There Can Be No Resurrection without Death

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Prophet Joy shares a message about repentance with the Body of Christ. In order for the people of God to truly be born again, we must learn to die to our flesh, including our own plans and motives. We are then resurrected, as Christ begins to live through us. Enjoy this message of Godly direction and accountability. SCRIPTURE TEXTS Matthew 28:1-6 2 Corthians 5:17 John 12:23-26 Mark 8:34-37 Galatians 2:16-21 http://www.breathoflifeintl.org http://www.joyofthelordministries.org

Just a Few More SELAH Moments...

• Ministry 101: True ministry is ONLY for true worshipers! You must KNOW God! Being entrepreneurial and/or political does not qualify. Selah.


• Praying for the working ministers in the Body of Christ... I, too, work a secular job, but we must NEVER allow it to retard our ministries. On the day of judgment, will our excuse be, "But God, I wanted to obey... but I had to work."? God forbid. If He has called you, He will give you the grace to perform it. No more excuses... Selah.


• MARRIAGE is defined by GOD, not man! Therefore, we cannot redefine what God has created. Marriage is between only one man and one woman. It is an eternal covenent, defined and recognized by God. Anything else is an abomination, and by definition in and of itself, is NOT marriage... PERIOD. Ref. Gen 2; Eph 5:31


• "He is not here: for he is risen, as he said..." (Matthew 28:6). What did He say about YOU? When others see you, let them be able to say, "You" are not there, but He is risen in you, as He said! Hallelujah!


• "...in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established" (Matt 18:15-16). It's funny how we accept blessings whenever two or three agree, yet when two or three see faults in us, we take offense and curse them. Let's read the text... the passage applies to ACCUSATIONS. If two or three of our brothers and sisters see a fault, REPENT... FIX IT! That's the Word! Selah.


• "If you, as the remnant and ministers of God, do not operate in FAITH, how can you teach others to have faith? My Church is full of pride, because My people only do what they KNOW. They depend on their own knowledge. Step out in FAITH. Let Me be God, even in your ministry. Then, you will understand TRUE WORSHIP!!!"


• CHARACTER... INTEGRITY... ACCOUNTABILITY... OBEDIENCE... HOLINESS... Yes, it does take all "that" to please God!


• "Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity" (1 Timothy 4:12). There is a generation of YOUNG people on fire for God and ready to turn the world upside down with the true, unadulterated GOSPEL of JESUS CHRIST. Hallelujah!!! Don't hate! Encourage them, build them up and send them out!!!


• "Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!" (James 4:5) Little things mean a lot! Selah.


• Ready to amp up the soul-winning!


• "I AM" -God


• "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8) #unconditionallove


• "There is none holy as the LORD: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God." -1 Samuel 2:2


• Daniel 11:32 "...but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits." LET'S DO IT, in Jesus' name!


• Those who challenge the word of God... LOSE! Selah.


• Matthew 13:12 "For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath." USE WHAT YOU'VE GOT, all to the GLORY OF GOD!!! Make it a great day!


• I may be starting trouble here, but I really have an issue with these statues we are now putting in pulpits. We are decorating churches with the forbidden. For example, why the golden lions in churches now? Remember Exo 20:4 "Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth:" Why?

End Time Warning To Christians

NOW is the Time to Step Out on FAITH

I know this message will be a little scattered, so please forgive me. I’m full in the Spirit right now. God is speaking so much…


God is speaking concerning the “sloppy” ministry that has been accepted by the Body of Christ. He is asking, “Where is the character in My people?” God requires integrity and accountability. We must offer Him nothing less than excellence in our worship and service to Him.

During prayer last night, God began to speak about leadership. He instructed us to step outside of our comfort zones. Do we really believe our steps are ordered by God? If so, we will obey His voice and not follow that of another.

Hypocrites... We are hypocrites… those who preach faith in God, yet operate in human power. Many of us demand excellence from others, yet offer God only what’s left after our jobs, families, finances, friends and CHURCHES.

The Father is saying to the Body, “It’s time to step out. You have become comfortable and complacent. You must step out on faith. Without faith, it is impossible to please Me, yet you continue to operate in ministry and offer worship WITHOUT FAITH. If you, as the remnant and ministers of God, do not operate in FAITH, how can you teach others to have faith? My Church is full of pride, because My people only do what they KNOW. They depend on their own knowledge. Step out in FAITH. Let Me be God, even in your ministry. Then, you will understand TRUE WORSHIP!!!"

I began to see that many of us are operating out of routine. We don’t truly understand the gravity and the urgency of ministry. There is a call to win souls back to Christ, an assignment to build the Kingdom of God. Yet, we settle in the midst of routine, because it’s comfortable. God revealed that this is the source of pride. When we become comfortable, we begin to trust ourselves, rather than Him. This is why so many signs and wonders have ceased. God moved when we sought Him. Yet, instead of fasting, praying and depending on Him, we get caught in a routine and wonder why He is not moving.

MINISTRY REQUIRES SACRIFICE! Invoking the presence and the glory of God REQUIRES faith! There is no other way. We need the power of the Holy Ghost to operate in the things of God. If God’s people would depend on Him, we will see revival like never before. There is too much flesh, too much flesh, too much flesh…

Mechanic… Calculated… We want to be in control, but this type of activity quenches the Spirit. When we quench the move of the Holy Ghost, we are saying to God, “I know better than You.” We must be free from religion, tradition and what we believe others will say or think. The Spirit of God will never contradict the word of God, but He will contradict our own sense of normalcy.

Get ready for a NEW move. Prepare for revival. Move in faith. It’s the hardest thing to do, but provide an open door for the power of God to come in!

Selah!

Just a few SELAH moments...

During the day and throughout the week, God will often speak nuggets into my spirit concerning the Body of Christ. Generally, I tweet them or update my Facebook status, but I feel led to share some recent ones here as well... I pray these quick, contemplative thoughts will be a blessing to you.

• PREACHERS, are you advertising your business, "wealth opportunity", makeup line, shoes, hats, suits or even your own ministry more than Christ? CHECK YOURSELF! We can do better. How can we say we will die for the sake of the Gospel, when every opportunity we have to share Christ is overshadowed by our own desires for vain glory? Selah.

• Matthew 12:33 "Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit." What have you grown, lately? As leaders, let's not belittle those that follow us and sit under our teaching. They are a testament to who we are... or are not! Selah.  

• If we can't be acountable to one another, certainly we can't be accountable to a holy God! We are the BODY of Christ... island anointings do not exist. Selah.

• ‎1 Corinthians 14:38 "But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant." Selah.

• Praying for the members of God's army that are M.I.A. Don't leave your post, people of God. The enemy is busy, and casualties are mounting. Stay on the battlefield and NEVER leave your post! The call to ministry is a life-long commitment... not a seasonal rendevous! Selah.

• People of God, please submit to your leaders, those that God has given watch over your soul. If you can't trust them, then search yourself. More than likely, YOU were the one who said God led you there. If they are teaching the word and praying for you, submit. Don't blame them when things are not right with YOU. You can't hold someone responsible for you when you won't allow them to cover you. Amen!

• Galatians 4:9 "But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?" People of God, while I certainly support education and believe we should know as much as possible about our Christian and Hebrew heritage, I HAVE NO INTEREST in becoming subject to the Law. I am saved by grace, so please do not attempt to bring me or any son of God back under such subjection. Let's not crucify Christ afresh.

• God is speaking... I am seeking...

• My prayer for today is simply Exodus 33:18 - "I beseech thee, shew me thy glory."

• ‎1 Corinthians 13:9 "For we know in part, and we prophesy in part." You see, no one person knows it all, but God!

• "We have some bad politicians... We have some bad cops... But we are still voting and we still stop at red lights. The church is the only institution we want to shut down, just because there are some bad ones out there." - Kirk Franklin

• As a manager, I evaluate my employees each year to weigh their eligibility for a raise or promotion. Begin to record your accomplishments in ministry over the last 12 months. Would God promote you, place you on probation or give you the pink slip? Selah.

• Cancer starts when a normal cell has a SMALL mutation and begins to multiply, crowding out the normal, healthy cells. In the Body of Christ, there are many who have a SMALL issue twisting doctrine, then gather a following. Don't let your ministry be tainted. Kill the CANCER CELLS in the Body of Christ. Cut them off!  - 1 Timothy 6:3-5

• Mat 6:33 "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." Are we really SEEKING, or just sitting by to see what happens? Hmmm... No wonder there's frustration and lack in the Body of Christ!

• Yes, you must be SENT! Don't carry the spirit of Elymas in this season. With all the anointing that we have, surely God can send 2 or 3 witnesses (at least) who can confirm the call and anointing! (Acts 13:3; Romans 10:15) Let's stop the self-proclamation. God will always confirm and vindicate those He has called (Romans 8:29-30).

• James 4:7 "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." If the devil is ALWAYS attacking you, check your submission! Selah.

• The prophet, the mouthpiece of God, cannot speak without feeling the heart of God and knowing the mind of God! Knowing God, then, including His nature, will and desires, is required in order to obey Him and speak on His behalf.

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Kill the CANCER in the Body of Christ!

Professionally, I work in the field of clinical research, and have spent much of my career in the managing oncology trials – looking for anything that may cure or ease the impact of cancer on our society. On yesterday, God began to speak to me about the nature of cancer in the natural and how it relates to the Body of Christ, even in the spiritual realm.

During our Sunday morning worship service, God instructed me to tell the people that they must stop the spread of cancer in the Body of Christ. “Cut it off!”  This is ringing in my spirit for God's people... CUT IT  OFF!

In the natural, cancer begins when a perfectly normal cell experiences a very small and minute mutation. The cell begins to grow and eventually displays uncontrollable growth that begins to invade healthy cells and tissue. This growth results in a tumor that generally displays the characteristics of its cell of origin, which is how we know to label it brain cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer, etc. Occasionally, the tumor will even spread to other parts of the body, referred to as metastasis.

In the Body of Christ, which in indeed a body, there are many parts, according to the Scriptures (Romans 12:4-5; 1 Corinthians 12:12; Ephesians 4:16). All of us are vital “organs” used to build the Kingdom of God. We are instructed to duplicate ourselves, by making disciples. We do so by teaching the things that Jesus taught us. We grow the Body of Christ by preaching the Gospel. Unfortunately, there are cancerous saints among us.

Many of us have met those who did run well (Galatians 5:7). Yet, something or someone convinced them to look away from God for just a moment. At that point, though they’ve been taught the word of God, they err from the faith and begin to follow strange doctrines. They begin to teach that you have to do “extra” in order to be in right standing with God. They begin to follow “new” teachings and forget the grace given to us by the blood of Jesus Christ. They become increasingly pessimistic and disgruntled about “the church,” always pointing out faults, but never offering solutions. Watch out for these. In fact, the Bible says that such should be cut off (1 Timothy 6:3-5).

Why is this so important? These cancerous people are causing division in the Body of Christ. While growth is good and education is great, we must be careful of those who become self-righteous in their course of salvation. It is a cancer to the Body of Christ. When we befriend and entertain this spirit, we are only feeding the cancer, making it stronger.

As it is in the natural, so it is in the realm of the spirit. They start out as part of the healthy body, but undergo some very small mutation. They begin twisting Scripture or adding new, subtle nuances, claiming that it’s the “right” way. They look the same on the outside for a little while. By the time we realize there is a difference (unless we discern by the Spirit), they have formed a gathering. They have now broken off and metastasized – moving on to other people and groups to infect them as well. Before you know it, their voice is seemingly louder than that of the truth.

Don’t allow your ministry to die! Don’t allow the curiosity to overtake you. Mysticism is not of God, and knowledge will never earn salvation. Be careful of any “new” doctrine or those teachings that make us feel we are “better” than other saints (1 Peter 1:20). We must be so careful not to allow pride to take our eyes off a merciful God and our need for REPENTANCE. Pride has caused many, in this season, to feel that their knowledge has made them equal to God… the DEVIL! Do not feed the cancer. Cut it off, or it will kill you!

Selah.

The Conception WILL BE ANNOUNCED

“Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins” -Matthew



Have you ever been in a place where you simply felt misunderstood? Perhaps God had put something on the inside of you that was full of power and glory, yet others couldn’t see it. You felt as if your leaders just missed the mark. Your family didn’t understand and your closest friends had doubts. I want to encourage you this morning.

The Bible says that Mary, the mother of Jesus was pregnant with a child that Joseph did not father. Because Joseph was a JUST man, according to the word of God, the Bible says that he planned to “put her away privily.” In other words, he wanted to hide her so that she would not be shamed or perhaps even killed.

Many times, when our leaders shield us, we feel they are “holding up back” or that they just don’t see the potential God has placed in us. This is not always so. There are still a lot of JUST leaders that God has set in place, and the JUST will hide those that may otherwise be exposed to ridicule and even death. It was the wisdom of Joseph that wanted to hide his wife. It was the love he had for her that drove him to protect her. He was not driven by jealousy or intimidation, but by his God-given instinct to protect.

The Scriptures go on to say, however, that and angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph and revealed to him that the child Mary carried was conceived of the Holy Ghost, therefore he should not fear in taking her as his wife. When a thing is really of God, He will always vindicate what He has ordains! Hallelujah! Our God makes it His business to tell our leaders when He has placed something on the inside of His people, that they will not fear taking covenant with that person or the thing God has given them.

Too often, people become so used to being victims that they are unable to identify a good, nurturing leader when they meet one. Did His word not promise YOU that He would send shepherds to feed and guide you? Our GOD is faithful.

Sometimes, we just need to wait on God to deliver the full message. In this season, we can’t be quick to accept every wind of doctrine, or every announcement of a call. Things must be prayerfully considered and judged, to see whether it is of God. Let’s allow our leaders the time to ponder before we assume they are simply trying to hold us back.

Selah.

Allow Me to Re-introduce the Christ

Honoring the Abuser

Why do we show less respect for leaders who serve and more for those that abuse?

I've observed the church and ministry leadership dynamics for years.  As a pastor myself, with a heart after God's agenda, I have found it VERY difficult to serve and receive respect simultaneously.  It baffles my mind that when people see that you have a desire to teach the word and are willing to work alongside them, rather than ruling over them, they also seem to devalue your anointing and authority.  It's almost as if you are perceived as being "common" and "weak."

Yet, I have seen and experienced other leaders that lie to the people, twist the Scriptures, and rule over them in very dangerous and abusive scenarios.  As a result, even when the leader is known to be wrong, it seems that they are followed by the masses for long periods of time.

Unfortunately, people see abuse as a sign of authority and power, rather than the manifestation of signs and wonders.  Church hurt has scarred many people, even to the point that some don't know how to trust a leader who truly has their best interest at heart.  It's a sad state.

Jesus was a servant and told us that the greatest among us are the same (Matthew 23:11).  Since Jesus has declared this to be so, we cannot expect the crowd to follow such examples.  The masses will follow those that seek their own glory, rather than that of the Father.

I want to take this opportunity to encourage the leaders who walk in humility and truly have a heart for God's people.  Do not be discouraged.  Do not compromise.  Do not be dismayed by those who honor their abusers, but slander the nurturer.  Know that God is getting the glory out of your leadership through service.

Selah.

Gruesome Abortion Practices are Still Alive in America

I truly DETEST abortion...  How is it that we, in America, still allow things like this to happen?


Gruesome details in report on Philadelphia abortion doctor

By Marie McCullough

INQUIRER STAFF WRITER

West Philadelphia abortion doctor Kermit Gosnell routinely delivered live babies in the third trimester of pregnancy, then murdered them by "sticking scissors into the back of the baby's neck and cutting the spinal cord," according to the Philadelphia District Attorney.

One newborn who weighed almost six pounds was so big "the doctor joked . . . this baby 'could walk me to the bus stop.'"

Those are among the jaw-dropping details - complete with photographs - in a 260-page Grand Jury report released Wednesday that charges Gosnell, 69, with the murder of a patient and seven live infants.

The report culminates a massive, year-long investigation of Gosnell and his Lancaster Avene clinic, which was shut down after a raid last February.

But the report is sure to be just the beginning of finger-pointing and soul-searching as city and state health officials, legislators, and those on both sides of the bitter abortion debate seek to understand how the clinic operated for 32 years, apparently with little oversight.

"The inaction of public agencies is exposed," DA Seth Williams said Wednesday at a press conference.

In addition to Gosnell, his wife, Pearl, and eight employees - none of whom had medical credentials - were arrested Wednesday morning. Four of the workers are also facing murder charges.

Williams said the prosecution is not about the morality of abortion.

"I am aware that abortion is a hot-button topic," he said. "But as district attorney, my job is to carry out the law. A doctor who knowingly and systematically mistreats female patients, to the point that one of them dies in his so-called care, commits murder under the law."

Philadelphia lawyer William Brennan, who represented Gosnell before Wednesday's arrest, said he hadn't read the report, and hasn't been formally retained as Gosnell's attorney.

"I would say simply that it's important to remember that Dr. Gosnell is presumed to be innocent," Brennan said.

The investigation began last February, after federal and state drug agents and Philadelphia police raided the clinic at 3801 Lancaster Ave. on suspicion that Gosnell was illegally dispensing narcotic painkillers. (The federal drug-trafficking investigation is ongoing.)

What they found, according to the report, was "filthy, deplorable, and disgusting": Blood on the floor. The stench of urine. Cat feces on the stairs. Semi-conscious women moaning in the waiting or revovery rooms, covered with blood-stained blankets. Broken equipment. Blocked or locked exits.

The investigators also learned that, in November 2009, an abortion patient had died.

Gosnell is now charged with 3rd degree murder of that woman, Karnamaya Mongar, 41, who had travelled from Woodbridge, Va., for an abortion. A native of the nation of Bhutan who had arrived in the U.S. only five months earlier, Mongar was 19 weeks of pregnancy. She developed a fatal heart arrythmia after being overdosed with anesthetics by an unlicensed caregiver, the report says.

The grand jury also alleges that Gosnell and his staff delayed in calling 911, attempted to deceive paramedics when they arrived - and then took couldn't find the key for the emergency exit lock, which responders finally cut open.

That February raid was the beginning, Williams said, of ever more shocking discoveries that revealed Gosnell had been flouting Pennsylvania's abortion law - and other laws - for many years.

Gosnell, who graduated from Jefferson Medical College in 1966, received Pennsylvania Department of Health approval to do abortions at his clinic in 1979, after an on-site inspection.

Even before then, in 1972, he made headlines for using an experimental abortion-inducing device on 15 women, nine of whom developed serious complications.

From the start, he was well-known for being willing do abortions beyond 12 weeks - the limit set by most clinics - and for treating poor and minority women.

Pennsylvania, which has one of the nation's most restrictive abortion laws, requires that the woman be counselled about the risks and wait 24 hours before the procedure.

The state also requires that fetal tissue from abortions after 20 weeks be sent to a pathologist for review.

Abortions after 24 weeks - when the fetus can usually survive outside the womb - are outlawed unless the doctor determines, and reports to authorities, that the abortion "is necessary to preserve maternal life or health."

If the chosen abortion method might enable a live birth, the law says a second physician must be "in the same room" and provide medical care to the newborn.

Gosnell not only flouted these requirements, he falsified ultrasound and state reports to cover his post-24 week abortions.

"Gosnell's approach, whenever possible, was to force full labor and delivery of premature infants on ill-informed women," the report says. "When you perform late-term 'abortions' by inducing labor, you get babies. Live, breathing, squirming babies. . . . Gosnell had a simple solution: he killed them. . . . by sticking scissors into the back of the baby's neck and cutting the spinal cord."

Williams said the grand jury heard testimony that Gosnell performed what he called "snippings" hundreds of times, but most cannot be prosecuted because the evidence is gone.

Still, investigators found fetal bodies and body parts in garbage bags, plastic bozes and bottles at the clinic.

One of the seven cases of infanticide that have been documented is "Baby boy A" - the one about whom Gosnell made the bus stop joke, according to report.

"His 17-year-old mother was almost 30 weeks pregnant - seven and a half months - when labor was induced," the report says.

________________________________________

Contact staff writer Marie McCullough at 215-854-2720 or mmccullough@phillynews.com.

Follow the Inquirer at www.Twitter.com/PhillyInquirer and www.Facebook.com/PhillyInquirer





http://politics.blogs.foxnews.com/2011/01/21/gruesome-allegations-surrounding-philly-abortion-doc-spur-washington-debate-0



http://www.philly.com/philly/news/breaking/20110119_Gruesome_details_in_report_on_Philadelphia_abortion_doctor.html

Who/What Are You Advertising (w/ Some Football Talk for the Men)

I observed an interesting phenomenon today… My husband and I went grocery shopping this morning, and as usual, he was covered with cap and pullover for his favorite NFL team, the Pittsburgh Steelers! As we walked around the store, I watched as random men – complete strangers – approached him with exciting conversation about football.

“Hey man… we’re going to the Super Bowl! How about them Steelers!” Yes, random people that we’ve never seen before. One man even stopped us from shopping for at least five minutes to discuss how he was actually a Washington Redskins fan, but had so much respect for the Steelers.

Even after the numerous discussions on football, as we began to finish up shopping, my husband picked up a few bottles of his favorite soft drink – Dr. Pepper. No sooner than the first bottle hit the cart, I heard a voice say, “Are you sure you want to drink that poison?” As I looked to my left, there was the Pepsi delivery man with a smile on his face. My husband smiled back at him and started to explain that he used to work at Pepsi, so he had to stop drinking it. “It was overkill,” he said. They laughed and exchanged a few more words, smiled and walked away. Really? Willing to approach a complete stranger to compel him to drink Pepsi when most saints don’t have enough courage to share Christ with a stranger…

God began to speak to me right in the grocery store. No matter what we do on a daily basis, we are always advertising something or someone. What if the Church was as bold about standing for Christ as we are about representing our favorite sports teams, soft drinks or fashion designers?
Think about the place where you work… Your email bares your job title and the company name with every piece of correspondence you send. You may even have a computer bag, a bumper sticker, or a shirt that boldly proclaims your loyalty to the corporation to which you belong. When you answer the phone or even apply for a car loan, you proudly provide the name of your employer. Why? Because the people and things for which we advertise give us a sense of pride and purpose. We want others to know to whom and what we belong.

Think about it… Most people have more pride in wearing a pair of Nike or Jimmy Choo shoes than they do a pair of Mabelle’s or Skaters. Why? …Because no one recognizes Mabelle or Skater. It’s not a sign of sacrifice, therefore it is devalued. Even in the Greek letter organizations, which we know to be a trick of the enemy, people proudly wear the letters and colors for their fraternity or sorority, knowing good and well they know nothing about ancient Greece, much less about the Greek language. Yet, they have pride in it, because it required sacrifice on their part.

So, what about Jesus? Have we sacrificed enough for the sake of the Gospel to wear it with pride? What if we wore His name on hats and jerseys? What if we dared to place his name on the credit applications as a reference or a provider?

One thing I’ve NEVER seen is a man back down on a conversation about his favorite NFL team. Even if they have a losing season, when a stranger approaches and makes a comment about the hat or sweater, they are quick to defend the team to whom they are loyal. They will laugh and joke, but show no embarrassment about who they endorse. They will spend hundreds of dollars on jerseys and hats and proclaim, “There’s always next year!” with the highest level of confidence.

Just a little something to think about… Our lifestyles always reflect Christ if we are truly serving Him. So, how bold are we to talk about Him? How willing are we to share the Gospel, whether others agree on our choice of allegiance or not? How much money are we willing to spend to visibly represent Him and the Body of Christ? Are you willing to spend $200 for a jersey or $30 for a hat, but struggle to support the local church with more than $20? We won’t even mention the cost of season tickets… Our pride rests where our sacrifices have been planted.

When you walk out the door of your home, what’s the first thing people will notice about you? Will they know first that you’re a Steelers or Cowboys fan? Will they recognize first that you are fan of Versace, Gucci or Coash? Will they see that you pledged as a Delta or a Sigma? Will they notice whether you vote Democratic or Republican? Or will they first see that you are Kingdom citizen? Even after the first impression, are you confident in backing up your Savior with the “touch talk,” or do you back down and concede when the conversation gets difficult?

Selah.

The Sound of War...

The Prophets understand what I mean when I say that I’ve been hearing war drums for the past week.  God is trying to warn His people, as He has been.  Spiritual warfare is heightened to a place where it has never been before.  This time, the enemy is going for blood.  The heat has been turned up, so we must be ready.  This is not a season for preparation, but a season for war!

In our local church, God has been speaking to us more and more about prayer and fasting.  Regardless of our religious, traditional backgrounds and teaching, Jesus proved even to His own disciples that demonic power can only be dealt with through vessels who are prayed up and fasted (Matt 17:21; Mark 9:29).

The pressure is being increased.  God does not warn us to breed fear, but He warns us to prepare us.  We are victorious if we will be obedient and READY.

"...Prepare war, wake up the mighty men, let all the men of war draw near; let them come up: Beat your plowshares into swords, and your pruninghooks into spears: let the weak say, I am strong" (Joel 3:9-10).

People of God, this is the season to GET IN PLACE.  This is NOT the time to be religious.  It is NOT the time to focus on building our “own” ministries and being “promoted” to the next spiritual title.  We need the Apostles to set order.  We need the prophets to warn.  We need the evangelists to win souls.  We need the teachers to instruct in sound doctrine.  We need the shepherds to nurture disciples.  We need everyone IN place, not moving from place to place.

God has warned His people.  He has shown me that we are going to begin seeing the death of our religious idols, both spiritually and naturally.  Look around… Even today another massive earthquake shook the earth – this time in Pakistan.  Our God is not playing.  He is God and He will be exalted as such!  The last days are upon us, and His people must be in proper position.  The church cannot continue to steal God’s glory.

People are dealing with demonic activity on a whole new level.  I’m getting calls from BELIEVERS who are dealing with depression and possessed relatives… Incubus and succubus spirits in their homes… Yet, we have been warned.  Spiritual warfare is upon us.

This MUST be a season of soul winning, but we must also be sober.  Ministry will hurt in this season.  It will require sacrifice, and that looks different for different people.  For some, you may have to walk away from a job, a family member, or even a church.  So be it!  OBEY GOD!  Integrity is key and it is required.

My bowels, my bowels! I am pained at my very heart; my heart maketh a noise in me; I cannot hold my peace, because thou hast heard, O my soul, the sound of the trumpet, the alarm of war (Jeremiah 4:19).

Sound the alarm, Prophets!  Many of you have been holding back…  Warn the people.  Share what you see and proclaim the word of the Lord.  Now is the time to rise and GET IN PLACE.  Let the prophets be prophets!  Proclaim and declare!

I'm Delivered from YOU

Church, God is calling His people to be delivered from other people!  I’m not just talking about what others think of us, but I’m talking about the crutch that we develop from others.

In the Body of Christ, many of us feel better about ourselves because we always find it necessary to criticize someone else.  We are spending entirely too much time looking at the specs in the eyes of our brothers and sisters while neglecting the beams in our own!

Over the last week, I have been off work for the holidays.  During this time, I really paid attention to the sermons I heard, the posts on Facebook and the status updates on MySpace.  I listened to the messages on YouTube, and heard something very common and disturbing.  The Church has made a vocation out of putting down one another.  Criticism is everywhere, and people seem to think that it somehow makes them more anointed.

There will be occasions when rebuke and correction are necessary.  Still, slander is another thing.  Gossip is a different story.  Constant complaining is unfounded.  The church is full of people who are made righteous, in their own sight, only because they are able to rally up enough supporters to agree that someone else is wrong.

What happened to exhorting and teaching one another?  What happened to restoring our brothers and sisters?

As I observed, I began to do exactly what God intended for me to do – look inwardly.  I, too, have found myself rallying against others to “prove a point.”  I have had to repent, and must consistently be careful as I move forward.  I was taught, in many respects, that this is what prophets do.  The devil is a liar!  Yes, God has called us to show transgressors their ways, but He has not called us to broadcast their mistakes to others without ever making an attempt to correct them in person and in love.

It’s time for the body to unify.  We need to watch our mouths and our motives.  We are called to preach the GOSPEL, not the mistakes or opinions of those with whom we disagree.  We must declare to one another, “I am delivered from you!  Keeping my mind on you is causing me to miss God and think I’m okay.  I’ve made you an idol, but comparing myself to you rather than Christ.  Self-righteousness is dying in me today!”

Selah.

Vison of an Art Gallery...

While in prayer this evening, God showed me a vision of a long, elegant hall.  The hall had dim lights, just like those in a typical art gallery or museum.  As I glanced down the hall, I saw the most beautiful portraits and sculptures.  To my surprise, all of them were figures of people in ministry, some of whom I personally know.  There were portraits of praise and worship teams, preachers and people lifting their hands to God.  I saw great and intricate sculptures of people laying hands on others and preaching the Gospel.  The pictures were so life-like and beautiful… more than any art I’d ever seen.

As I moved down the display hall, God asked me what I thought of the artwork.  I expressed how beautiful it was and explained that the beauty literally put me in tears.  I was impressed by what I saw and felt like the people portrayed in the art were so anointed.  As I asked God where we were, He explained to me that He sees something similar to this all the time.  I was expecting some great and glorious explanation of the place I was viewing. 

Unfortunately, God said that the gallery represents the Church and what many of us are offering as ministry.  “It’s absolutely beautiful to look upon,” He said, “but still has no life!”  He began to remind me that signs and wonders follow those that truly believe.  He reminded me that His power moves and operates in the midst of true ministry.  True worship is not always as beautiful as the picture-perfect display, but is has fruit.  It’s not rehearsed and dressed up.  It’s not mechanical and choreographed.  Yet, it results in deliverance through His power.

In this season, people of God, we have to stop putting so much emphasis on “being cute.”  The Church has presented an image, and taught many to do the same, without carrying any power.  We know how to look good and enticing.  Yet, when the maniac walks into the sanctuary, they leave with the same demon.  When a member is diagnosed with cancer, we are not able to pray a prayer of faith that truly heals.

God is pressing us.  He wants the oil from the olives.  The true power of God comes only through obedience and sacrifice.  Our worship must go to another level.  Accountability must be turned up a notch.

(Mal 1:6)  A son honoureth his father, and a servant his master: if then I be a father, where is mine honour? and if I be a master, where is my fear? saith the LORD of hosts unto you, O priests, that despise my name. And ye say, Wherein have we despised thy name?

(Mal 1:7)  Ye offer polluted bread upon mine altar; and ye say, Wherein have we polluted thee? In that ye say, The table of the LORD is contemptible.

(Mal 1:8)  And if ye offer the blind for sacrifice, is it not evil? and if ye offer the lame and sick, is it not evil? offer it now unto thy governor; will he be pleased with thee, or accept thy person? saith the LORD of hosts.

(Mal 1:9)  And now, I pray you, beseech God that he will be gracious unto us: this hath been by your means: will he regard your persons? saith the LORD of hosts.

(Mal 1:10)  Who is there even among you that would shut the doors for nought? neither do ye kindle fire on mine altar for nought. I have no pleasure in you, saith the LORD of hosts, neither will I accept an offering at your hand.

In the book of Malachi, God begins by rebuking the priests for their failure to offer their best to Him.  Instead of giving God the best, they withheld it for themselves and gave Him the sacrifices with flaws.  Many of us today are still offering God less than our best.  We feel that as long as we do “something” ministry has gone forth.  God forbid.  It’s time to honor God with our best in all things, and that requires sacrifice!

Many of us need to sacrifice more in our giving, our service, our talents…everything.  We need to pray more, fast more, study the word of God more…  We need to be more obedient, serve more and support one another more.  Our sacrifices must be the very best.

We can no longer give a job our best 40 hours, and serve God with what’s left, through our tiredness and fatigue.  We can no longer give our talents to the world, then come into the house of God with a tip to appease our egos.  We must stop pouring our time into studying the politics of religion while neglecting the study of His word.  The time has ended for us to talk, bicker, complain and gossip all day long, just to end the day with 30 seconds of prayer.

(Mal 3:1)  Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts.

(Mal 3:2)  But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap:

(Mal 3:3)  And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness.

Later in the book of Malachi, God promises that Jesus Christ will bring forth the PURGING required for a righteous sacrifice.  PURGING…  Purging is what we need.  It’s time to let go of the religion.  Let go of our agendas.  Release the politics and the empty appearances.

Be warned… purging hurts!   It means that we’ll be emptied from a lot of “knowledge” so that it can be replaced with understanding and anointing.  It means we may have to lay down some titles, positions and responsibilities.  It means we may have to apologize and fix some things we once thought were right.

God wants to purge everything that is carnal inside of His people, allowing the Spirit of God to fill us.  This is the only way we will remove ourselves from an appearance of godliness, while operating without the power.  REVIVAL is nigh, but comes with a price.

Selah.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

To GOD be the glory!  2011 is here, and it's a new season!

As we begin this New Year, we must not neglect our personal relationships with God.  This year, ACCOUNTABILITY and HOLINESS are essential to the life of every believer.

James 5:16

Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

In this season, God is calling His people back to a lifestyle of prayer and fasting. This teleconference is designed to provide a prophetic atmosphere of prayer for those who desire to truly hear from God and see His signs and wonders manifested in the earth.

Believe it or not, PRAYER STILL WORKS! The church doesn't need another trick or gimmick, but true application of the Word of God. Jesus declared that whatsoever we ask IN PRAYER, believing, we shall receive (Matthew 21:22). We've "named it proclaimed it" long enough. It's effectual and fervent prayer that moves God. Selah.


The AVAILING PRAYER line will be open every Thursday evening at 9:00 PM EST.

Dial-in Number: 1-712-432-3100
Conference Code: 469797

Seeking a Prophecy for the New Year?

The following are excerpts from journal entries over the last few years. The dates, however, have been updated, as the content is still needed and relevant…


From December, 2006… Stop worrying about the year – walk in your season!

Like many of you, I have read many prophecies concerning the new year, 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 for the next year? I've often felt "left out," because though God has been showing me things, I haven't had any huge revelation specifically for the new year. 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 and fortune-telling. Too many are concerned with giving a word for the new year, 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 conjure 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.


From December, 2009… Numbering Your Days

"So teach us to number our days, that we may get us a heart of wisdom."
Psalm 90:12 (AMP)

This is the time of year where people around the world are making resolutions for the New Year. In the church, in particular, we must be very careful about allowing a date to dictate our sacrifice of worship. Too many of us are waiting for the latest prophecy or catchy cliché that will promise prosperity and change in the New Year. But, what about this year (2010)? What about all the prophecy and godly instruction we failed to complete during the last twelve months?

Unfortunately, there are still thousands of people around this globe that will never see January 1. For that reason, it's important to understand that NOW is the day of salvation. As people of God, we understand that God operates in seasons... not by our natural calendars. If we are currently in a season of disobedience, repentance is necessary before a change comes. It takes more than a mere change of date.

Let's resolve to savor every moment, with a readiness to repent and continue in Kingdom building TODAY, tomorrow and every day thereafter. There is no doubt in my mind that God will continue blessing us in 2011, but we don't have to wait for the new year in order to offer Him a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable, which is our reasonable service. Amen!

May I vent... about Michael Vick?

Many may consider this to be nothing more than a venting session, but I assure you that I’ve pondered and prayed over this for many days before gathering my thoughts in writing.

My husband, like many other men out there, is an avid football fan. While I’m not much of a television watcher myself, I often find myself in a room watching a game or listening to the latest ESPN news. For quite some time now, I’ve been VERY disturbed by the public’s reaction to Michael Vick.

Here we have a man who committed a crime…yes. He served the time for the crime that was committed and is now back in society, working a job (and doing it well) to contribute to the world of sports. Yet, it seems that people just won’t let it go.

Don’t get me wrong. He committed a crime and deserved to be punished. He was, and now it’s done. I actually read an article today about murderers in the NFL. The list included Michael Vick. Are you serious?

Really and truly, this is not about Michael Vick at all. He is merely a scapegoat being used to exemplify the mindset of many Americans, which is quite disturbing. It doesn’t take a scholar, first of all, to realize that many in the NFL have committed crimes… murder, rape, involuntary manslaughter, driving while intoxicated… yet none of these have received as much publicity as Michael Vick. Since when are dogs more important than humans?

Even in the church, I’ve been disturbed at how many people have “prophelied” around Michael Vick. He is NOT an example of God’s wrath. He is an example of the sick and twisted priorities in this American culture. What if we were to do a poll of how many NFL players have fathered aborted babies and encouraged that abortion? I assure you, that figure would astound us. So, why are we crying out and preaching about dogs? Why are we looking over human life and putting so much emphasis on the lives of animals? It’s a distraction.

Even the President of the United States was recently scrutinized for acknowledging that Michael Vick should have a second chance. What’s wrong with that? Is redemption no longer an option? Is forgiveness no longer the American way? I just don’t understand, ESPECIALLY when the church starts agreeing with this stuff. It’s absolutely crazy.

I actually heard a “Christian” sports caster say that dog abuse is the same offense as child abuse, and that Michael Vick should never receive a second chance. Really? Let’s just be real. I can’t breed, neuter and PURCHASE a child. Dogs are animals. They are possessions. There are more people fighting for the rights of dogs and cats than those that fought for Civil rights in the 1960’s or those who fought agains the Holocaust! Even in the word of God, a very clear distinction is made between animals and people. I can hardly believe people are praying for this man to fail, but not praying for his soul. Murder, rape, abortion = forgiveness. Dog fighting = eternal damnation. I seriously doubt it.

I supposed I’m finished venting now. My point is this… we cannot lose focus. The enemy is very quick to flash things in our faces to make us lose sight of the big picture. I wonder if the NFL would have taken any action in the times of Jesus, if those who crucified him were star players. Would they have even canceled the Sunday games? How long would it have taken for the ESPN news to dismiss His death and return to the more important news of who was cock fighting during the time? Hmmm…