to occupy. We must walk in the calling wherein we are called. Sacrifices made outside of God's will are rejected, and bring forth death. Any act done outside of faith is sin. Faith comes by the word of God. If God's word is not on it, DON'T DO IT!
PRIESTS OF GOD, what are you bringing in, and what are you carrying out?
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