THE NARROW PATH

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PROPHETIC VISION – FUNNEL

A few days ago during a prayer meeting.  The Lord showed me a picture of a funnel.  While seeing a vision of a funnel might seem strange to some people when the Lord reveals pictures and dreams they are not to be taken lightly.  As I saw the picture

of the funnel I asked the Lord what the funnel represented.

The Lord said the funnel represents His people and their human temples/bodies.  The Lord then said that the funnels are upside down.  The picture the Lord showed me was our traditional method of using a funnel.

The Lord then said look at the funnel upside down.  So I visualized the funnel upside down.

 The Lord said, see with the narrow part up it is pointed directly to Him and there is less impurity, corruption, false teaching and manipulation.  More of a “pure” stream! I then asked the Lord about the volume of pouring into us as the rate of flow would be less upside down.  He said in the natural/human usage of the funnel (human temples) with the pouring right side up we might receive more volume being “poured into” us quicker but it is contaminated, impure and not soley from the Lord.

I then began to press into this vision more and the Lord said, see when the funnel is upside down the diameter is wider.  Your freedom is increased as well as your sphere of influence to reach my people.  I then visualized me standing under the funnel and realized how “bound” we standing under the “spout” of the funnel vs. when the funnel is upside down.

I believe the Lord’s message is critical in breaking false influences, false teachings and worldly contaminants from corrupting our spiritual growth and our spiritual callings from the Lord.  I believe the Lord is reiterating that everything must be tested in the spirit and in the Word of God and that we must seek revelations as well as witness in our spirits.  Many people have not put God first and this was a message that reinstates that the Lord needs to be put first.

I pray that you will receive the warning and insight in this prophetic vision and embrace the word of the Lord.  Seek first the Kingdom of the Lord.

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

(Matthew 6:33 KJV)

THE LIFE OF CHRIST VERSES RELIGION

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THE LIFE OF CHRIST VERSES RELIGION

There is no shame in the truth only shame not abiding/walking in truth.  So it is once again that I bear my heart as a messenger of the Lord knowing that in the Love of Truth/Jesus is how truth is revealed.  The very nature of truth is to be a lover of Christ who is the Way, the Truth and the Life.  (John 16:4) 

Using the “words of the bible” without the Holy Spirit has no life giving spirit to reveal or bear witness that we indeed are children of God or the power to reveal Christ Jesus (Fruit of the Holy Spirit – Galatians 5).  Following a method is not a lifestyle it is a yoke of slavery.  Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is liberty!

Romans 8:16 (NKJV)

16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,

1 Corinthians 15:45 (NKJV)

45 And so it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being.” The last Adam became a life-giving spirit. 

The “words of the bible” without the Holy Spirit does not have the power to change hearts of stone into hearts of flesh nor the conviction of the Holy Spirit. (Note small “w” as Jesus is the Word)

John 16:7–9 (NKJV) 7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you. 8 And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: 9 of sin, because they do not believe in Me

Yes the Written Word was/is written by the Holy Spirit but my point is that many people are following people or leaders who are not saved/born again merely because they stand in a pulpit speaking their version of the Word of God or literally reciting the Word of God (False Prophets). We worship in Spirit and Truth not one or the other!

John 4:24 (NKJV)

24 God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”

Where there is no Holy Spirit there is no Holy Spirit Convition, there is only condemnation! The Holy Spirit doesn’t condemn us it convicts us of sin.  When the Holy Spirit convicts us it is revealing our need for Christ for the propitiation of our sins and the need to repent and live in a godly lifestyle. I must also point out that when The Holy Spirit repeatedly convicts us of the same sin(s) and we do not choose to repent that our conscience gets seared and conviction will not be noticed or heart felt.  When this happens there is condemnation and a reprobate mind. 

1 Timothy 4:2 (AMP)

2 Through the hypocrisy and pretensions of liars whose consciences are seared (cauterized),

Romans 1:28 (AMP)

28 And so, since they did not see fit to acknowledge God or approve of Him or consider Him worth the knowing, God gave them over to a base and condemned mind to do things not proper or decent but loathsome,

There is no condemnation for those in Christ. So why would the Holy Spirit in us manifest condemnation on others?  Who is the accuser of the brethren/people who brings condemnation? It is from Satan! Condemnation is a trap of Satan, this is why people submit to people thinking they are the way to salvation or have knowledge of salvation verses totally submitting to Christ Jesus.  

When someone asks you “who is your covering” it is a sure sign of manipulation and control.  It is not biblical and totally ungodly.  It is as if they are asking what person is your idol or lord. Who was David’s covering when he killed Goliath?  It wasn’t the covering of his peers they wouldn’t even engage in battle or hold the front line.  We submit to one another in the love of Christ as we each submit to the Lord. NO servant is greater than his Master/Jesus.  Who is our covering in Psalm 91?  With whom do we dwell with, and with whose shadow are we covered by, it surely isn’t the local assembly or others. 

Psalm 91:1–2 (AMP)

HE WHO dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty [Whose power no foe can withstand].

2 I will say of the Lord, He is my Refuge and my Fortress, my God; on Him I lean and rely, and in Him I [confidently] trust!

You are covered with the Blood of Jesus, not mine or anyone else.  It is the Holy Spirit that reveals all truth not a covering from others.   We honor one another in love but we don’t exalt or glorify one another.  Condemnation leads you to people in submission and control whereas the Holy Spirit reveals Christ Jesus. Thus the human thoughts of “my leader must be right because he is my leader” or “if I do as my leader says” verses fully submitting to Jesus. There are many leaders who are not submitted to Jesus and not born again. There are many people that are trying hard to separate the Holy Spirit from the Written Word of God and claiming that the Holy Spirit contradicts the Written Word.  They want you to believe that the Written Word does not validate the workings of the Holy Spirit!  They even claim spiritual revelations and insight that do not align with the Written Word.  Do not be deceived!  It is NOT the Holy Spirit.    FALSE PROPHETS

Fellowship:

1 John 1:7 (NKJV) 7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.

Revelation 19:10 (NKJV) 10 And I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, “See that you do not do that! I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren who have the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.

Let’s look at another example. In Romans 10 as we are to believe in our heart in the Lord Jesus AND then confess with our mouth.  It is possible to confess without believing in your heart.  That little word “IF” is very significant.   

1 Samuel 16:7 (AMP)

7 But the Lord said to Samuel, Look not on his appearance or at the height of his stature, for I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees; for man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.

Romans 10:9–10 (AMP)

9 Because if you acknowledge and confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and in your heart believe (adhere to, trust in, and rely on the truth) that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.

10 For with the heart a person believes (adheres to, trusts in, and relies on Christ) and so is justified (declared righteous, acceptable to God), and with the mouth he confesses (declares openly and speaks out freely his faith) and confirms [his] salvation.

Are we saved only by what the Word of God tell us, or by the finished work of Christ Jesus on the Cross of Calvary being cleansed, redeemed and reconciled to Jesus by the Blood of Jesus and being truly “born again”?  It is the Holy Spirit that reveals the Truth of God’s Word!  –  Methodology/Religion verses the Life of Christ.

John 3:3 (AMP)

3 Jesus answered him, I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, that unless a person is born again (anew, from above), he cannot ever see (know, be acquainted with, and experience) the kingdom of God.

John 16:13 (NKJV) 13 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.

1 John 4:1 (NKJV) 4 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

The Word of God reveals the life and testimony of Christ Jesus, which is the spirit of prophecy (Rev 19:10). However the Word of God without the Holy Spirit is what is happening in a profound measure.  I repeatedly address this very issue over and over.  Satan doesn’t care if you read the Word of God he doesn’t want you to become Christ like by being born again!  It is the Holy Spirit that gives us life! So why settle for bible “shop talk” when you can have and live the life of Christ?  Why sit under religious leaders and be lead into apostasy and damnation? 

2 Timothy 3:5–7 (AMP)

5 For [although] they hold a form of piety (true religion), they deny and reject and are strangers to the power of it [their conduct belies the genuineness of their profession]. Avoid [all] such people [turn away from them].

6 For among them are those who worm their way into homes and captivate silly and weak-natured and spiritually dwarfed women, loaded down with [the burden of their] sins [and easily] swayed and led away by various evil desires and seductive impulses.

7 [These weak women will listen to anybody who will teach them]; they are forever inquiring and getting information, but are never able to arrive at a recognition and knowledge of the Truth.

If you go back to Genesis you will notice that the Holy Spirit precedes the spoken Word of God, the “Holy Spirit Hovered then God spoke.” The Holy Spirit must be present to fulfill the Word of God, as God is Spirit. 

Genesis 1:2–3 (NKJV)

2 The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.

3 Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light.

1 Corinthians 15:45 (AMP) 45 Thus it is written, The first man Adam became a living being (an individual personality); the last Adam (Christ) became a life-giving Spirit [restoring the dead to life]. [Gen. 2:7.]

Just following or preaching the Written Word will not generate or manifest the life of Christ within us. You can’t follow a method, we must be born again.  Don’t be fooled by false signs and wonders! The bible warns us of this and regardless if you have witnessed or seen them first hand they exist.  Jesus did not say we would know people by their words or signs and wonders but by their spiritual fruit.   Satan knows the Word of God, don’t be fooled. 

Galatians 5:22–23 (AMP)

22 But the fruit of the [Holy] Spirit [the work which His presence within accomplishes] is love, joy (gladness), peace, patience (an even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence), faithfulness,

23 Gentleness (meekness, humility), self-control (self-restraint, continence). Against such things there is no law [that can bring a charge].

There is little evidence these days of the love of Christ or the fruit of the Spirit. The hearts of many are waxing cold just as Jesus told us they would.  I see people hungry for prestige, notoriety, and prosperity and for Power, but I don’t see people walking and revealing the Love of Christ Jesus.

The carnal/natural mind associates Jesus with a church building and sadly many professing Christians do also. When church becomes a business verses the House of the Lord the Lord will remove Himself from that church, it is dead just as Ananias and Sapphira and the spirits of Ananias and Sapphira are alive and active within much of the church.  The church will no longer glorify the Lord.  We must not confuse Christ in us with Christ being in a building or assembly. 

1 Samuel 4:20–21 (AMP)

20 And about the time of her death the women attending her said to her, Fear not, for you have borne a son. But she did not answer or notice.

21 And she named the child Ichabod, saying, The glory is departed from Israel!—because the ark of God had been captured and because of her father-in-law and her husband.

Personal reputation, glorification, pride and status now take over eliminating true representation of Christ Jesus!  Building a ministry is not the same as building the Kingdom of God.  It’s not our ministry, it belongs to Jesus and Jesus gets all of the glory.

Methodology/religion takes over and the Holy Spirit is no longer allowed to freely flow and the stronghold of deception makes one believe they are serving the Lord but they are actually denying the Lord.  Without the Holy Spirit all you have is a method, no genuine life representation of Christ Jesus. There is a method to madness and madness in the method.  

The transition is often unnoticed as pride, methodology and religion now replaces genuine intimacy with Christ and the freedom of the Holy Spirit. You may begin to hear “a spirit” but it may not be the Holy Spirit!  King Saul had this problem and even sought a witch attempting to hear the voice of the Lord!  Kindred spirits start filling the church just as King Saul sought a kindred spirit and what appears to be true holy fellowship is transitioning into a den of tares/wolves.  Religion yields religion!  It is much too easy to validate the flesh or ones personal will than to deny and crucify the flesh. Flesh validates flesh, but the Holy Spirit crucifies the flesh and reveals Christ Jesus. What a person believes verses the truth is often quite different.  After all the flesh is enmity with the Spirit.

Galatians 5:17 (AMP)

17 For the desires of the flesh are opposed to the [Holy] Spirit, and the [desires of the] Spirit are opposed to the flesh (godless human nature); for these are antagonistic to each other [continually withstanding and in conflict with each other], so that you are not free but are prevented from doing what you desire to do.

We must also not take the Word of God out of context.  It grieves the Lord when people take Matthew 18:20 out of context. 

Matthew 18:20 (AMP)

20 For wherever two or three are gathered (drawn together as My followers) in (into) My name, there I AM in the midst of them. [Exod. 3:14.]

Exodus 3:14 (AMP)

14 And God said to Moses, I AM WHO I AM and WHAT I AM, and I WILL BE WHAT I WILL BE; and He said, You shall say this to the Israelites: I AM has sent me to you!

As you read both Matthew 18:20 and Exodus 3:14 you will notice what is required in the “NAME OF THE LORD”.  Are you truly walking in His righteousness, holiness, will, faith, trust in loving covenant relationship?  It’s not about numbers it’s about the fullness of Christ.  False prophets use this out of context all the time so they can deceive people to believe they are ambassadors/servants of Christ. Moses represented “I AM” as and ambassador for Christ Jesus.  Surely it’s more than a mere name!  It’s the name above all others!

Acts 19:15 (AMP)

15 But [one] evil spirit retorted, Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?

We must each examine ourselves, as we alone will stand at the judgment seat of Christ Jesus.  There is a way that seems right to a man but it leads to destruction.  Those that are leaders will be judged at a higher price, as they are personally responsible for the damnation of those who follow them. 

James 3:1 (AMP)

NOT MANY [of you] should become teachers (self-constituted censors and reprovers of others), my brethren, for you know that we [teachers] will be judged by a higher standard and with greater severity [than other people; thus we assume the greater accountability and the more condemnation].

Galatians 1:8–9 (AMP)

8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to and different from that which we preached to you, let him be accursed (anathema, devoted to destruction, doomed to eternal punishment)!

9 As we said before, so I now say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel different from or contrary to that which you received [from us], let him be accursed (anathema, devoted to destruction, doomed to eternal punishment)!

2 Corinthians 11:4 (AMP)

4 For [you seem readily to endure it] if a man comes and preaches another Jesus than the One we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the [Spirit] you [once] received or a different gospel from the one you [then] received and welcomed; you tolerate [all that] well enough!

1 Corinthians 11:1–4 (AMP)

PATTERN YOURSELVES after me [follow my example], as I imitate and follow Christ (the Messiah).

2 I appreciate and commend you because you always remember me in everything and keep firm possession of the traditions (the substance of my instructions), just as I have [verbally] passed them on to you.

3 But I want you to know and realize that Christ is the Head of every man, the head of a woman is her husband, and the Head of Christ is God.

4 Any man who prays or prophesies (teaches, refutes, reproves, admonishes, and comforts) with his head covered dishonors his Head (Christ).

We are at a very critical time in the spirit realm and we must each be accountable first and foremost to the Lord Jesus.  I urge all of us to examine ourselves and fully submit ourselves to the Lord Jesus.  The eight woes are being revealed and exposed and as the wheat is being prepared for the harvest and the marriage supper of the Lamb.  I urge each of us to seek the Lord and to come out of religion or sitting under religious people.  Even a born again believer can be affected sitting under such teachings.  We must not fellowship with ungodliness. 

Ephesians 5:11–12 (AMP)

11 Take no part in and have no fellowship with the fruitless deeds and enterprises of darkness, but instead [let your lives be so in contrast as to] expose and reprove and convict them.

12 For it is a shame even to speak of or mention the things that [such people] practice in secret.

Proverbs 4:14–15 (AMP)

14 Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men.

15 Avoid it, do not go on it; turn from it and pass on.

The eight woes are unfolding as the Bride is being called out of the dark places and to walk in the fullness of light.  Let these eight woes be a warning to those who are falsely prophesying in the name of the Lord Jesus.  The tables are being turned over. 

Matthew 23:13–36 (AMP)

13 But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, pretenders (hypocrites)! For you shut the kingdom of heaven in men’s faces; for you neither enter yourselves, nor do you allow those who are about to go in to do so.

14 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, pretenders (hypocrites)! For you swallow up widows’ houses and for a pretense to cover it up make long prayers; therefore you will receive the greater condemnation and the heavier sentence.

15 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, pretenders (hypocrites)! For you travel over sea and land to make a single proselyte, and when he becomes one [a proselyte], you make him doubly as much a child of hell (Gehenna) as you are.

16 Woe to you, blind guides, who say, If anyone swears by the sanctuary of the temple, it is nothing; but if anyone swears by the gold of the sanctuary, he is a debtor [bound by his oath].

17 You blind fools! For which is greater: the gold, or the sanctuary of the temple that has made the gold sacred? [Exod. 30:29.]

18 You say too, Whoever swears by the altar is not duty bound; but whoever swears by the offering on the altar, his oath is binding.

19 You blind men! Which is greater: the gift, or the altar which makes the gift sacred?

20 So whoever swears by the altar swears by it and by everything on it.

21 And he who swears by the sanctuary of the temple swears by it and by Him Who dwells in it. [I Kings 8:13; Ps. 26:8.]

22 And whoever swears by heaven swears by the throne of God and by Him Who sits upon it.

23 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, pretenders (hypocrites)! For you give a tenth of your mint and dill and cummin, and have neglected and omitted the weightier (more important) matters of the Law—right and justice and mercy and fidelity. These you ought [particularly] to have done, without neglecting the others.

24 You blind guides, filtering out a gnat and gulping down a camel! [Lev. 27:30; Mic. 6:8.]

25 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, pretenders (hypocrites)! For you clean the outside of the cup and of the plate, but within they are full of extortion (prey, spoil, plunder) and grasping self-indulgence.

26 You blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and of the plate, so that the outside may be clean also.

27 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, pretenders (hypocrites)! For you are like tombs that have been whitewashed, which look beautiful on the outside but inside are full of dead men’s bones and everything impure.

28 Just so, you also outwardly seem to people to be just and upright but inside you are full of pretense and lawlessness and iniquity. [Ps. 5:9.]

29 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, pretenders (hypocrites)! For you build tombs for the prophets and decorate the monuments of the righteous,

30 Saying, If we had lived in the days of our forefathers, we would not have aided them in shedding the blood of the prophets.

31 Thus you are testifying against yourselves that you are the descendants of those who murdered the prophets.

32 Fill up, then, the measure of your fathers’ sins to the brim [so that nothing may be wanting to a full measure].

33 You serpents! You spawn of vipers! How can you escape the penalty to be suffered in hell (Gehenna)?

34 Because of this, take notice: I am sending you prophets and wise men (interpreters and teachers) and scribes (men learned in the Mosaic Law and the Prophets); some of them you will kill, even crucify, and some you will flog in your synagogues and pursue and persecute from town to town,

35 So that upon your heads may come all the blood of the righteous (those who correspond to the divine standard of right) shed on earth, from the blood of the righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah son of Barachiah, whom you murdered between the sanctuary and the altar [of burnt offering]. [Gen. 4:8; II Chron. 24:21.]

36 Truly I declare to you, all these [evil, calamitous times] will come upon this generation. [II Chron. 36:15, 16.]

Matthew 4:17 (AMP)

17 From that time Jesus began to preach, crying out, Repent (change your mind for the better, heartily amend your ways, with abhorrence of your past sins), for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

It is my prayer that each of us walk in the fullness of Christ and that no man/woman would perish.  I urge each of us to seek the Lord regarding all relationships, alliances, affiliations and agreements that we have made to expose the works of darkness so that we may walk in the fullness of Christ Jesus.

Blessings from Christ our Lord.

MARRIAGE SUPPER OF THE LAMB

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THE MARRIAGE SUPPER OF THE LAMB

PREFACE: 

I am not an author or scholar as surely you will discover.  I don’t claim to have any wisdom of my own so if you find something you don’t agree with please take it the Lord in prayer, as we all should do.  I write from my heart, as that is where the foundation of true relationship, intimacy and abiding with Christ Jesus dwells. (PSALM 91) It is a Covenant of Love with Christ that manifests the life of Christ in us. I pray that this post may touch our hearts and Spirits to grow deeper in love with the Lord Jesus.  I am not a theologian and I have no desire to become one as I have tried that route several times and the Lord closed those doors and told me no and that I needed to seek Him and trust in Him.  Having worked with very troubled young adults after my salvation I wanted to return to school to obtain a counseling degree and the Lord said no and said He was the Mighty Counselor.  So I am no master of scripture but I know my Master Jesus intimately.  There is more to intimacy than knowing about someone verses the reality of knowing someone. 

Isaiah 9:6 (NKJV)

For unto us a Child is born,

Unto us a Son is given;

And the government will be upon His shoulder.

And His name will be called

Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

The Lord has put this on my heart for many months now and has prompted me to write this.  I would like to say that this has been very challenging as when I write the Lord gives me more and then I go back and edit trying hard to keep the structure of context flowing smoothly.  While it is lengthy I believe it covers a vast amount of information and insight reflecting what the Lord has placed on my heart.  I have traveled for the past five plus years for the Lord across the USA and some international travel as well so this personal observation and spiritual revelation is not just local to my current area but very wide spread and reaching.  Surely we all have wept for loved ones who are hurting, suffering or burdened but weeping under the burden of the Lord is so much more because of His omnipresence/wide reaching the Burden you feel is also.

It is my hearts desire that the Lord Jesus would be glorified by the purity and simplicity of the Gospel of Salvation so that many would be reconciled to the Father and Christ Jesus.  May the Lord Jesus bless you and reveal Himself to you and may you experience the genuine AGAPE Love of Christ Jesus. 

My goal is to simplify salvation unto Jesus without all the complications and try to reveal that the basis of Salvation is the very essence of God, which is love.  

What I write comes from my personal love relationship with Jesus.  (1John 2:27)  Thus a “childlike” nature not influenced by ritual, formality, earthly principles, religion or the thoughts of mankind but simply genuine authentic reciprocated love to my loving Savior Jesus who has given His life for me even when I was suicidal throughout my life wanting to end my life.  One day in the middle of a field wanting to end my life abandoned and destitute I looked up to the sky and conversed with a God I believed in all my life and never had a relationship/intimacy with.  I didn’t ask for deliverance I simply asked God if you are real answer me this one question:  “Why am I unworthy of love and everyone I love has abandoned me”.  The Lord Jesus came to me and spoke and revealed himself to me and said to me “I have loved you from before the foundation of the earth, I will show you true love”.  I fell to my knees weeping as the Lord began to reveal His living waters flowing through me and over me.  I had tasted and encountered pure divine love, the Love of Christ Jesus.  No church, sermon or person involved just the Lord Jesus. It is a personal intimate covenant relationship with reciprocated love. (Short Testimony)  I tell you this testimony to reveal how simple and loving a genuine reciprocated love relationship with Christ Jesus can be. 

1 John 2:27 (NKJV)

27 But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him.

Matthew 18:2–4 (NKJV)

2 Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, 3 and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

Following Jesus and walking in the Holy Spirit isn’t man made or subject to man’s ways. It’s supernatural and spiritual and not a man made educational program. My own thoughts from my own experiences and I am not discouraging anyone from seeking formal schooling I merely state this once again that even a child can come to salvation and walk in the Spirit of the Lord. Our relationship and intimacy with Christ Jesus is personal so let’s put away and foolishness about how long someone has been saved or “born again”.  Intimacy is a heart condition not age discrimination.  Jesus said to come to him as a child and doesn’t a child learn from their heavenly Father? 

What I am about to share with you is a Word that the Lord has given me and I have spoken this Word under the unction of the Holy Spirit where and when the Lord has asked.  The Lord has said that now is the time to release it to His Children/Church also.

WORD OF THE LORD

The love of God is holy, pure, undefiled, unadulterated, sanctified, reverenced and to glorify, reveal and magnify God/Christ Jesus.

There is far too much adultery and un-holiness in the house of the Lord and within His children.  If anyone is using horoscopes, astrology, taro cards, palm reading, Ouija boards, fortune cookies, pagan idol figures, pagan symbols, etc. it is spiritual adultery.  There should be NO fornication or consummation outside of Covenant marriage as the two become one exchanging both physical and spiritual transference.  Additionally God defines marriage as A man and Woman there is no exception.  There are also many ungodly clubs and associations that are spiritual adultery and an abomination to the Lord. Let us all be humble as there is to much self-righteousness and pride within the professing body of Christ.  It would be wise to be humble as pride comes before the fall!  Please renounce, repent and turn back to Jesus.

Exodus 20:3–5 (NKJV)

3      “You shall have no other gods before Me.

4      “You shall not make for yourself a carved image—any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; 5 you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me,

Matthew 22:37 (NKJV)

37 Jesus said to him, “ ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’

I also would like to tell you that “Covenant” is “critical” and God designed and created covenant and that is the heart of this message!  A covenant of Love!   A genuine Covenant is freely and mutually reciprocated/relational or there is likely no real Covenant and only a desire to be loved and no genuine return of love.  How many hurting souls are out there in this world seeking the desire to feel loved?  Only God the Father through Christ Jesus our Lord can fill and occupy that part of our hearts. 

The Kingdom of God is the Heart of Christ Jesus because God is love!  Are we reciprocating genuine covenant AGAPE love to Jesus.  Personally for me I want people to taste living water and reveal Christ to them so they will thirst after Christ Jesus. Without walking in the Agape Love of Christ Jesus from true reciprocated covenant love with Christ how are people we meet or witness to going to experience Christ Jesus, which is the source of the divine love they were created to receive.  Bottom line if we don’t hunger and thirst for Jesus how will others we meet desire to hunger and thirst for Jesus!

The measure you love God is in direct correlation with the Fear of God!  You don’t desire nor want sin because sin is death and damnation and being cast away from God!  If you truly love with all of your heart there is no room for spiritual adultery or placing anything in priority before Jesus. It is the fear of God as well as the love of God that submits us to one another amongst the body of Christ.  As well as the love of God and Fear of the Lord that separates us from ungodliness in others, have NO fellowship with darkness or be un-equally yoked. (If neither spouse is born again and one becomes born again that is different.)

As Peter was called to shepherd the Church Jesus had to restore Peter before Peter could be over the Church.  Phileo love is NOT AGAPE love!  I believe we will all discover this is the foundational key to the Kingdom. Why did Paul say that if he did all those things without Love He was nothing!

FOUNDATIONAL PRICIPLES TO FOLLOW 

1)    Let the Word of God and Spirit of God be true and the source of all TRUTH! 

Romans 3:4 (NKJV)

 Certainly not! Indeed, let God be true but every man a liar. As it is written:

“That You may be justified in Your words,

And may overcome when You are judged 

2)    The rule/law of first mention. This simply means God’s governing Order, for example Lord and Savior according to Romans 10!  NOT Savior and then Lord. God’s order of sequence and government is not subject to mankind we are subjected to God’s divine order.

3)    Third, let us establish that GOD IS LOVE and GOD IS SPIRIT. 

John 4:24 (NKJV)

God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”

1 John 4:8 (NKJV)

 He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.

4)     The Fourth principle is the importance of numbers and what those numbers signify and mean.  (Book of Genesis as example)

5)    We must use the full counsel of God and all of His Word not just pulling scripture out of context as God’s Word is not contradictive.  There are many scriptures today taken out of context for self validation and vindication and not to glorify God.

LET’S BEGIN WITH OUR STUDY

John 3:16 (NKJV)

16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

As I reflect on our suffering Savior Christ Jesus let us remember that there is NO greater love than to lay down one’s life for another.  It is God’s Love in us that empowers and manifests in us un-wavering sacrificial love for one another.  Love comes before the sacrifice/atonement of Jesus on Calvary just as Samuel said obedience is better than sacrifice.  If you love God you will keep His commandments being obedient to them.  Are you beginning to see the beauty of God’s Word and how the Word confirms itself.  Powerful and not contradictive! God so loved the world that he gave His only Son Jesus.  Love comes before the “Blood of Jesus” as GOD is LOVE!  Hallelujah. 

Godly love covers a multitude of sins!  If we forgive others we too shall receive forgiveness!  Law of first mention, we must forgive to be forgiven!  Therefore you have the Holy Spirit dwelling/manifesting the Love of God in you, forgiveness lives and dwells inside of you!  Hallelujah there is deliverance from bitterness and unforgiveness and freedom in the Spirit of God!  How can a “born again” believer live in unforgiveness if Jesus forgave the whole world and The Holy Spirit dwells within us?  John 3:16 states God loved the whole world and Jesus died for the remittance/propitiation for the whole World.  (I will say that we can forgive someone however we need not tolerate their sinful nature.)  It is Love in action and love that paid the price for our sins!  Jesus died for us and as us to fulfill Covenant AGAPE love with Christ Jesus.

Matthew 6:15 (NKJV)

But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. 

1 John 4:20 (NKJV)

Obedience by Faith

If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen?

In regard to repentance and forgiveness I would also like to mention that Jesus is faithful to forgive and keeps no record of our past sins if we ask for His forgiveness and truly repent seeking His righteousness His way of godly living.

That being said do not be fooled as the Holy Spirit reveals all truth I can attest that some people can make false confessions so if The Holy Spirit reveals something don’t be fooled!  I put this out there because of the seriousness of false conversion and false repentance as some are only preaching forgiveness absent of repentance!   Trust in the Lord with all of your heart. There are many people who get deliverance only to face the same temptations and don’t cast down the temptations and strongholds.  I am not getting personal I merely want people to rely on The Holy Spirit.  The primary principle to spiritual discernment is to keep us free so Christ in us can free others as well as “righteous spiritual judgement/discernment”.  (Matthew 7)

2 Peter 2:22 (NKJV)

But it has happened to them according to the true proverb: “A dog returns to his own vomit,” and, “a sow, having washed, to her wallowing in the mire.”

Proverbs 26:11 (NKJV)

As a dog returns to his own vomit,

So a fool repeats his folly.

NEXT SCRIPTURE TO LOOK AT IS JOHN 21:15-19

John 21:15–19 (NKJV)

Christ Speaks to Peter 

15 So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?”

He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.”

He said to him, “Feed My lambs.”

16 He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?”

He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.”

He said to him, “Tend My sheep.”

17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?”

And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.”

Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep. 18 Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish.” 19 This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, “Follow Me.”

In John 21:15-19 listed above Jesus is revealing Agape love verses Phileo love which is God’s pure AGAPE love forsaking all others even unto death.  Love comes before feeding the sheep! How would this relate to Galatians 2:20 / Philippians 3:8-10 /Revelation 12:11 / Matthew 22:37-39?

Please note that Jesus asked Peter 3 times, which also signifies the death and resurrection of Christ and then Jesus said even unto death!  Also notice that when Peter was younger he walked as he wished.  If you read Saul (Paul) encounter on the road to Damascus you will note that Paul fasted three days denying himself after His encounter with Jesus!  Amazingly Paul writes Galatians 2:20!  Have you ever wondered why Galatians 2:20 is the total opposite to Revelations 2:20.

Galatians 2:20 (NKJV)

20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

Philippians 3:8–14 (NKJV)

8 Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; 10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, 11 if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.

Why would Paul need to “gain Christ” if the Holy Spirit already dwelled within Paul?  Why would Paul need to obtain resurrection if the Holy Spirit dwelled within Paul? 

Pressing Toward the Goal

12 Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. 13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Revelation 12:11 (NKJV)

11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.

Matthew 22:37–39 (NKJV)

37 Jesus said to him, “ ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’

Notice the law/rule of first mention is to love God first then love your neighbor.  What type of love are we reciprocating to our neighbors, family, loved ones and friends and within the church structure?  Are we loving like Jesus or Pileo love like Peter before Jesus asked him and revealed AGAPE love? 

Without AGAPE true covenant love it will very difficult if not impossible in the days ahead as the Bride of Christ will not be prepared.  The Lord has showed me this many times.  Please hear my heart brothers and sisters I am not saying you don’t love Jesus or that Jesus doesn’t love you.  I am merely pointing out what the Lord has revealed to me many times during my travels unto the Lord.  Human nature is to receive love because we are created for intimacy but are we genuinely reciprocating true covenant love back to the Lord?  How is it that Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego went into the furnace of fire and didn’t get burned or even smell of smoke?  Had they offered themselves as a sacrifice to the Lord to stand true to the Lord which includes the truth of His Word. Does that sound similar to Abraham being asked to sacrifice his son?  Will we become broken bread for a burnt offering to be in the fullness of Christ?  If you love Jesus you will keep His commandments, that is what is written and we must not add or subtract from the Word of God or our names are blotted out of the Lamb’s book of life.  We have the Holy Spirit in us which is also the Written Word of God upon our hearts.

Deuteronomy 11:18 (KJV 1900)

18 Therefore shall ye lay up these my words in your heart and in your soul, and bind them for a sign upon your hand, that they may be as frontlets between your eyes.

John 15:7 (KJV 1900)

7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.

The Holy Spirit inspired the Written Word why can’t it inspire the fullness of the Living Word in us?

Revelation 22:19 (NKJV)

and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

Some of you have heard me say this time and again.  You can’t separate the Written Word From the Holy Spirit or Living Word!  Satan tries very hard to blind us of this and he is the master of deception.  We should be walking in the Holy Spirit not just talking the Word but living out the Word producing real spiritual fruit and spiritual discernment .  We are called to the life of Christ not just following a written method. 

2 Timothy 1:9 (NKJV)

who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began,

John 1:12 (KJV 1900)

12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

1 Corinthians 1:26 (NKJV)

Glory Only in the Lord

For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called.

We know that Peter was told to feed Jesus’ sheep what was Jesus telling Peter to feed them?  Was it merely referring to the Written Word or did it include AGAPE LOVE?  Hadn’t Peter just learned the difference between Phileo love and AGAPE love?  Are we the body of Christ walking in Agape Love or Phileo Love?  This is the burden of the Lord that He has given me.  Jesus has spoken this to me many times about the lack of Agape covenant love in His church/people.  I have had professing Christian friends do the same to me as Peter did to Jesus. Jesus has literally told me they are your Peter.  I thought dear Lord that was before Pentecost!  I pray for those people that Jesus would restore them as Jesus did for Peter.  As you grow in covenant love with Jesus you will lose friends and you may or may not even initiate the separation. Most of the time they just walk out from your life.  Don’t be disheartened Jesus came for His own and they did not receive Him.

Matthew 16:23 (NKJV)

23 But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.”

John 1:11–13 (NKJV)

11 He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him.

The Acceptance of Christ

12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: 13 who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

When reading John 1:12 you will notice Jesus gave us the right to become children of God.  Today we see every battle for rights except to become a child of God.  Just because you have a “born again” right doesn’t mean you won’t have to fight to keep that right or holiness and sanctification.  Just because someone gives you something it is of little use if it isn’t used or executed.  A right is not a guarantee!

It is shocking when you walk in the love of Jesus and are not received amongst professing followers of Jesus yet I have received directly from the Lord Matthew 10:11-15 and it is very disheartening.  EVERYTHING comes out of the heart!   We are told to guard our hearts Proverb 4:23 as everything flows out from the heart.  I share this because of the complete sadness that I hear Christians dealing with rejection and folks if you are walking with Jesus you too will face and deal with rejection even amongst professing Christians.  Embrace the promises of the Beatitudes in Matthew 5 as great is your reward in heaven.  So those dealing with rejection must not embrace rejection merely the truth as Jesus is truth and where the Spirit of the Lord is there is freedom.  Most of the persecution doesn’t come from the lost souls in the streets but the sinners in the pews.  It was the religious leaders who demanded Jesus crucified. 

Matthew 10:11–15 (NKJV)

11 “Now whatever city or town you enter, inquire who in it is worthy, and stay there till you go out. 12 And when you go into a household, greet it. 13 If the household is worthy, let your peace come upon it. But if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. 14 And whoever will not receive you nor hear your words, when you depart from that house or city, shake off the dust from your feet. 15 Assuredly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city!

1 John 1:7 (NKJV)

But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.

Matthew 6:23 (NKJV)

 But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness!

For some time now the Lord has truly put this burden upon my heart to bring attention to the difference of AGAPE love verses Phileo. Let’s dig a little deeper on this.  When we read 1 John 1:7 we are to walk in the light as Jesus is in the light!  Is your lamp full of light or is it dim?  What are we doing with the light we have been given?  Are we walking in Covenant love with Jesus?  A Covenant is fully surrendered just as Christ Jesus fully surrendered on Calvary.  Are we fully surrendered to Jesus and living in His will or our own will?  If there is darkness how great is that darkness?

1 John 2:19 (NKJV)

19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but they went out that they might be made manifest, that none of them were of us.

I added 1John 2:19 to make a brief point as I have witnessed this taken out of context used by the enemy to make it appear that we are walking away from  light and truth when in fact we are separating ourselves and walking away from darkness.  There are many false prophets.  Don’t take separation to heart it is part of the journey and walk with Jesus.  “Because they say they can see they are blind, because they say they can hear they are deaf”.  There will be separation in this pilgrimage journey until we get to our heavenly home.  Once again there are saints dealing with rejection feeling they are alone.  My brothers and sisters loneliness is part of the journey at times if we are to forsake all others and put Christ first.  When you are lonely get into the quiet place with the Lord as loneliness is a call to greater intimacy with Jesus.  Loneliness can be easy prey for ungodly spirits to attack, cast down those strongholds and seek the Lord for His love.  We must each be obedient to the Holy Spirit because Jesus will bring light where there is darkness.  Seek the Lord and He will guide our steps if you should stay or leave.  Sometimes we reach one, sometimes the multitude.  We need to stay in the will of the Lord Jesus as Jesus might be teaching us and revealing things to us increasing us through what we are going through or experiencing.  (Reflect on 1John4:4)  I can attest to this as I/we are constantly tested and will continue to be tested  as I would not partake and the Lord spoke to me Deuteronomy 13.

Luke 12:51 (NKJV)

Do you suppose that I came to give peace on earth? I tell you, not at all, but rather division.

Matthew 10:37 (NKJV)

37 He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.

FINAL SCRIPTURE TO LOOK AT

Matthew 25:1–13 (NKJV)

Parable of the Ten Virgins

25 “Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2 Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. 3 Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, 4 but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. 5 But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept.

6 “And at midnight a cry was heard: ‘Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!’ 7 Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. 8 And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ 9 But the wise answered, saying, ‘No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.’ 10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut.

11 “Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us!’ 12 But he answered and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.’

13 “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.

I would briefly like to say that I a merely opening up this scripture (Matthew 25:1-13) for analysis and I pray that the Holy Spirit will reveal to each of us what we need.  Just as with the Word of God we must stay Abiding in the Living Word of God Christ Jesus.   Intimacy is found both in the Person of Christ Jesus and the Written Word of God.  To love Jesus is to love truth and abide in Truth. (John 14:6) We are to abide in the Written Word as well as the Living Word Christ Jesus and The Holy Spirit.  The Word became Flesh.

I would like to start with another section of scripture to attempt to tie in what I believe the Lord has shown me.  So let’s start with John 2:1-11.

John 2:1–11 (NKJV)

Christ Changes Water to Wine

2 On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. 2 Now both Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding. 3 And when they ran out of wine, the mother of Jesus said to Him, “They have no wine.”

4 Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does your concern have to do with Me? My hour has not yet come.”

5 His mother said to the servants, “Whatever He says to you, do it.”

6 Now there were set there six waterpots of stone, according to the manner of purification of the Jews, containing twenty or thirty gallons apiece. 7 Jesus said to them, “Fill the waterpots with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. 8 And He said to them, “Draw some out now, and take it to the master of the feast.”And they took it. 9 When the master of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and did not know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom. 10 And he said to him, “Every man at the beginning sets out the good wine, and when the guests have well drunk, then the inferior. You have kept the good wine until now!”

The Disciples Believe

11 This beginning of signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory; and His disciples believed in Him.

Did you notice the number three signifying the death and resurrection of Christ signifying and correlation to becoming (future tense) born again through the death and resurrection of Christ? There were six water pots of stone, six being the number of man with a heart of stone!  Notice the 6 stones were filled with water for purification.  What did Jesus tell the woman at the well? Did you notice the reciprocation of returning what we received back to our Master!  Did you notice that the Father/Master called the Bridegroom? Are we returning and reciprocating the Love of God in Genuine Covenant relationship and intimacy back to the Lord?  That corresponds to drawing some wine out and taking it to the Master of the feast!  Are we in Covenant love and truly reciprocated love with Jesus?

Ezekiel 36:26 (NKJV)

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.

John 4:13–14 (KJV 1900)

13 Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: 14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.

Jesus was going to fill us with living water/The Holy Spirit which would become wine at the Marriage supper of the Lamb.

The man did not know where the wine came from because Jesus won’t dwell in things made with human hands!  Jesus couldn’t be touched in the tomb because He hadn’t ascended.

Acts 7:48 (KJV 1900)

48 Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet,

Every man at the beginning sets out the best wine and then puts out the lesser wine.  This is a backslidden nature of a born again follower/believer or fleshly living going from good to bad!  Jesus gave us His best and gave us the Holy Spirit what are we doing with the best of Jesus through the Holy Spirit are we prepared for the Marriage supper of the Lamb?  Are we walking, manifesting and abiding in Covenant relationship with Jesus.  If we love Jesus we Abide in His Word and follow his commandments.

The best wine will be at the Marriage supper of the Lamb.  Now when we go back to Matthew 25:1-13 we can properly assess the 10 virgin parable.  This corresponds the Word of the Lord that Jesus has had me speak under His unction and has now put it on my heart to release to the body.  All 10 virgins were engaged, being engaged signifies you belong to someone! The engagement signifies you belong to someone whom is Jesus, thus the invitation of the Holy Spirit was already received dwelling within them.  You don’t go to a wedding you are not invited too!  No man comes to the Son unless the Father draws them!  The invitation was received which is the Holy Spirit.  Jesus knocks on the door and if we invite Jesus in He enters so the invitation or Holy Spirit was received.

John 6:44 (KJV 1900)

44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.

They all had their lamps signifying that a measure of light/Holy Spirit was given to them.  Notice slumbering and sleeping is backsliding in nature.  Notice Ephesians 5:14 is after Pentecost. 

Ephesians 5:14 (NKJV)

14 Therefore He says:

“Awake, you who sleep,

Arise from the dead,

And Christ will give you light.”

PAUL IS PREACHING TO THE CHURCH!

When I think of the ten virgins only five were in AGAPE Covenant love with Christ Jesus and their lamps were full! They all had lamps, they all had oil, yet five were not full of the love of God!  Revelation 3 address this, this is the Church that is being addressed!

Revelation 3:15–17 (NKJV)

15 “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. 16 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. 17 Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked—

The foolish virgins asked for oil from those that were prepared.  This correlates with each of us giving an individual account for our lives here on earth at the judgment seat of Christ Jesus.  Only Jesus can give the oil as it does not come from any other human!  The brides then tried to buy the oil just as Simon tried to buy the anointing which is the Holy Spirit.  After the door was shut the virgins asked to open the door and Jesus said that He did not know them.  Does this sound familiar as it lines up with Matthew 7!

Matthew 7:21–23 (NKJV)

True Way into the Kingdom

(Luke 6:46)

21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22 Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ 23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’

 

I urge you to read Matthew 21 where Jesus cleansed the Temple.  They were merchandising doves!  What were they selling and what were people buying if they were merchandising doves?  They were selling lies and apostasy and people were buying them buying the FALSE GOSPEL because the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Truth!  Where do we bring our tithes so what were they paying for?  Surely Jesus wouldn’t cast out His own that He was going to die for!  We are supposed to come prepared with The Holy Spirit and the belt of Truth  (Ephesians 6) not buying the lies from false prophets merchandising apostasy.  We are called to test the spirits!

John 16:13 (NKJV)

13 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.

2 Timothy 3:5 (NKJV)

5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!

Luke 11:52 (NKJV)

52 “Woe to you lawyers! For you have taken away the key of knowledge. You did not enter in yourselves, and those who were entering in you hindered.”

 

Acts 8:18 (KJV 1900)

18 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,

Matthew 7:23 (NKJV)

23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’

The trimming of the lamps is in direct correlation to John 15.  Have you allowed the Vinedresser to trim away ungodliness to bear good fruit! Notice Jesus said that every branch in HIM!  So it’s not that we have not received Christ we are not Abiding in Christ in Covenant Loving Relationship.  Wow, I am getting revelations as I write.  Don’t follow a gift or calling they are irrevocable, we need to walk in the Holy Spirit.

When I prayed for months about my Website the Lord told me to call it Abiding Bread!  Thank you Jesus!

John 15:1–10 (NKJV)

The Relationship of Believers to Christ

15 “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.

5 “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. 8 By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.

9 “As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. 10 If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.

I underlined John 15 as this ties in the parable of the ten virgins and I want you to see what the Lord is revealing.  Many feel like the return of Christ Jesus is soon to come regardless if Jesus is or not, are you ready for Jesus return! 

Fruit is evidence of discipleship there is no disciple where there is no discipline or obedience to the Lord Jesus.  Don’t follow a gift or calling they are irrevocable, we need to walk in the Holy Spirit.  Many are called but few are chosen.

John 17:21 (NKJV)

21 that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.

In Jewish marriage the “groom” leaves to prepare a home for his bride and the bride must keep herself prepared for the return of the bridegroom keeping herself without spot or wrinkle.  Jesus is returning for His bride without spot or wrinkle.  Also the Father is the one who tells the groom when to get his bride!  I hope you can see how severe, challenging and delicate this post has been for me to write.  This is the burden of the Lord that He has called me to share with all of you.   

Jude 21 (NKJV)

keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

It is true that Jesus will never leave us or forsake us but have we forsaken Jesus?  People it is time to meditate and search our hearts and get in true Covenant Agape Love with Christ out Lord.

I am posting a few other scriptures for meditation and prayer purposes.  I thank you for reading this post as it the burden of the Lord Jesus that His bride be prepared!  Jesus has given me this burden and by His grace I have broken down things for you to consider and take to prayer.

Matthew 4:17 (NKJV)

17 From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

1 Corinthians 9:27 (KJV 1900)

27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. 

In 1Corinthians 9:27 we have the Apostle Paul stating the he could be castaway!  Let us remember Paul was healed of his blindness and filled with The Holy Spirit so why would Paul address his own concern of being castaway?  How is that Paul mentions both being castaway and in Thessalonians Paul talks about being “caught up in the air with Jesus”? Where does the bible say we are cast into!  Lucifer was cast down, Adam and Eve were cast out and five virgins were not allowed at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb of God. 

1 Thessalonians 4:17 (KJV 1900)

17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

Romans 8:35–39 (KJV 1900)

35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

If you meditate on Romans 8:35-39 you will notice that all of the things Paul addresses are external conditions that challenge us yet Paul never states that what is internal or within us our very own hearts! Notice it starts out with “WHO” shall separate us from the love of Christ, who signifies a person?

Matthew 24:12 (KJV 1900)

12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.

1 Timothy 4:1–2 (KJV 1900)

Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;

 Only we (born again people) ourselves can separate ourselves from God as we are created with free will just as the angels have free will.  The Lord wanted me to expose this as Satan has twisted the mindsets and people believe that they can’t lose salvation.

How does this apply to todays messages of “once saved always saved”, “once in grace always in grace”,  “eat the meat and spit out the bones”, “don’t through out the baby with the dirty bath water”.  I have heard these statements from the pulpits and I want to vomit!  Why would you put a clean baby the Lord has cleaned back in the dirty water! 

Philippians 2:12 (NKJV)

Light Bearers

12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;

1 Corinthians 11:28 (NKJV)

28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup.

FINAL MEDITATION TO PRAY OVER WHICH SHOULD TIE ALL THIS TOGETHER

Matthew 22:1–14 (NKJV)

Parable of the Marriage Feast

22 And Jesus answered and spoke to them again by parables and said: 2 “The kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who arranged a marriage for his son, 3 and sent out his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding; and they were not willing to come. 4 Again, he sent out other servants, saying, ‘Tell those who are invited, “See, I have prepared my dinner; my oxen and fatted cattle are killed, and all things are ready. Come to the wedding.” ’ 5 But they made light of it and went their ways, one to his own farm, another to his business. 6 And the rest seized his servants, treated them spitefully, and killed them. 7 But when the king heard about it, he was furious. And he sent out his armies, destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city. 8 Then he said to his servants, ‘The wedding is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy. 9 Therefore go into the highways, and as many as you find, invite to the wedding.’ 10 So those servants went out into the highways and gathered together all whom they found, both bad and good. And the wedding hall was filled with guests.

11 “But when the king came in to see the guests, he saw a man there who did not have on a wedding garment. 12 So he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you come in here without a wedding garment?’ And he was speechless. 13 Then the king said to the servants, ‘Bind him hand and foot, take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

14 “For many are called, but few are chosen.”


I did not write this post to create controversy or debate and I tried very hard to incorporate the full counsel of God’s Word.  We are individuals and will be judged individually so please take what the Lord put on my heart and revealed to me in prayer. 

My dear brothers and sisters it is with a heavy burden that the Lord has given me and what I have shared with you that the Lord put on my heart.  I have worked very carefully to bring seriousness, truth and love in this post.  Please take what you have read into prayer with our Lord Jesus.  It was with a heavy heart and burden that the Lord wanted me to release this to all of you.  I pray that the Lord’s will with be done in the hearts of His children.  I pray for grace, mercy, love and peace from our Heavenly Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

From your brother in Christ. 

Glen

THE COST OF TRUE DICIPLESHIP

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THE COST OF TRUE DICIPLESHIP

 As we celebration the birth of our Savior, Lord and King Jesus Christ this Christmas I was quiet before the Lord and thanking the Lord Jesus for the atonement and the gift of salvation through Christ Jesus when the Lord spoke to me about the season we are in and how it will get more profound and intensify.

We mustn’t confuse “believing” in Christ Jesus with “following” Christ Jesus.  After all even the demons believe, treble and fear at the name of Jesus.  We must be FULLY SUBMITTED, COMMITTED AND OBEDIENT TO BOTH THE WRITTEN WORD AND SPIRIT OF THE LORD JESUS.

James 2:19 (NKJV)

19 You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble!

Matthew 16:24–26 (NKJV)

Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. 25 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. 26 For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?

John 14:15 (NKJV)

“If you love Me, keep My commandments.

The season we are in and quickly progressing in is a season of “true discipleship” and the true cost of being a disciple of Christ Jesus.  We MUST be willing to go through the “refiners fire” of the Lord Jesus! We must reflect and ask ourselves what will it cost each of us to follow Christ Jesus to do the work of HIS Kingdom and the works of the Holy Spirit?  Everything that is not godly or of the Lord Jesus is about to be shaken and challenged! Our free will to cast down every idol as well as the repentance of sins for the purposes of the Lord Jesus will be challenged and must be forsaken as we put Jesus first as LORD AND SAVIOR.  As Joshua spoke, choose this day whom you will serve WITH FULLNESS OF HEART.  Each breath and every moment we draw closer to the return of the Lord Jesus and everything that is not of Jesus will be consumed in fire, thus the “heat” of the “refiners fire” is intensifying as evil is called good and good is called evil in an ungodly world.

Joshua 24:14–15 (NKJV)

14 “Now therefore, fear the LORD, serve Him in sincerity and in truth, and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the River and in Egypt. Serve the LORD! 15 And if it seems evil to you to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” 

Malachi 3:3 (NKJV)

He will sit as a refiner and a purifier of silver;

He will purify the sons of Levi,

And purge them as gold and silver,

That they may offer to the LORD

An offering in righteousness.

We must not confuse fellowships and friendships with being fully/truly submitted and committed with abiding and dwelling in ONE ACCORD with Christ Jesus.  Every relationship is being tested and refined as well as earthly possessions and every idol of the heart! We must put Jesus first and foremost in our lives and hearts.  We must return fully to our “First Love” Christ Jesus.

Acts 2:1 (NKJV)

When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.

Luke 14:26 (NKJV)

 “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple.

Abraham was called to sacrifice his only son, Job was tested to the point that even his own wife told him to curse the Lord and die.  Job’s friends accused him of sin, Job’s losses were many while trying to stay committed and devoted to the Lord.  His family, wealth, friends and health were test and tried.  We are going to go through much of the same to reach the fullness of Christ Jesus as the intensity and refiners fire is being turned up.  We must decide like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego if we are willing to give our lives unto death for the Lord Jesus.  We must choose the fire of refinement over the fires of eternal damnation and destruction.

Daniel 3:14–18 (NKJV)

14 Nebuchadnezzar spoke, saying to them, “Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the gold image which I have set up? 15 Now if you are ready at the time you hear the sound of the horn, flute, harp, lyre, and psaltery, in symphony with all kinds of music, and you fall down and worship the image which I have made, good! But if you do not worship, you shall be cast immediately into the midst of a burning fiery furnace. And who is the god who will deliver you from my hands?”

16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. 17 If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. 18 But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.” 

Much of today’s church is building up gifting and callings but omit Holiness and righteousness of Christ Jesus!  It would be wise to remember that the Lord is returning for a Bride without spot or wrinkle!  The callings and giftings are irrevocable and they are no true sign of holiness, righteousness or even the true Holy Spirit! 

Romans 11:29 (NKJV)

For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.

Matthew 7:21–23 (NKJV)

True Way into the Kingdom

21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22 Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ 23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’

Ephesians 5:27 (NKJV)

that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.

We must each examine ourselves before partaking of the bread and wine of our Lord Jesus.  We must come before the Lord with purity of heart.  We must repent and get right with the Lord Jesus.

1 Corinthians 11:28 (NKJV)

But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 

Matthew 5:8 (NKJV)

Blessed are the pure in heart,

For they shall see God.

 

Psalm 51 (NKJV)

PSALM 51

A Prayer of Repentance

 

To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David When Nathan the Prophet Went to Him, After He Had Gone in to Bathsheba.

 

1      Have mercy upon me, O God,

According to Your lovingkindness;

According to the multitude of Your tender mercies,

Blot out my transgressions.

2      Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,

And cleanse me from my sin.

 

3      For I acknowledge my transgressions,

And my sin is always before me.

4      Against You, You only, have I sinned,

And done this evil in Your sight—

That You may be found just when You speak,

And blameless when You judge.

 

5      Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity,

And in sin my mother conceived me.

6      Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts,

And in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom.

 

7      Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;

Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

8      Make me hear joy and gladness,

That the bones You have broken may rejoice.

9      Hide Your face from my sins,

And blot out all my iniquities.

 

10      Create in me a clean heart, O God,

And renew a steadfast spirit within me.

11      Do not cast me away from Your presence,

And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.

 

12      Restore to me the joy of Your salvation,

And uphold me by Your generous Spirit.

13      Then I will teach transgressors Your ways,

And sinners shall be converted to You.

 

14      Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God,

The God of my salvation,

And my tongue shall sing aloud of Your righteousness.

15      O Lord, open my lips,

And my mouth shall show forth Your praise.

16      For You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it;

You do not delight in burnt offering.

17      The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit,

A broken and a contrite heart—

These, O God, You will not despise.

 

18      Do good in Your good pleasure to Zion;

Build the walls of Jerusalem.

19      Then You shall be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness,

With burnt offering and whole burnt offering;

Then they shall offer bulls on Your altar.

 

We are called to the LIFE OF CHIST not merely to believe in the existence of Christ Jesus.  It would be wise to read and reflect on all of the Pauline Epistles of Timothy.

 

Ephesians 4:1–6 (NKJV)

Walk in Unity

4 I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, 2 with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, 3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

 

1 Corinthians 16:13 (NKJV)

Final Exhortations

13 Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.

Galatians 2:20 (NKJV)

I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

 

May the fullness of Christ be with you!  Blessing, peace and joy from our Lord Jesus.

ROOT OF BITTERNESS

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– WARNING FROM THE LORD –

BEWARE OF THE ROOT OF BITTERNESS

 

Hebrews 12:15 (AMP)

15 Exercise foresight and be on the watch to look [after one another], to see that no one falls back from and fails to secure God’s grace (His unmerited favor and spiritual blessing), in order that no root of resentment (rancor, bitterness, or hatred) shoots forth and causes trouble and bitter torment, and the many become contaminated and defiled by it—

During my prayer time with the Lord the Lord spoke to me several times regarding the root of bitterness, which is trying to take root within His people.

 In a world full of slander, mockery, persecution as well as the hand of the Lord being removed with judgments coming forth the root of bitterness must not be embraced and in some cases must be rebuked and removed from the hearts of God’s people.

 In the past few weeks I have heard several personal accounts and ministered to people with various questions:  why this, why me, where is God, where are the promises of God, I am no longer sure of my calling from the Lord, etc.!

 Let us rebuke this root of bitterness, which is trying to hinder us with a “victim mindset” and stronghold!  The Bride of Christ needs to fortify their spiritual armor and be rooted and grounded in Christ as the Heavens are in a very intense spiritual battle and that battle is unfolding in the “natural” which is the world we live in.

 Heed the Word of The Lord as we each search our hearts before the Lord cleansing us of any bitterness, resentments, anger or strife which may defile our hearts before the Lord causing us to slip an fall from the grace of God.

2 Corinthians 10:3–6 (AMP)

3 For though we walk (live) in the flesh, we are not carrying on our warfare according to the flesh and using mere human weapons.

4 For the weapons of our warfare are not physical [weapons of flesh and blood], but they are mighty before God for the overthrow and destruction of strongholds,

5 [Inasmuch as we] refute arguments and theories and reasonings and every proud and lofty thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God; and we lead every thought and purpose away captive into the obedience of Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One),

6 Being in readiness to punish every [insubordinate for his] disobedience, when your own submission and obedience [as a church] are fully secured and complete.

 

Blessings in Christ, rejoice as our salvation draws near!

 

Luke 21:28 (AMP)

28 Now when these things begin to occur, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption (deliverance) is drawing near.

SLAYING GIANTS

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SLAYING GIANTS

When DAVID killed Goliath He was an ambassador for Christ as Jesus and all of the Kingdom of Heaven were with DAVID.  No other Israelite stood against Goliath with DAVID!  The beginning of the mighty men requires true and complete submission, trust, faith, relationship and dependency upon Christ Jesus!

 Lessons of importance: 

  • DAVID was the youngest of his brothers as age or tenure doesn’t signify spiritual maturity.
  • DAVID stripped himself of anything that resembles earthly protection or dependency, there was NO potential for earthly glory/praise to man made protections or weaponry. 
  • DAVID proclaimed the Lord Jesus and the Kingdom of Heaven and used a ROCK which is Christ Jesus to destroy the enemy!  Yes, the Rock Christ Jesus killed Goliath and all of the Glory went to the Lord! 
  • DAVID’S personal walk and relationship with the Lord was not dependent or subject to anyone other than Christ Jesus. 
  • Sometimes the least likely is called to glorify the Lord.
  • The promises of God are personal and not dependent upon human approval or acceptance. 
  • The name of Jesus is not just a name where 2 or more gather but gather in the nature, virtues, attributes in full submission to the Lord.  No one assembled with David as the Israelites didn’t stand with David to fight until after the giant was slain! 
  • Fear is crippling and mountains are moved by the power of the Lord!  There is no true fullness of faith where there is not total surrender to your personal life or desires even in the face of death.  (Abraham called to sacrifice his son). 
  • The Word without the Rock Jesus is use-less as you can’t copy a method as we are called to the life of Christ Jesus.  
  • David spent alone time with the Lord and as he was not found with his brothers or parents when Samuel arrived.  It is likely to believe that David spent much alone time with the Lord as His relationship with the Lord was personal and not dependent upon others or influenced by others.
  • We often look to others to kill the giants in our lives but we must rely on Christ Jesus first and foremost.

Acts 19:13–17 (AMP)

13 Then some of the traveling Jewish exorcists (men who adjure evil spirits) also undertook to call the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, I solemnly implore and charge you by the Jesus Whom Paul preaches!

14 Seven sons of a certain Jewish chief priest named Sceva were doing this.

15 But [one] evil spirit retorted, Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?

16 Then the man in whom the evil spirit dwelt leaped upon them, mastering two of them, and was so violent against them that they dashed out of that house [in fear], stripped naked and wounded.

17 This became known to all who lived in Ephesus, both Jews and Greeks, and alarm and terror fell upon them all; and the name of the Lord Jesus was extolled and magnified.

 

1 Samuel 17:31–58 (AMP)

31 When David’s words were heard, they were repeated to Saul, and he sent for him.

32 David said to Saul, Let no man’s heart fail because of this Philistine; your servant will go out and fight with him.

33 And Saul said to David, You are not able to go to fight against this Philistine. You are only an adolescent, and he has been a warrior from his youth.

34 And David said to Saul, Your servant kept his father’s sheep. And when there came a lion or again a bear and took a lamb out of the flock,

35 I went out after it and smote it and delivered the lamb out of its mouth; and when it arose against me, I caught it by its beard and smote it and killed it.

36 Your servant killed both the lion and the bear; and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be like one of them, for he has defied the armies of the living God!

37 David said, The Lord Who delivered me out of the paw of the lion and out of the paw of the bear, He will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said to David, Go, and the Lord be with you!

38 Then Saul clothed David with his armor; he put a bronze helmet on his head and clothed him with a coat of mail.

39 And David girded his sword over his armor. Then he tried to go, but could not, for he was not used to it. And David said to Saul, I cannot go with these, for I am not used to them. And David took them off.

40 Then he took his staff in his hand and chose five smooth stones out of the brook and put them in his shepherd’s [lunch] bag [a whole kid’s skin slung from his shoulder], in his pouch, and his sling was in his hand, and he drew near the Philistine.

41 The Philistine came on and drew near to David, the man who bore the shield going before him.

42 And when the Philistine looked around and saw David, he scorned and despised him, for he was but an adolescent, with a healthy reddish color and a fair face.

43 And the Philistine said to David, Am I a dog, that you should come to me with sticks? And the Philistine cursed David by his gods.

44 The Philistine said to David, Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and the beasts of the field.

45 Then said David to the Philistine, You come to me with a sword, a spear, and a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the ranks of Israel, Whom you have defied.

46 This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will smite you and cut off your head. And I will give the corpses of the army of the Philistines this day to the birds of the air and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel.

47 And all this assembly shall know that the Lord saves not with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord’s, and He will give you into our hands.

48 When the Philistine came forward to meet David, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet the Philistine.

49 David put his hand into his bag and took out a stone and slung it, and it struck the Philistine, sinking into his forehead, and he fell on his face to the earth.

50 So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and struck down the Philistine and slew him. But no sword was in David’s hand.

51 So he ran and stood over the Philistine, took his sword and drew it out of its sheath, and killed him, and cut off his head with it. When the Philistines saw that their mighty champion was dead, they fled.

52 And the men of Israel and Judah rose with a shout and pursued the Philistines as far as Gath and the gates of Ekron. So the wounded Philistines fell along the way from Shaaraim as far as Gath and Ekron.

53 The Israelites returned from their pursuit of the Philistines and plundered their tents.

54 David took the head of the Philistine and brought it to Jerusalem, but he put his armor in his tent.

55 When Saul saw David go out against the Philistine, he said to Abner, the captain of the host, Abner, whose son is this youth? And Abner said, As your soul lives, O king, I cannot tell.

56 And the king said, Inquire whose son the stripling is.

57 When David returned from killing Goliath the Philistine, Abner brought him before Saul with the head of the Philistine in his hand.

58 And Saul said to him, Whose son are you, young man? And David answered, I am the son of your servant Jesse of Bethlehem.

PSALM 91 AMP

HE WHO dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty [Whose power no foe can withstand].

2 I will say of the Lord, He is my Refuge and my Fortress, my God; on Him I lean and rely, and in Him I [confidently] trust!

3 For [then] He will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence.

4 [Then] He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings shall you trust and find refuge; His truth and His faithfulness are a shield and a buckler.

5 You shall not be afraid of the terror of the night, nor of the arrow (the evil plots and slanders of the wicked) that flies by day,

6 Nor of the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor of the destruction and sudden death that surprise and lay waste at noonday.

7 A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand, but it shall not come near you.

8 Only a spectator shall you be [yourself inaccessible in the secret place of the Most High] as you witness the reward of the wicked.

9 Because you have made the Lord your refuge, and the Most High your dwelling place, [Ps. 91:1, 14.]

10 There shall no evil befall you, nor any plague or calamity come near your tent.

11 For He will give His angels [especial] charge over you to accompany and defend and preserve you in all your ways [of obedience and service].

12 They shall bear you up on their hands, lest you dash your foot against a stone. [Luke 4:10, 11; Heb. 1:14.]

13 You shall tread upon the lion and adder; the young lion and the serpent shall you trample underfoot. [Luke 10:19.]

14 Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore will I deliver him; I will set him on high, because he knows and understands My name [has a personal knowledge of My mercy, love, and kindness—trusts and relies on Me, knowing I will never forsake him, no, never].

15 He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.

16 With long life will I satisfy him and show him My salvation.

 

PREPARE THE BRIDE OF CHRIST

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URGENT CALL TO PREPARE THE BRIDE OF CHRIST

 

In a recent dream the Lord gave me I kept seeing a bride and the Lord kept giving me the number 40 with the vision of the bride and a wedding ceremony.  As I was dreaming I kept thinking and speaking to the Lord why the number 40, this can’t be personal and for me as I wouldn’t marry someone that much younger then myself.

 

As I awakened I kept thinking of the number 40 along with the dream the Lord gave me.  Through my quiet time, prayer and seeking the Lord He revealed that He was referring to His church and the “Bride of Christ”.   I called a friend and was telling them of the dream and as I was telling them the Spirit of the Lord hit me profoundly and I began to weep under the presence of the Lord as His burden for His bride became even more real, prevalent and urgent than ever!   We should take heed in the number 40 as it represents such things as the “wilderness” which is testing, refinement, separation, unthankfulness, unrepentant, etc towards the Lord.  The Lord revealed that much of his church believes they are already “bride” ready when in fact they are in the wilderness and don’t even know it because they are deceived and bound by pride, self-righteousness and a spirit of delusion and error.  The Lord is warning that His bride will soon have experiences and revelations that they are in the wilderness verses the inner court.  Wilderness can be for edification, sanctification and spiritual growth even if it is unpleasant but even gold must be purified as the dross must be removed and the Lord is about to allow the wilderness to remove the dross from the hearts of His people.   People will bow to the “potter” and realize that they are mere clay in the hands of their Lord and Master.

 

Proverbs 25:4 (AMP)

4 Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall come forth [the material for] a vessel for the silversmith [to work up]. [II Tim. 2:21.]

 

My prayers have been very focused for the “remnant and bride” of Christ and to prepare the bride for the return of the Lord.  We all know the parable about the 10 virgins and the wedding ceremony in Matthew 25.  My spirit is grieving for the Lord as the bride is not ready and many are following the traditions and systematical organizations of men and religion verses the Spirit of the Lord.  Sin and ungodliness have been embraced in the hearts of people which is a mockery and perversion of the power of the Blood of Jesus and power of the Spirit of the Lord.  The hearts of many are failing them as they deny faith unto sanctification, holiness and the righteousness of Christ Jesus.  We are witnessing Jesus own words in Luke 18.

 

Luke 18:6–8 (AMP)

6 Then the Lord said, Listen to what the unjust judge says! 

7 And will not [our just] God defend and protect and avenge His elect (His chosen ones), who cry to Him day and night? Will He defer them and delay help on their behalf? 

8 I tell you, He will defend and protect and avenge them speedily. However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find [persistence in] faith on the earth?

 

The bride is not willing to “pay the price” for the wedding ceremony which is the price of sacrifice such as laying down/dying to the worldliness, “old carnal nature” and seeking sanctification and holiness unto the Lord.  Too many are embracing the fallen nature instead of crucifying the “old man” and living the resurrected life of Christ as in Galatians 2:20!   Telling people you are “only human” is an excuse not to seek the Lord’s mercy and grace unto sanctification.  The same faith unto salvation is the same faith unto sanctification! While it is true that we are human isn’t it true Jesus was human also for Jesus had to come as a man to justify and redeem mankind.  None of us are exempt from temptation in this fallen world however are we to deny the finished work of Calvary and the Blood of Jesus because of the fallen nature we were/are redeemed from?

 

1 Corinthians 11:28 (AMP)

28 Let a man [thoroughly] examine himself, and [only when he has done] so should he eat of the bread and drink of the cup.

 

1 Corinthians 15:21 (AMP)

21 For since [it was] through a man that death [came into the world, it is] also through a Man that the resurrection of the dead [has come].

 

Romans 5:17 (AMP)

17 For if because of one man’s trespass (lapse, offense) death reigned through that one, much more surely will those who receive [God’s] overflowing grace (unmerited favor) and the free gift of righteousness [putting them into right standing with Himself] reign as kings in life through the one Man Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One).

 

Romans 6:1–14 (AMP)

WHAT SHALL we say [to all this]? Are we to remain in sin in order that God’s grace (favor and mercy) may multiply and overflow? 

2 Certainly not! How can we who died to sin live in it any longer? 

3 Are you ignorant of the fact that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? 

4 We were buried therefore with Him by the baptism into death, so that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious [power] of the Father, so we too might [habitually] live and behave in newness of life. 

5 For if we have become one with Him by sharing a death like His, we shall also be [one with Him in sharing] His resurrection [by a new life lived for God]. 

6 We know that our old (unrenewed) self was nailed to the cross with Him in order that [our] body [which is the instrument] of sin might be made ineffective and inactive for evil, that we might no longer be the slaves of sin. 

7 For when a man dies, he is freed (loosed, delivered) from [the power of] sin [among men]. 

8 Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, 

9 Because we know that Christ (the Anointed One), being once raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has power over Him. 

10 For by the death He died, He died to sin [ending His relation to it] once for all; and the life that He lives, He is living to God [in unbroken fellowship with Him]. 

11 Even so consider yourselves also dead to sin and your relation to it broken, but alive to God [living in unbroken fellowship with Him] in Christ Jesus. 

12 Let not sin therefore rule as king in your mortal (short-lived, perishable) bodies, to make you yield to its cravings and be subject to its lusts and evil passions. 

13 Do not continue offering or yielding your bodily members [and faculties] to sin as instruments (tools) of wickedness. But offer and yield yourselves to God as though you have been raised from the dead to [perpetual] life, and your bodily members [and faculties] to God, presenting them as implements of righteousness. 

14 For sin shall not [any longer] exert dominion over you, since now you are not under Law [as slaves], but under grace [as subjects of God’s favor and mercy].

 

Galatians 2:20 (AMP)

I have been crucified with Christ [in Him I have shared His crucifixion]; it is no longer I who live, but Christ (the Messiah) lives in me; and the life I now live in the body I live by faith in (by adherence to and reliance on and complete trust in) the Son of God, Who loved me and gave Himself up for me.

 

People are following methods, other people and FALSE gods which are idols of their hearts.  While even “methods” may have a measure of success that success is often our own efforts and will of the flesh which is not surrendered to the Lord.  Just because methods have success doesn’t mean the Lord is in the method!  Much of the church/body will not acknowledge nor engage in the spiritual warfare to protect, deliver and uphold the sanctuary of the Lord and “popularity” and notoriety has replaced the Glory and presence of the Lord Jesus.  The lack of spiritual discernment and ungodly covenants/agreements has blinded many into following “charisma” verses Christ.

 

The Lord brought Ezekiel 8 to my attention of the abominations in the temple of the Lord!  The Lord is grieving for the purity and holiness of His bride and yet there is sin without repentance, spiritual adultery/fornication, idolatry and much more taking place in the sanctuary of the Lord.  We must remember that the Lord will NOT dwell in what human hands/works has made!  Hearts of professing believers (not followers) are not submitted to Christ nor do they exhibit evidence of spiritual fruit.  Talking the talk is not walking the walk. Just as the hearts of the religious leaders would not turn towards the Lord thus the Lord turned over the tables and ridded HIS church of what was not of the Lord so it will be again.  The Lord has brought people to speak correction, holiness and sanctification only to be mocked, ridiculed and persecuted by professing believers/followers of Christ.  We must not forget that judgment starts in the house of the Lord.

 

Acts 7:48 (AMP)

48 However, the Most High does not dwell in houses and temples made with hands; as the prophet says, [Isa. 66:1, 2.]

 

Ezekiel 8:1–18 (AMP)

AND IN the sixth year [of the capitivity of King Jehoiachin], in the sixth month, on the fifth day of the month, as I sat in my house [a captive of the Babylonians] with the elders of Judah sitting before me, the hand of the Lord God fell there upon me. 

2 Then I beheld, and lo, a likeness of a Man with the appearance of fire; from His waist downward He was like fire, and from His waist upward He had the appearance of brightness like gleaming bronze. 

3 And He put forth the form of a hand and took me by a lock of my head; and the Spirit lifted me up between the earth and the heavens and brought me in the visions of God to Jerusalem, to the entrance of the door of the inner [court] which faces toward the north, where was the seat of the idol (image) of jealousy, which provokes to jealousy. [II Kings 16:10-16; 21:4, 5.]

4 And behold, there was the glory of the God of Israel [Who had loved and chosen them], like the vision I saw in the plain. [Ezek. 1:28; 3:22, 23.]

5 Then He [the Spirit] said to me, Son of man, now lift up your eyes toward the north. So I lifted up my eyes toward the north, and behold, on the north of the altar gate was that idol (image) of jealousy in the entrance. 

6 Furthermore, [the Spirit] said to me, Son of man, do you see what they are doing? The great abominations that the house of Israel is committing here to drive Me far from My sanctuary? But you shall again see greater abominations. 

7 And He brought me to the door of the court; and when I looked, behold, there was a hole in the wall. 

8 Then He said to me, Son of man, dig now in the wall. And when I had dug in the wall, behold, there was a door. 

9 And He said to me, Go in and see the wicked abominations that they do here. 

10 So I went in and saw there pictures of every form of creeping things and loathsome beasts and all the idols of the house of Israel, painted round about on the wall. 

11 And there stood before these [pictures] seventy men of the elders of the house of Israel, and in the midst of them stood Jaazaniah the son of Shaphan [the scribe], with every man his censer in his hand, and a thick cloud of incense was going up [in prayer to these their gods]. 

12 Then said He to me, Son of man, have you seen what the elders of the house of Israel do in the dark, every man in his [secret] chambers of [idol] pictures? For they say, The Lord does not see us; the Lord has forsaken the land. 

13 He also said to me, Yet again you shall see greater abominations which they are committing. 

14 Then He brought me to the entrance of the north gate of the Lord’s house; and behold, there sat women weeping for Tammuz [a Babylonian god, who was supposed to die annually and subsequently be resurrected]. 

15 Then said [the Spirit] to me, Have you seen this, O son of man? Yet again you shall see greater abominations that they are committing. 

16 And He brought me to the inner court of the Lord’s house; and behold, at the door of the temple of the Lord, between the porch and the bronze altar, were about twenty-five men with their backs to the temple of the Lord and their faces toward the east, and they were bowing themselves toward the east and worshiping the sun. 

17 Then [the Spirit] said to me, Have you seen this, O son of man? Is it too slight a thing to the house of Judah to commit the abominations which they commit here, that they must fill the land with violence and turn back afresh to provoke Me to anger? And behold, they put the branch to their nose [actually, before their mouths, in superstitious worship]! 

18 Therefore I will deal in wrath; My eye will not spare, nor will I have pity; and though they cry in My ears with a loud voice, yet will I not hear them. [Prov. 1:28; Isa. 1:15; Jer. 11:11; 14:12; Mic. 3:4; Zech. 7:13.]

 

The number 40 biblically is of great significance and the Lord gave me the number 40 concerning the bride of Christ.  The Lord revealed that His bride is in the wilderness, self seeking their own ways and methods and not fully submitted to the Lord and that some are not submitted at all.

 

Life is but a vapor and time is of the utter importance and salvation is not to be taken lightly for all of eternity weighs in the balance.  The Word of the Lord was revealed that His bride believes they are bride ready but the Lord is about to expose much of the church’s true spiritual state and the “wilderness” will become reality very soon to those who falsely believe they are bride ready and prepared for the wedding ceremony!  We must choose without faulting whom we shall serve this day and every day as the testing of the bride through the wilderness is soon upon us.  I pray for a Damascus encounter for those who believe they are with Christ but are truly lost and that their wilderness encounter will include a “burning bush” of Glory.  I pray for the refinement, holiness and righteousness of Christ in His bride for the Lord is worthy of all Glory, Honor and Praise!

 

1 Chronicles 29:11 (AMP)

11 Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and the earth is Yours; Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and Yours it is to be exalted as Head over all.

We must discern the times we are in and let us hear what the Lord is saying to His church!  This is not meant to be judgmental but rather an urgency in preparation for the bride to prepare for the wedding ceremony and for our Bride-Groom Christ Jesus!  Many falsely believe that remittance of sin excludes repentance of sin and this is a lie.  Both John the baptist and Jesus first spoke of repentance as the Kingdom of God was at hand.  There is little spoken today about repentance and if we compare King David with King Saul we see that Saul’s repentance was superficial and not from his heart like David’s repentance.  Saul wanted to appear right with people while David wanted to get right with the Lord!

 

Revelation 2:29 (AMP)

29 He who is able to hear, let him listen to and heed what the [Holy] Spirit says to the assemblies (churches).

 

Luke 12:56 (AMP)

You playactors (hypocrites)! You know how [intelligently] to discern and interpret and prove the looks of the earth and sky; but how is it that you do not know how to discern and interpret and apply the proof to this present time?

 

Those who worship the Lord must worship in spirit and truth as they are both one in the same as Jesus is the Way, Truth and the Life! The Lord has spoken and said much of His bride is in the wilderness and not seeking Him in Spirit and Truth!  We know that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life so if you are not seeking the Truth are you truly seeking Jesus?

 

John 14:6 (AMP)

Jesus said to him, I am the Way and the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father except by (through) Me.

The Lord is sounding the trumpet of the true prophet and apostolic messengers, let our ears be open to what the Lord is saying as we prepare for the day of the Lord Jesus.

 

Matthew 23:34–36 (AMP)

34 Because of this, take notice: I am sending you prophets and wise men (interpreters and teachers) and scribes (men learned in the Mosaic Law and the Prophets); some of them you will kill, even crucify, and some you will flog in your synagogues and pursue and persecute from town to town, 

35 So that upon your heads may come all the blood of the righteous (those who correspond to the divine standard of right) shed on earth, from the blood of the righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah son of Barachiah, whom you murdered between the sanctuary and the altar [of burnt offering]. [Gen. 4:8; II Chron. 24:21.]

36 Truly I declare to you, all these [evil, calamitous times] will come upon this generation. [II Chron. 36:15, 16.]

 

Life is a vapor and the winds of destruction/judgment and the wind of life (Spirit of the Lord) are blowing yet many cannot discern the difference as sin, deception and worldliness has veiled their eyes, ears and hearts!  It is time to repent and turn back to your first love Christ Jesus and to love the Lord God with all your heart, mind, body and soul.  Time waits for no man or woman, for today is the day of salvation.

 

1 Kings 19:11–18 (AMP)

11 And He said, Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord. And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; 

12 And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire [a sound of gentle stillness and] a still, small voice. 

13 When Elijah heard the voice, he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood in the entrance of the cave. And behold, there came a voice to him and said, What are you doing here, Elijah? 

14 He said, I have been very jealous for the Lord God of hosts, because the Israelites have forsaken Your covenant, thrown down Your altars, and slain Your prophets with the sword. And I, I only, am left, and they seek my life, to destroy it. 

15 And the Lord said to him, Go, return on your way to the Wilderness of Damascus; and when you arrive, anoint Hazael to be king over Syria. 

16 And anoint Jehu son of Nimshi to be king over Israel, and anoint Elisha son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah to be prophet in your place. 

17 And him who escapes from the sword of Hazael Jehu shall slay, and him who escapes the sword of Jehu Elisha shall slay. 

18 Yet I will leave Myself 7,000 in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal and every mouth that has not kissed him.

 

Revelation 2:4 (AMP)

4 But I have this [one charge to make] against you: that you have left (abandoned) the love that you had at first [you have deserted Me, your first love].

 

Matthew 22:37 (AMP)

37 And He replied to him, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind (intellect). [Deut. 6:5.]

 

Let us each search our own hearts before the Lord seeking the Lord in Spirit and Truth.  We must have pure hearts before the Lord for nothing is hidden before the Lord and there is no “secret sin” or ungodly covenants that are hidden from the Lord. Let us be awakened to the urgency of the times we live in and seek Matthew 6:33 the righteousness of Christ Jesus and His Kingdom and His will not ours.  It is time for the fear of the Lord to be in the hearts of His chosen and to have no other love placed before the Love of the Lord Jesus.

 

Isaiah 26:9 (AMP)

9 My soul yearns for You [O Lord] in the night, yes, my spirit within me seeks You earnestly; for [only] when Your judgments are in the earth will the inhabitants of the world learn righteousness (uprightness and right standing with God).

 

Psalm 19:9 (AMP)

9 The [reverent] fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the ordinances of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.

 

1 Peter 4:17 (AMP)

17 For the time [has arrived] for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will [be] the end of those who do not respect or believe or obey the good news (the Gospel) of God?

 

Mercy has already triumphed our personal judgment on the Cross of Calvary and redemption is through the Blood and Atonement of Christ Jesus as our personal Lord and Savior.  Behold, the Lamb of God is also the Lion of Judah!

 

Awaken the Bride of Christ, repent and return to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob!

 

Ephesians 5:14 (AMP)

14 Therefore He says, Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall shine (make day dawn) upon you and give you light. [Isa. 26:19; 60:1, 2.]

CODDLING vs. CUDDLING

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Coddling Vs. Cuddling

Do you coddle or cuddle?  They are not the same even though the motives may be genuine and heartfelt.

Coddle: coddle |ˈkädl|

verb [ with obj. ]

1 treat in an indulgent or overprotective way: I was coddled and cosseted.

Cuddle:  cuddle |ˈkədl|

verb [ with obj. ]

hold close in one’s arms as a way of showing love or affection: he cuddles the baby close | they were cuddling each other in the back seat | [ no obj. ] : the pairhave been spotted kissing and cuddling.

• [ no obj. ] lie or sit close and snug: I love cuddling upin front of a fire | they cuddled together to keep out the cold.

I have witnessed many times the devastation caused by coddling vs. cuddling and the destruction that it causes.  I’d like to share a couple of real testimonies to help address these problems.

 

Our human characteristics are geared toward coping mechanisms and this can be a slow painful experience for many people.  This coping or coddling is extremely unhealthy and I have found myself ministering to many people who unknowingly are coddlers believing they are cuddlers!  Coddling does not free people.  Coddling actually creates the very atmosphere of what you are attempting to safeguard others from.  It is based in fear feeding the need to protect.  Protecting someone doesn’t assist them in self protection it only makes you the protector!  When this coddling through control is present an increase in rebellion is built in the very people you wish to protect and strife, division and frustration are likely to increase.

 

When someone has a spiritual wound, scar or stronghold from a painful and emotional event or trauma and doesn’t get spiritual healing, they do as many others have done and learn to cope or manage with that problem falsely believing and even perceiving that they received potential healing or deliverance.  Surpressing and coping are not overcoming!   What inevitably happens is out of love to protect others from the same traumatic or painful event we have experienced we create the spiritual atmosphere of our own wounds by controlling, dominating or even manipulative in and effort of protection and/or love.  While the intent of the heart is genuine the spirit behind this is ungodly and quite frankly often witchcraft.

 

I can’t express enough the necessity to fully embrace Matthew 11 28-30.

28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart:and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light (Matthew 11:28-30 KJV)

Let me share with you a couple of testimonies of ministry that might help you achieve revelations.

Last summer while returning to Northern New England I received an online message from a woman in her thirties who I met through a local church.  She sent me an online message and wanted to seek counsel.  I messaged her back and told her to pick a time to meet over the next couple of days and I would adjust to her schedule.  Two days later I received and online message that she was hospitalized with the symptoms of a heart attack.  I told her I would come to see in the hospital her after church.  When I arrived at the hospital I received another message that she was moved to another hospital with a better cardiac facility.

As I drove to the hospital I prayed and sought the Lord for His wisdom and counsel.  I asked the Lord what I was dealing with and the Lord spoke to me and said it was “broken heart syndrome”.  When I arrived I met her mother in the hallway prior to seeing her daughter.  I knew the mother from prior events.  I told her that her daughter wanted to see me and the mother was glad to see me and said she didn’t know I had returned to the area after traveling the country several times in ministry the previous year.

I told the mother that the Lord told me her daughter would be ok and that she would not need surgery as her heart would recover normally even though she had indeed damaged her heart.  I told her that the Lord said it was “broken heart syndrome”.  When we walked toward the ICU room the charge nurse approached us and said the test results returned.  He informed the mother that the daughter had a torn heart valve and that it would mend on it’s own in about 6 months and the cause of this was classified as “broken heart syndrome”.  The mother looked at me and was speechless.  I told the charge nurse that this is exactly what the Lord revealed to me on the way to the hospital and that I would pray for the young lady.

After the mother had left I ministered to the daughter a while and prayed for her.  We discussed some matters and then I let her rest and said I would return the following day.

When I returned the following day the young lady was having heart pain and pressure and was receiving nitro pills. Her younger sister was there.  I then ministered to them both and gave them the word of the Lord.  I said your symptoms are real and the effects are devastating to your health but the root of the problem is not yours.  I continued to tell them that the root was the condemnation their mother felt as a failed parent and that their mother needed to forgive herself.  I said your mom is feeling responsible for your bad decisions in life from when you were growing up and the enemy has her bound and she needs to forgive herself.  I said your mother is attempting to control your life in an attempt to safeguard you.  This controlling and overbearing nature was creating the extreme pressure and strife causing her heart problems.  The older sister told her younger sister to listen closely as this really witnessed to them.  I said your mom loves you and is trying to protect you but because she is bound by overwhelming guilt and condemnation (not from the Lord) that the enemy put on her she was in essence redeeming herself in a protective or coddling manner.  This witnessed to them both.  I said you need to forgive your mother and understand how the enemy is working.  I said you made wrong decisions growing up and your mom is feeling accountable and needs to forgive herself.  I told her she needed to discuss this with her mom and admit that she made wrong decisions growing up and that her mom wasn’t at fault and needed to forgive herself.

The following day I returned to the hospital and visited with her.  We were both laughing and rejoicing as she was feeling so much better and had a release of burdens as “light and truth” were spoken.  She was discharged the following day and returned home to her mothers house and I never heard again from her even after attempting to follow up.  I was hoping to minister to her mother but I never received any reply after attempting to contact her.

The other day I had a similar instance happen at a conference I was hosting.  I noticed a woman who was receiving prayer after the meeting from the guest speaker.  As she was receiving prayer I saw in the spirit a whirlwind like a sandstorm over her head and as it kept spinning it progressively got clearer in time.  I prayed into this and then went and sat with her and shared what the Lord revealed.  I told her about the whirlwind and I told her that I also saw her holding her head up and smiling from ear to ear.  She said she couldn’t imaging a smile as she was depressed.  I said well this is what the Lord spoke to me with the vision.

The Lord showed me your need for inner healing from a traumatic event which you have tried for quite sometime to cope with.  He said that He sees your heart’s intent and that is out of love to protect your children but you are controlling them because you are coddling them in a protective mode because of this inner healing need.  The Lord is going to heal this inner healing need but He wants you to release it to Him.  That is why the whirlwind/dust storm got clearer as it kept spinning in the vision and the dust began to disappear.  The dust was the confusion caused by the controlling spirit which is witchcraft and the Lord is going to break this, I declare it in Jesus name!  She then went from tears to a big smile as I felt the Lord touch her as I rested my hand on her shoulder.  I said see, that is the smile the Lord showed me and the Lord just touched you.  She said yes He did and then the Lord touched her again.  She then said why don’t we receive this type of ministry at church.  I said I can’t answer for your church but unfortunately the Lord is sadden by this also.  I told her to seek the Lord first as He is your redeemer.  She then asked me if she could contact me if necessary and I said yes.  I often receive calls from people later as they share their testimony of what the Lord is doing in their life and we rejoice in the goodness of the Lord.

I love evangelism and I often do this simply by just making myself available to be a servant to the Lord.  I will often do my computer work or journaling in public and let the Lord highlight people that I can intercede in prayer or witness to.

So I ask you once again are you a coddler or cuddler?  Is fear motiving your need to coddle?  Are people more rebellious around you? If so, seek and ask the Lord to reveal any inner healing needs, need for forgiveness (self or others) or fearful things that are causing this coddling nature.

If you believe you are a coddler I’d like to pray with you.

Father I thank you that you discern all things and that you know the motives and intentions of our hearts.  Father I submit myself to you and pray that you reveal, expose and heal me from any inner healing needs or spirits of trauma, abuse, bitterness, unforgiveness, controlling spirits and all things which are ungodly or against the will of God over my life.  Lord I thank you for your redemptive love and the joy of my salvation through finished work of the Cross of Christ Jesus.  Lord I thank you that your perfect love casts out all fear and that where the Spirit of The Lord is there is Freedom.  Lord thank you for never forsaking me, redeeming me and cleansing me with your blood.  I declare and proclaim that I am washed clean through the gift of repentance and the blood of Christ Jesus.

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear:because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. (1 John 4:18 KJV)

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom (2 Corinthians 3:17 ESV)

CHRIST ABOVE ALL

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CHRIST ABOVE ALL

When your human “teacher” becomes your standard of achievement, knowledge or growth then true spiritual discipleship is easily reduced to fellowship and the pearl of great price Christ Jesus and the Kingdom has been reduced to fellowship, friendship or the assembly of people above Christ. While we are called to edify and equip each other we are not to exalt people above Christ. Just as we worship in Spirit and Truth so should the assembly of true followers of Christ.

Proverbs 14:12 (AMP)

12 There is a way which seems right to a man and appears straight before him, but at the end of it is the way of death.

Proverbs 16:2 (AMP)

2 All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirits (the thoughts and intents of the heart). [I Sam. 16:7; Heb. 4:12.]

Paul states it well:

1 Corinthians 1:10–13 (AMP)

10 But I urge and entreat you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you be in perfect harmony and full agreement in what you say, and that there be no dissensions or factions or divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in your common understanding and in your opinions and judgments.

11 For it has been made clear to me, my brethren, by those of Chloe’s household, that there are contentions and wrangling and factions among you.

12 What I mean is this, that each one of you [either] says, I belong to Paul, or I belong to Apollo’s, or I belong to Cephas (Peter), or I belong to Christ.

13 Is Christ (the Messiah) divided into parts? Was Paul crucified on behalf of you? Or were you baptized into the name of Paul? 

1 Corinthians 11:1 (AMP)

PATTERN YOURSELVES after me [follow my example], as I imitate and follow Christ (the Messiah).

Isaiah 14:12–16 (AMP)

12 How have you fallen from heaven, O light-bringer and daystar, son of the morning! How you have been cut down to the ground, you who weakened and laid low the nations [O blasphemous, satanic king of Babylon!]

13 And you said in your heart, I will ascend to heaven; I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will sit upon the mount of assembly in the uttermost north.

14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.

15 Yet you shall be brought down to Sheol (Hades), to the innermost recesses of the pit (the region of the dead).

16 Those who see you will gaze at you and consider you, saying, Is this the man who made the earth tremble, who shook kingdoms?

The Scribes and Pharisees exalted Abraham, Moses and the written Word above the “Word in the Flesh” which was the very presence of Christ. You become what you embrace and submit to thus the first commandment Jesus spoke must be first!  If we love the Word of the Lord surely we should love the Lord of the Word!  The two are one, not separate!  The Word of God was written by the unction of the Spirit of God yet do we discern the spirit(s) that speak these Words?  Didn’t Satan use Psalm 91 against Jesus in the wilderness?  Satan spoke what was true but there is NO TRUTH in him as he is the father of lies!  Real truth knows the motive and intents of what is spoken or written just as Hebrews 4:12-13 states.

Hebrews 4:12–13 (AMP)

12 For the Word that God speaks is alive and full of power [making it active, operative, energizing, and effective]; it is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the breath of life (soul) and [the immortal] spirit, and of joints and marrow [of the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the heart.

13 And not a creature exists that is concealed from His sight, but all things are open and exposed, naked and defenseless to the eyes of Him with Whom we have to do.

I often hear professing “believers”; which is a term I don’t like to use as even Satan believes in Christ but doesn’t follow Christ Jesus make statements like “only Jesus knows the hearts of people”.  My question would be to them exactly what are you ministering to the “heart” or the “head” and how does that statement apply to Romans 10 where we believe in our heart and confess with our mouth that Jesus is Lord?  (1 John 4:1-3) Has the intimacy of the covenant of marriage and the bride of Christ now eliminated the heart only to be superseded by the mind or thoughts?  Have we reduced intimacy with Christ Jesus to a thought?

1 John 4:1–3 (AMP)

BELOVED, DO not put faith in every spirit, but prove (test) the spirits to discover whether they proceed from God; for many false prophets have gone forth into the world.

2 By this you may know (perceive and recognize) the Spirit of God: every spirit which acknowledges and confesses [the fact] that Jesus Christ (the Messiah) [actually] has become man and has come in the flesh is of God [has God for its source];

3 And every spirit which does not acknowledge and confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh [but would annul, destroy, sever, disunite Him] is not of God [does not proceed from Him]. This [nonconfession] is the [spirit] of the antichrist, [of] which you heard that it was coming, and now it is already in the world.

Matthew 22:37–38 (AMP)

37 And He replied to him, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind (intellect). [Deut. 6:5.]

38 This is the great (most important, principal) and first commandment.

1 John 2:27 (AMP)

27 But as for you, the anointing (the sacred appointment, the unction) which you received from Him abides [permanently] in you; [so] then you have no need that anyone should instruct you. But just as His anointing teaches you concerning everything and is true and is no falsehood, so you must abide in (live in, never depart from) Him [being rooted in Him, knit to Him], just as [His anointing] has taught you [to do].

John 16:13–15 (AMP)

13 But when He, the Spirit of Truth (the Truth-giving Spirit) comes, He will guide you into all the Truth (the whole, full Truth). For He will not speak His own message [on His own authority]; but He will tell whatever He hears [from the Father; He will give the message that has been given to Him], and He will announce and declare to you the things that are to come [that will happen in the future].

14 He will honor and glorify Me, because He will take of (receive, draw upon) what is Mine and will reveal (declare, disclose, transmit) it to you.

15 Everything that the Father has is Mine. That is what I meant when I said that He [the Spirit] will take the things that are Mine and will reveal (declare, disclose, transmit) it to you.

Just as Christ is the Head; He is the Head of all and Lord of all including relationships, marriages and Kingdom friendships. What you bow to and submit to is your Lord.  Every relationship should be Christ centered seeking the righteousness of Christ and his ways as according to Matthew 6:33.

Matthew 6:33 (AMP)

33 But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides.

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego didn’t have others standing in support with them nor speaking on their behalf.

There was no congregation or assembly that would stand for Christ with them yet Christ delivered them!

It’s impossible to burn the dross where the “refiners fire” is side stepped or omitted.

The flesh is enmity to the Spirit.  I remember a recent conversation with a dear brother in Christ regarding the lack of discernment in the body of Christ and my comment was that one of the greatest inhibitors to spiritual discernment is un-crucified flesh!  The veil was torn yet many desire to remain behind the veil just as the Israelites didn’t want to climb the mountain with Moses to be in the glory of God.  They chose to remain below and make idols of their hearts instead and continue in sinful nature.  Moses risked his life for them and Christ would later give His life for them yet they chose to remain spiritually captive believing they were physically free!  Confusing physical freedom with spiritual freedom/captivity doesn’t necessarily equal true spiritual freedom!  To be imprisoned or tortured for Christ isn’t physical freedom yet can be spiritual freedom!  Christ was blameless and spotless yet he was crucified.  A person only needs to read the Beatitudes in Matthew 5 to understand that if Jesus was persecuted we also will be persecuted.

Just because we use coping and managing skills doesn’t mean we’ve been delivered!  We can never outrun temptation while living on earth; we must overcome temptation and the sinful nature!  If you learned you were deceived hopefully you wouldn’t want to remain deceived.  The power of deception is spiritual and alluring and the lie becomes a false truth just as in the Garden with the Serpent and Eve.  What’s good for the goose isn’t necessarily good for the gander!  Everyone else may be doing it but Christ might not be in it or backing it.  Even methods have a measure of success but that doesn’t mean Christ is in the method!  Are we walking by religion or in the Spirit?

Malachi 3:3 (AMP)

3 He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and He will purify the priests, the sons of Levi, and refine them like gold and silver, that they may offer to the Lord offerings in righteousness.

 

Galatians 5:16–18 (AMP)

16 But I say, walk and live [habitually] in the [Holy] Spirit [responsive to and controlled and guided by the Spirit]; then you will certainly not gratify the cravings and desires of the flesh (of human nature without God).

17 For the desires of the flesh are opposed to the [Holy] Spirit, and the [desires of the] Spirit are opposed to the flesh (godless human nature); for these are antagonistic to each other [continually withstanding and in conflict with each other], so that you are not free but are prevented from doing what you desire to do.

18 But if you are guided (led) by the [Holy] Spirit, you are not subject to the Law.

Just as there is the Trinity there are three requirements for overcoming this world and abiding/overcoming in Christ. Unfortunately many omit the third segment of this verse.  We are all called to the cross of Christ and the crucified life as so well spoken in Galatians 2:20.

Revelation 12:11 (AMP)

11 And they have overcome (conquered) him by means of the blood of the Lamb and by the utterance of their testimony, for they did not love and cling to life even when faced with death [holding their lives cheap till they had to die for their witnessing].

 

Galatians 2:20 (AMP)

20 I have been crucified with Christ [in Him I have shared His crucifixion]; it is no longer I who live, but Christ (the Messiah) lives in me; and the life I now live in the body I live by faith in (by adherence to and reliance on and complete trust in) the Son of God, Who loved me and gave Himself up for me.

 

Galatians 6:14 (AMP)

14 But far be it from me to glory [in anything or anyone] except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah) through Whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world!

 

 

John 12:23–26 (AMP)

23 And Jesus answered them, The time has come for the Son of Man to be glorified and exalted.

24 I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains [just one grain; it never becomes more but lives] by itself alone. But if it dies, it produces many others and yields a rich harvest.

25 Anyone who loves his life loses it, but anyone who hates his life in this world will keep it to life eternal. [Whoever has no love for, no concern for, no regard for his life here on earth, but despises it, preserves his life forever and ever.]

26 If anyone serves Me, he must continue to follow Me [to cleave steadfastly to Me, conform wholly to My example in living and, if need be, in dying] and wherever I am, there will My servant be also. If anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him.

 

1 John 2:15–17 (AMP)

15 Do not love or cherish the world or the things that are in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in him.

16 For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh [craving for sensual gratification] and the lust of the eyes [greedy longings of the mind] and the pride of life [assurance in one’s own resources or in the stability of earthly things]—these do not come from the Father but are from the world [itself].

17 And the world passes away and disappears, and with it the forbidden cravings (the passionate desires, the lust) of it; but he who does the will of God and carries out His purposes in his life abides (remains) forever.

Anything that has preeminence above or before Christ is an idol of the heart. This includes gifting, calling, family, friends, jobs/careers, ministry, hobbies, etc.

James 1:17 (AMP)

17 Every good gift and every perfect (free, large, full) gift is from above; it comes down from the Father of all [that gives] light, in [the shining of] Whom there can be no variation [rising or setting] or shadow cast by His turning [as in an eclipse].

 

Sadly many exalt gifting, calling and ministry above the Creator and giver of these gifts and callings. Some people follow the gifts even when they are irrevocable and the Spirit of God is no longer working in or through the gifting. Christ verses Charisma.  I once had a person tell me that the Lord gifted them with a talent and they told me that if they could no longer perform that talent they would rather be dead, truthfully they already are dead as they worship the gift and not the giver of the gift which is Christ Jesus.  I was deeply saddened by this as their gift was now defining Christ rather than Christ defining the gift and being revealed through the gifting.  Pride and idolatry make it about us and not about Christ.

Let’s take a moment to reflect on the patriarch of faith, Abraham.  When Sarah and Abraham were told by the angel of the Lord that Sarah would conceive a child they didn’t wait upon the Lord and thus the birth of Ishmael was the result.  Having learned from this lesson of lack of faith and disobedience; the Lord later spoke to Abraham to sacrifice his son as a burnt offering Abraham didn’t go to Sarah to confide in her as he followed the Word of the Lord.  Having once listened to Sarah resulting in the birth of Ishmael Abraham learned to trust in the Lord first and foremost through the testing of his faith.  Doesn’t this parallel with Adam and Eve in the Garden?  Eve was tempted and thus Adam fell just as Sarah was in disbelief and Ishmael was born!  Here we have the classic physical and spiritual realms in action.  Sarah was processing in the natural/physical when the Lord was building the spiritual generations and decendents of Abraham.  Sarah suggested Hagar to Abraham which was physical when the Lord was building the Spritual!  Should Abraham have slept with many women to become the father of many decendants?  Abraham learned from his mistakes and was growing in trust and faith in the Lord and the ways of the Lord and not the counsel of people or his very own wife.  Abraham would only again be tested by family when Lot left for Sodom and Gomorrah. I’m merely stating a fact and not suggesting that husbands and wives are not to be both Christ centered and focused but rather Abraham realized that Sarah wasn’t Christ focused to the level of God’s commandments.  We have the same with Joseph and Mary, as Joseph didn’t want to marry Mary until his dream and revelation from the Lord.  It was no longer about Joseph or how people perceived Joseph it was about will of the Lord.  Mary exemplifies this in her statement:

Luke 1:38 (AMP)

38 Then Mary said, Behold, I am the handmaiden of the Lord; let it be done to me according to what you have said. And the angel left her.

If the servant is not greater than His master we must remain steadfast, focused and submitted to our Lord and exalt the Lord above everything and everyone.  We are told to honor our leaders not exalting them nor placing them above the preeminence of Christ Jesus.

Even the elect will be deceived thus many who follow the elect will also be deceived.  Let us return to our first love, Christ Jesus and seek His righteousness first and foremost.

Matthew 24:4–5 (AMP)

4 Jesus answered them, Be careful that no one misleads you [deceiving you and leading you into error].

5 For many will come in (on the strength of) My name [appropriating the name which belongs to Me], saying, I am the Christ (the Messiah), and they will lead many astray.

 

 

Joshua 24:14–15 (AMP)

14 Now therefore, [reverently] fear the Lord and serve Him in sincerity and in truth; put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the [Euphrates] River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord.

15 And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

Just because the Red Sea was parted doesn’t mean that the Israelites were baptized and cleansed in the process of walking through the parted water.   We have the same story with the ten lepers as only one returned to the Lord and was made whole.  Sadly many follow signs, wonders, manifestations but not transformation, sanctification, righteousness and holiness of Christ Jesus.

Matthew 16:1–4 (AMP)

NOW THE Pharisees and Sadducees came up to Jesus, and they asked Him to show them a sign (spectacular miracle) from heaven [attesting His divine authority].

2 He replied to them, When it is evening you say, It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,

3 And in the morning, It will be stormy today, for the sky is red and has a gloomy and threatening look. You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times.

4 A wicked and morally unfaithful generation craves a sign, but no sign shall be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. Then He left them and went away. [Jonah 3:4, 5.]

Romans 14:11 (AMP)

11 For it is written, As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to Me, and every tongue shall confess to God [acknowledge Him to His honor and to His praise]. [Isa. 45:23.]

UNITY VS. DIVISION

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UNITY VS. DIVISION

 It’s amazing that the Apostle Paul once known as Saul who persecuted the church would write 1 Corinthians 12 &13.

 The number 12 represents God’s Government, power and divine authority that was freely given as “broken bread” to the Lord’s people in diversity of spiritual gifts and callings to make one body/loaf/church complete in Christ for the edification of the brethren.

 Ephesians 4:1–16 (AMP)

I THEREFORE, the prisoner for the Lord, appeal to and beg you to walk (lead a life) worthy of the [divine] calling to which you have been called [with behavior that is a credit to the summons to God’s service,

2 Living as becomes you] with complete lowliness of mind (humility) and meekness (unselfishness, gentleness, mildness), with patience, bearing with one another and making allowances because you love one another.

3 Be eager and strive earnestly to guard and keep the harmony and oneness of [and produced by] the Spirit in the binding power of peace.

4 [There is] one body and one Spirit—just as there is also one hope [that belongs] to the calling you received—

5 [There is] one Lord, one faith, one baptism,

6 One God and Father of [us] all, Who is above all [Sovereign over all], pervading all and [living] in [us] all.

7 Yet grace (God’s unmerited favor) was given to each of us individually [not indiscriminately, but in different ways] in proportion to the measure of Christ’s [rich and bounteous] gift.

8 Therefore it is said, When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive [He led a train of vanquished foes] and He bestowed gifts on men. [Ps. 68:18.]

9 [But He ascended?] Now what can this, He ascended, mean but that He had previously descended from [the heights of] heaven into [the depths], the lower parts of the earth?

10 He Who descended is the [very] same as He Who also has ascended high above all the heavens, that He [His presence] might fill all things (the whole universe, from the lowest to the highest).

11 And His gifts were [varied; He Himself appointed and gave men to us] some to be apostles (special messengers), some prophets (inspired preachers and expounders), some evangelists (preachers of the Gospel, traveling missionaries), some pastors (shepherds of His flock) and teachers.

12 His intention was the perfecting and the full equipping of the saints (His consecrated people), [that they should do] the work of ministering toward building up Christ’s body (the church),

13 [That it might develop] until we all attain oneness in the faith and in the comprehension of the [full and accurate] knowledge of the Son of God, that [we might arrive] at really mature manhood (the completeness of personality which is nothing less than the standard height of Christ’s own perfection), the measure of the stature of the fullness of the Christ and the completeness found in Him.

14 So then, we may no longer be children, tossed [like ships] to and fro between chance gusts of teaching and wavering with every changing wind of doctrine, [the prey of] the cunning and cleverness of unscrupulous men, [gamblers engaged] in every shifting form of trickery in inventing errors to mislead.

15 Rather, let our lives lovingly express truth [in all things, speaking truly, dealing truly, living truly]. Enfolded in love, let us grow up in every way and in all things into Him Who is the Head, [even] Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One).

16 For because of Him the whole body (the church, in all its various parts), closely joined and firmly knit together by the joints and ligaments with which it is supplied, when each part [with power adapted to its need] is working properly [in all its functions], grows to full maturity, building itself up in love.

The number 13 biblically represents rebellion and lawlessness against God. So why have we “the church” created and allowed the division of people/brethren/church by eliminating and creating the division of the spiritual gifts, callings and offices of the Government and divinity of God within the church and amongst ourselves? Thus Paul writes in the 13th Chapter about Love, without the love of Christ which brings unity none of the spiritual gifting, offices, callings matter if there is no love. If you truly love Christ wouldn’t you love Christ in others?

 2 Timothy 3:2 (AMP) 2 For people will be lovers of self and [utterly] self-centered, lovers of money and aroused by an inordinate [greedy] desire for wealth, proud and arrogant and contemptuous boasters. They will be abusive (blasphemous, scoffing), disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy and profane.

 There is only one God that rules and if that same God isn’t ruling and reigning in the hearts of His people the results will be division and the loss of unity, humility and Agape Love.

So how do we preach or reveal the reality and revelation of John 3:16 and/or John 15:13 when we ourselves don’t walk in love? Could it be that we foolishly love ourselves above loving God, could it be that we idolize gifting, calling, power rather than being bondservants?

 John 3:16 (AMP)

16 For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life.

John 15:13 (AMP)

13 No one has greater love [no one has shown stronger affection] than to lay down (give up) his own life for his friends.

Have we reduced Godly love to “can’t we all just get along/co-exist”? Paul did not say that he himself could do all things, nor did Paul say that he lived for himself but for Christ. Perhaps the reason the world is so divided is a result of the division from within the true church and representation of Christ.

Matthew 6:33 (AMP) 33 But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides.

Philippians 4:12–13 (AMP) 12 I know how to be abased and live humbly in straitened circumstances, and I know also how to enjoy plenty and live in abundance. I have learned in any and all circumstances the secret of facing every situation, whether well-fed or going hungry, having a sufficiency and enough to spare or going without and being in want. 13 I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency].

Galatians 2:20 (AMP) 20 I have been crucified with Christ [in Him I have shared His crucifixion]; it is no longer I who live, but Christ (the Messiah) lives in me; and the life I now live in the body I live by faith in (by adherence to and reliance on and complete trust in) the Son of God, Who loved me and gave Himself up for me.

Luke 3:5–9 (AMP) 5 Every valley and ravine shall be filled up, and every mountain and hill shall be leveled; and the crooked places shall be made straight, and the rough roads shall be made smooth; 6 And all mankind shall see (behold and understand and at last acknowledge) the salvation of God (the deliverance from eternal death decreed by God). [Isa. 40:3-5.] 7 So he said to the crowds who came out to be baptized by him, You offspring of vipers! Who secretly warned you to flee from the coming wrath? 8 Bear fruits that are deserving and consistent with [your] repentance [that is, conduct worthy of a heart changed, a heart abhorring sin]. And do not begin to say to yourselves, We have Abraham as our father; for I tell you that God is able from these stones to raise up descendants for Abraham. 9 Even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees, so that every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and cast into the fire.

1 Peter 4:17 (AMP) 17 For the time [has arrived] for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will [be] the end of those who do not respect or believe or obey the good news (the Gospel) of God?

Whether you believe or not that the Lord’s judgment and second coming is soon coming upon the earth let us not forget where this judgment originates first and foremost, in the house of the Lord.  The Lord is coming for a bride without spot or wrinkle.

Ephesians 5:27 (AMP)


27 That He might present the church to Himself in glorious splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such things [that she might be holy and faultless].

 

Division happened in heaven with Lucifer and his fallen angels and once again in the garden when Satan tempted Adam and Eve. There has always been division and there will always be division but that should NOT be happening within the Body and Church of Christ Jesus. If it is happening one must pray for the Lord’s guidance, wisdom and discernment as only Satan comes to kill, steal and destroy.  Let us not forget that even Satan masks himself as an angel of light able to deceive even the very elect.  Jesus must not be merely one’s savior but Jesus must also be one’s Lord just as it is written in Romans 10.  Jesus spoke himself that we are to deny ourselves, pick up our cross and follow Him.  It is the son’s/daughter’s of Christ that are lead by the Spirit of God and not the works of the flesh. 

Matthew 10:34–42 (AMP) 34 Do not think that I have come to bring peace upon the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35 For I have come to part asunder a man from his father, and a daughter from her mother, and a newly married wife from her mother-in-law— 36 And a man’s foes will be they of his own household. [Mic. 7:6.] 37 He who loves [and takes more pleasure in] father or mother more than [in] Me is not worthy of Me; and he who loves [and takes more pleasure in] son or daughter more than [in] Me is not worthy of Me; 38 And he who does not take up his cross and follow Me [cleave steadfastly to Me, conforming wholly to My example in living and, if need be, in dying also] is not worthy of Me. 39 Whoever finds his [lower] life will lose it [the higher life], and whoever loses his [lower] life on My account will find it [the higher life]. 40 He who receives and welcomes and accepts you receives and welcomes and accepts Me, and he who receives and welcomes and accepts Me receives and welcomes and accepts Him Who sent Me. 41 He who receives and welcomes and accepts a prophet because he is a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward, and he who receives and welcomes and accepts a righteous man because he is a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward. 42 And whoever gives to one of these little ones [in rank or influence] even a cup of cold water because he is My disciple, surely I declare to you, he shall not lose his reward.

John 15:5–7 (AMP)

5 I am the Vine; you are the branches. Whoever lives in Me and I in him bears much (abundant) fruit. However, apart from Me [cut off from vital union with Me] you can do nothing.

6 If a person does not dwell in Me, he is thrown out like a [broken-off] branch, and withers; such branches are gathered up and thrown into the fire, and they are burned.

7 If you live in Me [abide vitally united to Me] and My words remain in you and continue to live in your hearts, ask whatever you will, and it shall be done for you.

Revelation 3:22 (AMP)

22 He who is able to hear, let him listen to and heed what the [Holy] Spirit says to the assemblies (churches).

Let us pray and submit to the Lord Jesus so that just as Christ glorified the Father that Christ in us the Hope of Glory shall be glorified through us and that the light of Christ shall not be restricted or dimmed by works of the flesh but manifested by the quickening of the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 5:13 (AMP)

13 You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste (its strength, its quality), how can its saltness be restored? It is not good for anything any longer but to be thrown out and trodden underfoot by men.

Blessings in Christ Jesus as every good gift comes from above, let us praise His Holy name!