To GOD be the Glory! (A Message for the Elect)

Glory to God!

I have been completely awed at the way God has been speaking through His prophets and apostles over the last two weeks. In all this, the Lord has a simple reminder for us...Remember to give HIM the glory! I just feel lead to share a personal experience today.

We are seeing, and will continue to see the Lord do great exploits through us and others who are CHOSEN to come forth in this season. Even greater works, with signs and miracles following will occur in the very near future. It is so easy to get distracted, yet we must be ever so sensitive and very careful to walk in TRUE HUMILITY.

Let me share a personal experience...
A few weeks ago, the Lord told me not to wear purple anymore. It took me a long time to accept this, because I LOVE purple and black! Anyway, it was also strange, because the Lord had never really dealt with me about colors before. He has given me some instruction on how I dress, but nothing this specific. In addtion to the color, He addressed certain garments and even makeup and jewelry! Yet, there seemed to be stress upon my instruction not to wear purple, especially when dancing or preaching.

In my studying and seeking God for more clarification, I learned that purple represents royalty and PRIDE. I understood the royalty, but had never thought about the prideful portion of that. God said, "I don't want you to praise me in pride." Wow! He has appointed us a royal priesthood in the earth, yet we must remain humble before Him.

Initially, I was hurt because I thought God was saying that I served Him in pride. However, the instruction did not come forth because of what I WAS doing. The instruction came forth to REMIND ME WHAT NOT TO DO. The Lord stripped me of something natural to keep my attention focused in the spiritual.

This was a personal instruction for me, but it carries a message for all of us, especially with the signs and wonders to come. It is so important that we don't exude pride when walking in the POWER and GIFTS He has bestowed upon us.

ACTS 12
21: On an appointed day Herod arrayed himself in his royal robes, took his seat upon [his] throne, and addressed an oration to them.
22: And the assembled people shouted, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man!
23: And at once an angel of the Lord smote him and cut him down, because he did not give God the glory (the preeminence and kingly majesty that belong to Him as the supreme Ruler); and he was eaten by worms and died.
24: But the Word of the Lord [concerning the attainment through Christ of salvation in the kingdom of God] continued to grow and spread.

In this passage of Scripture, I never thought anything was wrong with the robe Herod wore. After all, he was entitled, as royalty, to wear the robe. God has given us titles, positions, offices and power in the Kingdom as well. We have the authority He has given us, yet we must be careful not to allow the pride to come forth. That's where Herod's error was. Not in the robe itself, nor in his power, but in his allowing the people to worship him while he walked in the authority.

People will begin to pat us on the backs and give compliments. Many will begin preaching all over. While the message of holiness may not be a popular one, the POWER and the SIGNS and WONDERS will attract many. We must be so careful never to allow for the authority given to us by the Father to open a door to pride.

Even as in the Scripture, we are chosen, but we can still fall, God forbid. The Word will still go forth. God has need of us, but He doesn't NEED us. Yes, there is a difference!

To GOD be the glory!

Increasing in the Prophetic

Wow! God has really been dealing with me over the last few months - showing me things and speaking more loudly than ever. It's amazing - the things that once drove me to believe in my own insanity, God is now revealing as part of His anointing and divine call on my life.

Nights are generally sleepless at this point. Even when I do sleep, the Lord speaks to me in dreams and visions. Yet, I am comforted in Him. I sometimes feel the fatigue later, but I wouldn't change a thing. There's such a peace about knowing the heart of God. Even when He allows me to hear to voice of demons and people who are seeking my destruction, there is peace. I know He is opening my ears for a reason. I see for a reason. I am given a Word of prophecy for a reason. It's all to RECONCILE His people back to the Father.

It's stange sometimes - the things that we would consider "unexplainable" often make so much sense. We serve a God whose ways are not our ways. His thoughts are not our thoughts, yet He allows us to know Him. He invites us to tap into the heavenly realm and learn of Him. He indeed uses the "foolish" things of this world to confound the wise.

I am so humbled on this morning. I'm in a place where I feel that nothing else matters, as long as God gets the glory in my life. I love people. I love ministry. But even above that, I MUST PLEASE GOD! I must say what my Father tells me to say and do what He tells me to do. That is the true definition of holiness, and therefore the true calling of a prophet.

What About the Prayer of Jabez?

Okay, Saints...

I know this will make some people mad, but it has been so heavy in my spirit today, and I must share...

Let me just be blunt - God's people MUST be careful about trying to claim other people's prayers just because they were answered for THEM. There is no "magic prayer" that will work for everyone all the time. After all, how can a prayer be "heartfelt" when it's not even of your own words? Just like the notorious "Sinner's Prayer," the "Prayer of Jabez" and everything like them are only offering a false sense of security to Christians who REFUSE to develop a true relationship with our Heavenly Father. Is this not what Jesus referred to in Matthew 6:7, when He said:

But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.

Yes, vain repetitions...things we repeat over and over again, without true meaning or heartfelt sincerity. The Bible tells us that out the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks - your own words are good enough. If we can't go to God in our own Words, perhaps it is not in our heart to seek him at all!

Now, about Jabez...It turns out that Jabez was of the tribe of Judah. In the Bible, his name is later changed to Othniel. That's interesting because Jabez means "sorrow", but Othniel means "force of God." He was the only man to stand up and win a difficult battle (against Debir) at the request of Caleb, so he was awarded Caleb's daughter as a prize. He was the younger brother of Caleb as well, and the Bible says he was more honorable than ALL his brothers. Hmmm....

He also went on to judge Israel, and his prayer for territory was answered through his wife, Achsah. She was granted the Southland of Judah, but asked her father (Caleb) for more, so he granted it. The Bible then says that Othniel/Jabez lived his life out in peace, meaning he was prosperous and was able to cease from his carrer of battle.

Interesting...

My point is that this prayer was between Jabez and God. Yes, we can learn from it, but it's not for us to use like a spell. Look at all Jabez had to go through just to justify that prayer! It's no wonder God answered it FOR HIM. It's no wonder that such a prayer could come from he heart.

The thing that bothers me is that everytime a seemingly "quick fix" solution comes out about prayer, the Christians who are supposed to be mature (Pastors, Evangelists, Prophets, Apostles, Teachers) go running. Don't get me wrong - teaching is good, but why are those on the Front Line always running for another lesson in what we should already be expert in? Even more, why do we seek such instruction from man instread of the God we should be talking to EVERY day?

Think about this last few years, and you'll notice that all the big "Gospel Movements" (fads) revolve around Prayer...

The Room...The Threshing Floor...The Prayer of Jabez...Behind the Veil...In His Presence...

The list goes on and on and on...

Prayer should be the simplest thing for a TRUE CHRISTIAN to do. Why are so many hungry for a shortcut? Why are there so many who simply cannot enter into the presence of God...so many who don't hear His voice or know how to call on His name? Saints, this is sooooo scary!

If all the saints who claim to know how to pray really do know, where are they? More training, obviously, is just needed on prayer. When all these things came out, it wasn't the sinners seeking them - it was the saints, mainly the ones working in ministry!

People are paying for a "quick fix" and still are not able to tap in. Wow!

Even more, why do we really need to be "taught" how to pray. We aren't taught how to talk on the phone. We aren't taught how to carry on conversations with our friends. We learn because of a natural, human desire to communicate - to interact with others. Where is the DESIRE to know the Father???

WHO is the Measure of Your Holiness?

This is the Word of the LORD for His prophets. When He spoke this to me this afternoon, it stung, and the Lord instructed me to share it with the other prophets - those who are truly seeing and hearing from Him in this season...

God said "Do not get complacent." Many of us are seeing the sins of the saints, because He has opened our eyes. God is allowing us to see the transgressions of the people so we can give warning and bring godly correction. However, the Lord showed me that because of what we are seeing, many of His prophets have a false sense of security in Him.

God is asking, "Who is the measure of your holiness?" I asked Him to explain exactly what He was asking. "Does not my Word instruct you to be holy, because I am holy? Instead of measuring your lack of holiness by the measure of my Son, you are measuring it by the sins of my people." Yes, the Lord said many of us have a false sense of security because we should be striving for complete holiness, like that of our Father...like the holiness demonstrated by Jesus. Instead, though, we see the sins of others and feel that we are alright because we are seemingly better off than those we have been called to correct.

The Lord even began to show me marriages. God showed me friendships. He showed me churches and ministries. So many who were righteous are falling simply because they see the shortcomings of others, and thereby judge themselves to be more holy, thereby becoming complacent, comfortable...stagnant! We must be so careful not to get puffed up when we see the sins and shortcomings of others. In this season, we "not think more highly of ourselves than we ought." "Be sober minded. Be vigilant. For our adversary, the devil, is roaming and seeking whom he may devour." The very elect are being deceived in this season.

Prophets of God, we are called to see and even to judge. Yet, the ENTIRE Word of God is true. With whatever measure we judge another, the same judgment will be upon us. Will we be able to stand?

INCUBATE Yourself

Just this morning, the Lord was speaking to me. He said it's time for those who carry His Word to go back into the incubator. This was interesting to me, because I always thought an incubator was only for the immature - pre-mature babies, eggs, etc.

God showed me this is not always the case. The incubator is just for those that need to be PROTECTED, regardless of their level of maturity. God brought my attention to myself and so many others in ministry who are being tainted by THE CHURCH. Yes, "the saints"...the "church folk." God is calling many of us into ALONE TIME WITH HIM. He wants some of us to be ALONE, yet not LONELY.

We have to realize that when God calls us to do a specific work, especially those in the Five-Fold, we must be very careful. So many who are disguised as the Ministry will cause you fall into SPIRITUAL SIN, just as the Apostle taught here. God says, "Incubate Yourself." Talk only to those He tells you to converse with. Go only where He tells you to go...and yes, this includes CHURCHES. "There is a way that seems right unto a man, but the end thereof is death."

This is how the prophecy will be fulfilled that says even the very elect will be deceived. So much looks like God, but He says it is tainted. God wants us to press into Him in this hour. INCUBATE YOURSELVES. Eat only what God gives us to eat. Listen to only what God gives us to hear. Watch only what God gives us to see. For many of us, it is time to get ALONE. God will meet us in our "alone" place.

The Lord even told me that I talk to my Pastor too much! Yes. Now, my Pastors are truly anointed people. Yet, God told me that I cannot talk to them more than I talk to Him! Okay, let's get real! INCUBATE YOURSELF! There's nothing wrong with talking to spiritual leaders and friends in the ministry, but even then we cannot lose focus. You may understand their vision - catch their revelations - but have you missed what God had for YOU?

My God! Thus says the Lord, "INCUBATE YOURSELVES, and I will not leave you lonely!" To GOD be the glory!

Will Your Calling Condemn You?

This is not a deep, spiritual message, but a very simple one I feel a need to share...

God has been dealing with me specifically about the calling and responsibilities of the Watchman, but also that of the entire Five-Fold ministry. He has shown me that many of us have neglected the callings on our lives, or don't realize the responsibility they carry.

Too many in the Body of Christ are satisfied with having a title, but that's not enough. We must WORK THE OFFICE that has been assigned to us. So many of us are missing it, and condemning ourselves due to sheer disobedience. Yes, we preach Christ. We pray for one another. We fast and attend services regularly, yet HE KNOWS YOU NOT! I keep hearing the Lord say in this hour, "Obedience is better than sacrifice."

Specifically to the watchmen, God is yet speaking. He does nothing without first warning His prophets, and so much is taking place in the spirit realm. Are we seeing and hearing from God? If so, are we sharing what we hear with the Body of Christ? If not, are we getting in position to seek Him on behalf of the Body? As watchmen, this is our job. We are to minister unto the BODY OF CHRIST.

When attacks, judgments or even blessings come toward the Body of Christ, whether they be from the Father or from the enemy, we SHOULD KNOW what is coming. If we do not, we are out of place. What a great responsibility! Yes, but there is no other choice. If we are called, we are called. Our warfare is truly in prayer and proclamation. DO NOT ALLOW THE ENEMY TO SHUT YOUR MOUTH!

Concerning the watchman, the Lord also showed me that many stepped into this position as Isaiah, and God honored it. In essence, some desired the gifts that have allowed them to SEE what is coming. Just as Isaiah did, some proclaimed, "Here am I, send me." Others never volunteered, but were drafted into the job, as Ezekiel was. How we are appointed is not the focus at this point, but how we shall move forward.

We must keep one another strengthened and encouraged at this time. It is time for the prophets of God, specifically those set as watchmen, to wake up and take an active role. I see many of us developing prayer lives that require 5-8 hours of consistent prayer. Some of us will begin to lose sleep if we aren't already. Some may need to take some time off work and lock in. If you have keys to your church, go and seek quiet time with the Father. It is imperative. It may just save your position in the Kingdom!

"Seek, see, hear, speak," says the Lord. I don't know about all of you, but after all I've been through, all I've sacrificed, I do not want to be condemned for the sins of another simply because I failed to warn. Don't allow your calling to condemn you!

~~~~~
1 Corinthians 7:20 (Young's Literal Translation)
20 Each in the calling in which he was called—in this let him remain;
21 a servant—wast thou called? be not anxious; but if also thou art able to become free—use it rather;
22 for he who is in the Lord—having been called a servant—is the Lord’s freedman: in like manner also he the freeman, having been called, is servant of Christ:
23 with a price ye were bought, become not servants of men;
24 each, in that in which he was called, brethren, in this let him remain with God.

~~~~~

Ezekiel 33 (Young's Literal Translation)
6 But if the watchman see the sword come, and blow not the trumpet, and the people be not warned; if the sword come, and take any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at the watchman’s hand.
7 So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me.
8 When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.
9 Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it; if he do not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.

The Ministry of the Watchman

by Chip Brogden

Let us take up the topic of the ministry of the watchman with a text from Ezekiel 33:7

7 So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me.

The watchman is a prophet and intercessor called to bring the Word of God to Israel, the Body of Christ. We use the term watchman to include both roles of prophet and intercessor.
Most people liken the prophetic ministry to prophesying and speaking of visions and dreams from God. This definition is too narrow and opens us up to misunderstanding. The function of the prophetic intercessor, or watchman, is best defined as taking place in the course of four stages: Revelation, Intercession, Proclamation, and Restoration. We will discuss these areas more particularly in a moment.

We must use the Scriptures as our sole authority for defining and determining the job description of the prophet. Whatever the popular thought or current practice may be, we are not interested in mans notions of what a prophet should be or what everyone else is doing. Taking the passage from Ezekiel as a springboard, we make the following observations:

1) "I have set thee a watchman." Prophets are not self-anointed. Prophets are not called by a denomination or installed by men. Prophets do not receive a prophetic ministry through the laying on of hands by another prophet (but it certainly may be confirmed by another prophet; that is not the same thing). One does not decide to become a prophet, neither may one volunteer their services to be a prophet.

God reserves the right to set His own watchmen, and this He will do according to His will, and according to His timing. We do not know why He chooses the ones He chooses. It is a work of grace. Many prophets are selected from birth or from childhood. John the Baptist was filled with the Spirit within his mothers womb. We dare not intrude into this holy work by setting up our own prophets or stepping into a place that God has not put us. It is Gods Hand, and no other.

2) "Unto the house of Israel." The prophet speaks primarily to Gods people, the house of Israel. The New Testament church is the spiritual Israel of God (Galatians 3:39; 4:21-31). Watchmen do not speak to the world writ large, casting their pearls before swine. They are called to exhort, edify, rebuke, and build the Church of God, building upon the foundation that is laid already in Christ.

The prophet does not usually bring a one size fits all generic sort of message that speaks to the universe. It is typically a surgical strike, directed and honed to penetrate a particular thing in the Body of Christ, with Spirit-led precision that cuts through the formalities and niceties to get to the guts of the task at hand. The very nature of the of message cuts to the quick and makes some gnash their teeth. Even so, God has set Watchman in the Church for its own edification, comfort, and protection.

3) "Therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me." Why doesnt God speak directly to His people? Why speak indirectly through a prophet? The prophet is called to speak warning. It presupposes that the house of Israel has sunk to such a low degree that God may no longer speak directly to the nation. He must use a man to speak to men.
We may argue that we are all priests and the Lord may speak to us just as He speaks to prophets. This is the spirit behind Korahs Rebellion:

Numbers 16:2,3
2 And they rose up before Moses, with certain of the children of Israel, two hundred and fifty princes of the assembly, famous in the congregation, men of renown: 3 And they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron, and said unto them, Ye take too much upon you, seeing all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the LORD is among them: wherefore then lift ye up yourselves above the congregation of the LORD?

Let us not quibble about through whom the Word comes. The watchman is on the wall and is looking at things from a different vantage point. He sees things you cannot or will not see. Since God has set him there, it would be a mistake to ignore the warning he brings. If God can use a donkey to rebuke the madness of Balaam, certainly we should pay particular attention to one who comes to us in the name of the Lord.

Let us receive the prophet in faith and judge the message he brings with righteous judgment, not murmuring because God chooses to warn us through someone else and not directly. Usually it is because God cannot get through to us directly that He is compelled to send a prophet to arrest our attention. Prophets are a last resort, not a primary expression for God or the preferable vessel God would use. If we will not obey the written Word, God will send a prophet to speak the Word to our face. Thus it is that if they will not hear the LAW and the PROPHETS, they will not believe even if Christ should rise from the dead and tell them directly (Luke 16:29-31). To reject the one that is sent is to reject the One who sends (Luke 10:16).

This in a nutshell is the ministry of the watchman. The discharge of the burden of the Lord through the watchman may be properly classified as falling into four areas, in chronological order.

First, there is revelation. True ministry must be based upon God-given revelation, not theological degrees of head-knowledge. We may speak from knowledge but knowledge alone does not impart life. If it did only educated people would be saved. Christ says the Spirit quickeneth; the flesh profits nothing (John 6:63). That quickening is the operation of the Spirit to impart revelation to us. That, coupled with knowledge, is sufficient.

Prophets do not bring new truth. Revelation is simply a revealing of what is already true and bringing it to bear upon our heart and soul. Revelation is based upon insight into the written Word of God, not into visions and dreams and prophecies. These other things are simply tools for expressing the Word, they are not the Word; no more than the water hose is water, it simply delivers the water.

I am sure you have experienced revelation in the course of your Bible study. A passage may be read for years without making an impression upon us. One day the light of God shines upon the passage and we understand the meaning; we know the intent; we enter into the Spirit of the Word and it becomes exceedingly precious, meaningful, and real to us. This is revelation.

If it were simply a matter of study we could just say study your Bible more. But it is not more study that we have need of; it is prayerfully pondering and meditating upon the Word day and night until the Spirit bears witness with our Spirit and we discern the meaning by way of revelation. Christ spoke the Word, yes; but without the quickening Spirit mixed with faith in the hearers, it will not save. Hence, the prophet (and every minister of the Gospel) must have revelation into the Word to speak with authority and impart life to the hearers.

Let us only speak what God reveals to us by way of revelation. We will surely speak less, but our words will be all the more weighty and full of life. If an individual cannot wait upon the Lord and receive fresh insight into the Word and experience the quickening of the Spirit upon that Word, they cannot minister in any capacity and bear lasting fruit.

Once the prophet has received revelation, he must enter into intercession. We must pray for many reasons. For one thing, the revelation is known to the inner man but the mind is unable to express it. It is yet in an embryonic state and must be drawn out from the spirit. Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out (Proverbs 20:5). As we wait before the Lord He will begin to give us understanding and words to express what we have seen. This process cannot be hurried. It may take days, weeks, months, and sometimes years to give expression to what we have seen.

Perhaps you have risen to speak or share something God has shown you. You know what you are trying to say, it is near and real to your heart; but after two or three sentences you seem to hit a brick wall. You find yourself talking in circles and take your seat more burdened than ever. There seems to be no liberty in your ability to relate what you know. This occurs when we have not lingered in prayer and received from God words and understanding with which to properly express what He has shown us.

And, we must pray not only for the proper words, but for the proper timing. He that blesseth his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, it shall be counted a curse to him (Proverbs 27:14). We must wait for Gods timing in giving the Word. Many prophets assume that when we have a Word from the Lord we may then take it and shout it from the housetops. This is not usually the case. Most of the time we are simply called to pray and intercede. If the Lord sends us to speak, well; if not, we will pray. You may pray and pray and pray without outward change. Then one day the Lord tells you to arise, gird up your loins, and get thee to Zeraphath. Then let us make haste. Until then, we will wait for His timing as well as His method of expression.

When the timing is right, then the prophet moves into the third stage of action, which is proclamation. Some think proclamation means prefacing things with Thus saith the Lord and speaking out in an authoritative voice. While this does happen it is not the only way, and probably not the best way.

Here is the situation. God has planted a word in our heart. We will be uncomfortable until we find release through prayer or through proclamation or both. Let me explain. If you are burdened of the Lord to intercede for an individual, your spirit will give you no rest until you have prayed through (some of you older folks knows what it means to pray through). Praying through is nothing more than making intercession until the Lord lifts that burden and heaviness off our heart. If we try to neglect or ignore the burden to pray it simply becomes unbearable. We must pray through to obtain release, just as opening the valve of a pressure cooker releases the steam and reduces the pressure.

The same is true of revelation. The prophets of the Old Testament referred to this as the burden of the Lord. Until we effectively discharge the burden we will be most uncomfortable. Jeremiah referred to it: Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay (Jeremiah 20:9).

How do we discharge the burden of the Lord? After we have received revelation, and made intercession, we will know the best course. Sometimes we will find release through writing, such as Isaiah. On other occasions we may compose a song, as David. Or we may write poems and verse, as Jeremiah. We may act out the word dramatically, as Ezekiel. Or we may thunderously speak the Word as Moses, Elijah, or John the Baptist. We may speak in parables as the Lord Jesus. The tools, methods, and ways are different, but the underlying principle is the same. God will give different expression to the proclamation of the Word, and He will be pleased to use the prophets differently in accordance with their unique gifts and personalities.

But the work is not finished when the word is proclaimed. For the prophet is not merely interested in proclamation, but in the fourth stage of his ministry: restoration. Our mandate is to tear down, destroy, and level; afterwards we must rebuild and raise again. We must pray in the promises of God and keep watch over Gods people, encouraging them to full and complete obedience, standing in the gap to avert the very judgment we may have just pronounced upon them.

We should readily see that the ministry of the watchman is primarily one of hidden, secret prayer and fasting. The true test of the watchman is in the prayers that he utters privately, not the prophecies that he utters publicly. Let him fail or make a fool of himself in public and God will still use Him; let him fail in the prayer closet and he will be discarded as a prophet. Those who think the prophetic ministry is all about visions, dreams, prophecy and spiritual gifts had better rethink their position. It is self-denying, thankless, often unseen and unappreciated labor in secret prayer.

In summary, we conclude that if the Lord was pleased to set watchmen over Israel of old, He is certainly pleased to set watchmen over the Church today. But as we have seen, the ministry of the watchman is more likely to be found in the prayer closet than the pulpit.

May God give us grace and increase the ministry and operation of the watchman!

CRUCIFYING Christ yet RELEASING the Enemy

God has been dealing with me all night about the state of the church. I've been unable to sleep, tossing and turning as God has been speaking to me about the grief and disappointment He has with those who claim part of the Body of Christ. Of course, He dealt with ME first. Then, the Lord had me read a very familiar passage of Scripture, Mark 15:1-24. As I read the passage, I could literally feel my heart beating from the pain and disappointment I felt.

The Lord showed me how we continue to reenact this very event every day. We choose the liar, the thief, the robber, the murderer...satan, and we crucify Christ afresh EVERY DAY. "Where are my followers?" asks God. "Where are my ambassadors, those who have been called to represent me in the world?"

Saints of God, how many times will we continue to let the enemy loose in our homes, our churches, our schools, our countries, our world...and crucify Christ? We know the enemy's agenda, yet we allow him to "slip" in everyday. Where is the HOLINESS? Where is the PURE WORSHIP? Where are the saints WITHOUT SPOT OR WRINKLE?

John 10:10
The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).

We know the enemy is rampant, but he is making progress ONLY because we allow him to do so. It's time for God's people to stand up and fight. Yes, this is a spiritual battle, and we must be VIOLANT in the spirit.


Ephesians 6

11Put on God's whole armor [the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies], that you may be able successfully to stand up against [all] the strategies and the deceits of the devil.

Saints, we simply cannot stand without the armor of God. We all know this scripture, but so many fail to carry their armor at ALL TIMES and in ALL SITUATIONS. This is such a serious manner. Every day, we are sacrificing holiness and allowing the enemy to slip in, subtlety. Very slowly, but surely, the enemy is gaining a foothold. I've often heard my grandmother say, "The devil may win the battle, but we know who wins the war!" Well, that sounds good and cute, but I'm tired of the enemy winning the battles! I want him disabled, crippled!

12For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere.

Ahhh! When will stop taking this thing personally? Correction and rebuke are a gift from God. We must do what we are called to do, especially those who are part of the Five-Fold ministry. That is to (1) perfect the saints; (2) do the work of the ministry; (3) perfect the Body of Christ (Ephesians 4). God cannot do these things through us without calling and instructing those He has divinely called to exercise correction, in decency and in order. The thing to remember is that this thing is not personal. We are not even that important. This thing is much bigger than us! There is an enemy that must be defeated! When the devil is attacked in us, we mustn't reject the correction because WE feel personally attacked.

13Therefore put on God's complete armor, that you may be able to resist and stand your ground on the evil day [of danger], and, having done all [the crisis demands], to stand [firmly in your place].

Praise God, saints. This is a time when WE MUST stand for PURE HOLINESS. It will not be hard, but it is completely necessary. God has no more time for believers with spins of spaghetti. We MUST stop allowing the world to dictate what we can and cannot say, how we discipline our children, what we can and cannot watch on television, etc. STAND on the Word of God, both the rhema and the logos, Amen.

14Stand therefore [hold your ground], having tightened the belt of truth around your loins and having put on the breastplate of integrity and of moral rectitude and right standing with God,

My God. What is TRUTH? The Bible tells us that we shall know it, and it will make us free. It is only by the Holy Spirit that we can know what truth is. We must seek God - stay in His face. So much looks GOOD, but is not of Him. We know we are not walking in TRUE HOLINESS because we lack integrity and moral character as a Body. I'm going to talk about me for a moment. Showing up on time to work, but being late to the house of God DOES NOT SHOW MORAL INTEGRITY. My God. Yes, we all make mistakes, but we must NEVER LOWER OUR STANDARDS! We must always strive for God's best - HOLINESS! I don't believe it's impossible to do. So many say, I can't be perfect. No one told that to Enoch and Elijah, two men whose faith literally brought them to the point that flesh could no longer contain them. Reach!

15And having shod your feet in preparation [to face the enemy with the firm-footed stability, the promptness, and the readiness produced by the good news] of the Gospel of peace.

BOLDNESS! We need holy boldness, that when the enemy shows his face, someone will stand for the sake of the Gospel! Acts 1:8 tells us we are endued with power when the Holy Ghost comes upon us. Where is it? Who is speaking the Word in boldness against opposition? Who is performing miracles? Who is walking in unwaivering faith? Who always has an answer for the faith that lies within?

16Lift up over all the [covering] shield of saving faith, upon which you can quench all the flaming missiles of the wicked [one].

We must BELIEVE GOD at his Word. This is a faith walk, but the sad truth is that many of us LACK FAITH. We don't believe what God says ourselves. My God, I feel the heart of God here. There is such a burden for His people to turn back to Him and stop trying to fix things our way! Oh, there is a way that seems right to a man, but the end thereof is DEATH. We must stop doing what we think or feel is right, and just obey the voice of God.

17And take the helmet of salvation and the sword that the Spirit wields, which is the Word of God.

The Word of God! Our salvation through Christ, mixed with the Word of God can change so many situations in our lives. By salvation, we have a right to declare the Word for ourselves. We don't need the world anywhere in this occasion. Saints, let's just be crazy enough, for one moment, to believe the Word of God. AMEN.

18Pray at all times (on every occasion, in every season) in the Spirit, with all [manner of] prayer and entreaty. To that end keep alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance, interceding in behalf of all the saints (God's consecrated people).

God is truly bringing me to a place of constant prayer and communication with Him. I hear people say often that you can't constantly communicate with God and that He is not always speaking. I'm am learning to differ with such. I'm finding that if I listen, and even sometimes when I don't want to listen, He is speaking. Most of the time, in fact, it is a word of correction FOR ME. My God chastens whom He loves, so I rejoice and praise Him for it. Let's all learn to stay in His face. WE MUST. A time is coming when this relationship with God will be all we have. The time is approaching when there will be no more (legal) churches, bibles, Christian Yahoo groups, etc. Who will be able to stand? Will we then allow the enemy reign in our lives, and again crucify Christ?


Mark 15

1AND IMMEDIATELY when it was morning, the chief priests, with the elders and scribes and the whole council, held a consultation; and when they had bound Jesus, they took Him away [violently] and handed Him over to Pilate.
2And Pilate inquired of Him, Are You the King of the Jews? And He replied, It is as you say.
3And the chief priests kept accusing Him of many things.
4And Pilate again asked Him, Have You no answer to make? See how many charges they are bringing against You!
5But Jesus made no further answer at all, so that Pilate wondered and marveled.
6Now at the Feast he [was accustomed to] set free for them any one prisoner whom they requested.
7And among the rioters in the prison who had committed murder in the insurrection there was a man named Barabbas.
8And the throng came up and began asking Pilate to do as he usually did for them.
9And he replied to them, Do you wish me to set free for you the King of the Jews?
10For he was aware that it was [because they were prompted] by envy that the chief priests had delivered Him up.
11But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to get him to release for them Barabbas instead.
12And again Pilate said to them, Then what shall I do with the Man Whom you call the King of the Jews?
13And they shouted back again, Crucify Him!
14But Pilate said to them, Why? What has He done that is evil? But they shouted with all their might all the more, Crucify Him [at once]!
15So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, set Barabbas free for them; and after having Jesus whipped, he handed [Him] over to be crucified.
16Then the soldiers led Him away to the courtyard inside the palace, that is, the Praetorium, and they called the entire detachment of soldiers together.
17And they dressed Him in purple [robe], and, weaving together a crown of thorns, they placed it on Him.
18And they began to salute Him, Hail (greetings, good health to You, long life to You), King of the Jews!
19And they struck His head with a staff made of a [bamboo-like] reed and spat on Him and kept bowing their knees in homage to Him.
20And when they had [finished] making sport of Him, they took the purple [robe] off of Him and put His own clothes on Him. And they led Him out [of the city] to crucify Him.
21And they forced a passerby, Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus, who was coming in from the field (country), to carry His cross.
22And they led Him to Golgotha [in Latin: Calvary], meaning The Place of a Skull.
23And they [attempted to] give Him wine mingled with myrrh, but He would not take it.
24And they crucified Him; and they divided His garments and distributed them among themselves, throwing lots for them to decide who should take what.

Premature Birth (by Apostle Tonita Patterson)

Glory to God! I feel a need to share this word, spoken through my Pastor, Apostle Tonita Patterson. Take heed...

I expect the prophets to pick this up....Prophets are subject...to prophets I KNOW YOU

Premature Birth
blown through His living ram's horn
http://itiswritten.evangel-list.com/


God is dealing with me to cry out against a spirit that needs to be approach TODAY.....Premature Birth...Those that know they are to give birth but they are refusing to let the Doctor and midwives assist in this BIRTH PROCESS....I was talking To Prophetess Gayden on this subject and she added they do not want COACHING....YES LORD....They think they can do it on their own...

This demon is causing many to want to give birth out in the wilderness with no one around where no can help..Where the there is no sanitize delivery room.

There is a spirit that is running around rampant of WANTING TO BE SOMETHING IN GOD...But refuse to be trained...Refuse to take correction...Refuse to Go through the Spiritual birth Process....

Many want to go straight into ministry but they do not want to be lifted by those that God have sent to correctly lift them....They do not want to go into THE DELIVERY ROOM...

And once the person begin to operate in the BIRTH process the one that needs birthing runs, and calls them their enemy....They now are an ANGRY PREGNANT servant with out a proper place of delivery...They run around looking for people that will agree to their out of order process of birth..Many Cyber Space Prophets and Apostles but what are you in the CHURCH....Who have CATCH YOUR BABY....
What you have to understand ANOINTING OF THE 5 Fold....The Mid wife is the first to touch your baby...If you are birthing your own baby...YOUR HANDS is the first to touch it OUT OF ORDER...The Midwife is to hand you YOUR BABY....

As an Apostle you have to have been Birthed...Are you running from the birthing process?
Rebuke is not to kill...Correction is not to destroy..but because this spirit has adopted the idea that everyone is against them...No one is TRULY walking in the anointing to help them...Everyone is against them and they refuse to hear IT IS NOT TIME TO PUSH...All they know they fell the push but they do not see where the position of their baby......It is okay...Stop premature pushing....Let Your baby take the correct time to process and develop....STOP BEING OFFENSIVE and walking in ERROR....You feel the push but the midwives know when it is time to push.....

The Mid wife touches the baby before the one that gives birth does...Guess what they will see the BABY before YOU as well.....

Breech--- Birth where the baby comes out of position...They birth and out position baby...One that allows the feet to go first...Too many premature births..Unhealthy babies...Too many babies that is on life support because the place of birth was not clean...

God is speaking to YOU that feels the need to PUSH but have not allowed anyone to assist in prenatal CARE...Be ware of this trap of the enemy...Many are calling their MID WIVES their enemies...They have rejected their coach...Sure you might feel the PUSH but is it time...Do you see the position of the head?

The Illegitimate Child MUST DIE

My God! The Lord has been dealing with me for a few days about the illegitimate children of His people. In other words, many of us have set up ministries and services that we claim were called of God. As my Pastor put it, we are saying that God has birthed these things in us - that He is the Father of many things He simply has not ordained.

Well, this is the season, God says, when the illegitimate child MUST DIE! David is one of my favorite historical figures. The Bible calls him "a man after God's own heart" though he committed almost every sin under the law. David was REAL, so I can relate to him. I've been studying David this week, and I will admit that God dealt with ME first.

Those that know me understand that I am very studious. I was raised to stick with academics and "earn" my credentials for life. There was a time in ministry when I tried to do the same. When God first called me, I was so concerned with what man would think that I continued to delay what I knew God ordained me to do. Then, I started on a quest to earn ministerial degrees, complete study programs and even sought out ordination so I could have "papers" to justify what I needed to do. Well, I accomplished all of "men's standards" but am still here 13 years after God first began training me for the prophetic office and called me into ministry - BEHIND! Yes, I got all I needed from man to justify me, but God said NO. I must be honest... When God dealt with me about this, I was crushed and hurt. I worked so hard to "live up" and "learn up" to what the Lord asked me to do. But, I understand now that I was in error. I actually made relationships with schools and ministries who don't even share the same vision, just to earn papers. Well, I really didn't even need them. Not only that, but it displeased my Father. I trusted men to prepare me more than the one who called. Now, because of my disobedience, God is stripping it all away. He is cutting those relationships that were not built on Him. Little did I know, God was training me and qualifying me all along. All these seeds I planted along the way, though I thought they were good, were NOT ORDAINED OF GOD! So, I wasted His time and mine. I had to (and continue to) learn to FULLY SUBMIT.

We often means submission only means to do what we're told. It also means not to do anything YOU'RE NOT TOLD! Hmmm....

So, this brings me back to David. We all know the story (2 Samuel 11-12). David fell in love with Bathsheba, committed adultery and had her husband killed on the front line of battle. When judgment came through the mouth of the prophet, Nathan, David repented and obtained forgiveness from the Father. While he was delivered from death, the curse upon his family was not lifted. The child of Urriah's wife was a victim of the curse and died.


2 Samuel 12:
13 Then David said to Nathan, "I have sinned against the LORD." Nathan replied, "The LORD has taken away your sin. You are not going to die.
14 But because by doing this you have made the enemies of the LORD show utter contempt, the son born to you will die."
15 After Nathan had gone home, the LORD struck the child that Uriah's wife had borne to David, and he became ill.
16 David pleaded with God for the child. He fasted and went into his house and spent the nights lying on the ground.
17 The elders of his household stood beside him to get him up from the ground, but he refused, and he would not eat any food with them.
18 On the seventh day the child died. David's servants were afraid to tell him that the child was dead, for they thought, "While the child was still living, we spoke to David but he would not listen to us. How can we tell him the child is dead? He may do something desperate."
19 David noticed that his servants were whispering among themselves and he realized the child was dead. "Is the child dead?" he asked. "Yes," they replied, "he is dead."
20 Then David got up from the ground. After he had washed, put on lotions and changed his clothes, he went into the house of the LORD and worshiped. Then he went to his own house, and at his request they served him food, and he ate.

As the Word tells us, God passed judgment against David's family, and it struck the child that was born outside of God's will. Yet, before the child died, David begged and pleaded with the Lord to spare his life. Despite his praying and fasting, the baby still became ill and died.

The Word of the Lord today is that the illegitimate child MUST DIE. Yes, many of us have ministries, projects, jobs, habits, businesses, etc. that have not been ordained of God. So many of them are struggling. The finances can't be met. The people are not growing. There is no fruit coming forth. God is saying, "Was the vision of me? Am I the Father?" If the answer is "no" we must understand that not every attack is of the enemy! AMEN. The devil cannot get the credit for everything.

No matter how much we pray, fast and cry, if it is not of God, this is the season when it will dry up. For some of us, God is saying "The curse cannot be reversed." My God! For some, it is time to do as David did - stop fasting and eat! Stop mourning and move on!


24 Then David comforted his wife Bathsheba, and he went to her and lay with her. She gave birth to a son, and they named him Solomon. The LORD loved him; 25 and because the LORD loved him, he sent word through Nathan the prophet to name him Jedidiah.

After David understood that God's word would not be reversed, he stopped mourning and moved on. He was true to his repentance, and the Lord not only gave him another son, but sent the same prophet who brought the curse back to proclaim a blessing.

Ahhh! God is saying that if many of us would let go of the illegitimate and get back in His face, he'll bless us with a vision that is from Him! Glory to God! The Father wants to increase in our lives, but we must let go of our own agendas.

The prophets have been speaking about the threshingfloor and the Apostolic movement. They have also been speaking about separation and judgment. This is the time to be in place like never before. PRIDE MUST DIE IN THIS SEASON! Discern the heart of God in your own agenda. Anything not of Him must die!

Be encouraged...

As the Church at Laodicea...

The Lord has been speaking to me very clearly about the church at Laodicea... Yes, God said we today, are as the church of Laodicea (Revelation 3).

14 And to the angel (messenger) of the assembly (church) in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the trusty and faithful and true Witness, the Origin and Beginning and Author of God's creation:
15 I know your [record of] works and what you are doing; you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were cold or hot!

My God. Apostle Tonita has been dealing with us about being busy. Yes, God acknowledges the WORKS of the people, but their DEEDS have not covered the lack of commitment to the Father! Such as it is in the house today. So many of us are "busy," as the woman of God said, yet we are not intimate with God! We are neither warm nor cold. Saints, the day is quickly approaching when indeed we must be committed to live or die for Christ.

Just today, the Lord spoke a recurring word, yet again. He said, "If you don't want me, fully, now is the time to walk away." Yes, total commitment. All or nothing! A decision must be made. Lukewarm is not good enough.

16 So, because you are lukewarm and neither cold nor hot, I will spew you out of My mouth!

The Father will angrily reject those of us who are not completely sold out to Him. People of God, it's time to do inventory. It's time to remove EVERY IDOL. God wants ALL OR NOTHING...ALL OR NOTHING...ALL OR NOTHING. Which will it be? There is no "in-between." There is no room for compromise!

17 For you say, I am rich; I have prospered and grown wealthy, and I am in need of nothing; and you do not realize and understand that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.
18 Therefore I counsel you to purchase from Me gold refined and tested by fire, that you may be [truly] wealthy, and white clothes to clothe you and to keep the shame of your nudity from being seen, and salve to put on your eyes, that you may see.

Ah, God said His people have a false since of security. Yes, we think we can run this race alone. The Lord showed me that many take for granted the very fruition of His Word. Yes, words like..."My gifts will make room for me" or "The gifts and callings of God are without repentance." Ahhh, God is angry. The Lord showed me that His people are trying to rape Him. Oh, my God! "How can you steal my power and walk in your own agenda, using the gifts I've given you? Yet you refuse to be intimate with me? You cannot rape the Lord, your God, without consequence," says the Father! My God! My God!

19 Those whom I [dearly and tenderly] love, I tell their faults and convict and convince and reprove and chasten [I discipline and instruct them]. So be enthusiastic and in earnest and burning with zeal and repent [changing your mind and attitude].

Why is God saying these things over and over? Because He loves us. Because He wants us to get it right. He wants us in His will. REPENT, for the Kingdom of God is at hand! Hallelujah!

20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears and listens to and heeds My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will eat with him, and he [will eat] with Me.
21 He who overcomes (is victorious), I will grant him to sit beside Me on My throne, as I Myself overcame (was victorious) and sat down beside My Father on His throne.
22 He who is able to hear, let him listen to and heed what the [Holy] Spirit says to the assemblies (churches).

Yes, God said the church today is as the believers of Laodicea. I was so baffled about why the Lord chose Laodicea to show me this message. Then, He revealed to me another thing that is so relevant to the Apostolic restoration in the Body. Yes, the Lord showed me is that Paul's direct presence was missing from this particular body of believers. The presence of ORDER was missing, so the people lost their focus and began hiding behind their works. Yes, in Colossians 2, Paul states these people have never seen or known him personally. My God. It's very interesting that these people did not KNOW the Apostle. Hmmm.....

1 FOR I want you to know how great is my solicitude for you [how severe an inward struggle I am engaged in for you] and for those [believers] at Laodicea, and for all who [like yourselves] have never seen my face and known me personally.

5 For though I am away from you in body, yet I am with you in spirit, delighted at the sight of your [standing shoulder to shoulder in such] orderly array and the firmness and the solid front and steadfastness of your faith in Christ [that leaning of the entire human personality on Him in absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness].


Take heed. AMEN

A Wave is Coming...

During a prayer meeting, the Lord showed me a vision...a large tidal wave coming toward a large group of people, who all seemed to be seeking Him. When the wave came through, many were overtaken, but some miraculously rode the wave and simply tread the waters as the wave came through. Even those who survived had some struggle, but they were safe. The majority of the crowd, however, were soon floating on the water, lifeless.

The Lord gave me the interpretation of the vision. God is speaking to His church. The Lord says that as we have seen increasing natural disasters in the world, so shall it be in the church. The Lord said He is stretching forth His hand of judgment, and it must begin in His house. The people of God who are operating in ministry AND disobedience to the Father will be destroyed. Even those who have been obedient will be effected, but not destroyed. In the vision, the Lord showed me that those who survived still got wet and had to struggle. So shall it be in the church. The Lord said that even the elect who have obeyed my voice AND my written Word will have to struggle to survive my wrath. They will be effected on every side because of what they have allowed. God said His called MUST rise up. When He speaks and we do not warn fellow man, their blood is on our hands.

To those who hear the voice of God and know is heart...to those who have been called to a specific work...NOW IS THE TIME! Silence is over. God says SPEAK AND WORK in this hour. Not only to save others, but to save yourselves.

AMEN

How Much CHRIST is in Your Christmas?

How Much 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! I encourage you, let your lights shine this year, through intimacy and obedience to the Father!

God bless you!

Be Still and Know...

What is ministry?

This is the very thing God has been dealing with me about lately. I am in a place where the Lord has me quiet and still. So many times, we mistake "business" for ministry. Even when our business is good and well-intended, our many works do not move God. We can preach, prophesy...even give to the poor. Yet, we must FIRST minister to the Father.

I have really been repentent over the last few days. Through my pastors and spiritual leaders, the Lord brought forth a word two weeks ago, and is still dealing with me about the same. It's this entire idea of giving God the worship HE desires.

Thinking things over, I realize that like myself, there are so many others in ministry whose schedules are completely packed with "good things" they are doing. Yet, I must admit, I have often wondered when many of them have time to HEAR from God. When is there time to study His Word? Where is the time to fast and pray? Do they ever have an opportunity to just WAIT on God? Now, I find myself asking those questions of ME.

Father, I never want to be so busy that I miss you!

In fact, it is my prerogative to seek the Lord's face before doing anything...even if it seems to be good. Obedience is what God is looking for. Even if I fulfill a wonderful assignment - giving to the poor, preaching the Gospel to prisoners, clothing orphans...whatever it may be...if I don't complete the specific assignment God has called ME to do, I am disobedient and have missed the mark! It all boils down, then, to being too busy to HEAR and OBEY God.

Watch What You Say

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they who indulge in it shall eat the fruit of it [for death or life].Proverbs 18:21 (AMP)

Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks...

This was the Scripture emailed to me today, and as I began to meditate on it, the Lord brought to my remembrance an article I wrote for publication many years ago. I am reposting here, and believe someone will be touched by it...


Watch What You Say

Recognizing the Power of the Tongue


As a child, my father always hated to hear two particular words more than any others – “I can’t.” He always taught me that anyone was capable of doing anything as long as that person had the self-determination and a driving will to complete the task. In his mind, the only person who could hinder anyone from fulfilling a goal or dream was that individual himself. Throughout my childhood and later in life, I always remembered Daddy’s theory on self-confidence, but I find that as children of God live from day to day, we often forget our God-given potential and supernatural ability. In essence, we carry an “I can’t” mentality, though we may not verbally express those exact words. It often baffles my mind to think how the lost souls of this world live from day to day as if everything is fine and the world is a wonderful place. Drug dealers stand on corners and sit behind the desks of large corporations as CEOs believing that they will never be caught or punished. Heart and lung doctors treat cancer patients everyday, but continue to smoke cigarettes as if their own bodies are indestructible and exempt from the development of disease. Why is it that people who don’t know our Father believe themselves to be indestructible while the children of the Most High, the royal priesthood, sit around accomplishing nothing, earning nothing, changing nothing, speaking nothing, and living nothing?

A familiar scripture to all Christians, the 10th chapter of Romans, verses 9 and 10, teaches us that the things we say have a profound effect on the lives we live. Notice exactly what these verses are actually stating:

That if thou confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness: and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Whenever I meditate on this passage of scripture, the first thing that jumps to my attention is the fact that confession is actually the breaking point to life. “Just believe!”, we’re told. “If you only believe...” As a babe in Christ, I always thought that belief was the strongest component of my new life in Christ, but according to James 2:19, belief may not be the most important factor in living a sanctified life.

Thou believest that there is one God: thou does well: the devils also believe, and tremble.

Well, if the same devils and demons which are to be cast into hell believe the same things as the redeemed children of God, there must be another factor to consider. I propose that the distinguishing factor is “SAY POWER!”

Proverbs 18:21 proclaims that “death and life are in the power of the tongue.” Therefore, if the Word of God is true, we should be able to apply some deductive reasoning to this whole subject and draw a sensible conclusion as to why so many of us are living in an oppressed state, whether it be physical, mental, emotional or financial. When we consider this reality, one may conclude that confession brings salvation, while it may also welcome death. What we speak, whether positive or negative, actually shapes and determines the lives we lead. If our lives are not prosperous, fully sufficient and full of perfect health, someone is speaking death and causing it to assume a position in our lives, or we are failing to change our current state by speaking a word of life and revitalization.

Before jumping into a deep explanation of why we do what we do, let’s consider a simple analogy that each of us have experienced. Imagine your favorite meal sitting on an elaborately decorated dining table. The sweet aroma of the main course fills the room as you take a seat with a dinner companion. Upon sitting down, and blessing the food of course, you consume the appetizers, then the main dish, and complete the dinner with a creamy, tantalizing desert. When you have completed your meal, you gently wipe the corners of your mouth and reach into a purse or pocket for a breath mint. Whether your dinner consists of sautéed shrimp, chicken cordon-bleu, fillet mignon, Italian baked spaghetti, or chitterlings and fried chicken, it is almost second nature to partake of a breath mint or a piece of gum at the close of every meal. This scenario reminds me of Mark 7:15, which states:

There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him: but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man.

What is the point, you ask? Well, despite the genre of any meal including the taste, aroma or texture of the food you consume, the end result of any meal is always bad breath and a possible case of gas! Just like a couple sitting down to an expensive meal, Christians sit in church services, revivals, tent meetings and prayer vigils consistently taking in the “sincere milk” of the Word and the divine bread of life, but we still come out with spiritual bad breath!

The scientists of the world tell us that the curse of halitosis is a condition caused by the breeding of bacteria in the mouth. Bacteria are known to reproduce and grow in dark, humid places. What better camping ground is there than the human mouth? Science would also have us to know that this tiny organism feeds on dead particles in order to survive. Let’s take this issue to another level and consider it at a greater depth. Bad breath is not actually caused by the food we eat, but by the bacteria that live off the dead food particles left behind in the mouth. One may now conclude that stench is present only in the midst of death. Stench is a by-product of death. Stench is caused by death. We are reminded of this principle at the death of Lazarus when Jesus commands that the tomb stone be rolled away. Being aware of the by-product of death, Martha states, “Lord, by this time he stinketh; for he hath been dead four days.”

The point of this analysis is that when we, the people of God, speak dead things, those curses take the form of a foul stench, originating from the mouth. The stench of death then permeates throughout our lives and begins to stain our experiences and situations through the form of poverty, sickness and disease. But praise God! We reserve the right and possess the power and authority to change such situations.

It’s amazing how the people of God are always able to bicker and complain about the trials and tribulations we suffer unnecessarily while we continue to speak these things into our very own lives. How can we expect to be rich, walking in wealth and having more than we can ask or think when we continue to proclaim that we’re “broke, busted and disgusted, hoodwinked, bamboozled and led astray?” How can you walk in divine health when the strongest testimony in your life is one of a doctor who announces the presence of throat cancer in your body right before he leaves to take his own cigarette break? We are children of God, so “why seek ye the living among the dead?” How can we expect life to come forth if the aroma of death consistently surrounds us and is bred within us?

Saints, we must always remember that God has given us authority. The death, burial and resurrection of Christ has delivered us from death, hell and the grave. We do have a choice about the lives we lead.

I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore, choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live” (Deuteronomy 30:19).

Always remember that we have eternal and abundant life through Christ Jesus, our Lord. This life should be evident in us not only in the life to come, but also in our present lives on this earth. We are alive in Christ and heirs to the Son of God on this day. “The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof.” We have therefore inherited all rights and privileges both now and forevermore. The Bible is a covenant between God and the Body of Christ. He cannot lie. The Word is truth and life to all who believe. “The dead praise not God” (Psalm 115:17), but we have life through the Son of God. Our prosperous living should cause the lost to “see [our] good works and glorify our Father in heaven.” Lifestyle is the greatest form of witness and the most sincere method of praise. God cares about what we say.

Every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by they words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned (Matthew 12: 36, 37).

Though we face limitations in our daily lives, we must be reminded that NOTHING is impossible with God. We can do “all things through Christ which strengthens us.” We need only to read, pray, study, ask, receive, declare and proclaim! So, the next time you pray and study the Word of God, pick up your Bible and tell the devil, “This Bible represents God’s intent, and I shall always use it as my spiritual breath mint!”

Will You Make the Cut?

People of God,

The Lord has such an awesome task and assignment for many of us. I admit that I'm often overwhelmed at the things He shows me, the tasks that must be accomplished. Oftentimes, I have made excuses, somehow convincing myself that it's not mere disobedience. "Lord, who will listen? I'm not educated enough. My ministry isn't large enough. I don't have the funds and the money to complete the work." God is saying that He's not looking for those who are mighty in their own power. He is looking for those who can make the cut by His standards of holiness and obedience.

The Lord then took me to Judges 7, which describes one of Gideon's battle assignments. While I've read the story many times, this occasion was different. The Lord showed me this scenario in a prophetic light, describing the same shifting that is taking place today in the body of Christ.

Saints, I am sharing this to encourage you, as it encouraged me. The Lord is saying that many of us have been called to the front line of battle BECAUSE we don't have all the world and the organized religion of church says we must have. Many of us are being called due to the state of humility we are in...because we can't do it on our own...because GOD MUST GET THE GLORY!!!

1THEN JERUBBAAL, that is, Gideon, and all the people who were with him rose early and encamped beside the spring of Harod; and the camp of Midian was north of them by the hill of Moreh in the valley.

The very first detail I notice in this scripture is the readiness of Gideon's army. Even before God called them into battle, they were in position, ready to attack the enemy. In the same manner, this is a day and time when we must always be prepared for battle - that is, spiritual warfare! We must be able to tap into God in an instance. The days of warming up are over. Our relationships with the Father must be sharp and strong enough that when we call Him, He answers. In the same manner, when He calls, we must be ready and willing to answer that call.

2The Lord said to Gideon, The people who are with you are too many for Me to give the Midianites into their hands, lest Israel boast about themselves against Me, saying, My own hand has delivered me.

What the Lord showed me here really blessed me. I see so many churches and ministries where people are leaving and separating themselves. I'm speaking specifically about those who have despised small beginnings. They become frustrated with being small. They wanted more publicity and more notoriety. They felt the leaders couldn't catapult them into success, so they sought those who could. If you are experiencing this, God says these people had to leave, because He couldn't allow you to prosper and be victorious with them there. If we have too many influential, too many rich, too many educated...the battle will be attributed to those men rather than God. When we are victorious through Christ, God must get the glory. So, don't be dismayed if the popular ones leave and fail to offer support. Count it all joy. God is just preparing you for victory!

3So now proclaim in the ears of the men, saying, Whoever is fearful and trembling, let him turn back and depart from Mount Gilead. And 22,000 of the men returned, but 10,000 remained.

So now we see the "first cut." God is literally moving those ministries out of the way who are afraid of true warfare. This is a time when 10,000 seat stadiums, nice cars and a prestigious name cannot offer deliverance. Instead, the Lord is looking for a remnant that will look a demon in the face and not flinch. This is a season where POWER is needed on the battlefield. I truly believe we are coming to a day when many of the mega-ministries who have been in the forefront will begin to retract into quietness. Why? Some of them have popularity, but no power. This is a day when we must be willing to lose our own lives (and names) all to the glory of God! Focus is required. And frankly, when the rubber hits the road, many of those whom we thought had power, will be exposed. We must, therefore, be sure of our foundations. We must be confident in the deliverance of our God.

4And the Lord said to Gideon, The men are still too many; bring them down to the water, and I will test them for you there. And he of whom I say to you, This man shall go with you, shall go with you; and he of whom I say to you, This man shall not go with you, shall not go.

5So he brought the men down to the water, and the Lord said to Gideon, Everyone who laps up the water with his tongue as a dog laps it, you shall set by himself, likewise everyone who bows down on his knees to drink.

6And the number of those who lapped, putting their hand to their mouth, was 300 men, but all the rest of the people bowed down upon their knees to drink water.

Now, God has the "second cut." The interesting thing here is that all the men accomplished the goal - they all drank water. The difference is that only a handful obtained the prize in the manner God desired. They were not necessarily disobedient, because God never gave a distinct order. Yet, only a few did things in the manner He preferred. In the same manner, only a remnant are seeking to do things God's way in this season. So many are following the demands of the world in order to obtain success. Because the Word may not specifically address many issues, so many don't see there error. God showed me that many, while they may not yet be exposed, are trying to be fed by a way that is outside of His will. Those are being cut from the battlefield. Funding the church with bake sales and raffles...Sacrificing holiness for popularity...Defying God's people in order to drive a big car and buy a huge home...Writing books to bring in more income, without giving regard to the direction of God. So many things are going on that "look right" from the outside. It "looks like" some ministries just want to get large so more attention will be drawn to the Father, yet all the notoriety comes to the man who leads the BUSINESS. There is a way that seems right unto man, but the end thereof is death! We must stay in communication with God and be led by the Holy Spirit in order to know HIS HEART. The Word, alone, without RELATIONSHIP with the Father, is not sufficient for the battle ahead. Yes, in this season of true battle, those who take shortcuts around God's way will not be able to stand. We must do things according to the Spirit of God - NOT MAN's WAY, BUT GOD's WAY!

7And the Lord said to Gideon, With the 300 men who lapped I will deliver you, and give the Midianites into your hand. Let all the others return every man to his home.

I love the way the Lord promises to deliver by the hands of just a few. Even more, a few who have no name, no popularity.

8So the people took provisions and their trumpets in their hands, and he sent all the rest of Israel every man to his home and retained those 300 men. And the host of Midian was below him in the valley.

My God! The people took enough to supply their needs AND THEIR TRUMPETS. They were preparing to fight with praise! Where are those who can praise God in a battle, even when the numbers are small and the enemy appears to be strong???!!! Where are those who will go to war with the enemy without extra financial backing, without a political arena, and without a best-selling book?

9That same night the Lord said to Gideon, Arise, go down against their camp, for I have given it into your hand.

10But if you fear to go down, go with Purah your servant down to the camp

11And you shall hear what they say, and afterward your hands shall be strengthened to go down against the camp. Then he went down with Purah his servant to the outposts of the camp of the armed men.

12And the Midianites and the Amalekites and all the sons of the east lay along the valley like locusts for multitude; and their camels were without number, as the sand on the seashore for multitude.

This blesses me. The Lord allowed Gidoen and his servant to see the multitude of men in the enemy's army. They saw all the armor, the animals and all the resources at their disposal. In the same manner, the Lord has allowed us to see the face of the enemy. O, how it seems that the evil men of this world have all the riches. They're lives seem to be in perfect order. Yet, the Word still says the wealth of the wicked is laid up for the righteous. Of course, our battle is not against the sinner, but satan uses these things to distract us from the battle at hand. Gideon has to look past the distraction and realize the prophesied outcome - God already gave the Midianites into His hand. So their appearance didn't matter. Their wealth didn't matter. Saints, we must get past the appearance of demons. We must get over our fears of standing up for God. When a demon stares us in the face, his car doesn't matter. His education doesn't matter. His position doesn't matter. God has given us power over every spirit and demonic force that is not like Him!

13When Gideon arrived, behold, a man was telling a dream to his comrade. And he said, Behold, I dreamed a dream, and behold, a cake of barley bread tumbled into the camp of Midian and came to the tent and struck it so that it fell, and turned it upside down so that the tent lay flat.

14And his comrade replied, This is nothing else but the sword of Gideon son of Joash, a man of Israel. Into his hand God has given Midian and all the host.

I just love the way God will use anybody and anything to confirm victory in your life and ministry! Imagine a piece of break flattening a tent! Imagine a Prophetess Brown, a Prophetess Patterson, an Evangelist Smith prophesying to the nations, casting out demons in the White House, healing the sick in major hospitals, causing revivals in night clubs. What seems so little to the world can cause so much damage to the enemy's camp under the power of God!

15When Gideon heard the telling of the dream and its interpretation, he worshiped and returned to the camp of Israel and said, Arise, for the Lord has given into your hand the host of Midian.

16And he divided the 300 men into three companies, and he put into the hands of all of them trumpets and empty pitchers, with torches inside the pitchers.

Even after the Lord pruned Gideon's army twice, he continued to divide the army into teams. Just as the body of Christ must be "specialized" today, Gideon's army had groups that worked together in order to get the job done. Saints, we must realize that while we may all be part of different teams, or systems of the body, we are all still part of the Body. We must work together. We can't get upset and jealous when God calls one to be a prophet and another to be a pastor. Walk in the calling wherein you were called, and watch the work of the Lord be done! We must support one another for a common cause - to bring glory to the Father!

17And he said to them, Look at me, then do likewise. When I come to the edge of their camp, do as I do.

18When I blow the trumpet, I and all who are with me, then you blow the trumpets also on every side of all the camp and shout, For the Lord and for Gideon!

My God! If we could all just get on one accord! If you preach what I preach and I preach what you preach... If we all fought in the Spirit...if we all prayed...if we all fasted! Then, the enemy would know we are in this for the Lord and His glory!

19So Gideon and the 100 men who were with him came to the outskirts of the camp at the beginning of the middle watch, when the guards had just been changed, and they blew the trumpets and smashed the pitchers that were in their hands.

20And the three companies blew the trumpets and shattered the pitchers, holding the torches in their left hands, and in their right hands the trumpets to blow [leaving no chance to use swords], and they cried, The sword for the Lord and Gideon!

The cried aloud, and EVERYONE DID THEIR PART! No sword was needed - only the obedience to the plan of God! Hmmm...I wonder how many battles we've lost simply because we didn't make any noise. How many times has the enemy defeated us just because we allowed him to?

21They stood every man in his place round about the camp, and all the [Midianite] army ran--they cried out and fled.

22When [Gideon's men] blew the 300 trumpets, the Lord set every [Midianite's] sword against his comrade and against all the army, and the army fled as far as Beth-shittah toward Zererah, as far as the border of Abel-meholah by Tabbath.

My God! The praise literally confused the enemy and caused the Midianite army to turn against itself. What a difference unified praise can make! If we could all just come together and give God glory, imagine the loss the enemy would suffer. Imagine the souls that would come running for an experience with the Father!

23And the men of Israel were called together out of Naphtali and Asher and all Manasseh, and they pursued Midian.

24And Gideon sent messengers throughout all the hill country of Ephraim, saying, Come down against the Midianites and take all the intervening fords as far as Beth-barah and also the Jordan. So all the men of Ephraim were gathered together and took all the fords as far as Beth-barah and also the Jordan.

25And [the men of Ephraim] took the two princes of Midian, Oreb and Zeeb, and they slew Oreb at the rock of Oreb, and Zeeb they slew at the winepress of Zeeb, and pursued Midian; and they brought the heads of Oreb and Zeeb to Gideon beyond the Jordan.

A sweet victory was given into the hands of Israel. It is my desire to be used of God, regardless of whether I ever have any popularity with men. I pray the Lord keeps us humble and malleable in His hands. I pray that we'll be found without fear and in perfect obedience to the will of the Father, working together unto victory, and bringing glory to the Lord! This is the question God asked of me, so I strive to make the cut. I pray that God will be able to use me victoriously in warfare. I pray that He'll be able to trust me with His glory, knowing that He will always be exalted. AMEN.

My Worship is for Real

On last week, I attended the Homegoing Celebration of an awesome woman of God. In fact, she was the mother of a very close friend of my husband and I. This Pastor and friend has certainly been there for my family, and we truly appreciate His friendship. Of course, the fruit never falls far from the tree. We love you, Pastor Jeffrey Mandell Broadnax!

As with all similar events, this Homegoing celebration really caused me to sit and reflect on my own life. As I sat and watched everyone celebrating this woman's life, a sudden peace came over me. . . A peace in knowing that when I do leave this world, I can leave knowing that my family will be able to celebrate, knowing that I am resting with the Father. Even more, despite my many mistakes and errors, I have changed somebody's life with the Gospel. Of course, I strive everyday to be obedient to ALL God has called me to be and do. Yet, just that one thing alone is so impactful. I have yet so much to learn and so much to do for the Kingdom. Still, few things touch me as much as knowing that someone, even if only one person, can literally be turned away from hell just from my witness and testimony. To God be the glory!

During this celebration we attended, the choir also sang one of my favorite songs. So many times, especially in ministry, I have been misunderstood. If you are in ministry and haven't been misunderstood yet, just keep serving Him! It gets difficult sometimes, trying to please God, yet knowing that men will be disappointed and angered - even the saved ones (smile). Yet, this thing is all about me and God - it's all about pleasing the Father. YOU must do what the Lord has called you to do. Sometimes, people will not understand...but let God be true and every man a liar.

I must share these words from a song titled MY WORSHIP IS FOR REAL by Bishop Larry Trotter and the Sweet Holy Spirit Combined Choirs (Tell the Devil I'm Back, 2001), and from MORE THAN ANYTHING, by Lamar Campbell and the Spirit of Praise (When I Think About You, 2000).

MY WORSHIP IS FOR REAL

You don't know my story,
All the things that I've been through.
You can't feel my pain,
What I had to go through to get here,
You'll never understand my praise,
Don't try to figure it out,
Because my worship, my worship
Is fore real.

I've been through too much
Not to worship Him!

Hallelujah, Hallelujah
My Worship is for real!

Thank you, Jesus.
Thank you, Jesus.
My Worship is for real!

Lord, I love you.
Lord, I love you.
My Worship is for real!

~~~~~

MORE THAN ANYTHING

I lift my hands in total adoration unto You
You reign on the throne for You are God and God alone
Because of You my cloudy days are gone
I can sing to You this song
I just want to say that I love You more than anything

Love me in Your Arms
You were my shelter from the storm
When all my friends were gone
You were right there all along
I never knew a love like this before, Oh
I just want to say that I love You more than anything

I Love You Jesus
I worship and adore You
Just want to tell
Lord, I Love You more than anything

A Thanksgiving Message from Prophetess Allen...

God bless you and your family during this Thanksgiving and holiday season! We have some many wonderful blessings to be thankful for. While we all have some lack, it is always important to remember that "godliness with contentment is great gain" (1 Tim 6:6). With that said, let's be thankful for SALVATION and remember to spread the salvation message of Jesus Christ to those whose level of contentment may be challenged at this time.

TO GOD BE THE GLORY!!!