RESPECT - WHAT DOES IS LOOK LIKE? CULTURE'S SNARE

by Glenice Mills

Everything in life is about balance. As one called to women I need to address an issue that runs deep in our society. Our focus at the moment at Women’s Apostolic Alliance is domestic violence. It is an issue on the Lord’s heart right now. However I am mindful that we need to bring correct balance so we do not paint a picture of all men as violent and abusive. As we know this is a serious issue both here in Australia and internationally and it has to be addressed. Domestic violence by men toward women is rife and it is time for this issue to be exposed. However we need to remember it also goes the other way too – with women abusing men.

We as women must be mindful how we too can be tools in the enemy’s hands to bring division between the sexes. There is a higher way that we must also conduct ourselves, particularly as Christian women. 

Scripture tells us in Ephesians 5:33 Amplified version

However, let each man of you (without exception) love his wife as his very own self; and let the wife see that she respects and reverences her husband (that she notices him, regards him, honours him, prefers him, venerates, and esteems him; and that she defers to him, praises him, and loves and admires him exceedingly).

This Amplified version lays it out very clearly what needs to happen in order to respect someone. We know this Scripture is in the context of the marriage relationship however it goes much deeper than this. It is about our relationships with one another. I particularly want to focus on the female/male relationship, that is not just within marriage but also in other relationships.

There is something in the sinful make up of a woman that readily speaks words that disrespect a man. For us to understand respect we need to look at disrespect first. So what do we, as females do that is disrespectable toward males?

DE-EMASCULATE A MAN WITH OUR WORDS:

We have all heard a woman use words to cut a man down. We can judge, and criticize, with a tone of voice that is deriding and condescending. Our words can cut into the core of a man’s soul, and wound like a knife cutting at flesh.

THE COLD SHOULDER –MANIPULATING BY USING SILENCE:

When we give men the cold shoulder we disrespect them by using our silence as a weapon against them. It is a subtle put down, bringing alienation in the relationship. The issue never gets dealt with, and it leaves things hanging ‘in the air’ without proper resolution. It is a subtle form of manipulation that makes the man feel he has to earn his way back into the relationship. He feels dishonored and a pawn in a game. This is disrespectful.

PLACING WRONG EXPECTATIONS ON MEN:

Unfortunately we as women have put a yoke on our men by placing wrong expectations on them. We expect them to be great providers, parents, spouse, lover, plus being able to do practical things for us to name a few. When they are unable for what ever reason we use it against them, putting a yoke on them that says ‘they are a failure’. The reality is no one can do everything well. We all have different skills and gifts and to expect a man to do something that he is not able to do is unfair. To deride him because he does not fit an image of the ‘perfect’ man who can do all things is wrong. It is disrespectful of him and who he is.

PUTTING MEN AS AN IDOL – AS A SAVIOUR:

We women have been raised on fantasy stories where the man is our handsome prince coming to rescue us and provide a life for us where we live happily ever after. As we all know the reality of this life is just not so. However, ingrained in our thinking is this false picture that we use as a template of how we think men should be. When they let us down, which they do, then this false man who we have put as an idol, and built as a false image, has to be smashed. We react in our hurt and out of the hurt will turn on the man by disrespecting him. As we put them as an idol, to save and give us all we feel we need, it is often on an emotional level. The truth is only the Lord can fill this void – and we dare not place any person, male or female as an idol.

MEN PORTRAYED AS BUFFOONS – MOCKERY:

There is a slow eroding of honor as men are portrayed as some bumbling idiot. We see this in television programmes where the man is someone to be laughed at as he behaves like a buffoon. It is a perverse humour, it mocks men and when we as women come in agreement with this we are in fact disrespecting the core identity of who they are as men. We need to be very careful we don’t subtly agree with what the media say we should align our thinking and humour with.

WITHHOLDING:

Perhaps one of the biggest weapons a woman uses against a man is withholding. We can do this in many ways – it is a subtle form of abuse and a wrong use of power. We withhold emotionally by closing down and putting up a wall between us that says ‘don’t come near me’. We can also withhold in many other ways such as sexually, financially, in their relationship with their children and by not speaking with true honesty.

These are just a few ways we as women can disrespect men. I am sure there are many more however we need to be aware where we fall into the trap by using any of these ways. There is a gradual erosion that is a downward spiral bringing discord in relationships.

Following is the pattern that can happen when issues are not dealt with:

MISUNDERSTANDING – ANIMOSITY – ANGER – HATRED – VIOLENCE

The dictionary meaning of respect is to show deferential esteem towards a person or quality, to treat with consideration.

As Christians we need to recognize where we have actions and behaviours that are not godly. As the Lord’s women we need to recognize where our ways are not God’s ways and choose to repent and ask the Lord for His help as we learn to come in the opposite spirit. God has created us as men and women to need one another. We are not in competition with one another but rather to complement. Let’s draw on one another’s strengths and weaknesses to help to build our lives on a Godly foundation.

Let’s be aware of the way we conduct ourselves.

PLEASURE IS PAIN

by Glenice Mills

Isaiah 5:20 Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil;

Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness;

Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!

We live in an age where we see this happening more and more. It is subtle and we often don’t recognize where it is happening.

There is a perverse muddying of the waters in our society where the enemy is slowly numbing us into accepting a lie that is from the pit of hell.

We as Christians need to be on the alert for this perversion that many are succumbing too.

With the release of the movie ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ and the popularity of the books this movie is based on we are seeing a subtle turning of something that is good into something that is evil.

How come pain inflicted on another is called pleasure? Where did sexual intimacy become something that is distorted and perverse by inflicting of pain to bring great pleasure?

There is something seriously wrong in this and we must speak up about it.

How have we come to a place where pleasure comes by inflicting pain?

Somehow pleasure and pain have been distorted and we as Christians need to stop sticking our heads in the sand and hoping this issue will go away.

It is like intertwining chords of compromise bringing blindness, and deception.

If we accept this as right what is the next level of depravity as we become numb to this way in our sexual relationships?

There is a mindset in women that says ‘I deserve pain’. It goes back to the fall where women are still paying the price for Eve’s sin. It is founded in a wrong thinking that says ‘we have to bear a life time of shame’ because we are deemed ‘lesser than’ and we must suffer because of it. This has opened the door for enemy access that sadly has led to many women coming into great bondage.

Unfortunately the church has not been blameless in this with their false doctrine of ‘submission’. There is a thinking that says ‘Just submit yourself to whatever is inflicted on you because that is counting the cost, of suffering just like Jesus did.

That is a cross you have to bear.’ Jesus died on the cross for all sin, and He took all curses on the cross. We have been redeemed, as have men. Our sin is no worse than a man’s and we should not have to carry the burden of this. It is a lie!

Come on church leaders, men and women stand for what is right! Be courageous and speak out about this. Let’s talk about it in our church services, with the youth at their youth group meetings, in the work place and other areas where we socialize. Let’s call some things for what they are – evil!

I find it interesting that the main male character in ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ is called Christian. Is this not founded in mockery? Is this not a subtle plan of the enemy to challenge what it is to be a male and a Christian? Of all the male names this character could be called it had to be Christian. What is behind this? It is subtly saying this man’s behavior is all right and a perverse word association with Christian and the name Christian.

Maybe at the foundation is a thinking ‘let’s get Christian men into believing this way of treating a woman is right’.

It is interesting that God is highlighting domestic violence both here in Australia as well as internationally. It must be exposed. The enemy loves secrecy and this is one issue that has been taking place ‘behind closed doors’. We have conveniently shut our eyes and ears to it but God is saying this must be exposed for what it is.

Isn’t the abuse of women as promoted in ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ a form of domestic violence? It is and to say otherwise is delusion.

Let’s be careful we don’t dumb down some words and misuse them in such a way to make them seem okay. Let’s call things for what they are. Pain is pain, pleasure is pleasure. They are complete opposites and should not be distorted. That is perversion.

God has a standard, a righteous way of living. Let’s be careful we don’t get entrapped with believing the enemies lies. Let’s expose the enemy’s plans and help those who are both the perpetrators and victims of pornography and struggles with issues such as hatred and violence. This word is not to condemn but to expose what the enemy is doing. The first step is to talk honestly and openly about some of these issues. Freedom comes when secrets are exposed.  Let’s shine the light into darkness.

WHY ARE CHRISTIANS NOT IN AN UPROAR? 'FIFTY SHADES OF GREY'

by Glenice Mills


I wonder how many Christians are going to see the movie "Fifty Shades of Grey?'
I wonder how many male pastors and leaders are going to see this movie?
I wonder how many women leaders and Christian women are going to see this movie?

Men: This is not the way to love a woman. It is abuse of power. Don't open your eye gate by viewing this. 
Women: Surely your self-esteem is not so low that you subject yourself to this? You are a child of the Most High God. You are made in His image. You are precious in His sight.

The core issue is 'submission'. The church has a lot to answer for here with their wrong doctrine and teaching about submission.

Let's call things what they are and not hide behind fancy words. Soft porn, hard porn, erotica - lets call it for what it is. It is sexual perversion! It is EVIL!!! Let’s speak out against this movie. Let’s call it for what it is – sexual perversion! It is evil!!!

1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 (Amplified Version)
For this is the will of God, that you should be consecrated (separated and set apart for pure and holy living): that you should abstain and shrink back from all sexual vice,
That each one of you should know how to possess (control, manage) his own body in consecration) purity, separated from things profane) and honour,
Not to be used in the passion of lust like the heathen, who are ignorant of the true God and have no knowledge of His will.

Following is a very good article by Lee Grady about the movie ‘Fifty Shades Of Grey’.


When the novel Fifty Shades of Grey was published three years ago, critics described it as "dull and poorly written," "depressing" and "a sad joke." Yet, it sold 100 million copies.

Women were fascinated by the dark tale of a 21-year-old college student, Ana Steele, who falls in love with a handsome but mysterious young billionaire named Christian Grey after she interviews him for a newspaper.

The book was accurately dubbed "mommy porn" because it is sexually graphic and full of crude language, and also because Christian expects his girlfriends to totally submit to his sexual tastes—which involve whips, chains, handcuffs and gray neckties. This is not just mainstream porn. This is mainstream bondage porn. And it's coming to a theater near you, just in time for Valentine's Day.

The movie version of the book will hit theaters on Feb. 13, and Fandango says Fifty Shades of Grey is already breaking records for advance ticket sales. Presumably, fans of the book will be lining up at the cineplex to watch Christian abuse Ana in his bedroom, which she calls the Red Room of Pain.
Critics expected the film to be rated N-17. (After all, the actor who plays Christian, Jamie Dornan, visited a sex dungeon to prepare for the role.) But the Motion Picture Association of America announced last week that Fifty Shades will be rated R. That means (1) the sex scenes were edited carefully, (2) teenagers can see it legally, and (3) the movie will probably make a ton of money.

I think I'm going to be sick.

We Americans get really angry when oil companies spill toxic fuel in our oceans; yet we applaud when Hollywood dumps a tanker of poisonous garbage like Fifty Shades of Grey on our country—with no offer to clean up the damage. We should be outraged. I'm not going to picket my local theater when this movie debuts, but I'm urging people to think before they spend $10.50 to flush what's left of American decency down the toilet.

Here are three of the biggest reasons why we should urge everyone to cover their eyes and run from Fifty Shades of Grey:

1. It encourages sexual deviance. In the novel, Christian invites Ana to become his sexual partner, but he asks her to sign a document that spells out what he plans to do to her—and he demands that she tell no one about it. The contract says: "The Submissive shall accept whippings, floggings, spankings, canings, paddlings, or any other discipline the Dominant should decide to administer, without hesitation, inquiry or complaint." Ana finds out that Christian has had relationships like this with 15 other women—and yet she still pursues him, agrees to the painful sex and enjoys it. There might have been some redemptive value in this movie if Ana called the police or ran out of Christian's penthouse and refused his advances because she respected herself. But no—she submits to the abuse, and signals to women everywhere that there is pleasure in pain. The film also tells women that it's OK to be a mindless sexual slave, especially if your boyfriend is rich, handsome and has his own helicopter.
2. It glorifies violence against women. Last year a researcher from the University of Michigan did a study on the effects of Fifty Shades of Grey on women readers. It showed that women who read the books (it is actually a trilogy) were 25 percent more likely to have an abusive partner; 34 percent were more likely to have a partner who stalked them; and 65 percent were more likely to engage in binge drinking. Just as there is a link between violent video games and violent behavior in teen boys, this study showed that women who read graphic porn novels tend to gravitate toward the types of abusive relationships depicted in books like Fifty Shades. The study also showed that these women were more likely to have eating disorders. (Interestingly, the dominant male character in Fifty Shades carefully controls his girlfriend's eating habits.)
3. It totally perverts the meaning of love. In one scene in the book, Christian buys Ana a platinum and diamond bracelet so she can cover the bruises on her wrists—which she got after being tied to her boyfriend's bed. The message from Ana's lover: I will hurt you, but I will buy you nice gifts so you will stay with me. That's twisted. And couples are going to see this movie on Valentine's Day?
One of the most bizarre moments in the book occurs after Ana leaves Christian and then goes back to him. She says: "The physical pain you inflicted was not as bad as the pain of losing you." Any psychologist will tell you that is the mentality of an abuse victim, who is brainwashed to believe that the attention she gets from her abuser is better than no attention at all.

True love is not about pain, domination or control—but Hollywood is happy to serve big helpings of this slop if people are willing to pay for it. Please protect women. Please defend decency. Please don't support this movie.

J. Lee Grady is the former editor of Charisma. You can follow him on Twitter @leegrady. He is the author of '10 Lies the Church Tells Women' and other books. You can learn more about his ministry, The Mordecai Project, at themordecaiproject.org.

The Glory of The Lord

by Tony Clark


“They marvelled, and they glorified God” – Matt 9:5-9

To glorify God is one of our greatest purposes. He is high and lifted up! And needs to be, in our minds, and hearts, in our beliefs, in our testimony.

“And the fame of him went out into every place of the country round about.” Luke 4:37, “How can they hear without a preacher?” Rom 10:14

The Word of God is the instrument of unlocking the glory of God on Earth – the testimony of His works, and demonstration of His power, that The Lord may be glorified. It is for a predestined time that the “For the earth shall be FILLED with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD” Habakkuk 2:14

People are in bondage because they don’t know Him, and don’t have the hope that is in Him. It is the revelation of His Person that brings us to life, and elevates us to our true place of existence where The Lord is glorified, and the knowledge of Him fills us. There is such a joy in the heart of the man or woman that glorifies God, because they have seen something of Him that brings hope and relief. People LOVE to see the POWER of God. The demonstration of His person.

There is nothing like being chosen by Jesus.

WHAT'S THE PROBLEM - LEADERSHIP?

by Glenice Mills


As I observe the leadership problems in both our state and federal governments, I have wondered what is going wrong?

In the Northern Territory there was nearly a leadership take over and then the issues were sorted. All this took place in the dead of night. In Queensland we are awaiting on final numbers as to who will lead this state. Meanwhile in federal government there is discontent brewing with talk of a leadership spill.

So what is going on here? How come our governance is so unstable? There appears to be a serious problem going on, much of it behind the scenes. We know there is a scrambling for power – who will do the best job, but unfortunately it appears to be birthed out of a lust for power and position, rather than a desire to serve the people. It appears noble however I have serious doubts whether the best intentions are for the greater good.

The truth is Australia has a leadership problem. Leaders are dishonoured, their position is mocked and sadly we have all been subjected to what feels right rather that doing what is right. Everyone is being swept on the 24-hour news cycle and there is much stirring up by media that is often not a true reflection of what the people really think and feel. Power has gone into the wrong hands. This is a dangerous thing. Media and its push on emotions have swayed us.

More concerning is the reaction of most Australians which is ‘what’s in it for me’ and ‘how is it going to affect me’, ‘it’s all about me’. It is extremely selfish, and more importantly, seriously damaging to the true governance in this nation, both in the state and federal areas of government. We have a serious problem.

There is an instability that has the potential to have detrimental flow on effects. So long as there is instability it affects confidence in business and the bigger picture of this nations economy. Uncertainty is pervasive, it eats away until people react out of fear and wrong decisions end up being made. This is dangerous.

I have been shocked at the level of venom against some government leaders; in fact it seems borderline libelous. There is a stirring by different factions all with selfish demands that try to sway opinions by the spreading of lies. This is in order to stir up people’s fears and try and win them over to their side of thinking. It is surprising how gullible the average person is, and how easily swayed to come under these lies.

If this is happening in our day-to-day governance what is going to happen when evil really increases and we have very serious economic and social problems?

The problem is actually a leadership problem. Leadership is so derided here in Australia that it has bred problems that are coming to the fore now.

When a leader is put into position and they actually lead, they make decisions for the better of the state/nation. How come when this happens they are then shot down? We want and expect them to lead but don’t like it when they do. There is something wrong in this.

Leadership is not necessarily a popularity contest. It is about actually taking the lead and inspiring people to follow. Somehow we don’t want to follow. That is the problem!

There are some roots that need to be dug up. Following are some deep pervasive mindsets of the people of this nation:

REBELLION: Just like the Israelites who demanded a king (leader) and God in His mercy gave them the one they wanted. It is the ‘give me a king’, but not honouring the King.

DISHONOUR: Australians do not honour those in God given positions. This is not only in our areas of governance but also with the leaders in the body of Christ.

MOCKERY: There is a mockery and deriding of leaders often at a very personal level. The lines of personal attack against beliefs have become blurred.

MISTRUST: There is something very deep that does not trust easily. It is rooted in fear. When we mistrust we are actually saying we can do it better. The reality is we can’t, and if we think we can then maybe we should do something about it.

IMMATURITY: Australians are very immature. Their behavior is like a recalcitrant child. It is demanding – give me what I want now! It is time to grow up. You can’t always have what you want when you want it!

UNGRATEFUL: Australians are a bunch of whiners. I have never heard so much negativity spoken. We are truly ungrateful for what we have in this nation. We have a welfare state that is the envy of other nations. There is talk about poverty. We have no idea what real poverty looks like.

RESISTANT TO CHANGE: We probably like to think of ourselves as a progressive nation. However this is not really the case. We actually don’t like change.

This may seem critical but we really have to stop and consider what a great nation Australia truly is.

I have written this about the issue of governance, however, we in the body of Christ also need to look at the areas where we too are joining in with the dishonouring of leaders. We need to examine where we have dishonoured, mocked, been ungrateful and are immature in our behavior – not only to our government but also more importantly with church leadership.

We have to be careful what we say, and what we write – on Facebook, Internet. If we pull down our leaders we are no different from everyone else. If we remain silent when others are speaking scathing of leaders we come into agreement with their opinions. We need to be very careful about what we say and what we do.

There are principalities and powers that are stirring up dissension and chaos to unsettle. Unfortunately they use people. We need to be very careful we are not used of the enemy. We do not want to also add to the unrest. We need the gift of wisdom like never before.

Nehemiah 9:16,17

But they and their fathers acted proudly, hardened their necks,
And did not heed Your commandments.
They refused to obey,
And they were not mindful of Your wonders that You did among them.
But they hardened their necks,
And in their rebellion they appointed a leader to return to their bondage.

But you are God, ready to pardon,
Gracious and merciful, slow to anger,
Abundant in kindness
And did not forsake them.

Lord we need Your mercy in this nation of Australia!

COMMITMENT

by Tony Clark


I received this word as Forerunners was entering the season of home group meetings but didn’t feel to release it at that time.

It shouldn’t be a surprise that there be offenses amongst us, or difficulties, because God is bringing us into a season of closeness. Not only in the sense of home groups, but relationally. How we interact and function together in close quarters. There is a new level of commitment needed – to each other and to God. Because without commitment we run at the first sign of trouble. It's about preferring one another, and it’s about respect. Respecting each other according to who we are in God, what we are called to, and in that honouring God, because we are His and He has made us the way we are and it’s about recognising God in the process, because we are His handiwork. We can easily rely on each other for affirmation and encouragement as to who we are, but its a time that we need a deeper sense of that affirmation from God Himself, so that we come into more of a sense that we are His and we stand before Him alone, and are accountable to Him for our gifts and our character. This will help us function better together as we are clearly defined in Him. He really is doing a splendid job in us, we are really a work of fine art that God is putting a lot of focus and perfect workmanship into. We really are something special. We are ‘specifics’, made very purposefully, because God has a very specific plan in mind for us in His purpose. God’s wisdom is unsurpassable, and in these days He is pouring His wisdom into His bride, into His people, into His vessels. His glory is very much supported by His wisdom. His glory is who He is but part of who He is, is how He does things, and He is so wise and masterful that His glory is seen in all that He does. We need to submit to His dealings in this time, as He forms us and shapes us, and dig our feet in, let our roots go down, be in the meetings, it’s imperative in this season to not take lightly what God is doing. Commitment is a big key.

INTOLERANCE - TOLERANCE

by Glenice Mills


For the past couple of months the Lord keeps speaking to me the word INTOLERANCE. I have struggled to understand what He wants to say about this and I have been quietly seeking Him about what He wants to reveal.

God is not so concerned about the things we think He might be concerned for. He already knows what is going to happen as part of ushering in end times. Some things have to happen. Scripture says they will happen. We should not be surprised. For example the prophets of old still had to live through the times they were prophesying about. For example Elijah had to live through the famine he prophesied.

The truth is what appears to be the main issue – is not necessarily the area the Lord is highlighting. It is about His priorities and they are not always what we think. There are many words out there and it is easy to be swayed by popular opinion.  It is about correct balance.

There is so much muddying of the waters that to hear the Lord’s heart and the things He wants to reveal is often hijacked by the media and by well meaning Christians. It is not necessarily what is actually His concern. The most vocal aren’t necessarily the most accurate.

The enemy loves to ride on opinions of man and push people’s fears. As a prophet it is easy to get swept on that tide of public opinion and even the opinion of the general church. Facebook, websites, even words from different prophets around the world can take us off and away from what God is actually saying. That is not to say these words are wrong, but more importantly we need to seek the Lord for what He is saying ourselves.

There are many words but often what gets overlooked is maybe a deeper more complex issue – one that is hidden. That is why Scripture tells us the Lord reveals His secrets to His servants the prophets.

As a prophet it can be difficult and even overwhelming as there are so many words out there. Our job is to hear God’s heart on a matter. For that to happen we need to check our own hearts first. That is what the Lord has been doing with me. I dare not speak of something without checking my own sinful heart.

I have spent some time grappling with this word intolerance. First we need to look at the meaning of intolerance.

Intolerance is a lack of tolerance; an unwillingness or refusal to tolerate or respect opinions or beliefs contrary to one's own.
It is an unwillingness or refusal to tolerate or respect persons of a different social group, especially members of a minority group.

We as Christians have to be very careful we do not in our self-righteousness speak against others from an intolerant, biased viewpoint. We can in no way agree with ungodly doctrines, or anything that sets itself up against the Lordship of Jesus Christ. This is where it gets very difficult because we have to know God’s heart. We have to hate the things God hates. The key to this is separating the people from the issue. This is where things get confusing. Satan is the author of confusion and we cannot and must not compromise the Word of God.

The key to the word intolerance is the words unwillingness and refusal to tolerate. We have to be careful that our preconceived ideas, and what culture dictates do not distort our view of how we see some things that are happening in our times.

There is a blindness that brings a tunnel vision, that block from seeing the bigger picture. As prophets we see in part, but as things unfold situations become clearer. We have to be careful we don’t succumb to what we see here and now, and bow to the emotions and bigotry that is manifesting. We have to rise above this, and seek the Lord for His perspective.

At the root of intolerance are hatred, prejudice and discrimination. It is born out of judging others often through misunderstanding. We have to check our hearts that our intolerance isn’t also born out of a wrong religious mindset. We also need to check where we have been conditioned to think a certain way because of cultural conditioning. I know this is a heavy word and is profound and deep but we need the Holy Spirit to come and reveal where we have prejudices and wrong mindsets.

When we think of prejudice we think of racial prejudice. Yes this is a serious prejudice that breeds intolerance, however there are many other areas of prejudice. Some examples are: misunderstanding of different cultural ways, denominational divisions, and against different religions and nationalities.

If our intolerance is founded on a wrong foundation, a foundation of misunderstanding, prejudice and fear of other people groups we will get a distorted viewpoint of that people group.  However, if we deal with our prejudices and seek God’s perspective on this we will see and feel His heart towards these one’s.

Perhaps one of the hardest things is to love. We are all made in God’s image and He loves all that He has made. The tragedy is some people have been tools used of the enemy to bring evil. They are one’s who stir up divisions, prejudices, and evil doctrines.

So what does God tolerate? The truth is He doesn’t tolerate. Tolerance is where there is grey – not a clear black and white on issues. It is taking the middle ground so as not to offend. It is actually compromise. The Word of God is our book that teaches and shows us His character and His ways.

We have to be careful what we tolerate. There is a sword that is separating the true from the false, the precious from the vile, good from evil and we need to know which side we are standing on.

Many will be deceived in the last days and we need to know God’s heart and His revelation of His truth so we walk in wisdom, and understanding. We have to know what He is saying in this hour.

The Lord is highlighting where we are intolerant birthed out of prejudices, and discrimination. We have to have God’s heart on some important issues that are being highlighted at this time. We cannot pray with God given authority until our intolerance has been confessed. We have to see as God sees with our eyes of understanding opened. Only He can give us His love for those we struggle to understand, those who do not agree or have the same doctrines, and opinions as us. We need to see as He sees like never before. We may be surprised at what He shows us.

Ephesians 1:17-19 - That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him,
The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power.