Be Ready!

"But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ."  1 Peter 3:15-16


Church, we must BE READY at all times.  After all the studying, praying and fasting, we should ALWAYS BE READY to share the reason for our faith, without getting rude or defensive.

Some of us have "played church" so long that we can't truly worship God without a Hammond B3 organ.  We "faked it until we made it" so long that we can't preach unless a sermon is pulled off the internet.

When Jesus comes back, there will be no time for rehearsal and searching through notes.  What's in your heart?  Those who truly know God and spend quality time with Him are ALWAYS READY with a word, a praise and worship rooted in spirit and in truth.

There's no such thing as a prophet who can't lead a soul to Christ.  No true pastor exists who doesn't have compassion for the hurting.  Every real apostle understands that worship is a matter of the heart, not format.  DISCERNMENT... Never leave home without it!

Let's get real... and get ready!  ORDER IN THE CHURCH!

Is It You?

My mother taught me a valuable lesson when I was younger. It's echoed in the word of God when Jesus teaches, "But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established" (Matthew 18:16).

If everyone hates you, leaves you, abuses you, misunderstands you, offends you, disobeys you, attacks you, takes advantage of you, is jealous of you, mistreats you, etc., it's like that the real problem is YOU. Sometimes, the majority vote is right.

Not deep... just true. ORDER IN THE CHURCH!

Don't Judge the Book by Its Cover

But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart. 1 Samuel 16:7 KJV

NEVER judge a book by its cover.  In this season, it's more important than ever that we use DISCERNMENT in the Body of Christ.  People are hurting, and so many are rejected or turned away due to their appearance, personality, culture or mannerisms.

In like manner, we must no longer assume the power of God rests upon a person, with all the anointing of God, just because they drive the right car, wear the right suit and hoop in the right note.

God searches the HEART of a man.  This is the season for maturity.  Too many have been hoodwinked, bamboozled and led astray... and it's our own fault.  We've judged incorrectly.  We trusted our emotions rather than God's Holy Ghost.

Let's begin with self.  Let's stop spending two hours getting our appearance right for church, knowing we only spent one hour (the whole week) in prayer and Bible study.  On any given Sunday, it's a proven fact that over 95% of confessed believers spend more time in the mirror than they do in God's presence.  What a shame.  WRONG PRIORITIES!!!

ORDER IN THE CHURCH!

God Did It

People of God, be encouraged!!! Oftentimes, God demands things of us that make us feel inadequate. We know that without Him, we are nothing. That's the beauty of it... Our Father sees so much more in us than what we can see in ourselves. He sees Himself in us... His power, His authority, His Spirit.

During my morning walk, the Lord reminded me of this, as I've been pondering over some very large and seemingly difficult assignments that have been placed in my hands. I'm encouraged, remembering how God did it so many times before. This time will be no different. GOD will do it, so I can relax and enjoy the ride.

Die to self and obey. You don't have to do anything in your own strength. Christ lives in you, and He will complete the work (Philippians 1:6).

Be encouraged and go forth! ORDER IN THE CHURCH!

Why Feed Holy things to the Media?

OBSERVATIONS AND QUESTIONS...

We are casting our pearls to swine...

Why do we post pictures and videos of people worshiping God or receiving deliverance without their permission?  I find this very distasteful, yet it's all over the internet - Facebook, YouTube, etc.  Praise breaks, "prophetic" words, the laying on of hands...

What is the point?  This doesn't glorify God, but man, in most cases.  On top of that, it gives the world something to mock, as only those led by the Holy Ghost can discern spiritual things.  More importantly, it makes people vulnerable, without their permission.  Is it really worth violating someone's trust in order to promote a church or ministry who wants to "prove" they have power?

People should be able to go to church and be free without the interruption of a camera.  God's house is a sacred and safe place... or at least it should be.

We must do better...

ORDER IN THE CHURCH!

Hold On...

1 Thessalonians 5:21 "Prove all things; hold fast that which is good." 

We need to HOLD ON to those things that are good. Not everything old is bad. The modern church could benefit from holding on to what has worked for years!

Our modern-day praise and worship songs are centered around the word of God (or should be), and that's great. Still, I miss those old-school songs my grandparents sang that were birthed from testimonies - true experiences with God. Those old songs were powerful, because they came from the heart. They were birthed by a generation that was driven not by pride, but appreciation. Truly, they had the heart of David in those days. God did it, and they sang about it!

Selah.

Everyone Must Obey God's Word... Even YOU!

"Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away."  Matthew 24:35 KJV

The word of God is SURE (2 Timothy 3:16).  None of us are exempt.  We must obey the word of God, including the parts about obedience, giving, living a holy lifestyle, praying, fellowship, controlling our speech, loving one another, and everything else.  The requirement doesn't change, and it will never go away. Systematically ignoring any portion of it is SIN (James 4:17).

Too many of us are subtly erasing portions of God's word in application to our own lives while systematically excusing the same.  The Holy Ghost reminds us of all Jesus taught and did... Not just the things that we're comfortable with.  Remember, God's word is meant to cut and mold us (Hebrews 4:12), not the other way around.  We don't need to adjust the word of God to fit our own lifestyles.  The Scriptures are a mirror that show us our true, messed up selves.  Once we see the truth, our prayer should be to be purged and cleansed (Psalm 51).  When we confess, God is then faithful, through the blood of Jesus Christ, to cleanse us from ALL unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).  It's supposed to "hurt" every now and then.  That's how we are perfected in God.

Let's learn to confess our wrong.  Repent, for the Kingdom of God is at hand.  Let's get it right, in Jesus' name.  HOLINESS is the only way!  None of us are so special that we are exempt!  ORDER IN THE CHURCH!

Get in Order

Order is necessary. Jesus didn't do anything He wanted to do, nor did He say anything He wanted to say (John 5:30). Yet, so many of us feel that our gifts or tenure in the church somehow qualify us to do as we please. Not so! This walk is not about us. It's a walk of humility... one that must bring glory to the Father.

Obedience is required! Order is necessary! Discipline and self-control must be employed. The flesh must die. The time will come, if it hasn't already, that all of us must do things we don't desire to do for God. Still, right is right. One who doesn't have the discipline to obey God's word and be accountable to His people simply doesn't belong to Him. No more excuses! Holiness is impossible without order!

ORDER IN THE CHURCH!

Notwithstanding...

Revelation 2:20 "Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols."

There are some good, godly leaders in the church who will discourage us from receiving every voice. In this age of "cyber ministry", discernment is more necessary than ever before. When true, called leaders of God advise you against "strange" doctrines, "new" revelations, and "prestigious connections", it's not always because they want to "hold you back." Anointed leaders understand they have a responsibility to protect God's people from seduction and deceit.

ORDER IN THE CHURCH!

Laborers, Come Forth!

Matthew 9:37-38

"Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest."



Where are the WORKERS, the LABORERS in God's Kingdom? So many of us truly feel we are busy filling the roles of titled celebrities in the church. However, God is looking for fruit... fruit that remains! How many more services, convocations and conferences will we have where souls are not being saved, healed, delivered and set free???

In this time where so many are seeking prophecy and apostolic power, evangelism is dwindling away. Few truly know how to win souls, which by the way, doesn't include recycling "church folk." It's about leading people to Christ and allowing Him to do a work, completed by the Holy Spirit, that will bring glory only to God - not any man or woman.

There are many souls to be reached, but only the wise will be successful (Proverbs 11:30) in truly leading them to repentence and eternal life through Jesus Christ. The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom (Psalm 111:10). God is looking for those who fear and respect Him so much that they can be trusted with His power. He knows it will not be abused or used for vain glory. Is that you?

How many souls are truly converted - truly born again and filled with the Spirit of God, because of your LABOR (which doesn't include pompous talk, elaborate rituals or hosting vain fundraisers disguised as revivals)?

No title or position means anything without the power of God. His power requires acknowledgement of who He is FIRST, followed by fruit - the harvesting of souls. Change a life by yielding to God! Titles, position and everything else is vain if people are still spiritually sick and dying.

APOSTLES have no real power if they cannot save souls! The job of an Apostle is not just to build buildings but to establish and set order in the CHURCH, which is established by Christ to snatch SOULS from the Kingdom of darkness. Let's not get it twisted. No true believer is exempt, whether apostle, prophet, bishop or anything else. If ministry keeps us to busy to minister to sinners, that "ministry" is questionable.

No matter how "high" you get, the work of the EVANGELIST (ministry of reconciliation) is YOUR responsibility! ORDER IN THE CHURCH!

Happy Memorial Day!

Interestingly enough, this is the day we set aside to honor our fallen soldiers and veterans here in the USA… those who died for the rights and freedoms we so enjoy, and often take for granted. In reflecting on those who have died for my rights, I find it interesting that even now, my rights as a Christian – the right to speak and teach the true word of God, are challenged more than ever before.


Of course, we could argue from a historical and theological perspective whether or not our USA was truly founded on Christian principles. Despite all the technicalities, our forefathers fought for their rights as believers and their perception of what that may be. Whether we agree on the interpretation or not, the fact still remains that the very laws and backbone of this democracy are built upon biblical principles by a people who served the one true and living God... of the Bible.


With that, I note (with all due respect) that those we honor today – the fallen soldiers and warriors of the past and present, died for those same principles. The majority of the slain men and women left this life with a dog tag and cross around their necks… not a swastika, Buddha or star and crescent. Yet, it seems in this country, more and more each day, that the very principles for which they fought are under attack.


It often seems that in order for others to feel equal, the Christian beliefs we hold so dear are typically the ones that must be sacrificed. No other country in the world has operated in this manner – sacrificed its foundation to make others feel comfortable. While I love the diversity of America and and respect everyone’s rights to make a choice, I certainly won’t stand back and let others judge me because I choose God’s way – the way of the Bible… the principles of Scripture, the traditional thought of the USA.


Our history, as a country, has been painted with many wars: The Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, the Civil War, the Spanish-American War, the Vietnam War, and countless others. All were fought with the rights of the American people (and their neighbors) in mind. Many bore undertones of the right to worship and live, according the laws of our country – the same laws that were based on a biblical foundation.


This is a country where adultery and fornication were once illegal. Homosexuality was considered not only illegal, but insane, literally. Abortion and the overconsumption of alcohol were unthinkable. There was a moral code, based on the Bible that propelled us to become the great nation we are today and have been for many years. Unfortunately, somewhere in our history, people began to believe that being free meant removing our biblical code of conduct while labeling those who maintain the principles upon which this country was established as haters and heretics. How ironic! God’s word, whether you believe it was interpreted correctly or not, led us to become the greatest nation on earth.  Why are we so quick to forget and dismiss the same?


Let’s remember that Jesus Christ was the first fallen warrior. He died, first, for us to have eternal life. He hung on a cross and shed His blood for me. Without the gospel of Christ and the Holy Scriptures, there would be NO America!  That's a fact.  Hundreds of thousands, in this country alone, also died for our liberties. Whether we want to believe it or not, the MAJORITY died for a Christian country. They had Christian beliefs and when faced with death, prepared to meet the God of the Bible - the God of Abraham, Isaac a Jacob... the God who is holy and commands His people to live holy. Certainly, I have a right to preach the Gospel, as long as I show love and respect for others. I stand on the word of God, and I have a right to do so, as do any others. Standing for holiness doesn’t mean that I hate or disrespect those who disagree. It doesn’t mean that I’m a threat to those who choose another religion or another way of life.


As I remember our fallen on today, I am thankful. I am also relentless. I’m not full of hatred or anger. In fact, I tell the truth, because I love people. Hell is real, and I wouldn’t want to steer anyone in that direction. Some things are just wrong… period. I have a right to stand on holiness. I have a right to preach God’s word. I have the right to share His love. Jesus gave me that right eternally, and those we honor on this day fought for that right with their very lives.  I will not lay down.  Too much has been sacrificed...


To those who celebrate with me, whether you believe as I do or not, please don’t shut down or disregard the rights of those for which so many died to justify and label your own opinions and “lifestyle alternatives” as a case of civil rights. Like it not, we are all free because many men and women died for a country that has always professed to be one nation, under GOD!  As my grandmother would always say, "Don't bite the hand that feeds you."


Happy Memorial Day!  I am grateful!

Praying for Boston

As we pray for Boston, the victims of this senseless tragedy and the families of those who have been affected, I am also praying for believers, particularly those who walk in the Ascension gift offices.

Truthfully, we are too often caught off guard and end up praying for tragedies AFTER they happen, when we should be spiritually tuned enough to see them coming and intercede proactively.

Amos 3:6-8 says "Shall a trumpet be blown in the city, and the people not be afraid? shall there be evil in a city, and the Lord hath not done it? Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets. The lion hath roared, who will not fear? the Lord God hath spoken, who can but prophesy?"

God's word is true. He cannot lie. If we would seek God as true watchmen, He will warn us of these things. Intercession is meant to be proactive, not reactive.

With that, I am examining myself... my own worship and accountability as a prophet of God. Is my ear readily available to the Father? Is my worship consistent enough? Am I spending too much time in prayer talking, but not listening?

ORDER IN THE CHURCH! And let it begin with me!

Again, let the world do what the world does...

Please don't misunderstand what I'm about to say...

It concerns me that so many believers are almost obsessed with pointing out the demonic in worldly, secular people like Jay-Z, Beyonce, Will Smith, etc.  Yes, we need to be aware of the enemy's devices BUT...

The world is doing what the world should do.  It does not benefit us to spend so much time studying and sharing the enemy's activities.  Of course, they're demonic... They are in the world!

The Word of God lets us know that if we see error and fail to correct it, the blood is on our hands.  We are to warn the offender, not gossip about the state of the person to others without bringing change.  So, my question is this...  If God is revealing all of this information to us, who has He called to go and bring deliverance?  Who is really praying, as opposed to sharing the videos and blogs?

We cannot be deceived or distracted.  Instead of warring in the spirit realm (not against flesh and blood, but principalities and powers in high places), we are easily getting caught up in gossip followed by no change.

Unfortunately, the same even happens in the church.  We are quick to post videos and share statuses about those who have fallen, but VERY slow to war on their behalf.

The true question, again, is WHAT IS THE CHURCH DOING?  Let us examine ourselves.  How many of us are involved in demonic activity?  More than we know...

ORDER IN THE CHURCH!

Form Letter Prophecy??? SMH

People of God, PLEASE stop seeking "a word" from false prophets turned celebrities. Use discernment.

No true prophet sends out blanket form letters to thousands of viewers, fans and donors with the same "prophecy" for everybody. No true prophet actually takes time to record your "personal" prophecy on CD. If it were really personal, wouldn't it make more sense for them to call you? Come on! God did not give them a vision of your situation. They did not see the state of your heart. Let's be real... that is NOT a personal letter or note to you. Do not be deceived.

You must be responsible for your own deliverance and your own salvation. Don't allow false prophets and teachers to deceive and take advantage of you. God loves each of us enough to place tangible leaders in our lives. STOP sending gifts and donations to those who don't care to know you or minister to you personally. Stop supporting those who are not reachable.

Whenever someone can ask you for money or time, and you respond, yet you're not ever able to reach them directly by phone, appointment, or anything of the sort... Well, that's a pimp, not a called man or woman of God!!!

ORDER IN THE CHURCH!!!
#SlightlyIrritated

A Weight Loss Testimony

TESTIMONY TIME

I am not at all one to share private information on line, but I really pray this will encourage someone.  In 2011, I reached my highest weight ever.  Stress, due to the pressures of life, work and ministry really made a heavy impact on my body and health.  I was diagnosed with Type II diabetes and a host of other issues, leading my doctors to suspect lupus.

To make a long story short, I'd narrowly avoided three surgeries (of various types) by the time I started having debilitating health issues in late 2011.  As I underwent a major surgery in the Spring of last year, I prayed and fasted, as a woman of faith, that God would heal every issue in my body.  At some point, though, I realized God had empowered me to change some of these things myself.  I owed it to my family, both spiritual and natural, to do all I could to improve my own situation - works, couple with prayer.

Today, after adopting a healthy diet (yes, I still eat chocolate) and moderate exercise regimen, I am 100% healthy.  No diabetes.  No lupus.  No high blood pressure.  45 pounds gone, with about 15 to go!  I feel great, and I'm enjoying abundant life in Christ as every born-again believer should.  I thank God for wisdom and His ability to heal.  Faith will not only drive us to pray, but faith will make us DO. 

"For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also" James 2:26.

Through Christ, YOU can do all things!!!  Be encouraged.  Don't just believe God to fix your situation.  Work with Him and His word, which cannot return void.  AMEN.

"Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth" 3 John 1:2.

People of God, take care of yourselves.  We can't preach the word of God with signs and miracles following if we're sick always sick, tired and weary.  Let's stop eating fried chicken every Sunday while asking God to lower our cholesterol.  Let's not make Sunday morning the only time we get exercise.  While it is important to appreciate the beautiful beings God made us to be, let's admit when we are unhealthy rather than just dressing up.  We can and must do better...  We start by telling ourselves the TRUTH, as the truth will make us free.  We must admit we have a problem (confession) before we can be healed (deliverance). AMEN.

We Must Live Holy

1 Thessalonians 4:7 "For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness."

Unfortunately, there are thousands of theological arguments that many of us entertain.  We can so easily get caught up into battles of wit and semantics.  At the end of the day, nevertheless, God demands something of us.  He has given His only Son, Jesus Christ, to pay for our sins.  He wants a return on His investment, and that return is a life of holiness... a living sacrifice, HOLY and acceptable, which is our reasonable service.

We must be born again... of the water and of the Spirit.  No matter how we choose to label it, the bottom line in this - WE MUST BE HOLY, as God is holy!  WE MUST LIVE RIGHT, ACCORDING TO THE SCRIPTURES.

To have ORDER IN THE CHURCH, there must be order in God's temple.  WE are the temple of the Holy Ghost.  Set order.  Live holy!

I AM DETERMINED

1 Corinthians 2:1-2
"And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified."


I am DETERMINED to remain humble.  God is awesome!  He blesses and keeps His people diligently.  If we are not careful, pride and the spirit of entitlement will quickly, yet quietly creep in.  We must be DETERMINED to keep CHRIST at the forefront in our lives.  It must be done ON PURPOSE.

Get determined!  Believe it or not, the enemy can easily make MINISTRY (or the perception of it) your downfall.  It's never been about fancy robes, big crowds or eloquent speech.  JESUS AT THE CENTER!!!

Get determined!  ORDER IN THE CHURCH!

Don't Be Ignorant... READ!

I say this with as much love and patience as I can muster...

As God's people, it really bothers me to see so many arguing things, especially in regard to politics, without knowing the FACTS.  I certainly believe God speaks, but when He does, He doesn't share untruths with His people.

Unfortunately, many of us are so eager to stand for something that we rarely take advantage of the spiritual and NATURAL resources we have.  There's nothing unholy about READING, RESEARCHING and ASKING QUESTIONS from the source, before we begin preaching about a thing.

Let's remember that while God does send us into the marketplace, our job is first to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  If we can't preach Jesus, we have no business preaching at all!!!

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

Ignorance is NOT cute, and it's no wonder the world laughs at the church when we show our ignorance so freely.  Remember, men are supposed to see our GOOD WORKS and glorify our Father in heaven... not our inability to decipher truth from a lie.

READ.  PRAY.  Then ASK GOD before speaking on His behalf.  After all, God knows all the facts, despite our insignificant opinions!

ORDER IN THE CHURCH!!!

The Spirit of Prophecy

Revelation 19:10, NLT
"...Worship only God. For the essence of prophecy is to give a clear witness for Jesus."

True prophets speak of Christ.  They lead others into true worship... in spirit and in truth.  God's prophets don't waste time speaking about houses and cars... There are plenty of psychics and witches to take care of that foolishness.

The Scriptures say that the essence and purpose of prophecy is to speak of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.  If the "word" doesn't point you back to Christ, examine the source.

Who cares what number is printed on your next check?  God doesn't need to announce your birth city or bra size to impress anyone!  There is too much foolishness in the church!  Many of us are literally following and encouraging warlocks in our midst.  Remember, God doesn't turn tricks to impress us.

We must stop being impressed by the gifts and tricks of people who are not sent by God.  A person can abuse gifts and solicit information from any spirit.  No matter how impressive the gift may be, none of that matters if it brings glory to the messenger, but neglects guidance into true worship and holiness.  Examine the fruit!

ORDER IN THE CHURCH!

Get Clean!

“Wash and make yourselves clean. Take your evil deeds out of my sight; stop doing wrong. Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.” Isaiah 1:16-17 NIV

I used to hear people say, "Cleanliness is next to godliness." Well, the word of God declares that cleanliness is REQUIRED for godliness... spiritual cleanliness, that is! There is no way to escape it... HOLINESS IS RIGHT and required! We must STOP doing wrong. True repentance bears the fruit of change. Yes, we have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God... [Notice the PAST tense...] That's no excuse to continue in iniquity. It's okay to have a past, but we need to let God mold our present. Turn away from sin!

ORDER IN THE CHURCH!!!