by Jesse-John Jabore
To the ‘shoulder nudges’
Written in the expressive form of Ecclesiastes
I have no need for order
Order cause me pain
It’s authority in love I disdain
My God tells me ‘He’s no respecter of man’ – He wastes no time in comparisons – He loves us all equally and because of this leaves us to our own devices to implement His word and His will, both personally and corporately. For so long now the established order of Church government has lorded it over the masses and, prophet-like, we should ‘shout this ill from the roof-tops for all to hear’. We’re children of God, with one Father who parents us in love, Jesus His Son who rules over us and the Spirit who teaches us. Yes, the Bible is ‘Spirit breathed’ and ‘divinely sourced,’ yet my interpretation of it may differ from yours, and if they differ, in the words of Mark Twain “never the twain/two shall meet.” AND ON & ON IT GOES! Possibly, for your good pleasure I should write a book.
God’s response: (from His word and by His Spirit in truth)
2nd Peter 2:10 ‘But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, self willed, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities’.
Let’s break it down: Let them that have ears, let them hear what the Spirit of the Lord is saying.
The topic here is KINGDOM government. In this dispensation of time the apostle is being restored to the five-fold to complete it. This word is not to prove to the reader the truth of the previous sentence. Specifically, it is dealing with our attitude to authority, especially God ordained authority. Some may say though it’s timely in light of the federal election in Australia on August 21st.
The question being posed, ‘Is it possible that in your desire to rid the’ body of Christ’ of ungodly government you be likened to Balaam who was rebuked for his iniquity? (verse 16 – specifically directed to prophets). The verse above (2 Peter 2:10), applied to those opposing God’s implementation of Kingdom government is damning. Let me spell it out and in so doing, expose my heart at the risk of being despised. The kingdom of God is not a democracy. Its authoritative structure of rule in essence is more a military one. Be assured like Moses and David of old, God generals are being revealed and along with it the mandate of things to the body of Christ worldwide. The Australian band Midnight Oil wrote a song and it went ‘when the generals talk you better do what they say’ – they were mocking the American ‘control’ over lesser powers/subjects. These words ring out true to the end-time army though. We’re not to fear or despise true Godly authority. Remember as someone once said “a person who possesses true authority is superior to it, not driven by it” The cry of God’s heart to the disenchanted is “DARE TO TRUST AGAIN – DARE TO TRY AGAIN – ENLIST – PUT AN END TO THE CIVIL WAR” and upon doing so “KNOW YOUR PLACE – TAKE YOUR PLACE – IT’S TIME FOR WAR – FEAR NOT, YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES!”
Following are dictionary meanings to help in the specific application of 2nd Peter 2:10 in relation to Kingdom government -‘But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, self willed, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities’.
‘flesh’ – the body, especially as opposed to the spirit or the soul
‘lust’ – ‘I must have it at once’ (Oswald Chambers)
‘uncleanness’ – spiritually impure
‘despise’ – look down upon, as with hate or contempt, scorn; disdain
‘government’ – the form or system of rule by which a grouping is governed
‘presumptuous’ – supposition of something as true; inexcusable boldness
‘self will’ – a strong power to act according to one’s own wishes
‘dignities’ – persons who hold high rank or office, especially in government or church
Thursday, 12 August 2010
Spiritual Metabolism
by Patsy Grubb
Metabolism is an interesting phenomena.
The human body requires that in order to have a healthy metabolism it must consume healthy food often. When our consumption of food is irregular our metabolism slows down causing it to be ineffective. When we fail to eat, as in a fast, within a short time, usually around the third day we cease to be hungry .When we starve our bodies of nutrients for a prolonged period of time our appetite becomes non - existent and our bodies cease to function effectively. The body goes into survival mode and begins to break down the storehouse of nutrients within, which in turn robs us of valuable muscle and protein. If this continues our muscle begins to waste and our internal organs and even our brain are affected in their ability to function effectively. Sustained deprivation of food of course ultimately leads to death. On the other hand when we eat small healthy regular meals our metabolism speeds up and we become extremely efficient at processing food to create energy. Our appetite increases as do our energy levels, we burn excess fat, our internal organs work more efficiently and our thought processes are clearer. We eliminate waste more efficiently and generally enjoy improved health and lifestyle.
As it is in the natural so it is in the spiritual.
When we consume good healthy teaching/preaching/prophecy our appetite is stimulated and increased and we find we are hungry for more. As we spend time in God’s presence and in His word we become hungrier, healthier and more efficient and effective. Waste /rubbish is dealt with more efficiently and processed and eliminated faster. The areas in which we have been depleted are strengthened, built up and balance is restored. Our thought processes are changed and we think clearer and discern more effectively. Similarly when we starve ourselves of healthy balanced spiritual food, we soon lose our appetite, we become sluggish and ineffective and our inner storehouse begins to be depleted resulting in us losing spiritual muscle mass and if sustained for long enough this can result in spiritual death.
Just as the human body is composed of large amounts of protein and water, and in turn cannot survive or function properly without these 2 components in its dietary intake, the spirit also needs a healthy balance of the Word of God and the Spirit of God in order to survive and indeed thrive.
So if you are finding that your appetite has been suppressed, if you are simply not as hungry as you would like to be or once were, if you are feeling weak or depleted , be encouraged to look at your spiritual dietary intake and partake of small balanced meals OFTEN until your hunger returns and increases . If you persist your hunger will return and then once more you will find that you can freely feast …………The Lord has set a banqueting table before us ……….we simply need to come.
Psalm 34:8, ‘Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him’.
Metabolism is an interesting phenomena.
The human body requires that in order to have a healthy metabolism it must consume healthy food often. When our consumption of food is irregular our metabolism slows down causing it to be ineffective. When we fail to eat, as in a fast, within a short time, usually around the third day we cease to be hungry .When we starve our bodies of nutrients for a prolonged period of time our appetite becomes non - existent and our bodies cease to function effectively. The body goes into survival mode and begins to break down the storehouse of nutrients within, which in turn robs us of valuable muscle and protein. If this continues our muscle begins to waste and our internal organs and even our brain are affected in their ability to function effectively. Sustained deprivation of food of course ultimately leads to death. On the other hand when we eat small healthy regular meals our metabolism speeds up and we become extremely efficient at processing food to create energy. Our appetite increases as do our energy levels, we burn excess fat, our internal organs work more efficiently and our thought processes are clearer. We eliminate waste more efficiently and generally enjoy improved health and lifestyle.
As it is in the natural so it is in the spiritual.
When we consume good healthy teaching/preaching/prophecy our appetite is stimulated and increased and we find we are hungry for more. As we spend time in God’s presence and in His word we become hungrier, healthier and more efficient and effective. Waste /rubbish is dealt with more efficiently and processed and eliminated faster. The areas in which we have been depleted are strengthened, built up and balance is restored. Our thought processes are changed and we think clearer and discern more effectively. Similarly when we starve ourselves of healthy balanced spiritual food, we soon lose our appetite, we become sluggish and ineffective and our inner storehouse begins to be depleted resulting in us losing spiritual muscle mass and if sustained for long enough this can result in spiritual death.
Just as the human body is composed of large amounts of protein and water, and in turn cannot survive or function properly without these 2 components in its dietary intake, the spirit also needs a healthy balance of the Word of God and the Spirit of God in order to survive and indeed thrive.
So if you are finding that your appetite has been suppressed, if you are simply not as hungry as you would like to be or once were, if you are feeling weak or depleted , be encouraged to look at your spiritual dietary intake and partake of small balanced meals OFTEN until your hunger returns and increases . If you persist your hunger will return and then once more you will find that you can freely feast …………The Lord has set a banqueting table before us ……….we simply need to come.
Psalm 34:8, ‘Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him’.
Australia’s Federal Election
by Toni Gordon
Australia’s Federal Election
Christians unite - in prayer and fasting. What type of Prayer? Prayer where we are quiet before God and ask God what He wants in the Federal Election. Not prayers telling God who we think/believe should be in government or how God should act.
Time is short. Do we as a nation want what God wants. If so, what are we prepared to do about it?
IT IS TIME FOR ACTION - GET ON OUR KNEES, AUSTRALIA. REPENT FOR OUR ARROGANCE, PRIDE, APATHY AND WANTING OUR OWN SELFISH WAYS.
Seek God and His Will for Australia while there is still time.
God says, “Seek Me and know what My Will is for Australia in this crucial time.”
Challenge: How will you handle it if God asks you to vote in a different way to what you have voted in the past? Are you going to vote as God has instructed you to? Or are you going to stay with your tradition (the way you have always voted or the way your family has always voted or the way a leader is telling you to vote).
Have you sought what GOD wants for Australia and who HE wants in power? Have you asked Him what He wants. This cannot be emphasised enough – God wants what He wants and always has. Are we going to be His Hands here on this earth to do His will. Walk into the polling place and mark with your hand the one/s He has instructed you to vote for.
Christians - it is time for you to get involved in what is happening in Australian politics. If we cry out to God after the election, He will ask us, “Did you seek My counsel on the elections before the day and did you do what I asked You to do?”
Christian you can hear from God for yourself. You are responsible before God to ask Him who He (God) wants you to vote for and THEN DO IT.
I WANT THE GOVERNMENT THAT GOD WANTS FOR AUSTRALIA! DO YOU?
It is not time to sit back and say, “I’ll just see what happens in the elections or I will leave the praying to someone else.”
God is asking you to be part of what is going to happen in this Federal election on 21 August 2010.
Australia’s Federal Election
Christians unite - in prayer and fasting. What type of Prayer? Prayer where we are quiet before God and ask God what He wants in the Federal Election. Not prayers telling God who we think/believe should be in government or how God should act.
Time is short. Do we as a nation want what God wants. If so, what are we prepared to do about it?
IT IS TIME FOR ACTION - GET ON OUR KNEES, AUSTRALIA. REPENT FOR OUR ARROGANCE, PRIDE, APATHY AND WANTING OUR OWN SELFISH WAYS.
Seek God and His Will for Australia while there is still time.
God says, “Seek Me and know what My Will is for Australia in this crucial time.”
Challenge: How will you handle it if God asks you to vote in a different way to what you have voted in the past? Are you going to vote as God has instructed you to? Or are you going to stay with your tradition (the way you have always voted or the way your family has always voted or the way a leader is telling you to vote).
Have you sought what GOD wants for Australia and who HE wants in power? Have you asked Him what He wants. This cannot be emphasised enough – God wants what He wants and always has. Are we going to be His Hands here on this earth to do His will. Walk into the polling place and mark with your hand the one/s He has instructed you to vote for.
Christians - it is time for you to get involved in what is happening in Australian politics. If we cry out to God after the election, He will ask us, “Did you seek My counsel on the elections before the day and did you do what I asked You to do?”
Christian you can hear from God for yourself. You are responsible before God to ask Him who He (God) wants you to vote for and THEN DO IT.
I WANT THE GOVERNMENT THAT GOD WANTS FOR AUSTRALIA! DO YOU?
It is not time to sit back and say, “I’ll just see what happens in the elections or I will leave the praying to someone else.”
God is asking you to be part of what is going to happen in this Federal election on 21 August 2010.
We’ll Get The Government The Church Deserves
by Glenice Mills
‘We’ll get the government the church deserves.’ What a statement. The other night the Lord spoke this to me. At first I thought it was my own thoughts but soon realised it was the Lord. The tone was firm and commanding. He got my attention! Such was His concern! He was concerned about the state of the church here in Australia and the consequences to this nation. We are in God’s prophetic timetable and there are some things that will happen whether we like it or not, as this is about His kingdom purposes coming here on earth, ushering in the Lord’s return. Some things will happen that we as Christians will have to ride through and it would be naïve of us to think that we will by-pass every negative thing that is going to happen here in Australia and the world in coming days and times.
For too long we Christians have been lulled into a complacent false peace and rest because a people pleasing, user friendly, watered down version of the Word that has been preached. There has been a false evangelistic message preached that says ‘come to the Lord and your life will go well from then on.’ There is next to no talk or preaching about sin, and the consequences of sin. Sin in the church is not confronted, instead a blind eye is turned. The reality is: there is a battle we all face in different areas of our lives that we need to learn to over come in. There must be a deeper knowledge and revelation of the character and ways of God as we grow up into Him. There is an appeasing gospel being preached that keeps God’s people stuck in immaturity. Unfortunately it renders them ineffective and unable to stand when the storms of life come.
So what is happening in the church that is also taking place in our government?
Those in authority positions MUST lead. That can mean a losing of one’s reputation and the ire of those to whom the leader must lead. What is more important: reputation or popularity? That is the crux of the matter in both government and church leadership. The truth is a leader cannot and MUST not be all things to all people. It will result in compromise. In the end there will be a dishonouring and irreverence of the leader, resulting in a take over by someone who appeals to the status quo. There is a line a leader must not cross: Will you bow to the demands of the people or risk unpopularity for making the tough decisions? A true leader will die to their reputation and embrace what they believe and stand for. This requirement is even more so for a church leader who has the Word of God to teach and guide them as to the right and wrong things to do. A leader must STAND FOR something or fall for everything. That is why we must pray for those in positions of authority such as government and church.
The government of Australia, all sides of politics, have a dangerous thinking. The position of parliamentary representatives is a serious position, one that the people expect to be treated with respect. The people need to know that their elected representatives are looking out for their best interests. Unfortunately this does not always happen and it is breeding a discontent and cynicism of those that we should in fact think highly of because of the position they hold. It is in fact a servanthood position of the highest order. Unfortunately the revelation of this is generally lacking. Pride because of the position takes root and blinds them to seeing what really are the issues and concerns of the people.
Replacing leaders is not like replacing a coach when a football team loses a few games. However, there is the same thinking: that a leader is somehow disposable if they don’t reach an expectation put on them by the people. This is how both politicians and church leaders succumb to people pleasing, thereby compromising what they stand for. Popularity polls are not a good way to gauge whether a person is doing a good job leading a nation as people are fickle. The reality is people love the good times and the good things that come because of it, but opinions quickly turn if there are bad things happening and people‘s self interests are not being met. It is a sad indictment on us that we are shown to be this shallow, though sadly I think most of us are. We are selfish in our motives and only see things as to how they affect us. As Christians we should be rising above this thinking, instead we bow to the general consensus of opinion out there. If we are to be the salt and the light in a world of darkness perhaps we need to see things differently. It is about the bigger picture, what the Lord wants for this nation at this time, and where we can best play our part as watchmen and being a voice at this pivotal time in history.
In the past three years we have had five leadership takeovers if you count the leaders of the opposition. This is concerning. We can say to ourselves what’s the big deal however it is a warning as shown in Scripture. Leadership is about maintaining stability whether that be church or in a nation. If there is instability among the key leaders of a nation it is a sign that some things are very amiss. Often where there are many leaders it means sin is a reason for this.
Proverbs 28:2, ‘When a land transgresses, it has many rulers, but when the ruler is a man of discernment, understanding, and knowledge, its stability will long continue’.
We see an example of this throughout the Books of 1 Kings and 2 Kings where if the people were doing what was right before the Lord there was a righteous king governing, and where there was disobedience and the breaking of God’s covenant unrighteous kings led.
It is no different today. God’s principles still apply. The church of Australia must ask whether they are walking righteously before the Lord?
We will get the government the church deserves. It is a righteousness issue.
It always was and will continue to be, however the onus is on us to individually and corporately repent where we have chosen ways that grieve the heart of God. The church likes to quote 2 Chronicles 7:14 as the verse for praying for a nation. However if you take a deep look at what this verse is truly saying we must first examine it. The first statement of this verse: If My people, who are called by My name, is a challenge in itself. Are we truly God’s people for if we were we would be different, we would be a people of influence and would stand out as having and being light in this world. Perhaps we need to ask the question: what is required to be My people, true people of God? What is required to be a people called by His name? This is about belonging to Him, being His disciple, and walking in obedience to all the Lord requires. Are church leaders in this nation walking in true obedience and teaching, training and equipping the saints to come into their destiny in Christ? Are they allowing the Holy Spirit to have His way in church meetings so that breakthrough can come into people’s lives and for this nation. Is the individual aspect of God in and through His people able to be expressed so the fullness of Christ can be released? Are the people being trained and positioned so the Kingdom of God can be advanced here on earth at this time in history? Is the church here in Australia a force to be reckoned with, with a voice speaking out what is right and true or are we rightly deserving of the mocking and ridicule that seems to be pervading all aspects of society here?
How can we be a voice of influence when we are impotent to even helping our own people because we don’t truly believe and embrace the power and authority of Jesus Christ and the gifts - both motivational and ascension gifts - that He wants to release to His church?
We see bickering, backbiting, slander, gossip and contention being shown by our government representatives. Is this not how the church also behaves? Our behaviour must be exemplary if we are to be respected and have standing in the community.
The church has lost its way but the good news is it can come back on course.
Things can change and it starts with us individually to examine our own hearts and ask the Lord to show us where our lives do not line up with the Word of God.
The church can no longer stay asleep and continue bowing to an appeasing gospel, shutting its eyes to blatant and hidden sin. This means confronting sin not talked about such as sexual sin, dishonesty, and prejudices. Unless and until true honesty and the truth of the Word of God is preached, and repentance as a part of church life we will continue to be dissatisfied with our parliamentary leaders and the laws they pass. This word is not a judgment or criticism of the church but rather a challenge to stir up the church so it can be positioned, respected, acknowledged and honoured as the influence in this dark world that it was always meant to be.
It is time to arise, to influence and to be the hope that the Lord shed His blood for: that is His church, His body of believers who have the answer to a dying world. We need God’s grace and His mercy like never before, and this is a rallying call while we can still speak publicly and through the website, before evil increases in this land and we won’t have a voice anymore.
We must speak now before it is too late!!!
‘We’ll get the government the church deserves.’ What a statement. The other night the Lord spoke this to me. At first I thought it was my own thoughts but soon realised it was the Lord. The tone was firm and commanding. He got my attention! Such was His concern! He was concerned about the state of the church here in Australia and the consequences to this nation. We are in God’s prophetic timetable and there are some things that will happen whether we like it or not, as this is about His kingdom purposes coming here on earth, ushering in the Lord’s return. Some things will happen that we as Christians will have to ride through and it would be naïve of us to think that we will by-pass every negative thing that is going to happen here in Australia and the world in coming days and times.
For too long we Christians have been lulled into a complacent false peace and rest because a people pleasing, user friendly, watered down version of the Word that has been preached. There has been a false evangelistic message preached that says ‘come to the Lord and your life will go well from then on.’ There is next to no talk or preaching about sin, and the consequences of sin. Sin in the church is not confronted, instead a blind eye is turned. The reality is: there is a battle we all face in different areas of our lives that we need to learn to over come in. There must be a deeper knowledge and revelation of the character and ways of God as we grow up into Him. There is an appeasing gospel being preached that keeps God’s people stuck in immaturity. Unfortunately it renders them ineffective and unable to stand when the storms of life come.
So what is happening in the church that is also taking place in our government?
Those in authority positions MUST lead. That can mean a losing of one’s reputation and the ire of those to whom the leader must lead. What is more important: reputation or popularity? That is the crux of the matter in both government and church leadership. The truth is a leader cannot and MUST not be all things to all people. It will result in compromise. In the end there will be a dishonouring and irreverence of the leader, resulting in a take over by someone who appeals to the status quo. There is a line a leader must not cross: Will you bow to the demands of the people or risk unpopularity for making the tough decisions? A true leader will die to their reputation and embrace what they believe and stand for. This requirement is even more so for a church leader who has the Word of God to teach and guide them as to the right and wrong things to do. A leader must STAND FOR something or fall for everything. That is why we must pray for those in positions of authority such as government and church.
The government of Australia, all sides of politics, have a dangerous thinking. The position of parliamentary representatives is a serious position, one that the people expect to be treated with respect. The people need to know that their elected representatives are looking out for their best interests. Unfortunately this does not always happen and it is breeding a discontent and cynicism of those that we should in fact think highly of because of the position they hold. It is in fact a servanthood position of the highest order. Unfortunately the revelation of this is generally lacking. Pride because of the position takes root and blinds them to seeing what really are the issues and concerns of the people.
Replacing leaders is not like replacing a coach when a football team loses a few games. However, there is the same thinking: that a leader is somehow disposable if they don’t reach an expectation put on them by the people. This is how both politicians and church leaders succumb to people pleasing, thereby compromising what they stand for. Popularity polls are not a good way to gauge whether a person is doing a good job leading a nation as people are fickle. The reality is people love the good times and the good things that come because of it, but opinions quickly turn if there are bad things happening and people‘s self interests are not being met. It is a sad indictment on us that we are shown to be this shallow, though sadly I think most of us are. We are selfish in our motives and only see things as to how they affect us. As Christians we should be rising above this thinking, instead we bow to the general consensus of opinion out there. If we are to be the salt and the light in a world of darkness perhaps we need to see things differently. It is about the bigger picture, what the Lord wants for this nation at this time, and where we can best play our part as watchmen and being a voice at this pivotal time in history.
In the past three years we have had five leadership takeovers if you count the leaders of the opposition. This is concerning. We can say to ourselves what’s the big deal however it is a warning as shown in Scripture. Leadership is about maintaining stability whether that be church or in a nation. If there is instability among the key leaders of a nation it is a sign that some things are very amiss. Often where there are many leaders it means sin is a reason for this.
Proverbs 28:2, ‘When a land transgresses, it has many rulers, but when the ruler is a man of discernment, understanding, and knowledge, its stability will long continue’.
We see an example of this throughout the Books of 1 Kings and 2 Kings where if the people were doing what was right before the Lord there was a righteous king governing, and where there was disobedience and the breaking of God’s covenant unrighteous kings led.
It is no different today. God’s principles still apply. The church of Australia must ask whether they are walking righteously before the Lord?
We will get the government the church deserves. It is a righteousness issue.
It always was and will continue to be, however the onus is on us to individually and corporately repent where we have chosen ways that grieve the heart of God. The church likes to quote 2 Chronicles 7:14 as the verse for praying for a nation. However if you take a deep look at what this verse is truly saying we must first examine it. The first statement of this verse: If My people, who are called by My name, is a challenge in itself. Are we truly God’s people for if we were we would be different, we would be a people of influence and would stand out as having and being light in this world. Perhaps we need to ask the question: what is required to be My people, true people of God? What is required to be a people called by His name? This is about belonging to Him, being His disciple, and walking in obedience to all the Lord requires. Are church leaders in this nation walking in true obedience and teaching, training and equipping the saints to come into their destiny in Christ? Are they allowing the Holy Spirit to have His way in church meetings so that breakthrough can come into people’s lives and for this nation. Is the individual aspect of God in and through His people able to be expressed so the fullness of Christ can be released? Are the people being trained and positioned so the Kingdom of God can be advanced here on earth at this time in history? Is the church here in Australia a force to be reckoned with, with a voice speaking out what is right and true or are we rightly deserving of the mocking and ridicule that seems to be pervading all aspects of society here?
How can we be a voice of influence when we are impotent to even helping our own people because we don’t truly believe and embrace the power and authority of Jesus Christ and the gifts - both motivational and ascension gifts - that He wants to release to His church?
We see bickering, backbiting, slander, gossip and contention being shown by our government representatives. Is this not how the church also behaves? Our behaviour must be exemplary if we are to be respected and have standing in the community.
The church has lost its way but the good news is it can come back on course.
Things can change and it starts with us individually to examine our own hearts and ask the Lord to show us where our lives do not line up with the Word of God.
The church can no longer stay asleep and continue bowing to an appeasing gospel, shutting its eyes to blatant and hidden sin. This means confronting sin not talked about such as sexual sin, dishonesty, and prejudices. Unless and until true honesty and the truth of the Word of God is preached, and repentance as a part of church life we will continue to be dissatisfied with our parliamentary leaders and the laws they pass. This word is not a judgment or criticism of the church but rather a challenge to stir up the church so it can be positioned, respected, acknowledged and honoured as the influence in this dark world that it was always meant to be.
It is time to arise, to influence and to be the hope that the Lord shed His blood for: that is His church, His body of believers who have the answer to a dying world. We need God’s grace and His mercy like never before, and this is a rallying call while we can still speak publicly and through the website, before evil increases in this land and we won’t have a voice anymore.
We must speak now before it is too late!!!
The Law of Accumulation
by Patsy Grubb
The law of accumulation.
Accumulation can both advantage and disadvantage us throughout life. Over time cents become dollars, raindrops become dams, seconds become hours, hurts become wounds, grams become kilos, habits become addictions. We are by nature creatures of habit .We rarely if ever do things only once.
Satan in his quest to destroy us does not always attack with one huge onslaught but rather he uses our human nature against us and to his advantage. The attack can be very subtle and yet very effective and debilitating. Often we are unaware of our wounding, deception, etc until we are in the critical stages and we are fighting for our lives (spiritually and/or physically). For example, cancer does not usually result from a one- time exposure to a toxin but rather to repeated exposures. Emphysema is generally not the result of one cigarette but rather sustained exposure to an irritant. Obesity is not the result of one bout of overeating but rather the result of sustained surplus intake of food. Often these conditions are not realised until they are at a critical stage.
As it is in the physical so it is in the spiritual.
Deception is not the result of exposure to one falsity but rather to extended exposure to the false and /or sustained absence from the truth. Hardness of heart is not the result of one offence but rather to self protecting from regular wounds, offences, bitterness etc. We are by nature creatures of habit. Our habits if they remain unchecked have the potential to lead to our demise.
Equally if we have positive habits they also have the potential to lead to our success.
If we save small amounts on a regular basis we will have a financial storehouse. Should we exercise on a regular basis we will have increased physical well being. If we regularly examine our lifestyle we can avert health risks etc. If we regularly expose and submit ourselves to the truth we will avoid deception. If we regularly engage in true fellowship within God given relationships we will avoid isolation. If we engage in regular fellowship with God and have a truly repentant spirit we will avoid hardness of heart. If we regularly submit ourselves to the process of having God search our hearts and motives we will avoid pride.
If one dollar a day was saved in a year it would become three hundred and sixty five dollars available to be drawn on in times of need, If one scripture a day was read and meditated on in one year that would be three hundred and sixty five scriptures within one’s being to draw on in times of need, etc, etc. If we are diligent and disciplined we can achieve much with little because what we sow will accumulate whether it be positive or negative. We need to examine what it is we have allowed to accumulate in our lives and similarly what it is we need to accumulate in our lives. Great things can come from small beginnings. Remember the mustard seed …..?
The law of accumulation.
Accumulation can both advantage and disadvantage us throughout life. Over time cents become dollars, raindrops become dams, seconds become hours, hurts become wounds, grams become kilos, habits become addictions. We are by nature creatures of habit .We rarely if ever do things only once.
Satan in his quest to destroy us does not always attack with one huge onslaught but rather he uses our human nature against us and to his advantage. The attack can be very subtle and yet very effective and debilitating. Often we are unaware of our wounding, deception, etc until we are in the critical stages and we are fighting for our lives (spiritually and/or physically). For example, cancer does not usually result from a one- time exposure to a toxin but rather to repeated exposures. Emphysema is generally not the result of one cigarette but rather sustained exposure to an irritant. Obesity is not the result of one bout of overeating but rather the result of sustained surplus intake of food. Often these conditions are not realised until they are at a critical stage.
As it is in the physical so it is in the spiritual.
Deception is not the result of exposure to one falsity but rather to extended exposure to the false and /or sustained absence from the truth. Hardness of heart is not the result of one offence but rather to self protecting from regular wounds, offences, bitterness etc. We are by nature creatures of habit. Our habits if they remain unchecked have the potential to lead to our demise.
Equally if we have positive habits they also have the potential to lead to our success.
If we save small amounts on a regular basis we will have a financial storehouse. Should we exercise on a regular basis we will have increased physical well being. If we regularly examine our lifestyle we can avert health risks etc. If we regularly expose and submit ourselves to the truth we will avoid deception. If we regularly engage in true fellowship within God given relationships we will avoid isolation. If we engage in regular fellowship with God and have a truly repentant spirit we will avoid hardness of heart. If we regularly submit ourselves to the process of having God search our hearts and motives we will avoid pride.
If one dollar a day was saved in a year it would become three hundred and sixty five dollars available to be drawn on in times of need, If one scripture a day was read and meditated on in one year that would be three hundred and sixty five scriptures within one’s being to draw on in times of need, etc, etc. If we are diligent and disciplined we can achieve much with little because what we sow will accumulate whether it be positive or negative. We need to examine what it is we have allowed to accumulate in our lives and similarly what it is we need to accumulate in our lives. Great things can come from small beginnings. Remember the mustard seed …..?
Thursday, 15 July 2010
If?
by Glenice Mills
If? What a powerful little word!!! Think about it. IF? IF? IF?
It’s a word that hangs out there. It is a word that defines a line. A line in the sand that actually says will you or won’t you? The Word of God comes with conditions and this is a time of, ‘Will you come up to living your lives abiding by the conditions in My word or will you continue to do your own thing’. Every day we have choices. Not one of us can say we have it altogether. We all have areas in our lives that are not yielded to the Lord yet. The question is: are we prepared to have a look at the area/s that the Lord is wanting to highlight in our lives at this time? We are all at defining times right now, particularly as to whether the Lord is able to use us and to the degree that he can entrust us with His anointing and with the gifts He has given us. For too long His name has been bought into disrepute by what appeared as well meaning, anointed ministers of the gospel. However, times are changing and there is a higher demand being placed upon all at this time. What we had got away with before is no longer acceptable. The bar has been raised higher, because the Lord is wanting to release His kingdom here on earth at a greater level. He can only use ones that have stood the tests of time, have not wavered to compromise and have held onto Him even when things seemed impossible. To whom much is given much is required. We dare not squander what the Lord has given us individually or corporately. Sadly there has been much that has been squandered, that is, spent wastefully, without achieving what it was meant to because of immaturity and lack of the true fear of the Lord. We have got away with much, and now is a time of restraining, of pulling us in tight, so we don’t run off amiss. Perhaps it could best be described as coming into greater maturity. Toddler like behaviour - throwing tantrums when things don’t go our way, sulking, saying “No” every time we don’t want to do something required of us, can no longer be accepted as a right way of behaving. Our no is a bit more sophisticated as adults and manifests in different ways, however it is rebellion. Perhaps it can best be spoken in the following Scripture.
James 4:17 - Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.
God has requirements for righteous living and the Bible is our instruction manual for helping us to learn of the ways of God and how to put into action those requirements.
There are some key Scriptures that focus on what the Lord is requiring of us at this time. It is the Holy Spirit that convicts, however, the Lord is looking for a people who are willing to go deeper with Him and are prepared to allow the Holy Spirit to show us our deep and hidden sin. This means it will get ugly, and the Lord will bring situations across our paths that will challenge us in the areas He is wanting to reveal and bring to the light. For too long sin has been seen as a shameful thing, best kept hidden and brushed under the carpet. In the general church it is a subject that is rarely spoken of, but it is the Truth, and IF we are going to move forward as a mighty army our sinful nature must be confronted, confessed and change made in our personal choices.
Following are some key Scriptures the Lord is wanting to highlight at this time, dealing with particular areas.
1. FORGIVENESS:
Matthew 6:14,15 - “For IF you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. BUT IF you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Wow, what a word!! In other words, if you choose to hold onto offence and unforgiveness the Father cannot forgive you. That is the condition. To the degree that we hold onto any grievance against another, any resentment, bitterness, and offence, that will be the degree that the Lord cannot allow His grace to come and bring his forgiveness. Our grievance may be right, we may have been seriously wronged by someone but that does not make it an excuse for staying in our sin and unforgiveness.
That is a serious thing. So who in your life are you still holding onto offence and unforgiveness that the Lord is highlighting at this time? Do you want to be right and get even with the person or do you want to forgive them and release them to the Lord?
The choice is yours! IF?
2. ARE YOU LISTENING?
Jeremiah 26:4-6 - And you shall say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord: “IF you will not listen to Me, to walk in My law which I have set before you, to heed the words of My servants the prophets whom I sent to you, both rising up early and sending them (but you have not heeded), then I will make this house like Shiloh, and will make this city a curse to all the nations of the earth.”
We have a responsibility to listen to what the prophets are saying and to heed what is being said. We are without excuse. We are spoilt in these days and times for we are in danger of being fat, fat from hearing the word, but not so active in doing the word.
When a prophet speaks, it is not to tickle your ears. It is God speaking and in the fear of the Lord we need to do what is required. We dare not take the word of the Lord for granted for we have a responsibility to put into place what is asked of us. I don’t know about you, but I want the Lord’s blessings, not His curses. I don’t want to become deceived, thinking I know everything and am above correction and discipline. I want to come into all He plans for my life. Time is short and the choice is: do we want to muck around playing games with God or do we want to get serious and address the areas in our lives not yet yielded to Him?
The choice is yours: IF?
3. FAITH:
Matthew 21: 21, 22 - So Jesus answered and said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you, IF you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but also IF you say to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ it will be done.
And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.”
This is a big one. The Lord is dealing with our unbelief and doubt at this time. IF we are going to be a courageous army standing for what is right and true we must know our Lord with such a depth that no matter what assails us we will stand strong.
That is the challenge. The Lord knows the areas we struggle in with our faith and He individually hit’s the mark to bring up the areas of unbelief. This is exciting as it brings opportunity for us to arise and make a stand in God, to not bow to fear and unbelief but to see the hand of God move to bring about His plans. IF we are faithful to trust Him with what is beyond what we know or can do. Are you willing to go beyond what is comfortable trusting Him with all concerning your life?
The choice is yours. IF?
4. THE SABBATH:
Jeremiah 17: 21 - 23, 27 - Thus says the Lord: “Take heed to yourselves, and bear no burden on the Sabbath day, nor bring it in by the gates of Jerusalem; nor carry a burden out of your houses on the Sabbath day, nor do any work, but hallow the Sabbath day, as I commanded your fathers. But they did not obey nor incline their ear, but made their neck stiff, that they might not hear nor receive instruction.
But IF you will not heed me to hallow the Sabbath day, such as not carrying a burden when entering the gates of Jerusalem on the Sabbath day, then I will kindle a fire in its gates, and it shall devour the palaces of Jerusalem, and it shall not be quenched.”
We see clearly, there will be a consequence IF we do not keep the Sabbath’s requirements, such as not working. It is a holy day, a day set apart to the Lord. Are we obedient to set the day apart or do we compromise His day by getting caught up in the subtle things that would derail this day from being His. Does our focus go away from Him to the concerns of this world and the everyday traps that would lead us astray? It is interesting to note that those who do not obey become stiff necked and do not hear or receive instruction. That is serious. Deception will come and we will be blinded to truth. Will you keep the Sabbath a Holy day dedicated wholly to the Lord?
The choice is yours. IF?
5. WALKING IN THE LIGHT:
1 John 5 - 7 - ‘This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. IF we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But IF we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin.‘
This is about our relationship with the Lord. When we blatantly make wrong choices choosing darkness rather than light that impacts and has a flow on effect on our relationship with the Lord and with each other. There is a clear distinction between darkness and light, there is no grey shaded areas. For too long we have muddied what should be a pure stream of living water by compromising the Word of God and preaching an appeasing gospel that waters down sinful behaviour. So what area in your life are you compromising the Word of God, trying to justify or deny sin in your life? Are you prepared to have the light of God shine into your heart and have the impure motives, the hidden sin be exposed, so light can shine in at a deeper level? There is a condition. Darkness or light?
The choice is yours. IF?
6. OBEDIENCE:
1 Samuel 12:14 -16 - ‘IF you fear the Lord and serve Him and obey His voice, and do not rebel against the commandment of the Lord, then both you and the king who reigns over you will continue following the Lord your God. However, IF you do not obey the voice of the Lord, but rebel against the commandment of the Lord, then the hand of the Lord will be against you, as it was against your fathers.‘
Walking in the fear the Lord is an everyday choice. It is how we live our lives, so aware we do not grieve the heart of God by deliberately going against what He requires. Often our actions show complete contempt of walking in the ways of the Lord as we open doors to the enemy by the choices we make. To obey means to do what one is told to do. That is not doing half measures, not doing enough to just get by, not being half hearted in our actions or just getting by. It does not mean we twist what we have been instructed by doing something the way we think because it seems the better way in our eyes. It means following instructions, whether by obeying the Word of God, or by obeying an instruction given to us by someone in authority, such as a church leader or someone who speaks into our lives with the greatest detail. It is pride if we think we know more than God because disobedience is actually saying my way is a better way than the Lord’s, I can do my own thing because God does not know what He is doing.
So it is with whoever instructs certain things into your life, whether that be someone in authority in the church or out in the workplace. Do you want the hand of God to be against you because you think you can do things a better way than God? There will be consequences to the choices you make - good or bad. It come down to one word with a condition attached to it. IF?
Will you come into all the Lord has for you and give up those things that entangle you and hold you in bondage or will you choose your own way?
The choice is yours. IF?
If? What a powerful little word!!! Think about it. IF? IF? IF?
It’s a word that hangs out there. It is a word that defines a line. A line in the sand that actually says will you or won’t you? The Word of God comes with conditions and this is a time of, ‘Will you come up to living your lives abiding by the conditions in My word or will you continue to do your own thing’. Every day we have choices. Not one of us can say we have it altogether. We all have areas in our lives that are not yielded to the Lord yet. The question is: are we prepared to have a look at the area/s that the Lord is wanting to highlight in our lives at this time? We are all at defining times right now, particularly as to whether the Lord is able to use us and to the degree that he can entrust us with His anointing and with the gifts He has given us. For too long His name has been bought into disrepute by what appeared as well meaning, anointed ministers of the gospel. However, times are changing and there is a higher demand being placed upon all at this time. What we had got away with before is no longer acceptable. The bar has been raised higher, because the Lord is wanting to release His kingdom here on earth at a greater level. He can only use ones that have stood the tests of time, have not wavered to compromise and have held onto Him even when things seemed impossible. To whom much is given much is required. We dare not squander what the Lord has given us individually or corporately. Sadly there has been much that has been squandered, that is, spent wastefully, without achieving what it was meant to because of immaturity and lack of the true fear of the Lord. We have got away with much, and now is a time of restraining, of pulling us in tight, so we don’t run off amiss. Perhaps it could best be described as coming into greater maturity. Toddler like behaviour - throwing tantrums when things don’t go our way, sulking, saying “No” every time we don’t want to do something required of us, can no longer be accepted as a right way of behaving. Our no is a bit more sophisticated as adults and manifests in different ways, however it is rebellion. Perhaps it can best be spoken in the following Scripture.
James 4:17 - Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.
God has requirements for righteous living and the Bible is our instruction manual for helping us to learn of the ways of God and how to put into action those requirements.
There are some key Scriptures that focus on what the Lord is requiring of us at this time. It is the Holy Spirit that convicts, however, the Lord is looking for a people who are willing to go deeper with Him and are prepared to allow the Holy Spirit to show us our deep and hidden sin. This means it will get ugly, and the Lord will bring situations across our paths that will challenge us in the areas He is wanting to reveal and bring to the light. For too long sin has been seen as a shameful thing, best kept hidden and brushed under the carpet. In the general church it is a subject that is rarely spoken of, but it is the Truth, and IF we are going to move forward as a mighty army our sinful nature must be confronted, confessed and change made in our personal choices.
Following are some key Scriptures the Lord is wanting to highlight at this time, dealing with particular areas.
1. FORGIVENESS:
Matthew 6:14,15 - “For IF you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. BUT IF you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Wow, what a word!! In other words, if you choose to hold onto offence and unforgiveness the Father cannot forgive you. That is the condition. To the degree that we hold onto any grievance against another, any resentment, bitterness, and offence, that will be the degree that the Lord cannot allow His grace to come and bring his forgiveness. Our grievance may be right, we may have been seriously wronged by someone but that does not make it an excuse for staying in our sin and unforgiveness.
That is a serious thing. So who in your life are you still holding onto offence and unforgiveness that the Lord is highlighting at this time? Do you want to be right and get even with the person or do you want to forgive them and release them to the Lord?
The choice is yours! IF?
2. ARE YOU LISTENING?
Jeremiah 26:4-6 - And you shall say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord: “IF you will not listen to Me, to walk in My law which I have set before you, to heed the words of My servants the prophets whom I sent to you, both rising up early and sending them (but you have not heeded), then I will make this house like Shiloh, and will make this city a curse to all the nations of the earth.”
We have a responsibility to listen to what the prophets are saying and to heed what is being said. We are without excuse. We are spoilt in these days and times for we are in danger of being fat, fat from hearing the word, but not so active in doing the word.
When a prophet speaks, it is not to tickle your ears. It is God speaking and in the fear of the Lord we need to do what is required. We dare not take the word of the Lord for granted for we have a responsibility to put into place what is asked of us. I don’t know about you, but I want the Lord’s blessings, not His curses. I don’t want to become deceived, thinking I know everything and am above correction and discipline. I want to come into all He plans for my life. Time is short and the choice is: do we want to muck around playing games with God or do we want to get serious and address the areas in our lives not yet yielded to Him?
The choice is yours: IF?
3. FAITH:
Matthew 21: 21, 22 - So Jesus answered and said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you, IF you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but also IF you say to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ it will be done.
And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.”
This is a big one. The Lord is dealing with our unbelief and doubt at this time. IF we are going to be a courageous army standing for what is right and true we must know our Lord with such a depth that no matter what assails us we will stand strong.
That is the challenge. The Lord knows the areas we struggle in with our faith and He individually hit’s the mark to bring up the areas of unbelief. This is exciting as it brings opportunity for us to arise and make a stand in God, to not bow to fear and unbelief but to see the hand of God move to bring about His plans. IF we are faithful to trust Him with what is beyond what we know or can do. Are you willing to go beyond what is comfortable trusting Him with all concerning your life?
The choice is yours. IF?
4. THE SABBATH:
Jeremiah 17: 21 - 23, 27 - Thus says the Lord: “Take heed to yourselves, and bear no burden on the Sabbath day, nor bring it in by the gates of Jerusalem; nor carry a burden out of your houses on the Sabbath day, nor do any work, but hallow the Sabbath day, as I commanded your fathers. But they did not obey nor incline their ear, but made their neck stiff, that they might not hear nor receive instruction.
But IF you will not heed me to hallow the Sabbath day, such as not carrying a burden when entering the gates of Jerusalem on the Sabbath day, then I will kindle a fire in its gates, and it shall devour the palaces of Jerusalem, and it shall not be quenched.”
We see clearly, there will be a consequence IF we do not keep the Sabbath’s requirements, such as not working. It is a holy day, a day set apart to the Lord. Are we obedient to set the day apart or do we compromise His day by getting caught up in the subtle things that would derail this day from being His. Does our focus go away from Him to the concerns of this world and the everyday traps that would lead us astray? It is interesting to note that those who do not obey become stiff necked and do not hear or receive instruction. That is serious. Deception will come and we will be blinded to truth. Will you keep the Sabbath a Holy day dedicated wholly to the Lord?
The choice is yours. IF?
5. WALKING IN THE LIGHT:
1 John 5 - 7 - ‘This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. IF we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But IF we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin.‘
This is about our relationship with the Lord. When we blatantly make wrong choices choosing darkness rather than light that impacts and has a flow on effect on our relationship with the Lord and with each other. There is a clear distinction between darkness and light, there is no grey shaded areas. For too long we have muddied what should be a pure stream of living water by compromising the Word of God and preaching an appeasing gospel that waters down sinful behaviour. So what area in your life are you compromising the Word of God, trying to justify or deny sin in your life? Are you prepared to have the light of God shine into your heart and have the impure motives, the hidden sin be exposed, so light can shine in at a deeper level? There is a condition. Darkness or light?
The choice is yours. IF?
6. OBEDIENCE:
1 Samuel 12:14 -16 - ‘IF you fear the Lord and serve Him and obey His voice, and do not rebel against the commandment of the Lord, then both you and the king who reigns over you will continue following the Lord your God. However, IF you do not obey the voice of the Lord, but rebel against the commandment of the Lord, then the hand of the Lord will be against you, as it was against your fathers.‘
Walking in the fear the Lord is an everyday choice. It is how we live our lives, so aware we do not grieve the heart of God by deliberately going against what He requires. Often our actions show complete contempt of walking in the ways of the Lord as we open doors to the enemy by the choices we make. To obey means to do what one is told to do. That is not doing half measures, not doing enough to just get by, not being half hearted in our actions or just getting by. It does not mean we twist what we have been instructed by doing something the way we think because it seems the better way in our eyes. It means following instructions, whether by obeying the Word of God, or by obeying an instruction given to us by someone in authority, such as a church leader or someone who speaks into our lives with the greatest detail. It is pride if we think we know more than God because disobedience is actually saying my way is a better way than the Lord’s, I can do my own thing because God does not know what He is doing.
So it is with whoever instructs certain things into your life, whether that be someone in authority in the church or out in the workplace. Do you want the hand of God to be against you because you think you can do things a better way than God? There will be consequences to the choices you make - good or bad. It come down to one word with a condition attached to it. IF?
Will you come into all the Lord has for you and give up those things that entangle you and hold you in bondage or will you choose your own way?
The choice is yours. IF?
Sunday, 4 July 2010
Ready for War?
by Patsy Grubb
I saw a vision of Father God sitting on a throne, obviously in His capacity as King.
There was a cry to prepare for war that went out throughout the Kingdom and I saw many begin to gather to seek counsel with the King. A small group of warriors, about a dozen, were granted access to the King and each came individually before the throne, and on bended knee, pledged their allegiance to the King and the King in turn gave each individual a blessing and commissioned them for war.
Many stood outside the court eager to fight - loud, rowdy and gung-ho. The King looked sad and concerned as the mob cried out and spurred each other on to fight. The scene inside the courts was somber, serious and yet I sensed the tenderness of the King’s heart toward the people.
The warriors (knights) were humble and respectful in the presence of the King, with a genuine love that was apparent, and I knew that they were preparing for the fight ahead, knowing that they may lose their life and being fully prepared for that outcome should it eventuate.
I enquired of the King as to why He would not grant those outside the court counsel, especially as those He had blessed were small in number. He responded that He would not allow the people‘s lives to have been in vain. He paused then asked the question -
How can they lay down their lives for a God they do not know?
I saw a vision of Father God sitting on a throne, obviously in His capacity as King.
There was a cry to prepare for war that went out throughout the Kingdom and I saw many begin to gather to seek counsel with the King. A small group of warriors, about a dozen, were granted access to the King and each came individually before the throne, and on bended knee, pledged their allegiance to the King and the King in turn gave each individual a blessing and commissioned them for war.
Many stood outside the court eager to fight - loud, rowdy and gung-ho. The King looked sad and concerned as the mob cried out and spurred each other on to fight. The scene inside the courts was somber, serious and yet I sensed the tenderness of the King’s heart toward the people.
The warriors (knights) were humble and respectful in the presence of the King, with a genuine love that was apparent, and I knew that they were preparing for the fight ahead, knowing that they may lose their life and being fully prepared for that outcome should it eventuate.
I enquired of the King as to why He would not grant those outside the court counsel, especially as those He had blessed were small in number. He responded that He would not allow the people‘s lives to have been in vain. He paused then asked the question -
How can they lay down their lives for a God they do not know?
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