The "Sinner's Prayer" Does NOT Bring Salvation

God has been dealing with me about attacking religion. I do not have an assignment to attack people, but spirits of tradition and religion (Colossians 2:8) that keep people from developing a solid relationship with the Father. Though difficult for me, I must attack the root of "false conversion" for many. I need to step into some prophetic teaching to break the bondage of our lack of knowledge - not because we have not received it, but because we have rejected the truth.

I literally become nauseous when I hear the song, and squirm in my seat when altar calls are made at churches for people to "get saved." God said I need to attack a spirit of false confidence and complacency. God said I had to remind the people that this practice of a "Sinner's Prayer," though popular, is not biblical nor effective. We who are in ministry must begin to teach TRUTH and stop telling people who are hell-bound that they have a home in heaven.

Rom 10:8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;
Rom 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
Rom 10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Rom 10:11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

First and foremost, this Scripture was written by the Apostle Paul to the Church, or the Body of EXISTING believers of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It was addressed to the CHURCH (body of believers) at Rome. Why is this relevant?

Too often, we are quoting this Scripture to sinners (unbelievers) as if it were direction on how to become "saved" or accept Jesus Christ as one's personal savior. NOT SO! This Scripture does not pertain to those who are not part of the family of God. It was never intended for an unbeliever.

Still, even more problems arise with using this Scripture to introduce salvation. First, Paul addresses the word that is "nigh thee, even in they mouth, and in thy heart." How can someone who was just in sin an hour ago have the word of God in their mouth and heart just because you preached a sermon? I am sounding the alarm today, straight from the mouth of God. We are sending people to HELL in the name of Jesus. We are preaching a false hope and teaching a false salvation. SHAME ON THE CHURCH!

The word says confession is MADE unto salvation. That implies a process. One sole confession of Christ and his resurrection does not bring salvation in and of itself. If it did, Lucifer would have a seat in heaven. Oh, can I tell the truth? I'm sick. I'm disgusted that we have spit in God's face and made a lie of His Gospel. We have insulted Christ and crucified him many time over. When will it stop?

No more pansy prayers! No more punk salvations! No more senseless altar calls! The Word of God says that it's out of the abundance of the heart that a man speaks. How in the world can I have someone repeat a prayer after me, and tell them they are saved??? How can I tell another person what to speak, when it should come from their heart? Ahhhh!!! No more. Let God be true and every man a liar. Traditions founded upon lies MUST be torn down.

I don't care who you are. If your entire salvation relies on a prayer that you repeated after someone at the altar, you are still on your way to HELL. If you have not received the Holy Spirit and do not have RELATIONSHIP, hell is your home! If you are in sin, now is the time to seek the REAL message of salvation. If you are leading others, NOW is the time to change your message. We must stop telling the blind they can see. Quickly, they are stumbling!

What did the sinners hear in the Word of God? Look at Peter's message...

Act 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Act 2:39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

REPENT. Yes, that is the first message, but we're not preaching it like we should. Why? No one wants to attack SIN anymore. NEWS FLASH: Belief means NOTHING without repentance. CHANGE is required before a person can even approach the Father. No more of this "come as you are" preaching. It's NOT the Word of God. Change comes forth in the presence of God. Change is REQUIRED when standing before a holy God. NO MORE FALSE HOPE. NO MORE WATERED DOWN GOSPEL. NO MORE PROPHELYING. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!!!

God dealt with me very heavily today. So often, I told people that I write as inspired by Habakkuk. I thought I was writing the vision and making it plain. Today, God changed my assignment. He said my purpose in this hour is to SOUND THE ALARM. WARNING is my assignment and my call. This warning is that the Church is dying in sin. Too much compromise. Too many lies. Too much tolerance. Where is the holiness? Where is the sacrifice?

God has warned. Will you take heed?

Of What Value Is Your Gain?

Just a few weeks ago, the Father asked me a difficult question. "What if I told you to take your name off everything you do and everything you have done? Would you still move forward in ministry? Would you still serve with the same fervency? Would you still lead people to me and speak my praises?" Honestly, my first response was "Of course I would." Yet, I answered without truly pondering over the question God asked. I didn't really meditate on how difficult that would be. I would feel so disappointed and unappreciated. I'd feel used and alone. I'd, in a sense, feel like a failure. Eventually, my response turned into a prayer. I had to ask God to show me myself. What are my real motives? How much value do I put on PERSONAL GAIN in ministry?

Of course I also began to think about the Body of Christ as a whole. We can't help but gain something by worshiping God, but how much emphasis do we place on the notoriety, the prestige and the honor? How much do we long for the networking, the encouragement and the popularity? How much do we seek the stuff, the money and the gifts? What about the service and the praise? When we think about it, how many of claim to worship God just so we can gain stuff from the world?

Yes, it is happening. Think of all the worldly artists whose careers have taken a dive. Where do they run? The Gospel industry. Why? Less competition and lots of consumers. Easy reception. Natalie Cole, Patti Labelle, Whitney Houston, RUN DMC, MC Hammer, Tony Terry, R. Kelly, Smokey Robinson, Al Green, Michelle Williams – and so many more. These are all examples of people who never truly converted, yet reap the benefits of a minister, or one who carries the Gospel. The worst part is that it’s our fault! The CHURCH has put so much emphasis on personal gain that we’ve forgotten about true worship. Ministry has become a business. Why do we buy the music and movies from those who are literally making a mockery of the Gospel? Why do we praise those who prostitute salvation? We do it because we have weighed personal gain more than God’s glory. Yes, we will buy a CD, lie and say that we are worshipping God though the song is written and PERFORMED by an unholy vessel, and then complain to God when He doesn’t move. How long will we care about a nice beat and a cute tune more than we care about God’s glory? When will return to the point when our integrity is more important than our personal entertainment?

What is the value of your gain?

Phil 3:7 But whatever former things I had that might have been gains to me, I have come to consider as [one combined] loss for Christ's sake.

God really had to purge me of many things. In fact, each time I ascend to a new level in Him, there are things in my life that must be shed. There are parts of me that must be forsaken. There are gains that I must count as losses.

God spoke to me many years ago and explained that He’s not moved by the success stories that many feel should afford them a special spot in “ministry.” The education, the money, the acquaintances – they don’t mean a thing if God does not receive the glory! Too often, believers rely on their worldly accomplishments more than their spiritual relationship with the Father. The anointing cannot be bought. Many are called, and few chosen. Thank God that his role book is not based on credentials.

On the other hand, God is also tired of being limited and confined by our pocketbooks or lack of education. How many times have we disobeyed God because we were moved by our lack of resources more than His command? I am guilty!!! “Father, I can’t correct her. She has a doctorate degree… Lord, I can’t go there and preach. I don’t have gas money… Father, I don’t feel right telling her to fast. She is diabetic.” Yes, we all do it.

God said to count it all as a loss. In other words, consider it be insignificant.

Phil 3:8 Yes, furthermore, I count everything as loss compared to the possession of the priceless privilege (the overwhelming preciousness, the surpassing worth, and supreme advantage) of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord {and} of progressively becoming more deeply {and} intimately acquainted with Him [of perceiving and recognizing and understanding Him more fully and clearly]. For His sake I have lost everything and consider it all to be mere rubbish (refuse, dregs), in order that I may win (gain) Christ (the Anointed One),

I must be free as I deal with this next segment of Scripture. Paul said that he counted all as loss for CHRIST’s sake, not his own. I am sick and tired of hearing Christians use their own failures as a pulpit commercial to make them look and seem holy and deep. Let’s just be real! Believers have made a habit of preaching the “Woe is me” testimony, and God is not pleased. It does not glorify the Father. The motive is wrong. So many times, I have been approached even by prophets who have nothing to impart other than a sad testimony. The worse part is that this is often their only claim to holiness. Too many have been taught that loss equals holiness. No – it’s SACRIFICE that leads to holiness. Loss and sacrifice are two different things.

If I lose my home because I didn’t pay the mortgage, that’s a loss. If I give up my home at God’s instruction, that’s a sacrifice. If I lose my children because I’m a poor mother to them, that’s a loss. If God instructs me to release my children to another country for missions work, that’s a sacrifice.

Yes, we want to blame God for OUR OWN FAILURES, then use it as a selling point when trying to convince others that we are holy. God is not pleased! True SACRIFICE is voluntary. True SACRIFICE is active, not passive.

Phil 3:9 And that I may [actually] be found {and} known as in Him, not having any [self-achieved] righteousness that can be called my own, based on my obedience to the Law's demands (ritualistic uprightness and supposed right standing with God thus acquired), but possessing that [genuine righteousness] which comes through faith in Christ (the Anointed One), the [truly] right standing with God, which comes from God by [saving] faith.

Oh, I pray that our desire will begin to line up with that of Paul’s. He did not desire anyone to think him righteous because of his own doing. That’s a very serious desire. He didn’t want to be recognized because of his obedience to God, nor his possessions or even his faith. Truly, Paul expressed a desire to be NOTHING accept a conduit of God’s grace and exaltation.

Phil 3:10 [For my determined purpose is] that I may know Him [that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly], and that I may in that same way come to know the power outflowing from His resurrection [which it exerts over believers], and that I may so share His sufferings as to be continually transformed [in spirit into His likeness even] to His death, [in the hope]

Oh, what is our PURPOSE in ministry? The Father showed me some things about my own motives that disturbed me. He showed me some things about the Body of Christ that made me cry, weep and travail in prayer. Our purpose in ministry should be simply to be intimate with the Father. Our purpose and motive should be that we want to share with Christ.

When was the last time you truly suffered and gave God praise for it? Shouldn’t suffering be something we seek in ministry? We are to share the suffering and the death of Christ in order to please our Father. When was the last time someone was offended by a message you preached? When was the last time someone “uninvited” you to a conference in fear that you would shrink the crowd of attendees? Shouldn’t this be our purpose in ministry? When was the last time someone forgot your name when you were about to share the Word of God? Shouldn’t this be a reason to rejoice in ministry?

FLESH DIES in the presence of true ministry. Only God is seen. Only the Father is heard. Intimacy is multiplied.

Phil 3:11 That if possible I may attain to the [spiritual and moral] resurrection [that lifts me] out from among the dead [even while in the body].
Phil 3:12 Not that I have now attained [this ideal], or have already been made perfect, but I press on to lay hold of (grasp) {and} make my own, that for which Christ Jesus (the Messiah) has laid hold of me {and} made me His own.
Phil 3:13 I do not consider, brethren, that I have captured {and} made it my own [yet]; but one thing I do [it is my one aspiration]: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead,
Phil 3:14 I press on toward the goal to win the [supreme and heavenly] prize to which God in Christ Jesus is calling us upward.

Even in all he was willing to sacrifice, Paul recognized one thing we so often forget – HE HAD NOT YET ARRIVED! Despite all the sacrifice, Paul still had a hope. He still realized that the God he served was bigger than anything he could ever give. There was still a godly fear and reverence for him to be accepted by God. He still CONFESSED THE PRESS! Ahhhhh…

Many of us don’t CONFESS THE PRESS because our form of ministry is too easy. It’s filled with large honorariums, shoes, purses and suits. It comes with glamour, notoriety and popularity. THERE’S NO PRESS IN MESS. Oh, it’s easy to do the thing that brings comfort to the flesh and ignores the spirit.

Where are the saints who are suffering for the Lord’s sake, but are still able to bridle their tongue? Yes, I believe there are some who suffer, but truly count it a loss. No one has to hear the sob story, because God received the glory and the soul was content. Hallelujah! I pray more of us grow to this point.

Where are the ones who are broke, but still give God glory? Where are the ministers who literally carry pain in their bodies because of the prayers they put forth on behalf of the people? Jesus produced sweat of blood in his prayers. When was the last time you got up from prayer with sore knees, stomach cramps, or even a dry mouth because of the spiritual warfare? PRESS… God is calling us to PRESS IN.

In conclusion…

Is 61:3 To grant [consolation and joy] to those who mourn in Zion--to give them an ornament (a garland or diadem) of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, the garment [expressive] of praise instead of a heavy, burdened, {and} failing spirit--that they may be called oaks of righteousness [lofty, strong, and magnificent, distinguished for uprightness, justice, and right standing with God], the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.

For many years, this Scripture has inspired and encouraged me. Realize today that ashes must often come before God will grant beauty. Beautifying oneself while trying to hide the ashes does not bring glory to the Father. Sometimes a heavy and burdened spirit must exist before God can transform it into a spirit of praise. “Faking it until you make it” doesn’t bring Him glory. Every now and then, mourning must come before God sends joy. Denial will not bring Him glory.

What is the value of your gain today? When will we realize that God doesn’t get the glory in that which we do in our own strength and intellect. Is there not a motive when we rely on our selves to do “good works.” Count it a loss, and watch God move!

Leaders, Beware of the Partial Word

God has been dealing with me about how so many of us have been deceived by words of incomplete prophecy. Many of us are hearing and receiving messages that trust are from God, but still seem to betray us. Just over the last few weeks, God has reminded me of prophecies and I’ve been told of prophecies shared, particularly with leaders, seemingly beneficial to the recipient. Yet, not many days after, a betrayal takes place. Yet, there is a common thread. The word appears to be from God. It bears witness. It seems relevant, anointed and accurate.

I asked God about this deception that seems to be taking place. There are many STRONG leaders who have doubted themselves because of recent events involving ANOINTED prophets and followers who are abandoning their positions. What is it God? The Father began to speak to me about the incomplete word, and I must share this with the leaders. It is a rebuke and an encouragement, revelation and instruction.

God explained very clearly that many of His people are falling victim to the partial word. We forget that prophecy is a gift, and that it can come from a vessel with a hidden agenda. Even when the word is from God, it can be partially withheld. Oftentimes, withholding evidence is a crime people commit but are never prosecuted for. Why? We assume that when we hear truth, the totality of the thing has been shared.

God quickly reminded me that we prophesy only in part. We have adopted this idea from the ‘church’ that when a prophetic word comes forth, it should not be judged. We have been taught that no one should add to it or take away from it. God’s word so clearly explains this is not the case.

1 Cor 13:9 For our knowledge is fragmentary (incomplete and imperfect), and our prophecy (our teaching) is fragmentary (incomplete and imperfect).

1 Cor 14:29 So let two or three prophets speak [those inspired to preach or teach], while the rest pay attention {and} weigh {and} discern what is said.
1 Cor 14:30 But if an inspired revelation comes to another who is sitting by, then let the first one be silent.
1 Cor 14:31 For in this way you can give testimony [prophesying and thus interpreting the divine will and purpose] one by one, so that all may be instructed and all may be stimulated {and} encouraged;
1 Cor 14:32 For the spirits of the prophets (the speakers in tongues) are under the speaker's control [and subject to being silenced as may be necessary],

Yes, we are practicing a “courtesy” that God never ordained. Once again, God has been dealing with me about “checks and balances.” The Father reminded me that He has authored a system in the Church that would prevent us from being deceived, but we have chosen another way. We have chosen to call walk in weakness, but call it courtesy. We have chosen to lay down authority and call it order. As a result, many have fallen pray to the incomplete word – a partial word yielding deception.

2 Kin 8:7 Elisha came to Damascus, and Ben-hadad king of Syria was sick; and he was told, The man of God has come here.
2 Kin 8:8 And the king said to Hazael, Take a present in your hand and go meet the man of God, and inquire of the Lord by him, saying, Shall I recover from this disease?
2 Kin 8:9 So Hazael went to meet Elisha and took a present with him of every good thing of Damascus, forty camel loads, and came and stood before him and said, Your son Ben-hadad king of Syria has sent me to you, asking, Shall I recover from this disease?
2 Kin 8:10 And Elisha said, Go, say to him, You shall certainly recover; but the Lord has shown me that he shall certainly die.
2 Kin 8:11 Elisha stared steadily at him until Hazael was embarrassed. And the man of God wept.
2 Kin 8:12 And Hazael said, Why do you weep, my lord? He answered, Because I know the evil that you will do to the Israelites. You will burn their strongholds, slay their young men with the sword, dash their infants in pieces, and rip up their pregnant women.
2 Kin 8:13 And Hazael said, What is your servant, only a dog, that he should do this monstrous thing? And Elisha answered, The Lord has shown me that you will be king over Syria.
2 Kin 8:14 Then [Hazael] departed from Elisha and came to his master, who said to him, What did Elisha say to you? And he answered, He told me you would surely recover.
2 Kin 8:15 But the next day Hazael took the bedspread and dipped it in water and spread it on [the Syrian king's] face, so that he died. And Hazael reigned in his stead.

When the Lord took me to this Scripture, I screamed, I cried, and then I became angry. I saw how easy it is to get an accurate word of prophecy, and only share a part, leading to deception. God began to show many how many leaders have been hurt because of this very thing. The Word of God is shared until it begins to reveal the heart of the one delivering the message. We think that because someone hears from God, they have our best interest at heart. This is not always the case.

Even as we see in the biblical account, the man shared the Word of God only to the point that it revealed his own motives. He rejoiced with his leader, knowing that his own plan was to kill him and take the power and authority he walked in. Too many of our leaders are walking into the same trap because they recognize the prophesy as true, but fail to allow that same prophesy to be judged by another prophet. Leaders, beware of prophets that speak but attempt to silence another prophet from doing the same!

In the same manner, God also revealed to me another problem that is affecting his leaders. It also concerns the prophetic word. On Monday night, God spoke very clearly to me and explained that many who call themselves prophets have learned to quote the Father. They may even know the type of thing God may say, but that does not mean they are speaking what GOD IS SAYING!

What do I mean? I know and understand that my husband is a fan of NC State basketball. Because of that knowledge and past conversation with him, when his NC State team beats my UNC Tarheels in basketball, it may be accurate for me to say something like, “I could just hear Chris now, laughing and cheering for his Wolfpack team.” My statement is accurate based on EDUCATED ASSUMPTION. Even still, I can make such a statement without ever hearing or seeing what is really going on. Oftentimes, when the prophetic begins to move, those in the midst begin to prophesy just as Saul did. It “sounds” accurate and even anointed, but the word is based on assumption. “It may sound like something I’d say,” says God, “but that doesn’t mean I’m speaking it.” We must realize that the Word of God is ALIVE.

May I bring your attention to a biblical example and well-known account of what who prophesied a word that “sounded like God,” though GOD NEVER SPOKE IT…

1 Kin 13:6 And the king said to the man of God, Entreat now the favor of the Lord your God and pray for me, that my hand may be restored to me. And the man of God entreated the Lord, and the king's hand was restored and became as it was before.
1 Kin 13:7 And the king said to the man of God, Come home with me and refresh yourself, and I will give you a reward.
1 Kin 13:8 And the man of God said to the king, If you give me half your house, I will not go in with you, and I will not eat bread or drink water in this place.
1 Kin 13:9 For I was commanded by the word of the Lord, You shall eat no bread or drink water or return by the way you came.
1 Kin 13:10 So he went another way and did not return by the way that he came to Bethel.
1 Kin 13:11 Now there dwelt an old prophet in Bethel; and his sons came and told him all that the man of God had done that day in Bethel; the words which he had spoken to the king they told also to their father.
1 Kin 13:12 Their father asked them, Which way did he go? For his sons had seen which way the man of God who came from Judah had gone.
1 Kin 13:13 He said to his sons, Saddle the donkey for me. So they saddled the donkey and he rode on it
1 Kin 13:14 And went after the man of God. And he found him sitting under an oak, and he said to him, Are you the man of God who came from Judah? And he said, I am.
1 Kin 13:15 Then he said to him, Come home with me and eat bread.
1 Kin 13:16 He said, I may not return with you or go in with you, neither will I eat bread or drink water with you in this place.
1 Kin 13:17 For I was told by the word of the Lord, You shall not eat bread or drink water there or return by the way that you came.
1 Kin 13:18 He answered, I am a prophet also, as you are. And an angel spoke to me by the word of the Lord, saying, Bring him back with you to your house, that he may eat bread and drink water. But he lied to him.
1 Kin 13:19 So the man from Judah went back with him and ate and drank water in his house.
1 Kin 13:20 And as they sat at the table, the word of the Lord came to the prophet who brought him back.
1 Kin 13:21 And he cried to the man of God who came from Judah, Thus says the Lord: Because you have disobeyed the word of the Lord and have not kept the command which the Lord your God commanded you,
1 Kin 13:22 But have come back and have eaten bread and drunk water in the place of which the Lord said to you, Eat no bread and drink no water--your corpse shall not come to the tomb of your fathers.
1 Kin 13:23 And after the prophet of the house had eaten bread and drunk, he saddled the donkey for the man he had brought back.
1 Kin 13:24 And when he had gone, a lion met him by the road and slew him, and his corpse was cast in the way, and the donkey stood by it; the lion also stood by the corpse.
1 Kin 13:25 And behold, men passed by and saw the corpse thrown in the road, and the lion standing by the corpse, and they came and told it in the city where the old prophet dwelt.
1 Kin 13:26 When the prophet who brought him back from the way heard of it, he said, It is the man of God who was disobedient to the word of the Lord; therefore the Lord has given him to the lion, which has torn him and slain him, according to the word of the Lord which He spoke to him.
1 Kin 13:27 And he said to his sons, Saddle the donkey for me. And they saddled it.
1 Kin 13:28 And he went and found the corpse thrown in the road, and the donkey and the lion stood by the body; the lion had not eaten the corpse or torn the donkey.
1 Kin 13:29 The prophet took up the corpse of the man of God and laid it upon the donkey and brought it back, and the old prophet came into the city to mourn and to bury him.
1 Kin 13:30 And he laid the body in his own grave, and they mourned over him, saying, Alas, my brother!
1 Kin 13:31 After he had buried him, he said to his sons, When I am dead, bury me in the grave in which the man of God is buried; lay my bones beside his bones.

Hmmm… Leaders, how many have caused you to fall, then mourned your loss? How many times have you felt honored because someone prophesied to you, saw you fall, but stood beside you in the failure? Our prayer is this season must be that God opens our spiritual eyes and allows us heightened discernment.

Leaders, this word of encouragement is for you. Think on these things. Return to the authority you have been given. Do not allow the enemy to convince you that judgement is not of the Father. Remember, the Spirit searches all things. Selah.

In HIS Favor,
Prophetess Joy Allen

Discipleship Ministry

We who claim to be disciples of Christ and joint heirs with Jesus - why have we forsaken the complete scope of ministry? God has given me an assignment, and I must share this with all those who will travel in ministry THIS YEAR.

This is the Word of instruction, because God has not been pleased, as He said before, with "incomplete ministry." We are going from pulpit to pulpit, but neglecting much of the assignment. Hear the instruction of the LORD. As I read this Scripture, He spoke so clearly. I must take heed to this assignment, and know it applies to many others as well. If it convicts you, please adhere...

Mat 10:6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
God has sent us to minister to the lost sheep of Israel. In other words, there are some in the family of God who are still lost. Evangelism must be restored, but the prophetic must begin to flow freely again as well. We must realize there are many in the Church who are lost. They must be addressed. No more pumping up. No more pep rallied. Deal with the sin! Deal with the disobedience. Put the egos down. We must start calling sin sin. Stop stroking those who are out of order just because they carry a title or have an auxiliary in the church. God said we are offending Him in our effort not to offend others.

Mat 10:7 And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Where is the simple Gospel? We must return to teaching that we must seek first the Kingdom of God. Then, all other things will be added. How many prosperity conferences must we have? How many more prayer meetings for healing or fish fries and fund-raisers? Where is the worship. No more creating empty services just to raise a dollar or say "we had church." Preach the Word God commands. Add nothing to it and take nothing away.

Mat 10:8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.
Return to that which God has given us power to do. We must operate in faith. God's house needs physical cleaning. There are some demons that have come in, and we've allowed them to stay. We have accepted sickness, disease, demonic oppression. Then, when we do render or seek healing, there is a charge. These things should not be so. No more charging or paying for a word. Who will serve Me without pay or reputation? God is restoring power to the Body of Christ. He told me, "If my people will only operate in faith, I will do what I said. The power has been provided. My signs and wonders will follow those who believe." God has commanded me to begin laying hands on the sick again. He's commanded me to engage in spiritual warfare like never before on behalf of my brothers and sisters. Not only that, but when the signs and wonders return, there will be no books...no huge conferences. There shall be no profit as a result. THIS DAY, God has reminded us of the power that lies within, to those with a pure motive.

Mat 10:9 Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses,
Mat 10:10 Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat.
When God says "GO", we must go in this season. It's time to walk in a new level of faith. Money shall no longer be a hindrance. God says He is removing the obstacles for those who have a heart to serve, but have surrendered to circumstances. I hear God saying, FAVOR. I have been praying, even about my job. My schedule has hindered me from doing things I believe God assigned me to do. God said that even that season is passing. He is providing divine favor in situations such as this, but it still requires faith. I still need to have the faith to request that vacation time. Some of us still need to have the faith to reserve that plane flight. God WILL PROVIDE for His own work.

Along those same lines, God said we must learn to receive. He causes MEN to give into our bosom, but we must be willing to receive. God said many of us are lacking because we refused the help He sent. The word says the workman is WORTHY OF HIS MEAT. Look for people to bless you - even your enemies. God even showed me that when their motives are wrong, we are still not to refuse unless He expressly commands us to do so. "How else can the wealth of the wicked by laid up for the righteous?" I'm guilty. I have refused many gifts because I felt they were insults. I felt they were given in spite rather than love, so I refused. No more.

Mat 10:11 And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, inquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence.
City-wide influence. God dealt with me about something. He said, "Joy, I don't send a prophet to impact one house and leave. My prophets impact cities, states and nations." Too many of us are traveling to minister to one church and one group of people. God said, when we get to a city, we are to ask questions. We need to know who else dwells there. I see God making provision for His people to minister in multiple places within one trip. I am praying for even more clarification and instruction in this regard.


TRUE DISCIPLESHIP MINISTRY. Will you heed the call in this season?

I Have Not Rendered You Powerless

POWER = Ability, Capability, Strength, Authority

God spoke to me about the lack of authority and power in ministry, and I was sorely rebuked by what I was told and shown. Now, I must share this with the Body of Christ. The Lord spoke clearly: “I have not rendered you powerless!” Then, He began to show me more.

God is not pleased with the way many of us have “done ministry.” Yet, He has called many into a season of rest, and is now bringing us into a new season and giving us an opportunity for a new beginning. In the season, our Father is requiring that we fulfill a realm of ministry that has been forgotten. God said that He desires to see His faith work in us. He showed me that many have the wrong concept of ministry. Therefore, we are not operating in the full authority He has given us. Many prayers have gone forth asking God to do things He has given us power to handle in this earth. Many are failing for reasons God has already combated. Essentially, there is a lack of faith in the Body of Christ, and our Father is mainly concerned with those in leadership, those who say they were called to true ministry.

The Father took me back to some very familiar Scriptures. First, He reminded me that none can walk in the spiritual gifts without the presence of the Holy Spirit. When my Holy Spirit resides in you, does not power accompany His presence?

Acts 1:8 But you shall receive power (ability, efficiency, and might) when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be My witnesses in Jerusalem and all Judea and Samaria and to the ends (the very bounds) of the earth.

Yes, God is restoring the holy boldness that many of us have lost. It has been lost because so many in the Body of Christ have neglected the Holy Spirit. Many, even those who walk in ministry, have failed to yield to the Spirit of God. They have abandoned relationship with God and attempted to depend only on their “good works.” God says these do not operate in power. He said those who have been endowed with His power have two things: boldness and the will to go. Yes, God is saying this is the season to speak what thus says the Lord. It is not the season to walk in false humility. It is not the season to allow the unholy thing to live in the Body of Christ. “I have appointed you as judges,” says God. “Judgment must begin in My house.” This is also not the season for Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors and Teachers to sit inactive. There should be a yearning in the spirit of those who are called to GO. There is a work to be done. Too many that should be silent and repentant are proclaiming a false gospel while those who have truly been called of God remain silent. God is saying, “Rise, go and boldly proclaim.”

Jesus gave this very commandment, also known by many as the Great Commission:

Mark 16:15 And He said to them, Go into all the world and preach {and} publish openly the good news (the Gospel) to every creature [of the whole human race].
Mark 16:16 He who believes [who adheres to and trusts in and relies on the Gospel and Him Whom it sets forth] and is baptized will be saved [from the penalty of eternal death]; but he who does not believe [who does not adhere to and trust in and rely on the Gospel and Him Whom it sets forth] will be condemned.
Mark 16:17 And these attesting signs will accompany those who believe: in My name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new languages;
Mark 16:18 They will pick up serpents; and [even] if they drink anything deadly, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will get well.

Yes, many of us are familiar and adherent to the first two verses. So many are glad to preach from church to church. We love to fill our calendars with appointments and activities. We will even preach salvation, though watered down, to those we meet during church services and conferences. Yet God is asking, “Where is your power? I have not rendered you powerless!” My Father began to show me how we are not completing our ministry assignments. The Word of God tells us those who believe and go should have signs following. There should be miracles accompanying the Word of God. Where are they? Yes, we have speaking in tongues handled, but what about the casting out of demons? What about the ability to thwart sickness and disease? Where are those who are being healed, delivered and set free?

God is issuing a strong rebuke. Many are preaching the word with no power. Therefore, God says the ministry is not pleasing to Him. The work has not been complete. “How can my leaders lack so much faith?,” God is asking. “I have called you to a greater work than what my Son did on the earth.” Yes, God said we are preaching a false hope, an incomplete word and a lie. We have become “hype men and women” for the Father, but do not operate in the power He has given. God is saying we need to examine our faith. If we can’t walk into the promises of God, why are we preaching them to others? From our hearts, many of us are preaching a lie. We are preaching a Gospel that we don’t believe ourselves. We are making promises to other people on God’s behalf, but don’t even believe He’ll keep those promises with us. The worst part is this - we then accept accolades, even money, for an incomplete work. My God, I repent!

The Father took me back to instances where I preached that He was a healer. I saw people and even laid hands on those who were sick. Yet, I limited God’s ability to work through me due to my lack of faith. My service to Him was incomplete. Often, I said “God, they must not have had the faith.” God instructed me to read the Word of God. Power that God has given us should not depend on the faith of others. Did not Jesus rebuke the Apostles for the same thing?

The instruction from the Father in this hour and season is to operate in the power and authority He has already given us, WITH SIGNS AND WONDERS FOLLOWING. If they are not operating in our ministries, we must seek the Father and find out why. Some of us need to sit down until we begin to see God working in us. God even showed me that power is withheld from many because we are preaching our own name rather than the name of Jesus Christ. These signs follow only those who glorify God! Hmmm....

Prophecy has been polluted because the standard has been compromised. How many of us have heard a prophet speak a word that never came to pass or a word that was completely against the word of God, but was never rebuked or corrected? How many of us have sat under a Pastor that prayed for the same people every Sunday for years, but saw no manifestation? It MUST be corrected IN THIS SEASON. Let God be true, and every man a liar! We must come up in the spirit realm. We must then walk in ministry as Paul did:

1 Cor 2:4 And my language and my message were not set forth in persuasive (enticing and plausible) words of wisdom, but they were in demonstration of the [Holy] Spirit and power [a proof by the Spirit and power of God, operating on me and stirring in the minds of my hearers the most holy emotions and thus persuading them],
1 Cor 2:5 So that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men (human philosophy), but in the power of God.

Paul did not try to excite the people with his motivating speech, clichés or cute jokes. Instead, he ministered with power. He ensured that people saw God moving rather than himself. The Word of God says that men are drawn to Jesus when they see our good works. Signs and miracles are not for us, but for those needing to be drawn.

“I have not rendered you powerless,” says God. Complete the work in this season!

Spiritual Lesbianism - An Epidemic in the Church

I have struggled with this message since Monday when I first began hearing God speak it. It is a sticky, difficult topic, but I must be obedient and share as I have been instructed. During corporate prayer, I distinctly heard God say, “The spirit of lesbianism is rampant in the church.” We discussed it briefly following prayer, but God has continued to speak on the subject, and I must share what He has given me, though this is a hard word – even for me to swallow.

All that God said particularly caught my attention, because He said “lesbianism” rather than homosexuality. I had to get further clarification on why He used this term. I took the message as a general one for the Body of Christ, but God said this message is a direct one for those in my sphere of influence – those with whom I interact on a daily basis. In that case, mostly women...

One of the first indications of lesbianism is the denial of natural affection. “I don’t need a man. A woman can do anything a man can do. I can take care of myself.” There is a polluted level of independence that moves beyond the natural tendency, causing a woman in the natural to dismiss what God has designed – the union between a man and a woman. Essentially, women in the church are doing the same thing as women in the world – denying the dependence God has ordained.

Gen 3:16 Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.

Yes, God has shown me and rehearsed the conversations in my ears. “I don’t need a Pastor or a covering. I operate in all the gifts. I can do ministry all by myself.” Many are moving outside of God’s natural order – outside of what God has designed for the Church. Even in the realm of partnered ministry, many women in particular are dismissing the mandate on their husband’s lives. Pulpits are becoming divided. How many churches have we seen pastored by a man or a couple when suddenly the wife has a television show titled “Her Name” Ministries? Why the division and the need to be separate from the unity God has put in place? Ladies, why have we adopted the lie that we must walk alone in order to prove our strength? Why do we feel that we can only trust one another with what God has given us? Why are we threatened to submit to the men God has placed over us, whether they be in ministry or our own homes?

Eph 5:21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.
Eph 5:22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.
Eph 5:23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.
Eph 5:24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.

I understand there are times when God will call a woman out for spiritual or ministerial service. There are situations when a man in a relationship may not be at the same level spiritually as the woman or vise versa. NO EXCUSE. In fact, this used to be my excuse for many of the things I did to “overstep” my husband’s position as head of the household. God’s response – “YOU married him. By doing so, YOU submitted to the authority.” Yes, the same holds true in the church. When we feel our leaders are out of line or that they have “missed God”, we take it upon ourselves to overstep their authority or step out into our own ministries, without their covering and without accountability. We then justify it by saying they are not in God’s will. The word of God remains the same. This is the season to LEAVE or CLEAVE. Stop bashing, insulting and criticizing those to whom you can’t submit. God is saying the same thing. “YOU decided to make covenant with that body of believers. In doing so, YOU agreed to submit to the authority.”

We spend too much time justifying disobedience by exploiting what we consider to be the sins and shortcomings of our leaders in the spiritual and the natural. Oftentimes, men are the target of this ridicule. Either way, it is out of order. Instead, we should be asking God to reveal our own character. If, in fact, they are so wrong and flawed, what made us CHOOSE to enter the covenant? Even more, where is the POWER we should have to bring change to that situation? Are we so special and holy – are our ministries so sanctified that God will excuse us from His plan, allowing just a select few to defy authority and step into the spotlight, leaving behind the ones we agreed to follow?

Women of God, let’s be careful not to leave God’s plan and order – naturally or spiritually – as they are both against the nature and will of our Father. The spirit of lesbianism is being manifested and is running rampant in the church. Do not be a carrier, but work to restore order in your homes and the Body of Christ.

Spiritual lesbianism is a serious ordeal, and it is rampant – not only in the organization of the church, but on the internet. The internet is flowing with “lack of order” because accountability cannot be mandated. The internet can be hidden. One’s true identity, motives and emotions can be covered up. This is a season of exposure. Some of us need to return to what God has ordained. Natural order has been abandoned. Many are more accountable to an email inbox than to spouses and pastors. We feel that reading a message board is ministry. We allow Yahoo! Chat rooms to take the place of prayer. Hmmm… Fellowship is good, but there must be balance. We must use this tool to glorify our Father, not to defy Him or His order. Submission must return to the Body of Christ, and it must be done in God’s order. Women of God, YES, we must submit to our husbands. YES, we must submit to the Church as God has ordained it. NO, we cannot do this alone. NO, we are not called out alone. What good is your elevation if you have brought no one along? Selah!

1Ti 5:8 But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.

Heb 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

Eph 4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
Eph 4:12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
Eph 4:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

1Co 12:27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
1Co 12:28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.

Yes, You Have the Power, but Resist the Temptation

I am in prayer for the Body of Christ, particularly the leaders in this season. There is a shift of urgency in my Spirit. Literally, I can feel a changing of the guards. The Lord has shown me that this season must be one of preparation and rest. Even my Pastors have spoken about the "shift" they are feeling. A period of testing is coming forth - one of tribulation and pestilence as we have not seen before. We are about to enter a time when many will learn what it's REALLY like to have to depend on faith in our Father.

God has been showing me the trials of His leaders. This is a season of CHALLENGE for many. In the Body of Christ, there has been an atmosphere of criticism. Unfortunately, the challenge is not coming from the world, but from others in the Church. We are in a time where people have become too weak to engage in warfare with the enemy, so they choose to "show boat" their gifts by fighting against the brethren. Ahhh! God is saying, EXPOSURE. Motives are being evaluated. Integrity is being challenged. God is preparing His people for true battle.

This is a word for those who are being challenged. God said this is training ground. It's so easy for us to want to prove ourselves, and even God. Of course, we want others to believe the Father works through us and moves through us. Yet, in this season, we must be so careful to move only when God says to move. Sensitivity to the Holy Spirit and the voice of our Father is so important. We must be careful not to allow our own motives to interfere with God's divine plan.

Mat 27:35 And having crucified him, they divided his garments, casting a lot, that it might be fulfilled that was spoken by the prophet, `They divided my garments to themselves, and over my vesture they cast a lot;'
Mat 27:36 and sitting down, they were watching him there,
Mat 27:37 and they put up over his head, his accusation written, `This is Jesus, the king of the Jews.'
Mat 27:38 Then crucified with him are two robbers, one on the right hand, and one on the left,
Mat 27:39 and those passing by were speaking evil of him, wagging their heads,
Mat 27:40 and saying, `Thou that art throwing down the sanctuary, and in three days building it , save thyself; if Son thou art of God, come down from the cross.'
Mat 27:41 And in like manner also the chief priests mocking, with the scribes and elders, said,
Mat 27:42 `Others he saved; himself he is not able to save! If he be King of Israel, let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe him;
Mat 27:43 he hath trusted on God, let Him now deliver him, if He wish him, because he said--Son of God I am;'
Mat 27:44 with the same also the robbers, who were crucified with him, were reproaching him.

The Word of God shows us that Jesus, the very Son of God, was challenged by His accusers as well. Many who had once walked with Him now stood to judge and to talent. The pressured Christ to "prove Himself" to them. He was well capable of doing so. He had the power and the authority. However, to prove Himself would have canceled out the very will of God.

Persecution is coming upon God's people, and it will increase all the more. Yet, we must be careful not to become obsessed with proving ourselves to others. The authority of anointed leaders is being challenged like never before. It has begun in the Church and will increase from the world. Prophets are being challenged to prophecy. Healers are being challenged to heal. Teachers are being commanded to teach. God is saying that His gifts were not designed under the command of man. His power is not subject to the authority of the flesh.

Saints of God, as you are being challenged, resist the temptation to operate in the Spirit realm simply because flesh has challenged you! Divination is spreading quickly, and exposure is coming. You do have the power, but resist the temptation. Do not yield your spirit to the flesh! Rather, seek God for His will and await His instruction. Though it is sometimes difficult to remember, we are not ordained to entertain men, but to do the work of the Lord. Never has God been a circus leader or a magician. To GOD be the glory!

Just Because I Love HIM...

This is not a deep, prophetic message. I don't even have a Scripture to share, but I must release this burden on my heart. I am so hurt for the Father I serve and the people who follow Him. Over the last few days, God has allowed me to feel His heart and see His children as He sees them. It grieved me. I am now in a place where I just want to please God, not because of what it will yield me, but simply because I LOVE HIM.

All over this country, I hear people preaching the Word of God with ultimatums. You need to serve God in order to get this blessing. You must serve God in order to avoid that curse. I want to be past seeking God for what I can get or even for what I will avoid by doing so. I want to please Him because I love Him that much! I want God to be pleased with me, because it hurts me to feel that I've disappointed Him.

The Church has become so numb to the heart of God. The Lord had me to meditate on the love for my natural children. I don't expect anything from them, but I love them. I go to work to feed and cloth them, not to make me look good, but because I just WANT to bless them. I spend time with them just because I enjoy their company. I rejoice when they rejoice. My heart hurts when they cry. In 20 years, they may become millionaires and bless me with houses or cars, or they may put me in a rest home or "pull the plug" when my health fails. Regardless of what the future holds, I just love them. Each day, I long for them to know how much. No matter what they do or don't do, I will always love and cherish them. If anyone hurts them, they will feel my wrath. The love is unconditional. Oh, when will our love for God return to this state?
How can we rejoice when God is grieved? How can we look with disdain upon our brothers and sisters when God is pleased with them or chooses to use them? What is the real motive?

My Pastor has been speaking about integrity, responsibility and accountability. It seems the Church has lost them all. Yet, I hear God saying, "If you truly loved me, these things would come automatically." God showed me that the first thing is COVENANT. My God! Covenant will make you walk with integrity, responsibility and accountability! Covenant will keep your mind off rewards and losses.

In our world, "covenant" has gone out the window. Marriages no longer mean anything. People are not even committed to their jobs and careers like they use to be. In my parents' generation, there was a sense of loyalty, even to a company. People would work for one place organization 20 to 30 years. Now, the company will lay you off to save money, and the employees will leave after 6 months if another business offers more. People change spouses like some of us change socks. Black and red wedding gowns are more popular than white ones. Children divorce their parents. My God - people aren't even loyal to nature. I don't care if you're an atheist - men cannot be with men and women cannot be with women. The puzzle pieces just don't fit!!! Homosexuality is not only against God, but it's against the natural make up of the human race. Men, where is your covenant to manhood. Put some bass in your voice and get a backbone. Get a job. Take care of your responsibility. Women, stop trying to be butch by day and a diva by night! Be a woman. Take care of your children. Clean something every now and then. Stop making everything an argument. Who cares about who is right? What does GOD feel?

Oh, my heart is grieved. I am offended for my God. I am ready to move to the next level. I'm not concerned with a name. I told God, I don't care who calls me a prophet from this day forward. It's not even about me. If they do it in a way to offend God, then I'll have something to say. Other than that, don't respect me because of who Joy is. If that's your reason, save it! Instead, respect me because it will please your Father. I just keep hearing God say to His people, GET PAST YOURSELF.

I challenge us in this season to just stay in God's face. Return to your first love. I remember when I first started dating my husband. I didn't care about his car or how much money he made. I only wanted to spend time with him. We'd stay on the phone 4 or 5 hours, and not even say anything. Why do we feel that God doesn't long for the same, if not more attention? Father, I don't care if you pay my light bill or not. I just want to spend time in your presence. I don't care if I get the new husband or wife or not. I just want to feel your near. Lord, even if you destroy this earth tomorrow, I'll be satisfied if I can spend my last moments with You!
When someone asks, "Joy, why do you do this? What keeps you going?," I want my honest response to be nothing more than, "Just because I love HIM."

Selah.

Unto Whom Have I Brought Dishonor?

Ps 69:6 Let not those who wait {and} hope {and} look for You, O Lord of hosts, be put to shame through me; let not those who seek {and} inquire for {and} require You [as their vital necessity] be brought to confusion {and} dishonor through me, O God of Israel.

I don't want to go to church. The people are mean. They will never accept me. Christians are all alike. They talk the talk, but never walk the walk. They have faith for everyone else, but they are pitiful themselves. They are ignorant and unsuccessful. They place their hope in lies.

I belong to a church, but my church family has hurt me. I don't believe that "children of God can be so cruel." I trust in God, but "church folks" have never helped me. They judge, but are too high and mighty to judge themselves.

I've heard it from the saint and the sinner alike. As I began to pray about the state of the Church, the Body of Christ, I had to ask God - please don't let me contribute to the dishonor of those who truly love You.

I began to realize that these feelings and opinions must come from somewhere, yet no one wants to take responsibility. "God, what have I done to dishonor those who follow you? What mistakes have I made that gave your people a bad name?" The Word tells us that men should see our GOOD WORKS, and then be drawn unto the Father. How many have seen my SINFUL WORKS and been turned away? We must ask God to show us ourselves. So many of us have forgotten that Christians should be known by their LOVE. Yes, love brings correction, but correction does not destroy the spirit of another. Who are we really fighting? When we engage in spiritual battle, who is really coming out with the scars? Selah.

Ministry is NOT a SOLO Project

Prov 11:14 Where no wise guidance is, the people fall, but in the multitude of counselors there is safety.


Ministry is NOT a solo project. Too many are trying to make names for themselves. Too many are trying to be right. So many are trying to "make it" and don't want to owe anyone else any credit. God is upset about the abundance of those trying to do the work of the ministry alone.

Did not His word say that He sets the solitary in families? Did not Jesus ordain the Five-Fold/Ascension gifts for the edification of the Body? Does the word not call for unity? Are we not all parts of the same Body, fitly joined together? GET OVER YOURSELF!

God is angry, because His people are trying to accomplish His work without following His gameplan. What man knows better than our God?

God is calling for His people to GET IN ORDER. The lack of accountability IS NOT OF GOD. Where is the submission? Many have walked away from God's plan and order, trying to create a new realm of ministry - it's not of GOD. Yes, you do need others. No, you cannot do this by yourself. The walk doesn't have to be lonely. You must be poured into. There is always someone gifted to assist you.

SPIRITUAL SUICIDE. This is what we commit when we decide to WALK ALONE. God has been speaking loudly about this. Disobedience with a goal to please God is still disobedience. What is the real motive?

God showed me so many who have been feeling alone, as if everyone is against them. God said He will begin to send godly counsel in this season. DO NOT TURN THEM AWAY AS YOU HAVE IN THE PAST. Not everyone is against you. Use discernment, but know that God is sending counsel, even to the Apostles in this season. Receive them, says God.

Stop Worrying About the Year - Just Walk in Your Season

Like many of you, I have read literally 30+ prophecies concerning 2007, and I've probably heard even more. My Father and I had a long talk about this, and I asked God, what is it that I need to know about for 2007? I'd felt "left out," because though God has been showing me things, I haven't had any huge revelation for 2007.

God spoke and said He has been speaking all year. "I am not ruled by your sense of time. Too many are seeking a word and a vision for the year. I am not concerned with years, but with seasons. Too many are looking for a change on January 1, but have not yet completed the assignments required to move into a new season."

My Father quickly reminded me that His ways are not our ways, and His thoughts are not our thoughts. He showed me that the church is operating in spirit of divination for fortune-telling. Too many are concerned with giving a word for 2007, while people are dying in THIS season. A season, God reminded me, is not dependent on dates but on progression, growth and completion of purpose.

I know this is blunt, but I must be obedient in sharing this. We must stop trying to conjur up a word for the year. What is God saying TODAY? God said, "Where were the seekers all year long?" How dare anyone give a word for the coming year when they have failed to communicate God's messages for the last 12 months! There is so much more I can add, but for now, this is all I feel led to share. Selah.

To Those Who Are Annoyed and Worn Out...

Acts 16:14 One of those who listened to us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a dealer in fabrics dyed in purple. She was [already] a worshiper of God, and the Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul.
Acts 16:15 And when she was baptized along with her household, she earnestly entreated us, saying, If in your opinion I am one really convinced [that Jesus is the Messiah and the Author of salvation] {and} that I will be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay. And she induced us [to do it].
Acts 16:16 As we were on our way to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who was possessed by a spirit of divination [claiming to foretell future events and to discover hidden knowledge], and she brought her owners much gain by her fortunetelling.
Acts 16:17 She kept following Paul and [the rest of] us, shouting loudly, These men are the servants of the Most High God! They announce to you the way of salvation!
Acts 16:18 And she did this for many days. Then Paul, being sorely annoyed {and} worn out, turned and said to the spirit within her, I charge you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her! And it came out that very moment.


I had to ask God this morning, Lord what is going on that is allowing so many of the leaders to be frustrated by those that follow them. Of course, the world has its distractions, but what is the problem in the Body of Christ.

I am hearing so many say they feel they are walking alone and that those who walk with them or who are submitted to them seem to be MIA. While I am not a pastor, I must admit that I am feeling many of the same feelings. "What is it, Lord?"

My Father led me to this scripture and opened my eyes to something. This is a word of encouragement for those in leadership. Paul was approached by a woman of God, a true worshipper, who invited him to REST. She called forth Paul's faith in believing that she was a true woman of God rather than dictating to him who she was. In other words, instead of proclaiming to Paul what her ministry assignment was, she asked him to allow God to show him her true heart. She didn't boast of herself, but allowed God to reveal her intentions and purpose to the leader under which she was to submit. When God confirmed, Paul was able to REST.

The scripture then says that the new follower was with the leader ON THE WAY TO PRAYER. As they were seeking the Father in unity, a slave approached them. The fact that the girl was a slave is significant because it shows that she BELONGED TO SOMEONE ELSE. Oftentimes in ministry, we say with our mouths that we are submitted to a leader, but we are really slaves to someone else - another person, another church, our own agenda, etc.

The Word goes on to explain how this slave was possessed with a spirit of divination, which proved profitable to her owners. In ministry, we often see that those who are out of place are the very ones who thought they were more valued elsewhere. They are often the ones who have been placed in the spotlight, but never realized they were only being used. They are often the ones who feel mistreated when they are asked to remain obscure and are not able to be seen.

Though the slave never became FREE from her owners, she followed Paul and had the APPEARANCE of a faithful follower. She went everywhere he went. She shouted their praises in public and event pronounced that they knew the way of salvation. Yet, she annoyed and tired the Apostle Paul! To those who were in the streets - the onlookers and the public audience - she probably appeared to be an excited follower and a faithful steward. Yet, Paul recognized a spirit and cast it out from her.

God said that if the leaders are tired, there are still some slaves carrying spirits that must be cast out. These spirits are being revealed to the leaders, though others may not even recognize. Some of those who carry the most admiration on their lips for one leader are still slaves to another. Yet, a threshingfloor experience must take place. God is warning, though, that the leaders should be prepared. Those who were benefiting from the spirit of divination and control will be upset when it is called out.

Notice one other thing - the one that called the leader to be tired was the loud one - the one always singing the praises. The one causing rest was the one who was in obscurity. Silence is not always an indication of laziness, and loud personal praises are not always an indication of work or loyalty.

I am searching my heart on today and truly laying out before God, and He is even showing me some things about me. My desire is to be like Lydia - to be a servant that allows my leaders to rest, knowing that GOD has spoken highly of me, and that they have heard. God has given me a ministry and plenty of direction to go along with it, but it's very easy to lose focus of the fact that what He has given me is only a part of what He has given the leaders to which I am submitted.

I want to encourage the leaders and the followers who have ministries as well. It is possible to achieve balance and God's perfect will. We must understand that God's assignments are oftentimes dimentional. Submission is key. Is your leader tired? If so, where is your level of accountability? Has God spoken to your leader about your ministry, or are you singing your own praises and plans to those who have rule over you?

I believe in many facets of ministry, but I also believe in accountability. I am crazy enough to believe that when a person is submitted to the right leaders, and in their rightful places, God will reveal to those leaders some glimpse of the individual's assignment, that they may all work the vision in unity. In that case, no one should feel alone - not the leader nor the follower. Fatique may come, but it should not be due to those on the battlefield together. These things ought not be so!

Blow the Trumpet this Holiday Season!

Ezek 33:1 AND THE word of the Lord came to me, saying,
Ezek 33:2 Son of man, speak to your people [the Israelite captives in Babylon] and say to them, When I bring the sword upon a land and the people of the land take a man from among them and make him their watchman,
Ezek 33:3 If when he sees the sword coming upon the land, he blows the trumpet and warns the people,
Ezek 33:4 Then whoever hears the sound of the trumpet and does not take warning, and the sword comes and takes him away, his blood shall be upon his own head.
Ezek 33:5 He heard the sound of the trumpet and did not take warning; his blood shall be upon himself. But he who takes warning shall save his life.
Ezek 33:6 But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet and the people are not warned, and the sword comes and takes any one of them, he is taken away in and for his perversity and iniquity, but his blood will I require at the watchman's hand.


Many of us have been made watchmen over our homes and families. In other words, there are many who are the sole voice, or one of very few, in their extended families. During this holiday season, I encourage each of you to sound the trumpet as you attend holiday gatherings, dinners and other family functions.

Oftentimes, our most difficult and stubborn audience is the very family with which we dwell. It is not an easy thing to correct the elders we have loved for years or the parents who have raised us. Yet, God has spoken many times over that this is a season of elevation, but only for the elect – only for the remnant that are walking in true holiness. There comes a time when we must put away emotional ties and exercise godly love, which includes spiritual correction and guidance.

As we visit extended family and friends this season, let’s think about how many of them are truly on a path to hell. All of us have a responsibility to share with them the truth. Let’s remember that God sends us on assignments. If you are seeing people in the next two weeks that you haven’t seen in a while, could it be that God is sending you as a messenger? Could it be that your assignment is to simply share the truth with those you love? Could it be that you are called to blow the trumpet in your own family? Be encouraged and obedient in this season!


Ezek 33:32 Behold, you are to them as a very lovely [love] song of one who has a pleasant voice and can play well on an instrument, for they hear your words but do not do them.
Ezek 33:33 When this comes to pass--for behold, it will come!--then shall they know, understand, and realize that a prophet has been among them.

How Must Christ Is In Your Christmas?

This time of year, it's inevitable to read the newspapers without hearing the ongoing debate about Christmas. Is it wrong, is it right? Should we say "Happy Holidays" or "Merry Christmas"? To gift or not to gift? It's a never-ending saga, even in the house of God.

Without getting into tons of history and research, only to come to an endless debate, I want to share one thought with everyone during this holiday season...

So then, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you may do, do all for the honor and glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31).

Saints, during this time, we must remember Christ. We must consider the heart of God. So many of us struggle and argue with traditions and their origins. We want to please our children, but are conflicted about which parts of Christmas should be kept, and which should be dismissed. Truthfully, it's really not that difficult to figure it out - DOES IT EXALT CHRIST? DOES IT DRAW MEN TO THE FATHER?

Even more, what did God tell YOU to do? Have you asked the Father what pleases HIM? Hmmmm...

Now, I leave you with one other thought. Consider this scenario...

A man and woman are celebrating their 20th anniversary. They have enjoyed a wonderful relationship, held together by the grace of God. At the anniversary dinner, the man leans over the table and looks into his wife's eyes. He tells her how he has enjoyed the wonderful time they've spent together, and presents her with a gift. To her surprise, it's a 4-karat diamond ring! Excited and anxious, the woman removes the ring from the box, and notices some engraving on the inside. When she reads the inscription, she realizes the ring actually belonged to her husband's ex-wife. He purchased this very gift as an engagement ring for his first wife rather than the one he was celebrating.

Now, his wife is disappointed, and somewhat upset. Confused about her reaction, the husband asks her why she is so upset. Pulling herself together, she explains... "I feel like I am receiving left overs. Though I know you love me and that you want me to feel appreciated with this lovely, expensive ring, the fact still remains that when you purchased it, your heart was set on someone else. The original purpose for this gift was to express your love to another woman, not me. I'd rather you give me a new penny, from your heart, than a recycled gift that happens to fit the occasion."

Isn't it funny how we do the same thing to God around this time of year? Many times, we get so caught up in tradition, and we SAY it's being done for God's glory. When we KNOW a particular act or practice came from idolatry and acts that did not please God, yet we try to justify them at this time of year by making it seem like a Christian agenda. We are simply trying to please God with an idol's offering - trying to give Him a used engagement ring. This year, let's give Him something new and genuine from our hearts. Seek His face and give Him praise. Before we celebrate, let's ask God what REALLY pleases Him. Whatever He says to do, let's do it. Whatever He says to leave out, let's just leave it out!

Then, and only then, will God get this glory in this season. Saints, we cannot continue to allow the world to dictate how we celebrate, when we shop, what we tell our children, and how we decorate our homes. So many believers, THIS YEAR, have even allowed the world's thinking to convince them that Sunday service should be cancelled on Christmas morning! We are the salt of the earth. WE ARE SUPPOSED TO BE DIFFERENT!

God bless you!

Negotiating Your Own Demise

In this season of shopping and holidays, I hear God saying that His people must be careful not to become so involved with the “season” that we sacrifice and risk our very integrity. God kept telling me to warn the people – “Do not negotiate your own demise.” I prayed and meditated on the word, and the Lord took me to the account in Genesis, chapter 34.

The story is about Dinah, the daughter of Leah and Jacob. In the story, Shechem (a Hivite and prince) sees Dinah, kidnaps her and rapes her. He then held her captive and seems to fall in love with her. Hamor decides to seek out Jacob and have a talk with him. He tells Jacob his son is in love with Dinah and begs that he give her in marriage. While this talk is going on, Jacob’s sons hear what has happened to their sister, and naturally they are very angry. They begin to seek revenge on her behalf. Shechem basically tells David that he will give anything in order to marry Dinah, but there is a problem in the plan, because God’s people were instructed not to intermarry with those He had not chosen. Deceitfully, Dinah’s brothers bring up this point and tell Shechem that in order for the two people to dwell amongst one another, all males must be circumcised.

Hamor and Shechem proceeded to instruct all the people of the land to follow this decision, an all men were circumcised. On the third day, while everyone was sore, Simeon and Levi took their swords and killed all the men in the land. They also took back Dinah, their sister. The other brothers then came into the city to kill anyone left behind and seize the belongings of the people.

We see in the passage an example of a person who wants something so much, that he goes against his own beliefs and decides to do ANYTHING for that he desires. Never are the results considered. Shechem makes an emotional decision and begs the graces of the party with power for two reasons: he has a lustful desire, and he needs to cover the wrong he’s done.

Especially in this season, many of us are affected by the same driving forces. We claim to celebrate the birth of our Savior, though we are well aware that many of us have allowed commercialism, tradition and paganism to drive and define the season, even in our own homes. Atop of that, we often try so hard to appease our desires and the desires of others, that we beg the very world that established those practices for the desires we need to fulfill.

What do I mean? Little Johnny, though he has Christian parents who “celebrate Christ’s birth” at Christmas time, still tell him stories of Santa Claus. In order to cover their lies, they feel compelled to buy Johnny lots of gifts to place under the tree. However, Little Johnny’s parents are already behind on the bills. So, they go to the world, known as a national bank, and beg for a line of credit they really don’t need. Yet, they will do anything, even sign a contract for a 12.9% interest rate. In the end, what glory was brought to the Father? What lesson has Johnny really learned? What gift did Christ receive.

In this season, people of God, don’t contribute to nor negotiate your own demise. In whatever manner you choose to celebrate, and in whatever you chose to do, simply be honest with yourself and with God. Then be obedient to His instruction concerning the matter. Think about it…

Would You Die for that Word?

1 John 4:1 Beloved, do not put faith in every spirit, but prove (test) the spirits to discover whether they proceed from God; for many false prophets have gone forth into the world.

God is speaking this morning about false prophecies going forth and those who are receiving them. Many people are receiving words that seem contradictory in this season. It seems as if one prophetic word pronounces death, then another comes and pronounces life.

In our Bible study, we have been studying the deception of Eve. It’s ironic that Apostle Tonita also shared a post about talking to the serpent. This is so dangerous because deception comes when a small portion of the truth is changed. We must be very careful and aware of receiving what seems to be the same word, but with a twist. That small twist can cause a mountain of confusion and error.

Jer 23:30 Therefore behold, I am against the [false] prophets, says the Lord, [I am even now descending upon them with punishment, these prophets] who steal My words from one another [imitating the phrases of the true prophets].

I have dealt with many similar situations, and find myself going to God to ask, which Word did you really send? 99% of the time, when a personal prophecy is brought forth, God has already dealt with me about the situation. If He hasn’t, the word will still bear witness in my spirit. So, when neither of these take place, I immediately pray about the word that has been spoken.

Unfortunately, so many are still preaching false messages, and people are receiving them in error. This morning, God said to ask the people – both those prophesying and those receiving the word, “Would you die for that word?” In other words, if your life depended on it (though it does – we simply don’t realize it), would you still stand behind that word? The truth is that there is always some uncertainty with deception. Deception comes about when a little truth is mixed with lustful desire. What have we received due to lustful desire rather than God’s word?

It is very important for us to be careful of what we receive in our spirits. The very elect are being deceived. The Word of God speaks of this very thing, and it is true. DISCERNMENT is needed. This is a dangerous season for walking in deception. Before speaking and before receiving that which is spoken into your spirit, make sure the Father bears witness. Make sure you are willing to die for that word!

No Longer Will I Vindicate My Anointing

I’ve heard and read so much about the trials of leaders in this season, and I’d like to add some personal commentary. Leaders are under attack! When I say “leaders”, I’m referring to Apostles, Prophets, Pastors, Teachers, Evangelists and anyone else operating in a leadership, ministry role. For weeks, I have heard from so many who are being “challenged” by the very ones that should be walking with them. My own Pastor has dealt with the situation, and I’ve found myself challenged as well. So, I’ve been in prayer. Not only about the situation as a whole, but about my personal experience in the matter.

Now, I have to be very honest and transparent in this post. If I can be real, let me just say this is not a word of prophecy, necessarily, but more or less a venting session and testimony wrapped into one! J

For quite some time, I’ve fought the opinions and comments of others about what I was or was not capable of in God. Unfortunately, I allowed it to stop me. I found myself walking as a fireball in God when the “doubters” weren’t around, yet shutting up and becoming exactly what they said I was in their presence – weak, insecure and spineless. Yet, something snapped in me this weekend, and I found myself just wanting to be used more and more of God, not caring about what is said or perceived by others, but feeling completely comfortable in the assignment God has given me.

My Father and I had some conversations this past week, and I feel brand new. He’s showing me how to be confident in Him, yet humble at same time. Godly confidence does not have to be compromised in order for meekness to remain. Hallelujah! During the weekend, God showed me that some tests would come. My very integrity, my calling and my assignment have been questioned, but I am finally convinced in my mind that though I may make mistakes, I am fully persuaded of who I am in God. I am 100% sure that my Father speaks to me and directs me in ministry. I know how I can please Him, and I understand what He speaks to me by way of instruction. No longer do I feel like I have something to prove. No longer do I feel intimidated. No longer am I discouraged by lying tongues that claim they’ve heard from God. Yes, I am fully persuaded, and know that my Daddy has my back.

Just like Paul, so many of us are being pushed in a corner, feeling that we always have to “prove” where God has called us to be. Paul felt threatened by the people’s knowledge of his past. Some of us feel threatened by our demeanor, our emotions, or lifestyles, or anything else that opposition can use to make it seem that we’re in error. Too many people are attacking personalities and saying the person is not of God. May I just say that God doesn’t need every Pastor’s personality to be the same or every Evangelist’s personality to be the same? Can we stop attacking personal attributes, making it sound as if God has spoken against the diversity He gave us? I’m not even talking about sin here. I have literally heard people say that a person is too nice to be a Pastor, too stubborn to be a Prophet, too talkative to be an Evangelist, etc. It’s not biblical. God chooses whom He will use. Sometimes personality adjustments are made, but God doesn’t call whom He doesn’t equip. If God called YOU to be a Pastor, then be a Pastor as only YOU can!

The Lord spoke something that I must share – He said that now is the season to cleave or leave! Yes, if anyone is not able to serve the leadership they have been called to serve under or walk with, it is important to leave. Leaving is better than being found in disobedience. Even if we cannot trust the God in those we walk with and work beside in ministry, there is a problem. The enemy is lying back laughing as we slaughter and discourage one another. We’re fighting the wrong battle. If you don’t feel you’re on a winning team, don’t cause the team to be defeated by sowing seeds of discord and division. Just leave and join one you believe in – it’s just that simple!

Now, back to Paul…

1 Cor 9:1 AM I not an apostle (a special messenger)? Am I not free (unrestrained and exempt from any obligation)? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are you [yourselves] not [the product and proof of] my workmanship in the Lord?
1 Cor 9:2 Even if I am not considered an apostle (a special messenger) by others, at least I am one to you; for you are the seal (the certificate, the living evidence) of my apostleship in the Lord [confirming and authenticating it].
1 Cor 9:3 This is my [real ground of] defense (my vindication of myself) to those who would put me on trial {and} cross-examine me.

Gal 6:17 From now on let no person trouble me [by making it necessary for me to vindicate my apostolic authority and the divine truth of my Gospel], for I bear on my body the [brand] marks of the Lord Jesus [the wounds, scars, and other outward evidence of persecutions--these testify to His ownership of me]!

Paul became confident, after some time, in His ministry assignment and directly confronted those who doubted his calling and ministry. Not only that, but he provided the “proof” of what God called him to do. I am always amazed at how the very ones you feed are the ones who turn on you. The people’s lives and conversions alone were proof of the apostolic authority Paul had, yet he had to remind them of this. Finally, Paul said he would no longer be challenged or forced to vindicate who he is in God. His very testimony did that for him. Even in another passage, Paul admitted to his errors, but stressed that his current focus is on target. He said:

Phil 3:12 Not that I have now attained [this ideal], or have already been made perfect, but I press on to lay hold of (grasp) {and} make my own, that for which Christ Jesus (the Messiah) has laid hold of me {and} made me His own.
Phil 3:13 I do not consider, brethren, that I have captured {and} made it my own [yet]; but one thing I do [it is my one aspiration]: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead,
Phil 3:14 I press on toward the goal to win the [supreme and heavenly] prize to which God in Christ Jesus is calling us upward.

No, he had not done everything right, but he had a goal to accomplish – a calling to fulfill. He pressed, as God called him, to complete the assignment on his life.

Last week, I learned that one of my mistakes is that I hide my testimony. I don’t allow people to see the deposit that God has made in me. I keep my mouth shut and my thoughts to myself. Don’t get me wrong. The focus is not on getting the approval of man. However, they need to know that I am a prophet of God, that His word will not be missed. It has nothing to do with Joy, but because of the assignment that’s on my life, people need to know that I am sent, especially those who walk with me.

My Pastor has expressed some pains over the last few months, and I want to publicly say that I understand. I understand, because I’m going through the EXACT SAME THING, though it may be on a slightly different level. Not only do I understand, but God has shown me many ways in which I’ve contributed (in my Pastors’ case). One of those ways is by not walking in the boldness He has called me to. My Pastors, in their support of what God has said, seem ignorant when I don’t walk as I have been called. My disobedience causes their integrity to be challenged. Hmmm…

I know I'm not the only one being challenged. Nor am I the only one causing a leader to be challenged. If you can relate, be encouraged. We’ve all heard about false humility. It is still lurking. I’m excited to be breaking free!